The List

Dying to know how many years your toilet will flush? (About 50). Thanks to The National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) survey of manufacturers, trade associations, and researchers, you've got a handy life-expectancy list of materials. Remodeling may be in your future. While a ceramic tile countertop will most likley outlast you, you'll be lucky to get 15 years from laminate.—N.S.

Flooring

Carpeting—11 years
Oak or pine—Lifetime

Appliances

Dishwasher—10 years
Refrigerator—17 years
Microwave—11 years
Gas oven—19 years

Patio/Decks

Brick and concrete patio—24 years
Wooden deck—15 years

Walkways

Gravel—4 years
Concrete—24 years

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