Classic gray and black
checkerboard tiles enhance the
character of this kitchen.

In mudrooms and foyers, which bear the brunt of foot traffic, ceramic tile, laminate, and vinyl are all good choices -- easy to maintain and very durable. Sheet vinyl cannot usually be repaired if it is torn or gouged, but manufacturers are working on new products that are impervious to such damage. Armstrong, for example, recently introduced ToughGuard, a vinyl floor that is guaranteed not to rip, tear, or gouge.

 

Perfect for a mudroom, this floor
is a made of concrete, which has
been scored to look like tile.

Another possibility is concrete, which is easy to clean, versatile, and can imitate other flooring materials, such as natural stone, but costs less. Concrete can be stained, scored, or acid-etched for a weathered look. However, after finishing, concrete must be sealed to protect it from everyday abuse, and resealed every 6-8 years with a sealant available at most home improvement stores.

 

Impervious to moisture and
offering design versatility,
ceramic tile is an ideal
material for wet, steamy baths.

In wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, a water-resistant surface such as sheet vinyl or ceramic tile is your best bet. Laminate flooring is another option, as long as the manufacturer recommends it for use in moist environments (note what the warranty covers). Sheet vinyl is a better choice than vinyl tile because there are fewer seams where dirt and moisture can build up.

In a child's bedroom or playroom, vinyl and laminate can hold their own against spills, stains, toys dragged over the surface, and other abuses. Vinyl is somewhat less expensive and can be used virtually anywhere, whereas laminate flooring can be damaged by excessive moisture. However, a laminate floor is more resistant to stains and scratches.

You may also want to investigate these materials for problem spots:

• Cork is a resilient natural material that resists moisture and mildew and discourages the growth of bacteria. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, it is soft underfoot and cushions falls, making it ideal for playrooms.
• Linoleum, the flooring of choice in kitchens from the 1900s to the 1960s, is making a comeback in the United States. Linoleum is made from natural, raw materials such as linseed oil, limestone, and wood. It costs more than sheet vinyl, but is harder, more durable, and will last for decades.
• Bamboo looks like wood but is actually a grass that's fashioned into planks by laminating three layers together. The planks are finished with three coats of urethane, creating a floor that is highly durable and resistant to water, mildew, and insects.