LAMINATES - Mimicking the look of real wood, tile or stone, laminates are very easy to clean and never require sanding or refinishing. Their sandwich-like four-layer construction consist of a wear layer on top, followed by a decorative sheet that contains the printed image, then a rigid core- usually fiberboard or wood- and finally a bottom balancing layer that prevents warping. Because it's so versatile and durable, laminate makes a great "whole house solution."

HARDWOODS - A classic flooring material adaptable to every decor from wildly contemporary to formal, wood works well in any room, though it's not a first choice for baths or laundry rooms. Wood floors are available in solid one-piece boards or in the form of engineered wood. This composite consists of a hardwood veneer top-layer laminated to lower layers of softwood backing that inhibit warping. It can be refinished and restained, giving it enduring value in the home.