Resilient Flooring

Vinyl floor coverings are durable and suitable for any room in the house. You'll find vinyl available as sheets or tiles in two categories:

• Rotogravure vinyl features a knobby texture as well as pattern and color printed on the finish side only. This knobby texture can be difficult to clean.
• Inlaid vinyl features pattern and color through the thickness of the material. It's typically much more durable than rotogravure vinyl and will look good and last for many years.

Sheet vinyl is a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, entryways, hallways, and rec rooms. It comes in many patterns and styles. Vinyl tiles can be used in many of the same applications; however, dirt-collecting seams can make a vinyl tile floor difficult to keep clean. The multiple seams can also allow liquid spills to filter between tiles, loosen them, and damage the subfloor.

Stone look-alike vinyl is affordably priced and can be found in home centers and flooring stores. A hexagon-like pattern mimics the look of stone and disguises dust and footprints.

You can also find vinyl that resembles wood in home centers and flooring stores. It feels softer underfoot than wood but is appropriate for use in baths and other moisture-prone areas.

Made from organic materials linoleum is known for its bright colors and long wear. Extremely popular in the 1950s, its earth-friendly, nonallergenic nature is making it a popular choice again.

Don't buy resilient flooring if the room where you are installing it will encounter foot traffic from a chlorinated swimming pool; chlorine can ruin the flooring.