Product Highlights:
Alternative for tiling or hardwood.
Size/Capacity:
Price: $4-10 per square foot
Customer Reviews:
From Yahoo! answers:
The Redesign Diva: Cork flooring is fantastic! It is durable, will withstand your table and chair legs and is also waterproof. Unfotunately, I haven't installed any in my home yet but I have quite a number of clients who have and they love it! We usually get it at Home Depot, as that's the least expensive place. Oh... and did I mention that it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter? And has good sound-proofing qualities? You can't go wrong with it!
Carole Q: I think cork is good under carpet on a concrete floor.
Cork floor alone - - no. Must have pores sealed thoroughly, hard to clean from stains. Comfortable to walk on but maintenance is mind boggling.
Product Highlights:
Used where safety is a concern.
Size/Capacity:
Price: $5-7 per sq foot
Pros: Environment:
-Made from recycled materials.
For you!
-Slip resistance- makes it good by pools and fountains.
-Easy maintenance
-Tough and durable- meant for heavy traffic.
-Good for impact absorption. Eases stress on feet.
-Sound absorption: Good for play rooms, gyms, etc
-Some are treated to decrease static electricity build up.
-Can be installed under wood or tile floors for more comfort, insulation, and sound absorption.
Cons: -Expensive initial investment.
-Used to seeing them in commercial settings like the hospital or gym- may not be right for the individual.
Product Highlights:
Uses linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, etc.
All renewable and/or recycled content.
Size/Capacity:
Price: $4-22 per sq ft
Cons: -Made in Europe so requires energy to transport
-Standing water can cause damage to it.
Customer Reviews:
Yahoo! answers
Racer123: I'd go with peel a'n stick linoleum tiles. They allow you to go at your own pace. They are easy to cut and mold around the toilet if you start right. They can be dry fitted -in place- well before you make them permanent.They are cheap enough to discard if you make cutting mistakes. They are now very durable once installed. Excellent techniques,tools and materials for calking around the bath area will highlight a job well-done and bring satisfaction and positive feelings with every use.
Product Highlights:
Made of ceramic, glass, or stone.
Good for high traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, entries, etc.
Size/Capacity:
Price: $4-24 per sq ft
Pros: Most durable
Uses recycled content and can resemble different stones and colors shapes, sizes, and patterns
Easy installation
Requires sturdy subfloor.
Cleans easily with neutral floor cleaner
Cons: Feels colder in low temperature environments Hard on feet
Can be very expensive depending on what you choose
Can crack or chip and is difficult to repair
Slippery when wet
Can be discolored by grout
Hard to maintain
Hard to Install
Customer Reviews:
Yahoo! Answers
Audrey: a lot of porcelin tile has the "look" of some textures and colors but is really just transferred on. (if you look close, you can see the pixels) and they tend to crack more when they are being cut being they are more brittle and shatter, which can cost you some extra tiles. the transfer may disenigrate with time depending on how well it was made. ceramic tiles are hardier and tend to be painted or dyed instead of transferred. they are also easier to cut and dont crack nearly as easily if something is dropped on them. however, you can get a porcelin that looks like marble or granite whereas ceramic looks more rugged....
The Redesign Diva: Ceramic tile is more popular simply because it is less expensive and easier to cut and work with. But if you want the look, porcelain is the way to go. Italian porcelain tile is by far the best on the market.
Keep in mind that whether it be ceramic or porcelain tile, if you drop something on it that's heavy or hard, both may crack or chip...
As for the lasting effect, I prefer ceramic tile on the floor and porcelain tile on walls. Just remember that you can NEVER put wall tile on the floor as it will ALWAYS crack because it isn't strong enough. There are grades to look for : 1 and 2 are wall tiles and 3 to 5 (though I prefer 4 to 5) are floor tiles.
Enjoy your new flooring!
Product Highlights:
Similar bamboo in regards to its hardness, sound, maintenance.
Size/Capacity:
Price: $1-6 per sq ft
Pros: For Environment:
-Reclaimed Wood which is salvaged from under older buildings and such. This makes it so that wood does not end up in landfills, instead it is recycled. Saves trees.
For you!
-Easy to clean
-Hypoallergenic -Soft and warm under foot
-Lasts long
-Can be less expensive depending on the type of wood
Customer Reviews:
Yahoo! Answers
Ruby W: Wood floor, durability varies depending the product
selections. DO NOT use engineered hard wood flooring on kitchen floor as it can be dented easily and warp. A plastic bowl drop on the floor would possibly give you an unforgettable mark. Solid hardwood is ok.
Product Highlights:
Made from heavy fabric.
Size/Capacity:
Price: $4+ per sq foot
Cons: Smell absorbent.
Traps dust and dirt.
Not as environmentally friendly.
Susceptible to damage.
Holds moisture. Durability dependent on quality of care.
Customer Reviews:
Yahoo! Answers
Arianna: The cheapest flooring option is carpet. Go to your local carpet store and look for remnants. They will have a much better selection than the home centers.