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"  Say resilient flooring to many folks and they&amp;#039;ll think vinyl, and maybe linoleum. Either way the image conjured up will probably be that of a reliable, if nondescript, workhorse. But thanks to some eye-catching newcomers--cork, rubber, and leather spring to mind--resilient flooring is in flower, earning its own section in home centers and floor showrooms (though for the higher-end offerings consumers still have to contact manufacturers directly). Even vinyl and linoleum are turning heads, as the latest manufacturing innovations bring forth an endless array of beautiful colors, patterns, and textures. Along with its improved looks, resilient flooring is still practical as ever, delivering durability, ease of maintenance, and comfort underfoot--with a cushiony underlay, it can even be soft enough to prevent a dropped dish from breaking. What&amp;#039;s more, it&amp;#039;s a cinch to install, at least compared with the natural materials it&amp;#039;s often called on to mimic. No wonder the stuff has marched steadily from the kitchen and bath to hallways, home theaters, and just about every other room in the house. In the following pages, we compare the five types of resilient flooring, evaluating them on the basis of cost, upkeep, and design options.  Vinyl             Cost Inexpensive to expensive $2 to $12 a square foot  Performance DURABILITY Products with a protective wear layer that is at least 10 mils (1 mil = 1/1000&amp;quot;) thick are very hard-wearing and fade-resistant. RANGE OF STYLES Virtually limitless, since actual photos--see the wood and slate examples, above--are printed directly onto the vinyl. SELLING POINT It&amp;#039;s the surface with something for everyone when it comes to cost and design choices.  Application HOW IT COMES Tiles, strips, and sheets. INSTALLATION Material is laid down with an adhesive over any clean, stable substrate; also available in peel-and-stick tiles. Maintenance AFTER INSTALLATION Nothing needed, but note that sheets have fewer seams than tiles and thus are less likely to trap dirt. PERIODIC Mop regularly with a household cleaner. In high-traffic areas a protective finish can be applied a few times a year to prevent scuffing. Linoleum             Cost Moderately expensive $4 to $7 a square foot Performance DURABILITY Known to last for decades when treated properly, though it can be damaged by household cleaners and very hot water. RANGE OF STYLES Dozens of colors that can be mixed and matched; border insets also available. SELLING POINT Made from all-natural components, thus a hot choice for the green crowd.  Application HOW IT COMES Tiles, sheets, and planks. INSTALLATION Tiles and sheets laid down with an adhesive over any clean, stable substrate; planks lock together over a substrate to form a floating floor.  Maintenance AFTER INSTALLATION Treat with two coats of sealant because the material is porous. PERIODIC Reapply same sealant once a year, or as needed. Cork             Cost Moderately expensive to expensive $7 to $15 a square foot  Performance DURABILITY Wholly organic, therefore not ideal in very damp or high-traffic areas; subject to fading under direct sunlight. RANGE OF STYLES Short on color choices, but the number of available patterns is increasing. SELLING POINT Provides superb insulation against noise, so it is ideal in music rooms and home theaters, on walls and floors alike.  Application HOW IT COMES Tiles and planks. INSTALLATION Tiles are laid down with an adhesive over any clean, stable substrate; planks lock together over a substrate to form a floating floor.  Maintenance AFTER INSTALLATION Treat with a protective sealant. PERIODIC Reapply sealant about once a year, or as needed. Rubber             Cost Moderately expensive to expensive $4 to $12 a square foot  Performance DURABILITY Withstands household chemicals and bleaches, is bacteria-resistant, and bears traffic well. RANGE OF STYLES All the colors of the rainbow as well as a number of traction-enhancing textures. SELLING POINT Practically indestructible, as its origins--and continued use--in commercial settings attest. Application HOW IT COMES Tiles and sheets. INSTALLATION Material is laid down with an adhesive over any clean, stable substrate. Maintenance AFTER INSTALLATION Clean thoroughly and treat with a wax to eliminate smell of rubber. PERIODIC Clean and wax regularly. Leather             Cost VERY Expensive $10 to $70 a square foot  Performance DURABILITY Tougher than people think, though not suited to high-traffic areas or those prone to moisture and direct sunlight. RANGE OF STYLES A variety of colors and unique textures, from smooth to crocodile. SELLING POINT Improves with age, developing a rich patina over time.  Application HOW IT COMES Tiles. INSTALLATION Material is laid down with an adhesive over any clean, stable substrate; also comes in magnetic applications, with tiles that stick to a steel substrate. Maintenance AFTER INSTALLATION Wax and buff up to three times to provide protection from stains and spills. PERIODIC Dust and buff every few weeks and wax two to three times a year.   Back to Resilient Flooring "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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