Laminate flooring expands and contracts a little bit, so you need to leave a small gap (1/8 inch on each edge) around the perimeter when you install it. Those gaps will be hidden by the shoe molding.
Hardwood floors vary in price, depending on the species you choose. But laminate's cost is relatively stable, since the same process goes into its production whether it's designer to look like ordinary oak or an exotic wood species.Hardwood floors can be noisy if they develop squeaks. There's a super-easy fix for that, though. Sprinkle some baby powder over the noisy boards, then use a broom to sweep it into the cracks. Now you can step on it in silence.
Engineered wood flooring. Because the top of this material is a wood veneer, it looks very much like traditional hardwood. Some engineered-wood floors have a ceramic finish, which is very durable. The disadvantage to veneered floors, though, is that they can only be sanded down and refinished once or twice.
Wood accents. If you decide to go with a hardwood floor, check out some of the decorative elements that are available. For example, you can add a medallion or an elaborate border to give the whole floor some zing without having to install an exotic wood.
Glass tile. For a truly high-end floor, look at glass tile. It can run to $50 or more per square foot. If you have the money, though, you can look for tile make of recycled glass, which is a green approach.
Concrete tiles. These may not be for everyone, but they are a great way to add a modern effect to your home. And it is environmentally friendly, too.
Green flooring. When you mention green flooring, bamboo is probably the first material to come to mind. Although it's not really wood (bamboo is a member of the grass family of plants), it looks like wood. Palm is another renewable source of flooring. Sorghum, also known as kirei, provides a wood-like material that is used for flooring, cabinets and furniture.
Stone mosaic tile. If you want the look of hand-laid natural stone, check these out: individual stones mounted to a mesh backing. If anything happens to the floor, it's easy to just replace the damaged stones. The edges interlock, so the seams are invisible, especially after the floor has been grouted.
Tile. The glossy tile we've all seen around shower stalls and bathtubs and on walls is terrific. But when it's wet, it's very slippery. Look for a matte finish for the floor.
The choice of large or small tile is a matter of personal taste. If you like the look of small mosaic tile, you can find them in 2- x 1-foot sheets that are pre-spaced and glued on the back. Remember, though, that small tile requires more grout. And grout requires more maintenance than the tile itself.
Use a mastic that's appropriate for the tile that you've chosen. If you have a tile that's very irregular on the back, like a handmade terra cotta, you might want to use old-fashioned mortar.
When you're ready to buy grout, you'll have some decisions to make, too. White is the classic color, but avoid using it on the floor. Instead, consider using grout that's color-coordinated to the tile. A darker color will hide dirt much better. You'll thank yourself down the line.
