Laminates . Laminate flooring resembles hardwood or stone while offering the easy maintenance of vinyl. Some people turn their noses up at the idea of obtaining the look of natural materials from plastic laminate adhered to fiberboard or particleboard. However, you may want to consider the product if you want the look but not the price tag of real wood.

Benefits: Liquids do not cause the damage they would to a real wood floor. No worries about staining or fading for at least a decade. It is extremely durable and can handle lots of traffic. Cleaning requires just a broom or mop. Needs less maintenance than real wood and costs less than the real thing.

Drawbacks: If water seeps into its cracks, the laminated layers could break up. When it wears out, the whole floor has to be replaced rather than just refinished. More prone to chipping than real wood. Surface will not be as even or as smooth and seamless as real wood.