#Buying guide: 11 flooring options - Style At Home

An increasingly diverse range of flooring materials is available these days. To help you sort through the options, here's the lowdown on some of the most common products you'll find.

• Huge selection of styles and colours. Available in tiles or sheets.

• Low price, low maintenance. Double-thick vinyl is ideal for damp areas like bathrooms. Tiles are easy to DIY if the subfloor is level.

• Does not suit all decors.

• Huge selection of colours, styles and sizes.

• Can easily be coordinated with tile backsplash.

• Can cause discomfort to legs and back after prolonged standing.

• Not all tiles are equally wear-resistant; high-traffic areas like kitchens call for stronger ceramic. Can crack or chip. Needs a level subfloor.

• The look of stone, for less! Huge selection of colours and designs.

• Stronger than ceramic; durable and low maintenance.

• Can cause discomfort to legs and back after prolonged standing.

Cost: $6 to $14/sq. ft.

• Great selection of styles and colours. Looks like wood, stone, ceramic.

• Resists stains, scratches, dents, even cigarette burns. Relatively easy to DIY, often directly on top of existing floor.

• Click-into-place styles can simply be dismantled and taken with you when you move. Good-quality laminate can last up to 25 years.