Decide where the flooring will go and how much traffic, sun exposure, and other wear and tear it will get. Also determine whether you'll install it yourself or hire a pro. See Types to decide which flooring combines the strengths and style you want. Then check our Quick Picks  for floors that blend toughness and value. Also compare flooring information by checking store samples so you know what you're getting. Here are some other other tips to keep in mind:

Consider the traffic. Busy kitchens demand a floor that resists wear and stains. The best plastic laminates withstood that abuse better than all but vinyl. While none can be refinished, and large spills can trap moisture beneath the surface, they're a strong and stylish choice.

Play it safe. Most floors were judged good in wet and dry slip resistance. One engineered-wood floor scored very good in this test; one solid-wood and a plastic-laminate scored only fair.

For vinyl, factor in the work. Top-scoring vinyls come in easy-to-handle tiles or planks rather than sheets, and make installation goofs easier to correct.

For warmth, go solid. Better scratch resistance and easier installation are engineered wood's chief advantages over solid wood. But when you compare flooring information, you see that the solid stuff is better for wear and spills, and can be refinished several times rather than just once for most engineered products. We also suggest prefinished flooring if you don't mind the beveled edges found on most. While unfinished wood costs less, our tests show that factory finishes are more durable than those applied later.