The fab floor: funky and affordable flooring options

Residential Architect, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Shelley D. Hutchins

fruit roll-ups

A fruit bowl assortment of colors (including raspberry, lemon, cherry, tangerine, blueberry, lime, and plum) make up the Colormetrics line of laminate floor tiles. Two 3-D motifs, Rib and Wave, add light-reflecting properties to the vibrant tones. A clear wear layer protects these patterns and allows for easy maintenance. Mix the sturdy tiles by color and design to produce lively looks for any room. Amtico, 800.291.9885; www.amtico.com.

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crocodile rock

No animals were harmed in the making of Crocodile vinyl flooring. Part of the Solarian Urban Settings line, it features a leather-like feel with raised texture and shade variations reminiscent of actual crocodile skin. Available colors include albino, Nile black, Baton Rouge, swamp, delta, and everglade. A 15-year warranty backs the ToughGuard finish, which the maker claims defies tears, rips, and gouges. Armstrong, 800.233.3823; www.armstrong.com.

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pop the cork

Corkboard (tawny) and Seasoned Corkboard (dark brown) styles make their debut as part of the 2002 Formica laminate collection. This high-pressure laminate flooring integrates water-resistant, high-density fiberboard with a moisture-blocking melamine backing and a vapor-barrier underlayer, all topped by a scratch-resistant clear wear coating. The Corkboard line, which has a matte finish, comes in an assortment of sheet sizes. Formica, 800.FORMICA; www.formica.com.

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stone alive

PermaStone 16-by-16-inch vinyl tiles replicate the look and feel of ceramic, marble, rustic, and glazed stone tiles. Subtle textures and deep colorings are protected by Tritonite wear-resistant technology backed by a 20-year warranty. Colors range from stark black and white to earthy slate and terracotta to neutral sandstone, ivory, and pewter. Nafco, 800.248.5574; www.nafco.com.

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natural step

The Sunset Boulevard, Rhythmic Blues, and Grey-dations collections jazz up Marmoleum's options. The jute-backed flooring made from all natural materials, including linseed oil, resins, and wood flour, is available in more than 150 colors. Create original designs with geometric shapes, borders, or even integrated faux area rugs. Antistatic properties allow for easy cleaning and low levels of dust accumulation. Forbo Linoleum, 866.627.6653; www.themarmoleumstore.com.

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base code

Dots, dashes, and squares punctuate the 2002 Plynyl collection. Muted metallic and pearlescent finishes in neutral hues cause the geometric designs to appear iridescent. Plynyl consists of a woven vinyl textile bonded to cushioned polyurethane for strength, durability, and stain resistance. It comes in rolls, tiles, or custom-size area mats. Chilewich, 212.679.9204; www.chilewich.com.

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