A long-standing form of floor covering, vinyl composition tiles and sheet goods are available in every imaginary color and pattern for both residential and commercial applications. Commonly referred to as a "resilient flooring" this material has many sub group titles such as linoleum, heterogeneous sheet (layered composite or backed vinyl sheet), homogeneous sheet (unbacked vinyl sheet), inlaid sheet, solid vinyl tile and plank and VCT (vinyl composition tiles). There are also specialty classifications such as slip-retardant and ESD control (electro static discharge) which obviously are manufactured to perform under rigid application requirements. Although not as popular a floor covering for residential usage as it once was, resilient flooring is still being heavily specified for commercial applications where, in some instances, it is the only flooring that will satisfy application requirements.

Major manufacturers of resilient flooring include, but are not limited to, Armstrong, Congoleum, Mannnington and Tarkett each one carrying a full line of residential and commercial products and a range of price points to satisfy everyone's budget. When shopping for a new floor, most people go right to color and pattern. Your floor should match your taste as well as the décor in your home. Add ease of maintenance, durability and warranty to your shopping points, and you'll make a smart purchase. Some specifics to consider in selecting your vinyl floor are:

1. Your floor should complement rather than dominate other design elements in the room. If your room is simple, consider a floor with a stronger pattern. If your room has a more distinct style, the floor should pick up on existing colors and patterns. The floor should serve as the backdrop to the overall design scheme.