As a rule, the fewer synthetic materials they contain, the better. That's why solid wood flooring is a better option than engineered or laminate. Likewise, all-natural linoleum and cork are superior to vinyl.

Ceramic/Porcelain Flooring (50 to 75 Years) Ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from clay that is fired at high temperatures, making them extremely hard and resistant to wear. Porcelain tiles, in particular, are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles, offering greater water resistance.

Floor covering is a term to generically describe any finish material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface. Both terms are used interchangeably but floor covering refers more to loose-laid materials. Materials almost always classified as flooring include carpet, laminate, tile, and vinyl.