DEAR TIM: I need a new flooring material for my kitchen, laundry room, and hallway. It needs to be virtually waterproof and easy to care for. In addition, I would really like it to be attractive, low cost, do-it-yourself friendly. Is there such a material? I was leaning towards the durable vinyl tiles I see in grocery stores, but I am turned off by the commercial look. Surely you have an alternative. Shelly A., Sarasota, FL

DEAR SHELLY: Let's see if I have it - attractive, low maintenance, waterproof, low cost and DIY friendly. Is that all? Are you sure you remembered everything? Your instincts are right on target because vinyl tile is the solution. You simply need to see the unbelievable new tiles, styles, and shapes. You can now install vinyl tile floors that will take your breath away. They are absolutely magnificent.

Vinyl tile, especially those that are 1/8 inch thick, are extremely durable and waterproof. The average vinyl tile commercial store floor may get one hundred to one thousand times more foot traffic per day than you would ever create in your house. When properly cared for, the vinyl tile floors in a typical residential home can be maintained to look as good as new for long periods of time. The tiles themselves are unaffected by water. The new adhesives that hold the tiles to concrete or wood underlayments are extremely water resistant.

I am getting ready to install vinyl tile in my own basement activity room where my kids will play. My wife and I have selected a vinyl tile that is unbelievable. It looks exactly like a wood strip floor. It is so realistic that when you stand on it, only a trained professional can tell it is not wood. Part of this illusion is created by the shape of the pieces. The flooring is not 12 inch by 12 inch square tiles. They are 3 inch wide by 36 inch long planks! When you install the planks in a random fashion by staggering the seams, it looks exactly like a wood strip floor.

The vinyl planks come in 20 different wood species, types and colors. They have a satin urethane finish that imparts incredible scuff and dirt resistance. By using two or three different wood species types, you can create an inlaid border look around the perimeter of the room. If you want the look of a larger wood plank, you can even buy 4.5 inch wide strips. The edges of all planks are micro-ground by precision equipment so that the when they are installed, the floor appears seamless.

Some manufacturers have vinyl tiles that simulate the look of the most expensive inlaid wood floors. Each tile has three components: a small square simulated wood corner block, a light strip of simulated wood on two edges, and the remainder of the tile is a simulated rich, burled wood. When you install the tiles in the recommend pattern, you create the look of a floor you might find in the library of an English castle or mansion.

If you don't want the wood look, perhaps marble tile might be of interest to you. You can now purchase vinyl tiles that will fool just about everyone who enters your home. The most elegant floor spaces are created by combining two or three different colors. The vinyl manufacturers have at least 30 other geometric styles, solid colors, and attractive patterns that will amaze you. I am quite sure you will find a color and pattern that will please you.

Once your floor is installed, it is easy to keep it looking perfect. The trick is to simply keep grit and dirt off the floor. If you walk on this material it acts like sandpaper. Sweep the floor regularly and wash it with a damp mop. You can maintain the satin or high gloss finish by purchasing clear coatings made by the manufacturers. These rapid drying products are easy to apply when the floor is clean.