The complete guide to choosing and installing floors. Wall-to-wall carpet is no longer the only option for cost-conscious or do-it-yourself home decorators. The Flooring Handbook reveals the extensive variety of flooring options available today that can add function, beauty and comfort to any area of a home. Packed with practical information, The Flooring Handbook is a comprehensive reference that provides the latest in flooring materials and methods. This book describes the benefits of the basic flooring types in three broad categories: hard, semi-hard and soft, including: Hardwood Ceramic Tile Carpet Cork Linoleum (looking nothing like you remember it) Laminates Slate, stone and marble Leather, felt, rubber and steel Detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrations show how to lay different types of flooring under various circumstances. Color photographs of finished rooms demonstrate how various materials work to the best effect in a home. The Flooring Handbook is a comprehensive reference for designers, decorators and homeowners -- whether doing it themselves or hiring a professional.