Durable, stylish flooring that can stand up to winter

As the season of snow boots and slush arrives in much of the country, entryway floors will take a beating.The spot where we enter our homes — and welcome guests — can be a tricky one to decorate.Bamboo flooring manufacturers praise this conscientious. It's meant to be a showcase, expressing our style and setting the tone for a visitor's stay. But the floor must withstand dripping umbrellas, muddy shoes and more.Los Angeles-based interior designer Betsy Burnham is often approached by clients who want help with entryways. Choosing a floor covering is a priority, she says.

Here Burnham and two other experts offer tips on durable, easy-to-clean flooring that doesn't skimp on style, from cork to porcelain tile to washable rugs.Cork squares are durable, made from natural wood fibers and can handle moisture. They also absorb sound well and come in a variety of colors and patterns. "Don't just picture a bulletin board" when you think of cork, Burnham says.Cork offers a look similar to hardwood, but is less expensive. And you can replace just one tile if a section gets damaged.Another flexible option is FLOR carpet tiles, Flynn says.

"You can add color, texture or pattern by laying them out in the desired pattern," he says, "then cutting the end tiles to size." FLOR tiles can be laid out to give the look of an area rug or wall-to-wall carpeting.Flynn also recommends vinyl plank tiles. These inexpensive tiles are thin but durable, and easy to install. They can be mopped clean. And do-it-yourself installation is simple, Flynn says. "It simply requires a utility knife for installation. The planks attach to one another with an upward-facing sticky strip. Each time a plank reaches a wall, it's cut to size," he says.