A floor should be comfortable and non-slip as well as looking good. 

Pets or children in the household put an emphasis on ease of cleaning and upkeep.

A hard tile floor is tiring to stand on for long periods, whereas a cork, vinyl or carpet tile will absorb some of the impact. Some wooden floors are suitable for the heavy wear a kitchen will attract and there is even a bamboo floor, resistant to damp and humidity.

Remember that installation can sometimes be as expensive as the flooring itself.