Revisions log for Answer #248

Linoleum would be a good choice, it is durable, virtually indestructible and comes in a variety of surface patterns.

We've laid linoleum in the decking area ourselves, plain black; it doesn't look dark due to the slight sheen of the surface. With monochrome linoleum, it is important to consider that scratches (e.g. from dog slides, small stones in the soles of shoes, sand from children's shoes) are certainly visible, but not permanent. In general, linoleum is resistant to mechanical and chemical stresses, so deformations such as pressure marks will disappear after a while.

Linoleum is antistatic, mildly fungicidal and suppresses bacterial growth. At this time, to care for the floor, you should use ordinary detergents that do not contain alkali, wipe with damp warm water, and occasionally use a wax-based maintenance product.