Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - laminate in entry way

Despite what all the manufacturers say about the toughness of laminate, I'm wondering if it's a good idea to put laminate at the front door entry way (it's linoleum now). The area is about 3' x 5'.

In the winter, there could be lot of ice/snow/cold draft coming through under the door in the winter. There could also be some frost build up through condensation of the interior air on the bottom of the door. So I'm thinking of putting in granite tiles instead. I think tiles is the better option, but I've never done it before. So this project could get interesting!

Any suggestions or comments?

Lots of people up here in AK have lam entry's and they love it. I do have to admit that they need to pay attention to water issues or their floor can warp.
Tile will need alot more tearout and prep and underlay, but overall it will perform alot better for entry's.
Start looking at Porcelain tiles, they will be better for frost.

Thanks Florcraft. Are ceramic tiles another name for procelain tiles, or are they different?

Porcelain is not ceramic. So when you enter the store, just ask for Porcelain tiles.

I'd have to discourage a small area of laminate such as that unless it's glued down somehow. Had an experience with the same thing a few years back. It won't stay in place very well.

I would never put laminate in an entry way. We did this about 3 years ago and are sorry. The seams have swelled because of snow melting. No matter how carefull you think you will be, you can't wipe up the water all the time. I would also go with porcelain or slate. Something that doesn't get slippery when wet.

I live in a dry area of Texas and plan on having the entry done to match the rest of the first two rooms with laminate.

Did you use an entry rug for wet shoes?

Y'all are making me nervouse that my entry will spoil the look of the rest of the house in a year.

I did eventually went with porcelain tile. Better safe than sorry.

However, Ed W., I could suggest the following alternative if you are intent on putting laminate in your entry. Install it as if the entry is a separate room. ie. put a break between the entry and the adjoining room, then use a T transition to cover the gap. This way, even if the laminate in the entry gets ruined, you don't have to disassemble the entire floor to replace it. You can easily rip up just the entry area and put in another material.