I would check into artificials.... i think the palms would work but a lot of these people dont relize the soil is has too much alkine in it to grow much... i have found some very nice turf thats what i was thinking of doing...
Dont forget to check with your HOA because we cant even do our...
I agree with most of the posters... i chose laminate it suited my needs.
However i do know lots of people who have laminate flooring for a lot longer then 5 years... it depends on the quality... my mother in law has 10mm laminate, i opted for the 12mm laminate with a really good underlay...