TYPES OF FLOORING

Find the Best Flooring for your Space

CARPET

Carpet offers a huge variety in design. Be sure to research the differences in durabilty, sustainablity, look, stain resistance, and wear.

BERBERS, FRIEZES, SCULPTED, WOVEN, SHAGS, and TEXTURED CARPETS are just a few of the different types of carpet.

Surprisingly, one of the latest styles making a huge comeback in recent years is SHAG. Shag carpeting has resurfaced on the scene due to its durability and comfortable feel.

 

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Hardwood is typically one of the most popular with homebuyers; upgrading to a prefinished hardwood can add significant value to your home.

Another major benefit of hardwood is that it can be refinished as many as 3 times in its lifetime. Refinishing your flooring is a cost-efficient alternative in a renovation.

Also, hardwood can be restained in a colour that fits your latest design or colour scheme.

 

CLICK-SYSTEM ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

Engineered Hardwood is a newer, affordable option that mimics the look of hardwood, yet is cheaper and much simpler to install.

It has good durabilty; it tends to be less durable than laminate but more durable than hardwood. It also offers a more realistic, natural wood feel than most laminates.

 

CORK FLOORING

Cork has been popular recently as well. Buyers like it for its warmth, rich tones, and beautiful surface designs.

Cork flooring is environmentally friendly and cork is considered a renewable and sustainable natural resource.

The same quality that makes the floor comfortable also helps with noise reduction. Unlike harder materials like tile, wood, or vinyl, cork is quiet and reduces impact noise such as footsteps or pets. It also has a very durable finish, as it has been used in commercial buildings with high volume traffic since the early 1900's.

 

TILE

Tile is often used in residential homes. It is a traditional flooring option that offers high durability and an elegant look. Tile can be one of the more inexpensive floorings to purchase, but the installation is where your higher costs lie.

Homeowners love tile for its rich texture and low-maintenance surface.

It is available in a large variety of sizes, colours, textures and types. Research the differences between CERAMIC tiles, natural stone tiles like MARBLE and SLATE, PORCELAIN, etc. to understand what tile would best suit your design needs. Tile can also be installed with in-floor heating.

 

LAMINATE

Laminates have come a long way in both design and durability. Laminates are becoming an increasingly strong alternative to hardwood.

The look of laminates has undergone massive developments in the last decade. Laminate has been redesigned to offer a multitude of looks that are comparable or even more beautiful than many natural floorings. They also are offered at a competitve pricepoint, often beating hardwood pricing or the cost of tile installation.

While laminates are incredibly durable, they cannot be refinished and must be replaced when damaged.

 

VINYL PLANKING

Vinyl Planking has resurfaced as a great alternative as well. Some of the higher-end designs offer the look of hardwood or tile for less cost and incredibly easy install.

Installation can be quick as some vinyl is simply stuck to the floor with glue. If damage occurs, the damaged piece can be heated and peeled off, so be sure to buy an extra box just in case!

Vinyl Planking is SO durable that Safeway stores had it installed in their produce aisles. Millions of carts and shoppers have traversed the flooring, and it maintains its look and finish exceptionally well.

 

CONCRETE

Concrete flooring is growing in popularity. It is cheap and durable. The look has been used more often with contemporary design as it offers a clean, natural feel that mixes well with modern styles.

Concrete is a very hard surface but easy to clean and maintain. Like tile, concrete is a colder surface but can be heated with in-floor heating.

It also has the ability to be refinished. Concrete has a range of finishing, including MATTE, HIGH-SHEEN, ACID STAINED, and a MARBLE-LIKE finish. Concrete tends to crack; including seams in the floor can help deter cracking. However, many homeowners embrace the look as it reflects that natural characteristic of the material.

 

 

You may also be interested in the following:

Incorporating Sustainable Design; Learn more about "Green" cost saving measures.

Flooring; One of the most valuable updates for a home.