Beginner’s Guide To Flooring Choices

The flooring industry has changed a lot over the years. From different carpet fibres to entirely new types of products, it can be hard to know what flooring is best suited for your project. Because flooring isn’t something we think about every day, we’ve put together this guide to flooring choices to help your decision-making process. We’ve broken it down by product category and have included tips on the installation, durability, maintenance, costs, and the benefits of each type of product.

Of course, if you have any questions, you can reach out to your local Nufloors for help.

Table of Contents

• Types of Flooring
• Carpet Flooring
• Hardwood Flooring
• Luxury Vinyl Flooring
• Sheet Vinyl Flooring
• Laminate Flooring
• Cork Flooring
• Tile Flooring
• Natural Stone Flooring
• How to Choose the Right Flooring For Your Home
• Cost: Which Flooring Option is Most Economical
• Installation: How to Measure Your Space
• Replacement: How to Match Discontinued Flooring
• Flooring Maintenance Tips
• Conclusion

Types of Flooring

Carpet Flooring

Traditionally, carpet has been one of the most common types of flooring found in Canadian homes because of the number of benefits associated with carpet. We get into those benefits shortly, but first we must understand the technical side of carpet.

There are five main fiber types that carpet is made from, which all perform and look slightly different. It is important to choose the right fiber for your household and lifestyle.

The five fibers are:

1. Nylon: very versatile and provides excellent durability.
2. Polyester: the best for retaining its colour and won’t fade over time. It is soft to the touch but not as durable as Nylon and should be installed in low to medium traffic rooms.
3. PPT (Triexta Polyester): the newest fiber on the market. It is naturally very stain resistant, resilient and is softer than both polyester and nylon.
4. Polypropylene (Olefin): relatively inexpensive with superior stain resistance plus it is solution-dyed so it is resistant to bleaching and sunlight fading. The downside to it is that it is not as resilient as other fibers and therefore, won’t “bounce back” after being compressed by foot traffic.
5. Natural Fiber (Wool): the premium carpet fiber on the market. It is natural, sustainable & renewable. It also improves indoor air quality, is fire retardant, helps regulate humidity and is a natural insulator, which helps reduce heating and cooling costs as well as absorbs sound. However, wool does require specific maintenance, i.e. an appropriate vacuum and spot removal methods.

Hardwood Flooring

The natural elements and beauty of a hardwood floor makes it a timeless, highly sought after choice, proven to increase the value of a home (WFA link)

Hardwood flooring is available in two forms: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Knowing the difference is important as the make-up and performance of the two are different. Hardwood is also available in a wide variety of different wood species which vary in hardness and will affect durability.

Solid hardwood is 100% solid planks whereas engineered hardwood has a stable, layered construction with a wood top and backing. Hardwood is not only durable, but it can be sanded and refinished over the years, making your investment last.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is the newest type of flooring on the market. Designed to resist moisture and everyday wear and tear, it is built to withstand even the busiest of lifestyles. And with today’s technology, luxury vinyl can fool even the biggest critics with its realistic visuals and texture of hardwood and stone.

Its construction consists of multiple layers:

1. Wear Layer – can vary in thickness but is designed to provide resistance to scratches, stains and wear.
2. Design Layer – high quality printing technology that creates realistic visuals of wood, stone or tile.
3. Core Layer – This layer provides the stability and resilience. There are different types of cores, i.e. Flexible or Rigid, which can be either SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or WPC (Wood Plastic Composite).
4. Backing Layer: Adds additional support and can include an attached pad for extra comfort and sound absorption.

Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl flooring is a continuous, large sheet of flooring material made from vinyl. Typically, available in widths of 6, 12, or even 13 feet, allowing for fewer seams in large rooms. It is a popular choice for residential applications due to its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Laminate Flooring

You can achieve the look and feel of hardwood or high-end stone on a budget with laminate flooring. This is a hardworking floor ready to take on the challenges of a busy family.

Similar to Luxury Vinyl, laminate also consists of 4 layers:

1. Wear Layer – The top layer provides resistance to scratches, stains, and fading. It’s made from a clear, durable plastic called melamine resin.
2. Design/Pattern Layer – Contains a high-resolution photographic image that mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or other materials.
3. Core/Substrate Layer – Made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). This layer provides stability and impact resistance.
4. Backing Layer – The bottom layer provides additional support and stability, preventing moisture from penetrating the core layer.

Cork Flooring

Cork is made from the harvested bark of cork oak tree (the trees are not cut down), which regenerates, making it a renewable resource. It is also biodegradable and recyclable making it one of the most eco-friendly flooring options on the market. To produce the floor the cork is grounded up, compressed, and formed into sheets bonded with resins.

Its unique properties, including thermal and acoustic insulation, comfort underfoot, hypoallergenic, and stylish designs, make it an appealing choice for homeowners.

Tile Flooring

Tile is available in all shapes, colours and sizes and can be installed in a variety of different patterns and layouts to create truly unique designs. It can also be installed anywhere, even places you may not initially think, such as on the back of islands or to create an accent wall. Homeowners love tile as it allows them to be creative and lets their personal style shine.

There are four types of tile, which include:

1. Ceramic: This type of tile is made from clay and other natural materials, fired in a kiln and finished with a glaze to add colour and protect the surface.
2. Porcelain: Porcelain is made from refined clay and fired at higher temperatures, which makes it more dense, durable and less porous than ceramic tile. Porcelain is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, whereas ceramic is only suitable for indoor applications.
3. Glass: Made from thin pieces of glass, this type of tyle is often used for decorative accents, backsplashes and mosaics.
4. Mosaic: These are made from smaller pieces of tile, either ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone to create intricate patterns and designs. They are often found as backsplashes, shower floors and niches, or decorative accents.

Natural Stone Flooring

Natural stone has 5 different types:

1. Marble: Who doesn’t love the look of luxurious marble? It is elegant and is available in a wide range of colours and veining patterns.
2. Granite: Granite is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and heat making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
3. Slate: It has a distinctive texture and rich colour variation, but it is durable and slip-resistant, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
4. Travertine: Travertine is characterized by its porous surface and natural earth tones; it does however require sealing due to its porous nature to protect again stains and moisture.
5. Limestone: This is the softest and most porous stone, which requires it to also be regularly sealed. It offers a natural and rustic appearance.

Natural stone exudes timeless beauty and elegance, with each piece offering unique patterns and textures that add character to any space. It is highly durable making it suitable for high-traffic areas and can also be used in a variety of applications both indoor to outdoor patios. Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Natural stone is sure to increase the value of your home thanks to its luxurious appeal and natural, one of a kind aesthetic.

How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home

Flooring isn’t something you buy everyday plus it is an investment, so how do you ensure you are selecting the right flooring for your home and needs? Consider the following factors:

1. Lifestyle and Use
   • Foot Traffic: High-traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, kitchens and living/family rooms require a durable floor that can withstand wear and tear.
   • Pets and Children: If you have a busy household with children and/or pets, you’ll need a floor that is scratch resistant and easy to clean.
   • Room Function: Different rooms have different requirements. i.e. bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms need to be water-resistant, while bedrooms might benefit more from the warmth and comfort of carpet.
2. Budget
   • Cost of Materials: The price of flooring varies depending on the material. Hardwood and natural stone, for instance, are more expensive than laminate or vinyl.
   • Installation Costs: Some types of floors are more labour intensive and require a skilled professional such as carpet, hardwood, sheet vinyl and tile, which will increase the overall costs, while others are more DIY friendly making it more affordable. Also, some materials require additional materials, such as tile and grout.
   • Maintenance and Longevity: Consider the long-term maintenance costs and lifespan of the flooring. Some materials may have a higher upfront cost but lower maintenance costs. Hardwood for instance, can be sanded and re-stained 1-2 times in its lifespan. Other types of floors such as laminate or vinyl will need to be replaced every 10+ years depending on your lifestyle and how well you maintain them.
3. Aesthetic
   • Style and Design: It is important to choose a floor that complements the overall design and colour scheme of your home as it impacts the mood and atmosphere of a room.
   • Texture and Finish: Each type of flooring provides a different texture and unique sensory experience which affects both appearance and feel underfoot. For example, carpet provides a soft plush feel making a space feel warm and inviting. Hardwood, on the other hand, is available in a number of different textures and finishes such as hand scraped and wire bushed, which offers different benefits and unique looks.
4. Comfort and Insulation
   • Underfoot Comfort: As we just mentioned, carpet provides the most comfort and cushion underfoot. The other type of flooring that is quickly making its way to the top of the list for comfort is cork. It has natural cushioning that reduces the impact on feet and joints.
   • Sound Insulation: Different types of flooring will provide different levels of sound insulation. Again, carpet and cork will help reduce noise while tile, laminate, hardwood or luxury vinyl may amplify it.
   • Thermal Insulation: Certain floors will actually help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Again, cork is at the top of this list with natural thermal properties thanks to its cellular structure. Engineered hardwood and vinyl with insulating underlayment are also smart options.
5. Durability and Maintenance
   • Wear and Tear: Select a flooring material that is durable enough to withstand the demands of the area it will be installed in. This will ensure it lasts for much longer and does not need to be replaced as quickly.
   • Maintenance Requirements: Some floors can be very low maintenance such as laminate and luxury vinyl as they only require a basic cleaning schedule (to ensure long term longevity), while others like hardwood and cork may require refinishing (however these refinishes extend the longevity of your flooring).
6. Environmental Impact
   • Sustainability: Fortunately, there are now several eco-friendly options available, including cork, wool carpet, hardwood, and natural stone, all of which are made from renewable resources. There are also several eco-friendly laminate, vinyl, and carpet products designed with more sustainable manufacturing processes, such as using recycled materials or being PVC-free.
   • Indoor Air Quality: Look for materials with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) to ensure better indoor air quality or opt for cork, solid or engineered hardwood or tile.
7. Moisture Resistance
   • Water-Resistant: For those water prone areas, like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or basements, it is important to go with a material that is water-resistant, such as tile, laminate or luxury vinyl.
   • Humidity Considerations: Understanding the climate of the place you reside is important to consider, especially if you are leaning towards hardwood as it can warp or buckle in high humidity. Care should be taken to maintain a humidity level within the 35-55% range.

Cost: Which Flooring Option is Most Economical

Each flooring material varies in cost and suitability, so it’s important to consider your overall budget, preferences, and specific needs. The most economical option will differ for each homeowner but should strike a balance between affordability, durability, and aesthetics. Here is a general list of materials ranked from least to most expensive. Keep in mind that within each category, the quality of materials can vary significantly, which can greatly influence the cost.

Note: cost estimates shown do not include professional installation.

1. Sheet Vinyl ($1.25 – $6/sf): Available in a wide variety of modern and trending styles. The original “water-resistant” flooring, it is quick to install and easy to maintain.
2. Carpet ($2 – $15/sf): Great for insulation and comfort although it does require more maintenance and is less durable in high-traffic areas. It is recommended to be installed by a professional.
3. Laminate Flooring ($2.50 – $10/sf): Another budget friendly alternative to hardwood, offering a similar appearance and texture. Laminate flooring can be installed either by a professional or as a DIY project.
4. Luxury Vinyl ($3 – $12/sf): Offered in a number of different styles including looks that mimic hardwood, tile and natural stone. It is more affordable than the real options and can be installed yourself if you are handy.
5. Tile ($3 – $20/sf): Durable, water resistant and available in a huge array of styles, patterns and colours allowing your unique style and creativity shine. For best results and longevity, professional installation is recommended.
6. Engineered Hardwood ($5 – $15/sf): More affordable than solid hardwood and is more stable and less prone to warping. However, as it is made up of different layers, it cannot be refinished as many times as solid hardwood can. It will add value to your home though.
7. Cork ($6 – $10/sf): Eco-friendly and provides natural thermal and sound insulation.
8. Solid Hardwood ($7.50 – $20/sf): Solid hardwood is also guaranteed to add value to your home. However, it does require more maintenance and is more expensive to install.
9. Natural Stone ($8 – $20/sf): Durable and luxurious with unique patterns and textures. Often used in high-end applications as it requires professional installation and sealing.

Installation: How to Measure Your Room for Flooring Installation

Precisely measuring a room involves several steps and is crucial to ensuring the correct amount of flooring material is ordered, therefore we highly recommend you contact your local flooring expert to ensure accurate measurements (did you know Nufloors offers a free in-home measure and estimate? Take advantage of our service and contact us today!) If you decide to measure your space yourself, the tools you need include a tape measure, notepad and pen/pencil, and a calculator.

Installing Carpet & Sheet Vinyl

• Step 1: Measure the length and width
  Start by measuring the length and width of the room at the longest points. If the room is irregularly shaped, divide the room into square or rectangle sections and measure each section separately. Write down the measurements in feet and inches.
  
• Step 2: Add extra for doorways, closets and alcoves
  Measure the areas where there are doorways, closets and alcoves or other features that need flooring separately and add them to the main measurements during step 3.
  
• Step 3: Calculate the square footage
  Multiply the length by the width of each section to get the square footage. For example, if the room is 12 ft long by 10 ft w, the area is 120 square feet. Then add the square footage of any additional areas, such as doorways, closets and alcoves, to the main area.
  
• Step 4: Determine the roll width
  Rolls typically come in standard widths of 12 feet. Knowing the width of the roll will help determine how much flooring to order.
  
• Step 5: Calculate total material needed
  Divide the total square footage by the width of the roll to determine how much linear feet of material you will need. For example, if the room is 120 square feet and the roll is 12 feet wide, you will need 10 linear feet (120 ÷ 12 = 10).
  
• Step 6: Add extra for seams and pattern matching
  It’s good practice to add 10-15% extra to your measurements to account for waste, seams, and pattern matching. For patterned carpets or sheet vinyl, you may need more depending on the size of the repeat pattern.
  
• Step 7 (Carpet): Consider the direction of the carpet pile
  When it comes to carpet, take into account the direction of the carpet pile. In some cases, the carpet may need to be laid out in a specific direction, which can affect how much you need.

Order Calculations Example:

Installing Plank & Tile Flooring

• Follow Steps 1 to 3 as per above.
  
• Step 4: Add for extra waste
  Add 10% to your total square footage to account for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs (It is suggested to keep an extra box on hand to make repairs in the future if necessary). For irregular rooms that require many cuts and angles, you may want to consider adding 15%.
  
• Step 5: Consider the direction of the planks or layout of the tile
  Before ordering any flooring material, you will want to decide on which way the planks will run as this can affect the amount of flooring needed due to layout and cutting requirements. Same with tile, if you are going for a pattern installation, you will need to account for required cuts and waste.

Installation Tips:

• Double / triple check your measurements to avoid ordering too much or too little material.
• Take note of any obstacles such as built in furniture or steps that may affect the installation.
• For plank flooring, check the plank width of the flooring you are purchasing. This will help you estimate the number of boxes you will need to order.
• Unless you are experienced with measuring and ordering flooring, it is always recommended to check with a flooring expert to confirm the amount of flooring required. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of your installation and run out of your flooring material or have lots of material left over.

Replacement: How to Match Discontinued Flooring

Unfortunately, floors get discontinued and that can pose challenges to homeowners looking to match the existing flooring, especially if the whole floor does not need to be replaced (remember for future projects, we recommend ordering an extra box to keep on hand if small repairs are needed for this reason).

At Nufloors however, our experts will do their best to find a suitable match or a creative solution:

• With a network of 25 locations across Canada, we will reach out to the other Nufloors location to see if any have the product in stock.
• We will do our best to find a suitable replacement and will do our best to find another product that matches the colour, texture, and style.
• Provide other considerations such as integrating a transition area or pattern from the new floor to the existing one or provide ideas to change the layout in the affected area.
• Use our expertise and years of experience to provide creative solutions. For example, read how Nufloors Camrose exceeded their customer’s expectations when repairing a piece of damaged carpet.

I cannot rave about Nufloors enough. It was a great experience from start to finish. I went in looking to match a small piece of my carpet that my cat scratched. Anyone who knows anything about carpet knows it’s hard to find a match, especially for a small piece. Krystle helped me find something from their discount rolls that was similar enough and suggested we take the carpet from a closet to fix my high traffic area, and then put the similar one in the closet where no one will see it – Such a great idea! She was easy to work with and offered a lot of ideas. Once we had a game plan, she was able to book me in the following week (yaaaay, super quick).
Gerry and Andre came to do the repair, they were both very friendly and did an amazing job. Andre was honest from the get-go, that it was just a patch, and it wouldn’t look perfect. They completed the repair discreetly, and it looks a lot better than I imagined it would.
If you’re considering Nufloors for a future flooring project, you won’t be disappointed.

– J. Carty

Flooring Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your floors will extend their lifespan of them and maintain their appearance. We recommend, regardless of the floor you choose to purchase, that you create a cleaning schedule and be consistent with regular upkeep. Here is how you can keep those floors looking new!

Carpet Maintenance

• Vacuum regularly (at least once a week at the minimum) to remove dirt and dust.
  • Note, do not use a beater bar on loop or berber carpets.
• Be vigilant when it comes to spills. Immediate spot cleaning for spills using appropriate cleaners is necessary to ensure it does not stain.
• To maintain the carpet warranty, a professional cleaning is required every 12-18 months. This will remove embedded dirt and allergens.
• Prevention: use doormats to reduce the dirt being tracked in, enact a no shoe policy in the house and rearrange furniture periodically to avoid wear patterns.

Hardwood Maintenance

• Daily sweeping or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust. If vacuuming, make sure to use a soft brush attachment as to not damage or dent the floor.
• Damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner and make sure to avoid excessive water.
• Prevention: Use area rugs and mats to protect high-traffic areas and felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.

Luxury Vinyl Maintenance

• Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove debris.
• Damp mop with a vinyl floor cleaner as needed.
• Prevention: Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and avoid using steams mops which can damage the floor.

Sheet Vinyl Maintenance

• Keep the surface free of dust and dirt by regularly sweeping.
• Damp mop using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
• Inspect the floor regularly for signs of wear or damage, i.e. scratches and repair as necessary.
• Prevention: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, also use doormats to minimize the dirt being tracked inside.

Laminate Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment.
• Damp mop with a laminate floor cleaner and avoid excessive water.
• Clean up spills immediately to prevent damage.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or tools.
• Prevention: Use furniture pads to prevent scratching and place doormats at entryways.

Cork Maintenance

• Sweeping or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust. When vacuuming, make sure to use a soft brush attachment as to not damage or dent the floor.
• Wipe up spills right away to avoid excessive water to prevent swelling.
• If required, reapply a protective sealant every few years to maintain moisture resistance and appearance.
• Prevention: Use furniture pads to prevent dents and scratches, also avoid high-heel or heavy objects that can damage and dent the surface.

Tile & Natural Stone Maintenance

• Regular sweeping or vacuuming is required to remove dust and dirt.
• Damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner.
• Clean group lines using a grout cleaner and reseal as needed to prevent staining and to maintain appearance.
• Natural Stone specific: Reseal every 1-2 years to protect the stone from stains and moisture. Also avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the stone.

To maintain your warranty, it is best to use the cleaner recommended by each company and always use a PH neutral floor cleaner for all hard surface products. A non PH neutral cleaner may damage the finish of your floor and void the warranty.

Click here to download our full care and maintenance guides!

Conclusion

Choosing the right flooring for your home is a significant decision that not only impacts the aesthetic, but also the functionality and comfort of your space. Each type of flooring comes with its unique set of benefits and drawbacks, tailored to different needs, budgets and lifestyle preferences. As you consider your options think about the specific requirements of each room, the level of traffic and the presence of children and pets. Balancing these considerations with your design preferences will help you select a floor that enhances your home’s beauty and meets your daily needs.

Remember, flooring is an investment that can add value to your home and improve the quality of your life. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of hardwood, the practicality of luxury vinyl, the durability of tile, or the eco-friendliness of cork, making an informed choice will ensure your satisfaction for years to come.

If you need further assistance or personalized advice, reach out to your local Nufloors experts, who are always ready to help you find the perfect flooring solution. Reach out today to start your Beautiful Experience!