Choosing flooring for your home or office

Flooring choices today are more versatile than ever, offering a wide selection of colors, patterns, textures, and materials. Our guide highlights the advantages of different flooring types—such as laminate, hardwood, various tiles, and more—suitable for every area of your home.

Upgrading your flooring is one of the most significant changes you can make as a homeowner. The right flooring sets the tone for each room, shaping both its appearance and function. Because this choice is so central to your home’s style and comfort, it’s worth taking your time to decide.

After selecting your ideal flooring, consider the installation process. While some types can be DIY-friendly, installing flooring often requires careful measurements, custom cuts, and precise fitting. If you’re not comfortable handling tasks like these, professional installation can save you time and effort. Many companies offer comprehensive services—including measurement, consultation, and installation— helping ensure the process goes smoothly from start to finish.

• Think about where your new flooring will be installed—whether it’s below, at, or above ground level. For example, basements are prone to ground moisture, so your flooring selection there may differ from what you'd use in an upstairs bedroom.
• Similarly, kitchen and bathroom floors are exposed to moisture and humidity, so it’s important to factor in potential water damage when making your flooring selection.
• Be sure to observe the space throughout the day. Does it get a lot of direct sun? UV light can fade or darken certain flooring, so look for UV-resistant products. 
• To calculate the square footage of your room, simply multiply the length by the width. For irregularly shaped rooms, divide the space into smaller squares or rectangles, find the area of each, and then add them together to get the total square footage.
• It’s a good idea to purchase about 10% more flooring than your exact measurements require. This extra material accounts for mistakes and ensures you have matching pieces for future repairs. Store any leftover flooring in a cool, dry place, such as under a bed or on a closet shelf, to protect it from damage and keep it acclimated for later use.

Choose engineered hardwood from a reputable manufacturer to ensure durability, and opt for flooring made with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for a healthier home environment. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood flooring can usually only be refinished once or twice, due to the thinner wear layer on top. Additionally, engineered wood floors may fade when exposed to direct sunlight over time.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Laminate flooring is made up of several layers and uses a high-resolution image to replicate the appearance of real wood.

Laminate flooring is known for being scratch-resistant and highly durable. Thanks to its click-together design, it’s also quick and easy for DIYers to install. It generally costs less than solid hardwood, making it a budget-friendly choice. Laminate floors are low maintenance, easy to clean, and resist stains. They can often be installed over existing floors, and their surfaces are resistant to fading from sunlight. Many retailers offer laminate wood flooring that’s readily available, allowing you to finish your project quickly without waiting for special orders.

Tile flooring can crack if heavy objects are dropped on it, and some types may be more prone to staining. The overall cost can be high, especially for large areas or when professional installation is needed. Tile offers a cool surface, which is ideal for warm climates, but may feel cold in cooler environments. Unlike carpet, tile does not absorb sound and can make rooms feel louder.

Renovate Right Canada can advise, supply or supply and install a wide variety of flooring choices.  Contact us to explore the right flooring choices for your home or office.