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Flooring Buying Guide - What to Consider Before Purchasing?
By Editorial Team
Updated on December 4, 2024

Flooring, also known as floors or floor coverings, is the visible, functional part on which we tread daily. This covering becomes essential in terms of looks, thermal and acoustic insulation, and safeguarding against factors like moisture. Choosing the right indoor flooring means creating a harmonious setting meeting the space’s practical needs, whether it’s a kitchen, living room, bathroom, or basement.
Hardwood, ceramic tiles, vinyl, concrete, you name it, every option has its upsides. How do you choose a flooring material that's suited to both your needs and budget? What are flooring-specific characteristics? What should you know about installation and maintenance? Discover how to select the ideal flooring, creating a harmonious and practical setting.
What Is Flooring?

Good flooring is essential to protect the floors of your house and increase your property’s longevity. Depending on the material selected, it can safeguard against water damage and act as an effective thermal insulator or a soundproofing solution. Given that every room has unique requirements, a thoughtfully selected floor covering moulds the space to its primary function: good basement flooring doesn’t meet the same needs as garage flooring. Moreover, flooring contributes to a space’s overall aesthetics, creating a vibe. For residential settings, such as living rooms or bedrooms, style and comfort come first, while in commercial or industrial spaces, durability and heavy foot traffic resistance rank higher.
Why Install Flooring?

Floor coverings aren’t solely a matter of aesthetics. Flooring plays a crucial part in safeguarding your home’s structure, providing a moisture barrier and reinforcing shock resistance and daily wear. Good flooring also ensures thermal comfort, preventing floor-related heat loss and improves acoustic insulation by muffling footsteps and other sounds. Lastly, the right type of flooring can also increase the resale value of your house by improving its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Benefits of Good Flooring
Good flooring has undeniable advantages for homes or commercial spaces. Below are key assets:
Durability
Materials like vinyl and concrete are especially resistant to heavy foot traffic and scratches. The latter makes for ideal commercial space or high-foot-traffic flooring installed in kitchens or garages.
Aesthetic Appeal
Flooring can transform a room, whether it’s a cozy setting with hardwood or a modern and sleek aesthetic with polished concrete or luxury vinyl. There’s a broad range of models and colours available, suited to all preferences and styles.
Comfort
Some materials, such as cork or loose-lay flooring, provide remarkable thermal and acoustic insulation, improving comfort in living rooms, bedrooms, or even basements. Said options also retain heat, which can be beneficial in colder climates.
Downsides to Consider
Despite the slew of advantages, every type of flooring has some drawbacks that must be considered before purchase:
Upfront Cost
Some materials like hardwood or ceramic tiles can have relatively steep upfront costs, which can be a deterrent to some. There are more cost-effective alternatives, such as loose-lay flooring or vinyl, but they’re not as durable or elegant.
Regular Upkeep
Flooring options like hardwood need regular maintenance to uphold their appearance. They must be sanded and varnished every few years, which means additional costs. Moreover, some materials like concrete must be resealed periodically to prevent water damage and other signs of wear.
Moisture Sensitivity
Some floor coverings, such as hardwood or cork, aren’t recommended in humid areas like bathrooms or basements unless the setting is prepared accordingly. On the other hand, vinyl and concrete are suited to humid spaces.
How to Install Flooring

Installing flooring requires one to follow several key steps, whether you’re carrying out a renovation project or dealing with a new construction. The steps vary slightly based on the selected floor covering and the space’s specificities.
What Are the Different Types of Flooring?
There’s a wide range of floor covering materials, each with unique advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and budget. Making the right choice often depends on the planned usage, installation setting, and aesthetic considerations.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is a traditional material valued for its elegance and durability. It’s particularly suited to living rooms and bedrooms. However, installing this type of flooring isn’t recommended in humid areas like bathrooms.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a versatile material, often chosen for its water resistance and low maintenance. It’s especially suited to bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Luxury vinyl can also mimic the look of noble materials like wood and stone, for a fraction of the cost.
Ceramic Floor Tiles
Ceramic tiles are ideal for high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens. They’re durable and low maintenance, yet complex to install, often requiring the skills of a flooring contractor.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a high-end material, known for its high resistance and low porosity. This type of flooring is ideal for high-foot traffic areas, bathrooms, and kitchens since it withstands moisture and wear. Porcelain is available in a range of formats and finishes.
Concrete Flooring
Polished or stamped concrete is a modern material that’s increasingly sought-after for living rooms and basements. It’s durable and low maintenance but can be quite cold underfoot, which makes it less suited to bedrooms.
Loose-Lay Flooring
Loose-lay flooring or floating floors are a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, featuring a similar aesthetic at an affordable price point. It’s easy to install, even for DIY enthusiasts. It makes for a worthwhile kitchen, living room, and bedroom flooring option.
Cork Flooring
Cork is an eco-friendly choice, providing decent thermal and acoustic insulation. However, it’s not as resilient compared to other materials and is better suited to low foot traffic areas like bedrooms.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is made with several layers of plywood topped with a thin layer of wood. It combines the aesthetic appeal of hardwood with increased stability, making this material less likely to warp when exposed to humidity. It’s especially suited to basements and areas with fluctuating temperatures.
Rubber
This flooring option is valued for its durability and underfoot comfort. Rubber is often used in workout spaces, playrooms, and high-foot-traffic areas. It’s easy to clean and water-resistant but mandates gentle cleaning products to prevent surface damage.
Carpeting
Carpeting provides unmatched comfort and soundproofing, making it a sought-after choice for bedrooms and family rooms. However, this option is much harder to clean compared to other types of flooring, requiring regular maintenance.
Linoleum
Linoleum is an eco-friendly material made with natural resources, such as linseed oil, that’s valued for its sustainability and wear resistance. It’s often used in kitchens, hallways, and other high-foot-traffic areas. It’s rather low maintenance, needing periodical waxing to restore its sheen.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a luxurious and sustainable flooring option. Materials like marble, granite, and slate are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Albeit rather resistant, natural stone flooring does call for regular maintenance, such as a new coat of sealant every few years to prevent stains and moisture damage.
Laminate
Laminate is an affordable alternative to wood or stone, mimicking the look of such materials while boasting a low-maintenance cleaning routine and an easy installation process. It’s scratch-resistant, making it ideal for high foot traffic areas, but moisture sensitive meaning it must be cleaned with care.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly flooring option that’s similar to hardwood. It’s known for its sturdiness and insect resistance. Bamboo is also more moisture-resistant than other types of wood but needs similar maintenance paired with regular varnishing.
Epoxy
Epoxy is a hardened flooring that creates a smooth and resistant surface often used in garages, workshops, or commercial spaces. It’s low maintenance, stain- and chemical product-resistant, and needs few repairs. Upkeep includes regular cleaning and the occasional new epoxy layer if cracks start coating the surface.
Flooring Material-Specific Advantages and Disadvantages
To choose the right flooring material, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Here’s a rundown of the most common flooring options:
Material | Pros | Cons |
Hardwood | Aesthetic, durable, good insulator | Expensive, high maintenance, moisture sensitive |
Vinyl | Water-resistant, easy to install, affordable | Less durable than wood, may fade over time |
Ceramic tiles | Moisture-resistant, easy to clean | Cold, slip hazard, expensive to install |
Porcelain | Very resistant, low porosity, moisture- and wear-resistant | Expensive, fragile, cold underfoot |
Concrete | Very resistant, aesthetic, modern, low maintenance | Cold underfoot, may need underfloor heating, costly installation |
Loose-lay flooring | Affordable, easy to install, broad range of styles | Less durable, can’t be sanded |
Cork | Eco-friendly, thermal insulator | Scratch-prone, moisture sensitive |
Engineered wood | Wood-like look for a fraction of the cost | Less durable than hardwood |
Rubber | Shock absorber, ideal for playrooms/home gyms | Can be costly and less aesthetic in living/family rooms |
Carpeting | Comfortable, soundproofing | Hard to clean, collects dust and allergens |
Linoleum | Eco-friendly, sustainable, low maintenance | Moisture sensitive, limited design options |
Natural stone | Sustainable, timeless aesthetic | Expensive, cold underfoot, requires flooring-specific upkeep |
Laminate | Affordable, easy to install, mirrors different materials | Less durable than authentic materials, can’t be sanded |
Bamboo | Eco-friendly, wood-like | Moisture sensitive, prone to scratches |
Epoxy | Bacteria-resistant, low maintenance, durable | Expensive, requires upkeep to prevent scratches |
How Much Does It Cost to Lay New Flooring?

Renovating flooring is an investment, and the associated costs depend on the material chosen, square footage, and labour cost.
Some materials are naturally more expensive given their sustainability or aesthetic appeal. For example, hardwood and concrete are typically higher on the price scale, whereas vinyl and loose-lay flooring are more cost-effective options. Tile prices will differ, depending on whether it’s a low-end ceramic or a quality material like porcelain or natural stone. Below is a sneak peek at the average material and labour costs per square foot:
Material | Material Cost | Installation Cost |
Hardwood | - Traditional wood: $2–$15/sq. ft. | - $1–$5/sq. ft. for a soundproofing underlayment (mandatory in condos) |
Engineered wood | n/a | $3–$11/sq. ft. |
Bamboo | $4–$14/sq. ft. | n/a |
Cork | $2.50–$11/sq. ft. | $5–$10/sq. ft. |
Laminate | $1–$5/sq. ft. | $4–$7/sq. ft. |
Ceramic tiles | $2.50–$8.50/sq. ft. | $8–$32/sq. ft. |
Porcelain tiles | $1–$50/sq. ft. | $6–$20/sq. ft. |
Natural stones | $4.50+/sq. ft. | n/a |
Concrete | $11–$15.50/sq. ft. (including installation) | n/a |
Vinyl | - Tiles: Up to $25/sq. ft. | $0.60/sq. ft. |
Linoleum | - Rolls: $2.50–$6/sq. ft. | - Rolls: $17/sq. ft. |
Carpeting | - $3.50–$6/sq. ft. | - $0.60–$1/sq. ft. |
Rubber | $2.50–$14.50/sq. ft. | n/a |
Loose-lay | - $2–$12/sq. ft. | - $1–$4/sq. ft. |
Epoxy | $3–$12/sq. ft. | n/a |
The pricing listed above is for information purposes only and is likely to change based on project complexity, especially if additional preparation steps are necessary like removing old flooring or prepping the subflooring.
To learn more about cost-affecting factors and other fees, check out our Flooring Financial Guide: How Much Should You Budget?
How to Care and Maintain Flooring

Flooring care and upkeep are crucial to ensure material longevity and aesthetic appeal. Depending on the selected floor covering, maintenance routines are likely to vary in terms of regularity and complexity.
Flooring Material Lifetime and Maintenance Tips
Flooring maintenance regularity mainly depends on the material itself and foot traffic. Flooring-specific maintenance can prolong the material’s lifetime, no matter the type of flooring.
Every material has a unique lifespan, and the latter can affect when you should consider renovating or replacing:
Flooring | Maintenance Routine | Maintenance Regularity | Lifespan |
Hardwood | Vacuum or sweep regularly. Use little water when mopping. Varnish every 7–10 years, depending on wear | Clean weekly and sand every 3–5 years | 20–100 years, depending on upkeep |
Vinyl | Clean regularly using a damp mop. Use non-abrasive products to preserve the surface | Clen regularly with a damp mop. Check the seams periodically | 10–20 years |
Ceramic tiles | Clean tiles with hot water and gentle soap. Apply a sealant along the grout joints every 1–2 years to extend durability | Clean weekly, clean joints every 6–12 months | 20–50 years, depending on quality |
Porcelain | Clean regularly with hot water and gentle soap. In-depth grout joint cleaning every 6–12 months, and apply a joint sealer in moisture-prone areas | Weekly cleaning with frequent joint touch-ups where needed (yearly caulking recommended in bathrooms) | 50 years or more |
Concrete | Clean with a damp rag and gentle product. Apply a sealer to prevent stains | Regular cleaning paired with a sealant application every 2–3 years | 50 years or more with decent upkeep |
Loose-lay flooring | Clean and sweep regularly with flooring-specific products. Avoid excessive water use to prevent swelling | Clean with flooring-specific products | 15–30 years |
Cork | Clean regularly with a slightly damp mop | Clean regularly, apply a new finish every 5–7 years | 15–25 years |
Engineered wood | Clean regularly with a dry or slightly damp mop. Apply a new coat of varnish every 10–15 years, depending wear | Clean regularly, touch-ups every 10–15 years | 20–30 years |
Rubber | Sweep or vacuum regularly. Clean with soapy water and gentle product. | Clean weekly or based on foot traffic | 20 years or more |
Carpeting | Vacuum regularly to remove dust. Steam cleaning is recommended every year in high foot traffic areas | Vacuum regularly, steam clean once yearly | 5–15 years |
Linoleum | Clean weekly with damp mop. Wax every 1–2 years to restore sheen and protect surface. | Weekly cleaning, wax every 1–2 years | 20–40 years |
Natural stone | Clean regular with gentle, non-abrasive product. Seal every 2–3 years to prevent stains and moisture damage | Clean regularly and reseal every 2–3 years | 50 years or more |
Laminate | Clean with a slightly damp or dry mop. Avoid using lots of water when cleaning to prevent swelling | Weekly or depending on foot traffic | 10–20 years |
Bamboo | Sweep regularly and clean with a damp mop. Varnish every 10–15 years, depending on wear | Clean weekly, varnish every 10–15 years | 20–25 years |
Epoxy | Clean regularly with damp mop or rag. Regularly check for cracks and apply a new coat of epoxy or sealer when needed | Clean weekly, repair when needed | 30–50 years |
Common Repairs and Preventative Maintenance
Every type of flooring has specific needs in terms of repairs:
Wood floors may need more repairs, such as replacing damaged boards or sanding down scratches.
Vinyl can be repaired by replacing damaged tiles or sections.
Ceramic tile joints may need to be repaired or individual tiles replaced if cracked.
Preventative maintenance includes regularly applying a sealant over materials like concrete, ceramic tiles, and wood, as well as laying protective carpeting in high foot traffic areas to prevent premature wearing.
Telltale Signs of Wear
Some signs of wear may indicate that your flooring is in dire need of repair or proper maintenance:
Deeply scratched or bumpy wood flooring
Cracked or missing ceramic tiles
Lifting or peeling loose-lay floorboards
Stained and fading concrete or vinyl flooring
How to Repair Minor Damage
Minor floor damage can often be repaired without replacing the entire flooring. Below are some flooring-specific repair tips:
For hardwood floors, minor scratches can be varnished or filled in with wax pencils.
Damaged loose-lay floorboards can be easily replaced.
Minor vinyl flooring damage can be concealed with a sealant or adhesive.
Damaged ceramic floor tiles can be replaced or cracked tiles can be filled in with mastic.
These quick fixes can prevent costly renovations.
When Should You Replace Your Flooring?

Replacing your flooring is an important step to preserve your home’s aesthetic appeal and durability. Some factors will point you toward a much-needed flooring replacement.
When Is the Best Time to Replace Flooring?
The best time to replace flooring is when wear becomes apparent or when you’re looking to modernize a space. If the flooring shows significant signs of deterioration, such as cracks, harsh stains, or loose floorboards, then the time has definitely come, and renovation work should be a priority.
Renovation-Determining Factors
Several factors come into play when determining whether to replace flooring:
Flooring’s age: Well-maintained wood or loose-lay flooring can last decades, whereas vinyl and ceramic tiles are likely to need replacing after 10–20 years.
Visible wear: If signs of wear, such as cracks, stains, or scratches, become overwhelming, renovations become necessary.
Safety: Warping floors or tripping hazard flooring (like peeling tiles) must be replaced promptly to prevent accidents.
Making the Right Decisions for Sustainable and Suitable Flooring
Properly choosing and maintaining flooring is essential to ensure home comfort, durability, and aesthetics. By following our guide and considering the materials available, costs, and installation methods, you can find the ideal flooring option, one suited to your needs. There’s such a wide range of floor covering options available, designed for room-specific needs, whether it be the kitchen, bathroom, or basement. Don’t overlook signs of wear and act quickly to preserve the quality of your floors.
Below is a handful of articles about different flooring installation processes, maintenance, and renovation practices:
Installing and Maintaining a Bamboo Floor
Ash and Hardwood Flooring: Installation and Maintenance Tips
4 Maintenance Tips for Epoxy Floors
How to Master the Art of Floor Waxing
How to Lay Vinyl Tiles: Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Install a Floating Floor
How to Sand Hardwood Floors Using DIY Methods
How to Clean Laminate Floors Using White Vinegar
FAQ Floor Coverings
What is the best room-specific type of flooring?
Flooring choices depend on room-specific purposes. Below are some examples to guide you:
Kitchen: Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice due to their stain and water resistance. Vinyl is also a good option given that it’s easy to clean.
Check out: 15 Flooring Options Made for KitchensBathroom: Water-resistant flooring, such as vinyl and ceramic tiles, are must-haves. Such material is moisture-resistant and low maintenance.
Check out: The Best Types of Flooring for Your BathroomBasement: Concrete and vinyl are often recommended for basements given their moisture and mould resistance.
Check out: Best Flooring for Basements: Our Top 5 OptionsBedrooms: Hardwood or loose-lay flooring boasts comfort and warmth while creating a soothing setting.
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