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The Top Flooring Options | Buyer’s Guide for Different Flooring Types

Home renovation is always an exciting project. Especially if you take the hard work and elbow grease out of the equation. Outside of selling your property, this is also one of the best ways to spice things up in your home and adjust your living environment. On this page, we are going to break down all that you need to know about each of the top flooring options.

When Should I Replace Flooring?

There is no universal rule of thumb to reference while trying to determine when to replace your flooring. This depends on the type of flooring you need to be replaced, the quality of the materials which were used, the quality of the installation process, how you treated the flooring, and so on.

Typically, carpet needs to be replaced every 10 years or so. Harder surfaces such as wood, tile, and vinyl usually last at least 20 – 25 years. This all depends on your exact circumstances, though. To ensure that your new flooring lasts as long as you intend it to, make sure to purchase from a high-quality manufacturer and go through all the proper steps for maintenance.

Best Flooring Supplier in Saskatchewan, Canada

Those specifically looking for suppliers of vinyl in Saskatoon, top quality hardwood in Saskatoon, or simply to sift through the top-quality flooring options here in Saskatchewan should definitely check out the many options available at End of the Roll.

Already widely known in the area for their high-quality flooring, End of the Roll is currently celebrating their 33rd anniversary. Anybody who has been considering some new flooring for a little while finally has a great opportunity to get some good deals.

Top Flooring Options: Pros and Cons of the Different Flooring Types

There are many different great types of flooring that you can put into your house. Whether you simply want to know what types of floorings are available or help you narrow down which type of flooring you like the most, we are here to help. Here are the many top flooring options people usually purchase.

Hardwood

Hardwood is a very durable and high-quality flooring option to consider. Although a little pricier than some of the other options, hardwood can also increase the value of your home over time. Especially if you take care of the hardwood and keep it shiny and polished.

Pros

  • Can last well over 25 years if properly maintained.
  • Many different colors and styles.
  • Very attractive and durable.
  • Value can increase over time.

Cons

  • Easily scratched.
  • Water and termites can cause damage.
  • Not comfortable.
  • A little pricey.

Laminate

Laminate is one of the top options for people who want a hardwood-style look but don’t quite have the budget to work with. Made with pressed wood, laminate has many of the same aesthetic benefits of hardwood minus the extra cost.

Pros

  • Very easy to install.
  • Pretty durable.
  • Simple cleaning and maintenance.
  • Great for kids and pets.
  • Affordable price.

Cons

  • Cannot be refinished if heavily damaged.
  • A little more slippery than other options.
  • Doesn’t usually help increase home value.

Luxury Vinyl

Have you thought about getting a premium flooring material like stone, marble, hardwood, and so on, but didn’t quite have the budget? This is the main selling point of luxury vinyl. With a built-in texture that emulates various natural materials like this in photo-quality, this is a great option to consider.

Pros

  • Simulates natural materials like wood or stone.
  • More realistic looking than traditional vinyl.
  • Often mistaken for the natural material it simulates.
  • More affordable than purchasing natural materials.
  • Thicker than traditional vinyl.

Cons

  • More expensive than standard vinyl
  • Not as durable as the materials it simulates.

Vinyl

Just like luxury vinyl, traditional vinyl is designed to be an affordable flooring option that simulates the look and texture of natural materials like stone and hardwood.

Pros

  • A reasonably-priced alternative to premium natural flooring materials.
  • Looks a lot like the material it is emulating.
  • Generally very easy to install and maintain.

Cons

  • Not quite as real-looking as luxury vinyl.
  • Thinner design than luxury vinyl.
  • More prone to damage than luxury vinyl.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the top choices you probably already had in mind while thinking of the top flooring options. Carpet is very attractive, comfortable to walk on, and stays warm indoors during a cold Canadian winter.

Pros

  • Attractive flooring with many styles and colors.
  • Conceals flaws in the flooring underneath.
  • Provides a homey feeling to the room.
  • Comfortable to sit and walk on.
  • Works great as a thermal insulator.
  • Stays warm in cold temperatures.

Cons

  • Easily collects dirt and rocks.
  • Not always affordable.
  • Very difficult to clean when dirty.

Area Rugs

Area rugs are a great way to add in carpet-like flooring to rooms without making a full-commitment on one style of flooring. They can easily be placed on top of hard surfaces, moved around, and cleaned without working up a sweat. Area rugs come in many different sizes, shapes, and styles and are often very affordable.

Pros

  • Very easy to clean and maintain.
  • Can be moved around easily.
  • The best alternative to traditional carpet.
  • Very affordable flooring choice.
  • Often used instead of carpet.

Cons

  • Certain brands are really expensive
  • Colors can often fade pretty easily.

Tile

When done right, tile flooring is just as stylish and attractive as just about any other type of flooring. For this reason, tile isn’t always the most affordable flooring option. If you want to add a unique flavor to your bathroom, as an example, you would be hard-pressed to find something much better than what tile flooring can offer.

Pros

  • Very stylish and attractive.
  • Many different patterns and styles to consider.
  • Very moisture resistant.
  • Hard and uncomfortable for standing or sitting.
  • Great for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Cons

  • Sometimes cold to walk on barefoot.
  • Not usually that affordable.
  • Caulk easily becomes dirty and corroded.
  • Difficult to install and maintain.

Cork

Cork has a very unique look and feel to it. It is a great flooring option for people who want a resemblance of hardwood minus the extra price tag. Although there are some downsides to using cork flooring, it also has its fair share of perks.

Pros

  • Holds up well with foot traffic.
  • Has a bouncy feeling when stepped on.
  • Can be used as a soundproof.
  • Resistant to water and scratches.
  • Antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and recyclable.

Cons

  • Color fades with light exposure.
  • The coating must be maintained well.
  • Furniture can create permanent indents.

Major Points & Summary

Since there are many top flooring options, it’s important that you know what kind of style, theme, and budget constraints you are working with. Certain flooring types are more durable than others, more attractive, more expensive, and so on. This is why it’s important to do your homework!