Flooring Products

How to choose the right flooring product

To ensure that you choose the right flooring product for the right application, consider your household needs, the function and needs of the room, and the benefits and considerations for each product. A little extra time and forethought now will ensure that you are happy with your new floors for years to come!

The following is a guideline to help you consider all the relevant questions prior to choosing your flooring product. We have also included information on some of the more environmentally friendly floors that are available. PC Flooring strives to ensure that we do not carry any products that are endangered or particularly damaging to the environment. If you have any further concerns regarding environmentally friendly floors, be sure to contact your PC Flooring Professional.

Your household flooring needs

  • Do you have pets?
  • Do you have young children?
  • What is your budget?
  • How long do you expect the flooring to last?
  • Are cleaning and maintenance schedules a factor in your decision?
  • Does anyone in your home have allergies?

The flooring needs of the room

  • What type of room are you flooring?
  • Is the room above or below ground level? Basements are especially susceptible to ground moisture. Both grade level and below-grade level floors have potential moisture concerns that need to be addressed.
  • Are you going to install over existing flooring?
  • Do you have under floor radiant heating?
  • How much traffic will this room see each day?
  • Is the level of sound a consideration?
  • What is the size of the room?
  • How much sunlight does the room receive?
  • Does this room have direct outside access?
  • Is the slab or subfloor suitable for the type of product you want?

Colour and décor

  • Will the new floor have continuity with the other flooring in your home? Bear in mind that transitions will need to be installed between different types of flooring. Will each colour and material chosen look cohesive between different rooms?
  • Will you have to redecorate the whole room to match the new floor? What colours match the existing room décor? Colour is a major consideration in floor selection. Light surfaces reflect a lot of light, while darker surfaces reflect very little light and require more light sources.
  • A room furnished in a light colour scheme often feels larger than a darker room. Dark-coloured flooring can make a larger room feel cozy and intimate.
  • Neutral shades provide an unbiased backdrop and will allow you to use bold colours for furnishings and accents that can be changed to keep your décor updated for years to come.

Care and cost of your new floor

  • What care will be involved in maintaining your new floor? Will it be easy to keep clean?
  • What is the cost of your new floor and how long will it last? Compare how long different types of flooring usually last. For example, if trying to decide between hardwood and laminate, remember that some hardwood can be refinished but laminate cannot. When choosing carpet, remember that the installation cost will be the same for a middle-grade carpet as it would to have some of the best quality carpet installed. Evaluate the short-term cost savings versus the quality and lifetime of the product you choose.
  • Are you planning to install the flooring yourself? If so, are you able to recognize and repair inadequate subflooring and underlayment? What is the amount of preparation required? Are you able to remove and dispose of old flooring materials? Remember that some old resilient floors contain asbestos and require removal by a professional. If you decide not to install it yourself, remember that PC Flooring has professional installers that will make certain your new floors adhere to the manufacturer's specifications, ensuring that all requirements are met to satisfy the manufacturer's warranty.

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Kitchen floors

Factors to consider

  • Kitchen floors are often subject to high traffic and dirt from outside entry doors.
  • Spills are common, so kitchen floors must be easy to clean.
  • Non-slip flooring may be preferred for safety purposes.

Suggested flooring options

  • Vinyl is a good choice for kitchen floors. In the event of a dropped glass or dish, a resilient floor such as vinyl has more bounce and may prevent breakage, although cuts to the vinyl are possible. Deeply textured patterns may be harder to clean.
  • Ceramic tile is a great alternative because of its durability. However, ceramic tile has a hard surface, which may break or crack if something is dropped onto it. It's always a good idea to save a few extra ceramic tiles, just in case!
  • Laminate and hardwood are also great kitchen flooring alternatives.

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Living room floors

Factors to consider

  • Living rooms often serve as the focal point in most homes.
  • Function varies from family room to formal receiving room.
  • Your living room flooring should reflect your room's function and décor.

Suggested flooring options

  • Carpet offers fibre, colour, and style options that accommodate informal or formal use.
  • Hardwood and laminate also provide attractive and durable options.

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Bedroom floors

Factors to consider

  • Bedroom floors are usually overshadowed by the bed and coordinating fabrics.
  • Traffic is less of a problem, so stains and wear are often minimal.

Suggested flooring options

  • Carpet is traditionally used in bedrooms.
  • Hardwood and laminate are good alternatives.
  • Consider a neutral flooring that will adapt to frequent décor changes.

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Hallway and stair floors

Factors to consider

  • Steady traffic brings dirt and moisture.
  • Stains and wear are often more visible.
  • Sturdy materials will provide longer wear.

Suggested flooring options

  • Inlaid patterns of wood, laminate, or ceramic tile can be dramatic while still easy to maintain and can stand up to the additional traffic.
  • Entry halls and foyers are the first part of your home your guests will see, so a bold statement makes a big impact!

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I have chosen my floor covering. Now what?

A consultation with your PC Flooring Professional is all you need. After you decide how much or how little you want to do yourself, we can take over from there.

Before all work begins, your furnishings and contents will need to be removed from the room. PC Flooring is happy to offer this service and can include this in your quote. We can even store your contents off-site for larger jobs. Should you prefer to remove the contents on your own, we can provide boxes and packing materials, if required.

If you have chosen a wood or laminate floor, we can reduce the amount of dust created in your home during installation using plastic coverings. Once your new floor is installed, we can also reset your contents. A final clean can also be included to ensure your first look at your new floor will take your breath away!

Before you make your purchase, remember that each type of flooring requires the proper substrate (underlying layer) to work. Therefore, some floors are not recommended for all areas of your home. Again, your PC Flooring Professional can answer any specific questions you may have and can tell you if the floor you like will work in the room you have in mind.

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