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CERAMIC or PORCELAIN TILE
Selecting ceramic or porcelain tile for your flooring needs is a discerning choice that offers both timeless elegance and practical durability. Tile has consistently been the preferred option for bathrooms, and its appeal extends seamlessly to everyday dining areas, kitchens, hallways, entryways, mudrooms, and laundry rooms.
The versatility of tile is unparalleled when it comes to colour and overall style options. From intricate mosaics to expansive floor tiles, including the popular 'wood look' tile that effortlessly combines the aesthetic of hardwood with the resilience of ceramic, the range is extensive.
Notably, porcelain and glazed ceramic tile stand out as the most resilient flooring options, demanding minimal maintenance. For longevity, it's advisable to periodically seal the grout on floor tiles to prevent staining, particularly in rental properties that require ongoing upkeep.
While tile offers a wide spectrum of pricing options, it's essential to acknowledge that its installation can be labor-intensive. Proper subflooring, along with a cement board or tile backer base, is imperative. For larger or more complex tile projects, it is advisable to engage the expertise of a professional tile installer. However, smaller, straightforward jobs can be accomplished by builders with some tile installation experience.
Considering tile's inherent hardness and potential for coolness underfoot, caution should be exercised when incorporating it into living areas like living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms, and formal dining rooms. However, in certain markets, tile is a fitting choice for these spaces. Additionally, when selecting tile for wet areas such as bathrooms, entryways, and mudrooms, prioritizing non-slip options is crucial for safety.
HARDWOOD
Hardwood flooring stands out as an aesthetically superior choice, often considered the epitome of elegance among flooring options. It remains a perennial favourite with both home buyers and renters, lending a timeless charm to various living spaces, including living areas, kitchens, and dining rooms. However, hardwood is not well-suited for rooms prone to moisture or heavy traffic, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms.
Modern hardwood flooring is available in both unfinished and prefinished varieties, as well as in solid and engineered forms. Solid hardwood comprises 3/4-inch-thick tongue-and-groove planks, typically fastened to a wood subfloor, although gluing to concrete is also an option. Unfinished solid hardwood is sanded and finished on-site after installation, while prefinished hardwood requires no additional finishing on-site.
Engineered hardwood, resembling plywood with a solid-hardwood top layer, offers flexibility in installation. It can be conventionally nailed or glued down, and there are click-together engineered hardwood planks suitable for 'floating floor' installation, providing a quick and efficient option.
Installation of hardwood is generally swift and within the capabilities of most builders, although glue-down installation requires more precision than nail-down. Engineered floating floor installation is recognized as the easiest and fastest method. It's important to note that solid hardwood is not recommended for sub-grade basements due to moisture concerns; however, some manufacturers of engineered hardwood offer guarantees for basement installations.
Despite its timeless appeal, hardwood does have drawbacks, notably in cost and maintenance. All hardwood must be finished, typically with polyurethane or a similar clear-coat, providing moderate moisture resistance but susceptible to scratching and wear without proper upkeep. Consequently, hardwood may not be the most practical choice for many rental properties.
LAMINATE
Laminate flooring serves as a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, featuring a composition of wood pulp and resin that remarkably replicates the appearance of real wood, though astute buyers may discern the difference. This versatile flooring material adeptly emulates a wide range of hardwood styles, encompassing traditional favorites like maple and cherry, as well as unique selections like wide-plank pine and reclaimed barn wood.
Constructed with an MDF (medium density fiberboard) core and adorned with a photo layer for aesthetics, laminate flooring is capped with a durable polymer finish. The majority of laminate types are designed for quick and straightforward click-together floating-floor installation. While it is possible to glue laminate down, such an approach is seldom necessary or recommended.
Unlike its hardwood counterpart, laminate flooring lacks the ability to undergo refinishing when its finish wears or sustains damage, and it is inherently resistant to repairs. The robust finish of laminate provides substantial resistance to moisture and stains. However, it's crucial to note that the joints between planks are susceptible to moisture; prolonged exposure can result in swelling and chipping. While laminate is an excellent choice for achieving a hardwood aesthetic in living areas (excluding bathrooms), it's particularly well-suited for low- to mid-priced properties.
CARPET and CARPET TILE
Carpet needs no introduction or explanation. It is an attractive option for many builders because it comes in so many colors and styles, it installs quickly, and it looks great when it's new. Carpet is also warm, soft, and quiet, which is why it's preferred by many homeowners for bedrooms and living and family rooms. Carpet's quiet also makes it a great choice for upper-level rooms in multistory homes.
Capet should never be used in bathrooms or kitchens, where it is quickly ruined by frequent moisture, spills, and stains and is generally unsanitary. When choosing carpet for a home for sale, consider the color and style carefully. The color should be neutral and appropriate for the house, and the weave and material should be suitable for versatile use. Carpet can be a good option for rental properties because it can be professionally cleaned, but it's also prone to permanent damage from stains and pets.
VINYL and LINOLEUM
Vinyl and linoleum are different materials but are similar types of "resilient" flooring. Both come in easy-to-install tiles, planks, and sheet forms. They are highly durable and moisture-resistant and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Vinyl and linoleum are good options for hard-working and high-traffic areas, including kitchens, dining areas, mudrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and bathrooms.
The main difference between vinyl and linoleum is their materials. Vinyl is plastic, usually PVC, acrylic, and similar polymers. Linoleum is made with natural materials, primarily jute, cork, and linseed oil. Vinyl generally offers more style options and a wider price and quality range, from very low-end to premium. Linoleum comes in vibrant colors and is mid- to high-end; there are no budget versions of linoleum.
Because it's made with natural materials, linoleum can be an attractive alternative to vinyl for builders and buyers who prize environmentally friendly or natural products.
