Buying guide: 11 flooring options

An increasingly diverse range of flooring materials is available these days. To help you sort through the options, here's the lowdown on some of the most common products you'll find.

1 Vinyl
Pros
• Huge selection of styles and colours. Available in tiles or sheets.
• Low price, low maintenance. Double-thick vinyl is ideal for damp areas like bathrooms. Tiles are easy to DIY if the subfloor is level.
Cons
• Vulnerable to scratches, tears, stains and wear.
Cost: $2 to $9/sq. ft.

2 Linoleum
Pros
• Huge selection of styles and colours. Available in tiles or sheets.
• Natural, biodegradable and hypoallergenic, composed of flax and natural resin. Does not trap dust or bacteria, which helps air quality. Low maintenance, durable and mildew-resistant.
Cons
• Does not suit all decors.
Cost: $6 to $13/sq. ft.

3 Ceramic tiles
Pros
• Huge selection of colours, styles and sizes.
• Can easily be coordinated with tile backsplash.
Cons
• Can cause discomfort to legs and back after prolonged standing.
• Not all tiles are equally wear-resistant; high-traffic areas like kitchens call for stronger ceramic. Can crack or chip. Needs a level subfloor.
Cost: $5 to $20/sq. ft.

4 Porcelain tiles
Pros
• The look of stone, for less! Huge selection of colours and designs.
• Stronger than ceramic; durable and low maintenance.
Cons
• Can cause discomfort to legs and back after prolonged standing.
Cost: $6 to $14/sq. ft.

5 Laminate
Pros
• Great selection of styles and colours. Looks like wood, stone, ceramic.
• Resists stains, scratches, dents, even cigarette burns. Relatively easy to DIY, often directly on top of existing floor.
• Click-into-place styles can simply be dismantled and taken with you when you move. Good-quality laminate can last up to 25 years.
Cons
• Not recommended for bathrooms or other damp areas. Must be replaced when worn.
Cost: $4 to $10/sq. ft

6 Hardwood
Pros
• Oak and maple are the most popular. New : pre-oiled exotic woods, now available with semi-gloss and gloss finishes.
• Creates a warm, natural atmosphere. Never goes out of fashion. More comfortable for legs and back than harder surfaces. Durable if properly sealed. With oiled floors, a sanding and a coat of mineral oil will hide scratches. Look for longer boards to avoid a patchwork effect.
Cons
• Requires resealing every few years, but floorboards with a factory-sealed finish can be extremely resistant if they're good quality. Dirt can accumulate in too-wide joints between boards.

Cost: $6 to $15/sq. ft.

7 Engineered wood
Pros
• An alternative to hardwood and laminate, it is also a more versatile option.
• Produced by adhering sheets of real wood to a composite surface. Does not expand or contract with temperature changes. Sold prefinished. Can be glued or clicked into place directly over concrete or an acoustic underlay.
Cons
• Less durable than hardwood. Cannot be sanded more than twice.
Cost: $7 to $20/sq. ft.

8 Bamboo
Pros
• Gives decor an exotic accent. Beautiful blond tone with natural striations. Carbonization process deepens grain and colour. Some natural shades available.
• Environmentally friendly: Bamboo is a renewable, rapid-growth plant. Harder and more resistant to dampness than wood, making it particularly suitable for the kitchen and basement.
Cons
• Relatively limited selection of shades.
Cost: $7 to $10/sq. ft.

9 Cork
Pros
• Available in either tiles or interlocking planks to make a floating floor. Good selection of colours and styles, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind design.
• Warm and cushiony on bare feet. Hypoallergenic and mildew- and dent-resistant, making it suitable even for bathrooms. As durable as wood, but an extra application of sealer is recommended in damp rooms.
Cons
• Does not go well with all decors. Less popular than wood.
Cost: $7 to $16/sq. ft.

10 Natural stone
Pros
• Slate, marble, limestone and sandstone are popular choices.
• Slab marble and limestone are not especially hard-wearing, but tumbled (travertine) marble is highly durable.
Cons
• Can cause leg and back discomfort after prolonged standing. Because it is a natural material, stone can contain imperfections (texture, colour, veining).
• Needs regular sealing.
Cost: $10 to $30/sq. ft.

11 Concrete
Pros
• Provides the industrial look that's increasingly popular.
• Perfect for lofts. Good selection of colours and finishes.
Cons
• Can cause leg and back discomfort after prolonged standing. Surface receiving the concrete must be properly prepared.
• Needs yearly resealing.
Cost: About $13/sq. ft.

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