Shopping for flooring in Toronto? With so many options, making the right choice can get confusing, as each type of flooring has its benefits and drawbacks.
Among these, natural wood flooring is one of the oldest and most popular options thanks to the authentic and warm appeal it adds to any space, as well as its durability.
If you are a Toronto resident looking for new flooring, it is a good idea to consider all your options to make the best choice for your home.
To that end, AA Floors offers this guide to help you compare popular natural wood flooring alternatives so that you can make the best choice for your needs and budget.
Let’s get started.
Natural Wood Flooring vs. Alternatives for Your Toronto Home
Before you start shopping for any type of flooring, always consider your budget and needs. Which type will best suit your needs?
1. Natural Wood Flooring
Natural wood flooring is a classic and durable choice for Toronto homes. If you are planning to install hardwood flooring in your Toronto home, consider the area of installation, your budget, and your lifestyle needs. Also, don’t forget to check out stylish decorating ideas to enhance your natural wood flooring. Here is what to expect.
Pros:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Natural wood flooring exudes elegance and classic charm that is widely loved and appreciated.
- Durable Flooring: As a homeowner, the durability of your floors is non-negotiable, so it’s good news that natural wood flooring is a top choice in this respect. Plus, with proper maintenance, it can last for decades.
- Improves ROI: If you are looking to improve the ROI of your property, natural wood flooring is definitely the best choice.
Cons:
- Cost: If you are looking for budget-friendly flooring in Toronto, wood flooring is not your best choice. Plus, the bigger the area of installation, the higher your cost. Be sure to include all costs in the final price, including installation and accessories such as moulding. Make sure to understand your budget properly before making your final choice.
- High Maintenance: While wood flooring is durable, it cannot be installed in high-moisture spaces like bathrooms or kitchens as it is not water-resistant. Also, it requires periodic maintenance.
2. Laminate Flooring
If you are looking at wood flooring alternatives, laminate flooring is definitely one to consider. While it looks like wood, it is not as expensive. This synthetic flooring is a great budget choice for Toronto homeowners.
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly: Laminate flooring looks like natural wood but is more affordable.
- Versatile: It is available in a variety of choices and designs, so there is something for everyone.
- Easy Installation: If you are capable of installing your own floor, you can do that easily with laminate’s click-lock system. However, it is a good idea to check out our flooring services for flawless installation.
Cons:
- Durability: While laminate flooring is durable, it is not suitable for high-moisture areas of your home. Plus, when damaged, it cannot be refinished; instead, it needs to be replaced.
- Adds No Value: Unlike natural wood flooring, laminate does not add to your property’s resale value.
3. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a well-loved choice among homeowners in Toronto as elsewhere because of its durability and affordability. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Pros:
- Waterproof: Vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof and can be installed in wet areas of your home with ease.
- Budget-Friendly: Vinyl flooring is quite an affordable option and is a great choice for a tight budget.
- Mimics Hardwood: Vinyl flooring is versatile and can mimic any natural flooring option with ease, including wood. Toronto homeowners looking for a wood flooring alternative can definitely give this a try.
Cons:
- Not Repairable: Vinyl flooring, like all flooring, will get damaged over time. But, unlike wood flooring, it cannot be repaired or refinished; it needs to be replaced.
- No ROI: If you are looking for flooring that will add value to your home, vinyl flooring is not the best choice.
4. Engineered Flooring
If you want hardwood flooring with better stability against moisture, then consider engineered flooring. Constructed using multiple layers of wood veneer and plywood, it combines aesthetics and stability, giving you the best of both worlds. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Pros:
- Stability: Engineered wood is less likely than solid wood to expand and contract due to variations in temperature and humidity.
- Aesthetic: Engineered wood has a warm, genuine appearance similar to that of natural wood.
- Easy Installation: Engineered wood offers a variety of installation options, including floating floors and glued-down construction. But it is always best to hire professionals for the best results.
Cons:
- Limited Refinishing: Similar to laminate, engineered wood can only be refinished a finite number of times because of its thin hardwood layer.
- Quality: Engineered wood products come in a variety of qualities, with some having a thicker hardwood layer and being more durable than others.
When selecting flooring for your Toronto home, it is important to strike a balance between aesthetics, durability, upkeep, and cost. Your choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the particular requirements of each room. We hope that with the help of this guide, you will be prepared to make a choice that fits your preferences in terms of style and functionality. Get in touch with us if you need any help.
AA Floors & More Ltd.
524 Evans Ave Etobicoke ON M8W 2V4
TELEPHONE : (416) 201-9611
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