Navigate the world of hard surface flooring like a pro with this all-inclusive guide to selecting hard surface products. Determine which material is right for you, read about our top performing brands, and learn all you need to know about Hardwood, Tile, Laminate, Vinyl and alternative materials.
2. hard surface
At Flooring Canada, we understand
the importance of choice. Which Material
Our wide selection of hard surface materials gives is Right for You?
you choices you won’t find anywhere else. Flooring
Canada offers style, performance, and value in trusted At Flooring Canada, we are dedicated to keeping
brands like Armstrong® Hampton™ Collection, Bedford you ahead of flooring fashion trends with long-lasting,
Mills™, Downs®, Floorcraft™, Naturcor™, and Design cutting-edge styles and time-proven classics, in
Distinctions™. 17,432 durable flooring choices.
Knowing the types of hard surfaces available and the With so many materials and designs available, you
characteristics of each will help you make the best are sure to find the right product for the way you live.
choice when selecting flooring to suit your home, And to help your selection, we’ve created this guide
lifestyle, and budget. Flooring Canada has the flooring to hard surface flooring choices. Read on to better
you need and the selection you deserve. understand each product category and its attributes,
along with factors to consider before purchasing your
new floor.
We look forward to helping you find the perfect floor
to turn your decorating dreams into reality!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
factors to consider............................................... 2
Flooring Canada brands ...................................... 3-5
PRODUCT
hardwood ............................................................ 6-7
ceramic and porcelain ......................................... 8-9
laminate............................................................... 10-11
vinyl ..................................................................... 12-13
alternative materials ............................................. 14-15
REFERENCE
at a glance........................................................... 16-17
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3. brands
Factors
to Consider Our vast floor-covering selection comes from a
DESIGN unique family of products, many available exclusively
What is your design aspiration? Before you at Flooring Canada. Each product is backed by some
choose a new floor, consider if your goal is
of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.
sleek and contemporary, cozy and rustic,
traditional, or totally eclectic. Flooring
To simplify your selection process, we’ve included
Canada sales professionals are trained in
design to help you achieve your desired an introduction to our best-selling brands. With this
look. Be sure to ask about our Confidence guide, you will better understand which brands aim
Plus 60-Day Replacement Warranty to
give you decorating assurance.
to fulfill high-performance needs, which focus on high
style, and which provide the perfect balance between
COLOUR performance, style, and price.
Today, flooring of all materials is available
in virtually every colour imaginable.
Colour sets a tone and creates a mood.
Whether you’re bold and adventurous or
committed to neutral, we can help you
find the perfect floor. We offer hundreds
of finishes, styles, and materials to
complement your décor and create the
exact ambiance you’ve been dreaming
of. Bedford Mills™ floors are meticulously constructed of the most
exquisite materials by the most skilled hands. The epitome of style,
LIFESTYLE & PERFORMANCE design, elegance, and performance, Bedford Mills™ sets a new
Today’s floors are manufactured with pinnacle for the latest looks in luxurious hard-surface flooring. It’s
easy care in mind, but you will want to the floor you were meant to own.
make your flooring selection based on
the activity level your new floor will be
asked to withstand. Busy homes with
kids and pets demand high-performance
floors. Some floors are engineered for
extra cushion underfoot to ease stress on Visionary designers from the trend-setting studios of Design
knees, back, feet, and joints. Ask about Distinctions™ passionately gather the boldest colours, the most
our Five Star Selection System to help you contemporary patterns, and the most inspiring textures to create a
choose the floor that best fits your lifestyle. unique collection of definitive flooring products. Individuals seeking
to indulge their personal style and revel in self-expression will enjoy
AREAS OF APPLICATION the unique product options presented in this stunningly creative
Many exciting, new flooring products collection. Design Distinctions™ – The Ultimate In Expressive Design.
are extending beyond the floor onto
countertops, backsplashes, shower walls,
balconies, patios, and more. Discuss
with your sales professional where your
purchase will be installed: indoors or
outdoors; above, below, or on grade; or
in a location where moisture may be a
concern.
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4. brands
Downs® has filled homes with quality flooring for more than four The Home Craft™ hard-surface collection highlights attractive and
generations. One of the oldest and most respected names in the affordable products suitable for long-wearing performance in every
industry, Downs® has become synonymous with superbly room. Home Craft™ makes flooring with the needs of the new-home
constructed, elegant, and unique styled floors since 1865. And buyer in mind, offering a Never-Miss-A-Closing guarantee.
today, that Downs® heritage of quality, integrity, and unsurpassed
luxury is carried on with floors for the active family who need it all
– unbeatable performance, extensive styling options, and the best
warranty package available. That’s why every single Downs® floor is
Five-Star rated as a premium performance floor.
The heart of Naturcor™ lies in its technologically advanced layered
construction, which makes it especially resilient and cushioned
underfoot. Naturcor’s unique Nature Surface System offers an
abundance of realistic wood and stone looks in a sheet product
that is so stunning, its beautiful natural designs are rivaled only by
In-demand styling suited to tastes from contemporary to traditional, its strength and durability. Highly warranted and high performing,
from lounge to lodge, and everything in between, Floorcraft™ Naturcor™ is a category unto itself.
flooring features only quality materials, crafted with pride to exacting
standards using the most innovative manufacturing techniques. It’s
the right choice for affordable styling and exceptional quality.
You trust Stainmaster® carpet for durability, style, and easy cleanup.
Now those same qualities can be found in Stainmaster® resilient
vinyl flooring. It’s the perfect choice for kitchens, baths, laundry
The rich, luxurious floors of the Armstrong® Hampton™ Collection rooms, mudrooms — anywhere you need the practicality of resilient
add value and comfort to your home, with radiant beauty that never and the lasting beauty of Stainmaster®.
goes out of style. This distinctive line of premier hardwood and
laminate is hand-selected and precision-built to ensure top
performance and splendid good looks for graceful living.
Hearth & Home™ floors represent real style and real value. Whether
you are starting out or starting over, Hearth & Home™ offers the
quality and durability consumers demand, reasonably priced to suit
every lifestyle and budget. Hearth & Home™ makes decorating on a
budget rewarding and beautiful.
4 5
5. hardwood
HARDWOOD Hardwood floors are always in style.
Their timeless elegance transcends trends in colour,
texture, plank width, and species for enduring beauty.
Design Considerations
Differences in appearance of hardwood result from different species
of wood and the different ways they are sawn. The species’ natural
colour and the stain applied to the wood create a spectrum of
colour options. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of styles and
surface textures to meet individual needs and tastes, whether rustic,
traditional, or contemporary. A smooth hardwood surface imparts
a sleek, sophisticated, and contemporary look; a hand-scraped
option provides a more rustic, casual look. Engineered hardwoods
are designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture
poses a problem for solid hardwood floors.
Why Hardwood?
PROS: Appearance improves with age; long-lasting, great
investment; can be refinished; easy care and maintenance; ideal for
allergy sufferers; increases the value of your home.
CONS: May scratch or dent; transition height to other floors may differ.
Where Can I Use Hardwood?
Hardwood is appropriate anywhere, with a few exceptions:
• Solid or engineered hardwood is not recommended for a full
Hardness Rating bathroom due to exposure to moisture but can be used in a half bath.
Ranked by Janka • Engineered hardwood is the only type of hardwood recommended
Br. Cherry for below-grade installation. Always check with your sales
HARDER
professional first.
Jarrah
Merbau
Hard Maple a Solid Hardwood Flooring
Bamboo (natural) a) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane
b coatings designed to protect the wood’s natural
Ash
HARD
wood beauty for years. Factory finishes containing
Red Oak
aluminum oxide offer the most protection against
scuffs and scratches.
Yellow Birch b) SOLID WOOD Solid hardwood, milled from lumber.
Am. Black Walnut
a Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Beech b a) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane
SOFTER
c coatings designed to protect the natural wood beauty
Cherry
for years. Factory finishes containing aluminum oxide
So. Yellow Pine offer the most protection against scuffs and scratches.
b) TOP LAYER A layer of hardwood veneer comprises the
The Janka hardness rating of wood is a relative measurement of its ‘show’ layer — what you see when the floor is installed.
resistance to impact, giving prospective flooring buyers a numerical
representation of the wood’s durability. Janka is very important for c) SUPPORTING LAYERS Layers of wood that are
matching flooring material to its intended use. Higher levels of foot assembled and glued in a cross-ply construction.
traffic, for example, would require a more durable species, i.e. one This structure is more stable and less susceptible to
with a higher Janka rating. shrinking and expanding than solid wood.
6 7
6. ceramic
CERAMIC & PORCELAIN Whether earthen
and rugged or cool high-gloss, tile is seen more than
ever on walls, countertops, backsplashes, and floors
in limitless fashion.
Design Considerations
COLOUR Ceramic and porcelain tile naturally varies in colour,
texture, and tone between individual tiles.
SHAPES AND TEXTURES Include subtle, tone-on-tone designs
that mimic fabric finishes like damask. Multiple listellos (narrow
borders) can be stacked horizontally to imitate stone, or vertically
to accentuate an arch or other architectural detail. Moulded,
three-dimensional tiles in small and larger formats create texture
and pattern when used with companion two-dimensional pieces
— especially dramatic in subtle white-on-white or gray-on-gray
installations.
Why Ceramic and Porcelain?
PROS: Long-lasting and low-maintenance, ceramic and porcelain
stand up to high traffic, making both a great investment; can
increase home value.
CONS: Hard, unforgiving surface may be perceived as ‘cold.’
Where Can I Use Ceramic and Porcelain?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are appropriate anywhere in the house,
indoors or out, at, below, or above grade level. Besides floors and
walls, additional uses are balconies, patios, backsplashes, and
countertops.
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7. laminate
LAMINATE Today’s laminate floors combine
exceptionally realistic good looks and carefree
maintenance. It’s an ideal flooring choice for
active households.
Design Considerations
Laminate has been called ‘the ultimate copycat.’ Its ultra-realistic
designs bring an affordable, natural look to any room. Laminate can
mimic ceramic, hardwood, or stonework. This multi-talented flooring
material also makes for visually pleasing area-to-area transitions.
Why Laminate?
PROS: Realistic designs; long-lasting; child/pet friendly;
hypoallergenic; easy-clean; highly resistant to dents, stains,
scratches, and abrasions.
CONS: Cannot be refinished; shorter life expectancy than natural
products; sensitive to moisture.
Where Can I Use Laminate?
Laminate can be used in any room of the house. Can be installed
above or below grade and over virtually any flooring surface. May not
be recommended for bathrooms due to excessive moisture exposure.
a Laminate Flooring
b a) WEAR LAYER A protective layer containing
aluminum oxide that protects the floor from stains,
c fading, and wear.
d b) IMAGE LAYER A high-quality photographic image of
wood, stone, or any graphic design.
c) INNER CORE Provides the floor’s structural strength
and stability. Made from high-density fiberboard (HDF).
d) BACKING LAYER Made with resin paper, it creates a
moisture barrier that protects the floor from warping.
10 11
8. vinyl
VINYL Remarkably resilient, vinyl has evolved! In
addition to gorgeous, nature-inspired patterns and
updated colours and textures, vinyl durably cushions
every step.
Design Considerations
Thanks to state-of-the-art print and embossing technology, vinyl can
imitate both the look and texture of natural materials like hardwood,
limestone, slate, ceramic, and porcelain. Available in a wide variety
of colours, styles, and sizes, vinyl is an easy and affordable way
to customize floors. Contemporary vinyl designs in white or light
colours provide the perfect counterpoint to the clean, sleek lines of
postmodern décor.
Why Vinyl?
PROS: Broadest range of colours and designs; great value for
the price; underfoot comfort and resilience; low maintenance.
CONS: Adds less value to your home than natural products;
easier to tear or gouge.
Where Can I Use Vinyl?
Vinyl can be used in any room: below, at, or above grade level.
a Vinyl Sheet Flooring
b a) TOP COAT Urethane or other top coat that makes the
product easy to clean and resist scratches and scuffs.
c b) CLEAR VINYL Adds durability and protects against
d rips, tears, and gouges.
c) PRINTED CUSHION An unlimited range of patterns
and designs.
d) FELT OR FIBERGLASS Felt bottom layer adheres
to the subfloor preventing contraction and expansion.
a Vinyl Tile Flooring
b a) PROTECTIVE WEAR LAYER Urethane and other
c high-performance wear layers make the product easy
to clean and resistant to scratches and scuffs.
d
b) PROTECTIVE CLEAR FILM LAYER Adds durability and
helps protect against rips, tears, and gouges.
c) PRINTED DESIGN LAYER Affords endless designs.
d) VINYL TILE BACKING Adds strength and durability.
a Naturcor™ Flooring
b a) SUPER GUARD Resists scuffs, scrapes and stains.
c Prevents accumulation of dirt and grime. Allows your floor to
What Makes Naturcor™ Unique? Naturcor™ has a highly resistant fiberglass d look new longer. Ensures easy cleaning and maintenance.
b) QUICK CLEAN WEAR LAYER Offers extra durability.
base, double encapsulated by PVC layers. Thanks to this revolutionary
e Provides protection against general wear, dents, cuts,
construction, your Naturcor™ floor has unmatched dimensional stability and scratches. Offers better definition of design and
colour. Ensures lasting luster and beauty.
eliminating conventional problems of contraction, expansion, curling, and
c) FOAM LAYER Allows additional indentation recovery, enhancing resiliency.
cracking, resulting in easy installation and better durability. Moreover, the unique d) FIBERGLASS Combines strength and flexibility to prevent contraction, expansion,
characteristics of PVC gives you higher underfoot comfort and unparalleled cracking, and curling.
e) COMFORT FOAM Luxurious cushioned vinyl backing supports the vinyl structure and
flexibility, combined with excellent resistance to everyday wear and tear.
offers a base for indentation resistance. Reduces noise and sound transmission. Guarantees
unmatched underfoot comfort and provides moisture and mildew resistance.
12 13
9. alternative materials
CORK Made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree,
cork is a naturally moisture-resistant material. A
renewable and sustainable resource, cork answers the
demand for conservation and use of ‘green’ materials.
Design Considerations
Cork warms and enriches any interior, blending well with other
furnishings and decorations. Natural colour variations create tonal
designs ranging from yellow gold to nut brown.
Why Cork?
PROS: Renewable and sustainable; resilient to pressure and
impact; provides good insulation; more accommodating to pets’
claws than many other natural wood options; hypoallergenic, anti-
static; absorbs noise; highly durable; naturally shock-absorbing.
CONS: Colour change can occur after prolonged exposure to light.
Where Can I Use Cork?
Cork can be widely applied in residential and commercial settings.
The glueless joint system of floating planks permits fast and efficient
installation on any flat surface at all grade levels.
BAMBOO Bamboo is an extremely versatile,
a Cork Flooring environmentally-friendly flooring product that’s increasing
b a) PROTECTIVE FINISH
c b) CORK WEAR LAYER
in popularity. Amazingly durable and long-lasting, bamboo
d c) CORK CORE Flexible and insulating core for better is a form of grass that’s actually harder than hardwood.
walking and standing comfort.
e
d) HIGH DENSITY FIBERBOARD (HDF) The core layer Design Considerations
with connecting system.
Stylish and practical, bamboo is offered in a variety of looks
e) CORK UNDERLAYMENT For warmth and silence.
depending on how it’s manufactured. Horizontal or vertical bamboo
a, b, c, d, e) EDGE SEALANT Paraffin-based, all-around refers to the way the individual slats are laminated together. The
edge-sealing system to protect against moisture.
look varies considerably for each. With horizontal, the pieces are
a Bamboo Flooring Horizontal arranged side-by-side then laminated flatwise; with vertical, the
b slats are laminated standing upright and on edge. Bamboo is now
a) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane
c coatings designed to protect the natural bamboo beauty available in a wider range of colours, from natural to darker tones.
d for years. Factory finishes containing aluminum oxide
offer the most protection against scuffs and scratches.
b) HORIZONTAL BAMBOO WEAR LAYER What you see
Why Bamboo?
when the floor is installed. PROS: Durable; long-lasting; easy to clean; hypoallergenic – an
c, d) SUPPORTING LAYERS Layers of wood that are excellent floor for healthy homes.
assembled and glued.
CONS: Less moisture-resistant than average engineered hardwood floors.
a Bamboo Flooring Vertical
a) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane
coatings designed to protect the bamboo for years.
Where Can I Use Bamboo?
b Can be installed over numerous types of subfloors in virtually any room.
b) VERTICAL BAMBOO WEAR LAYER The ‘show’ layer.
Not recommended for wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms,
saunas, enclosed porches, or verandas.
14 15
10. At A Glance
Compare how different hard surfaces perform under
hardwood
ceramic &
porcelain
materials
alternate
laminate
different circumstances on the Lifestyle chart below.
vinyl
At right is a list of our hard surface brands by category.
Brands
hard surface by category
Lifestyle
hardwood (sold & engineered)
Yes Yes — — C, B
life expectancy Properly maintained floors
may last a lifetime.
child-friendly Can scratch. Pooled liquids can
damage surface and warp boards.
Yes Yes Yes — —
pet-friendly Can scratch. Pooled liquids can
damage surface and warp boards.
care & maintenance Sweep and mop occasionally
with Resista™ Floor Care Cleaner or Yes — Yes — —
other recommended floor cleaner.
ceramic laminate
Yes Yes Yes — C, B
life expectancy Properly maintained floors Floors may last
may last a lifetime. 15-30 years.
child-friendly Hard, unforgiving surface Pooled liquids
may bruise elbows and knees. can damage flooring.
Yes — Yes Yes —
pet-friendly Yes Pooled liquids
can damage flooring.
care & maintenance Sweep and mop with Resista™ Vacuum and mop
Floor Care Cleaner or occasionally with Resista™
other recommended Floor Care Cleaner Yes — — Yes —
floor cleaner. or other recommended
floor cleaner.
vinyl cork & bamboo
Yes Yes Yes Yes —
life expectancy Floors may last Properly maintained floors
20-30 years. may last a lifetime.
child-friendly Yes Can scratch.
Pooled liquids can
— — — Yes —
damage surface
and warp boards.
pet-friendly Yes Can scratch.
Pooled liquids can
damage surface — — — Yes —
and warp boards.
care & maintenance Sweep and mop with Resista™ Sweep and mop
Floor Care Cleaner or occasionally with Resista™
other recommended Floor Care Cleaner
floor cleaner. or other recommended
floor cleaner.
16 C = Cork, B = Bamboo 17
