6 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Flooring for Your Markham Home

Choosing the right flooring for your home isn't just about functionality—it's a statement of style, a reflection of comfort, and a testament to quality. At Master Edge Homes of Markham, we understand this intricate blend of utility and aesthetics. With every plank laid or tile set, we aim to transform houses into homes and spaces into sanctuaries. Explore our comprehensive guide on selecting the perfect flooring, where every tip is a step closer to your dream home renovation.

Understand Different Types of Flooring Materials

Hardwood Flooring

A timeless choice that radiates natural beauty and sophistication. Different wood flooring materials, such as oak, maple, and cherry, each bring their characteristic colour, grain, and durability. They can be refinished multiple times over their lifespan and adapt to various decor styles as your style evolves.

Tile

Not just for bathrooms or kitchens anymore! Tiles, whether ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, are versatile and durable selections for just about any area of your home. Try them in a mudroom or high-traffic hallway. With a wide range of designs and finishes, they're perfect for both modern and traditional homes.

Laminate

Mimicking the appearance of genuine hardwood or stone, laminate offers a cost-effective alternative. Advanced printing technology ensures realistic designs, and its protective layer provides scratch resistance. 

Bamboo

Growing in popularity, fast-growing bamboo isn't just an eco-friendly option. This sustainable flooring material is more moisture-resistant than standard hardwoods, making it suitable for various environments throughout your home renovation.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl tiles or planks give the impression of hardwood or stone but come with enhanced durability and water resistance, making them a wise selection for your Markham renovation.

Consider the Room's Purpose

Kitchen

A spill-prone area, the best kitchen flooring material should resist moisture and be easy to clean. Tile, especially porcelain, resists moisture, stains, and wear. Luxury vinyl is also a top contender due to its resilience and water resistance.

Bathroom

With its humid environment, the best bathroom flooring options lean towards porcelain tile, luxury vinyl, and even some sealed hardwoods for a spa-like feel.

Living Room

As a focal point of homes, living room flooring should be stylish and durable. Hardwoods like oak or maple, bamboo, and luxury vinyl can all be excellent choices here.

Basement

Prone to moisture, basements require flooring that can handle potential dampness, like tile, luxury vinyl, or specially engineered woods.

Look for Easy Maintenance and/or Durability

Floor maintenance plays a pivotal role in the lifespan and appearance of your flooring and, more importantly, in preserving the overall ambiance of your home. While every flooring type has its own maintenance requirements, some are notably more low-maintenance than others. 

Caring for Tile

Among the most low-maintenance options, tiles require simple sweeping or vacuuming to remove daily dirt and grit, which can otherwise erode their surfaces. For deeper cleaning, a damp mop with mild detergent is usually sufficient. Tiles, especially glazed ones, are stain-resistant, but the grout between them may discolour over time. Regularly sealing the grout can help maintain its original colour and prevent moisture infiltration.

Caring for Luxury Vinyl

This material is known for its ease of maintenance. Regular sweeping to remove dirt and occasional mopping with a gentle cleaner will keep luxury vinyl looking pristine. It's also less prone to staining, making it ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Caring for Hardwood

This classic choice requires more attentive care. However, with a bit of TLC, hardwood floors can last for generations. While sweeping and gentle mopping are basic necessities, it's crucial to prevent water from sitting on the surface, as this can lead to warping or discoloration. Using mats or rugs in high-traffic areas can reduce wear. Hardwoods may need refinishing or polishing periodically to restore their shine, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. It's also essential to immediately clean up spills to prevent staining or damage.

Caring for Bamboo

Similar to hardwood in its maintenance, bamboo needs regular sweeping or dust mopping. While bamboo is somewhat more moisture-resistant than traditional hardwoods, it's still crucial to avoid letting water sit. Using felt pads under furniture can prevent scratching.

Caring for Laminate

One of the easiest floorings to maintain, laminate simply requires regular sweeping or vacuuming. While it can tolerate light damp mopping, standing water should be avoided to prevent damaging the protective layer. Laminate flooring shouldn't be polished or waxed.

Look to the Future 

Planning for the future is a hallmark of insightful homeownership. As we age, our homes should evolve to support our changing needs. If you're considering redesigning your space with the intention of aging in place, flooring becomes an especially critical decision.

Slip-Resistance

As mobility challenges arise with age, the likelihood of slips and falls can increase. Opt for naturally slip-resistant flooring materials. Textured tiles, certain laminate finishes, and luxury vinyl with a textured finish can provide added traction.

Softness & Resilience

While having a durable floor is essential, a bit of softness can be beneficial. For instance, cork and linoleum are forgiving on the joints and can provide some cushioning in case of falls. They also reduce fatigue from extended periods of standing, which can be advantageous in rooms like the kitchen.

Low Maintenance

As we age, extensive or strenuous maintenance routines become less feasible. Flooring materials that are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep, like luxury vinyl or laminate, are ideal. Their resistance to stains and scratches ensures they maintain their appeal without demanding excessive effort.

Flat Transitions

Transition strips or significant variations in floor heights between rooms can be tripping hazards. Aim for seamless transitions between different rooms or flooring types. A level home is a safer home.

Reflectivity and Lighting

While not strictly a flooring material consideration, it's worth noting the importance of flooring colours and finishes. A floor that reflects light well can improve a room's illumination. This is vital as vision can diminish with age, and better-lit spaces can prevent mishaps.

Warmth and Insulation

Cold floors can be a discomfort, especially for seniors. Materials like cork or carpet naturally insulate and retain warmth. If you choose tiles for their durability and ease of cleaning, consider installing underfloor heating for added warmth.

Allergen Considerations

As we age, respiratory health can become a concern. Hence, choosing hypoallergenic flooring materials, or those that don't trap dust and allergens (like hardwood, tile, or linoleum), can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Wondering what a renovation might cost? We provide details in our cost guide here.

Consider Patterns and Aesthetics

Beyond the traditional layouts, numerous patterns can elevate the design quotient of a room, making it more personalized and visually interesting.

Chevron Pattern

This V-shaped pattern adds depth and visually stretches rooms. It's an appealing choice for living spaces and hallways where the elongation effect can be most pronounced.

Herringbone Flooring Pattern

A timeless classic, the herringbone pattern presents a break from linear layouts. Its zigzag pattern is both sophisticated and dynamic, adding a touch of luxury to spaces.

Basketweave Pattern

Evoking a woven charm, this pattern combines rectangular tiles or wood planks to create a design reminiscent of woven baskets. It offers a warm, textured look ideal for bedrooms or cozy living areas.

Diagonal Lay

A simple twist on the traditional straight lay, installing tiles or planks diagonally can add dynamism to a room. It's particularly effective in smaller spaces, making them appear larger.

Versailles Pattern

Also known as a French pattern, it employs a mix of different-sized tiles or planks to produce a repeated, intricate pattern. Often seen in luxurious settings, it's a statement of grandeur.

Random Stagger

This casual pattern uses wood planks of varying sizes laid out randomly. The resulting effect is a floor that feels organic and spontaneous, great for rustic or eclectic interiors.

Hexagonal Tiles

Moving away from traditional square or rectangular tiles, hexagonal tiles offer a modern and geometric design. When combined with contrasting grout, they can make a striking statement.

Terrazzo Flooring

An old-world choice that's regained popularity, terrazzo is a composite material that combines chips of marble, quartz, granite, and even glass. The resulting speckled appearance is both colourful and unique.

Border Detailing

Accentuate the perimeter of a room with a different tile or wood shade. This creates a frame, adding depth and character to the space.

Mixed Materials

Combining different flooring materials, like wood with tile insets or two adjacent materials in the same room, can create an unexpected and delightful design surprise.

Seek Expert Advice

The world of flooring is vast, and sometimes you need a guiding hand. Master Edge Homes is not just about selling a renovation project; we're about helping homeowners bring their vision to life. From understanding individual needs to foreseeing potential challenges, our expertise ensures that your flooring choice enhances your home's beauty and function for years. Let’s connect today to talk about your home renovation needs!