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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Prone to moisture, basements require flooring that can handle potential dampness, like tile, luxury vinyl, or specially engineered woods.
When considering a flooring update, it's essential to factor in your family dynamics and lifestyle. Pet owners, particularly those with dogs, should note that our furry friends can significantly affect the longevity and appearance of our floors. Fortunately, there are durable engineered hardwood options tailored for such challenges. However, hardwood with a glossy sheen might not be the best fit for homes with small children or pets, as it can highlight scuffs and scratches. Additionally, homeowners should be aware that darker wood shades tend to accentuate dust more than their lighter counterparts. For high traffic areas, consider hand-scraped or hand-sawn wood. These textures not only add character but also help camouflage everyday wear and tear, ensuring your floors stay pristine for longer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond the traditional layouts, numerous patterns can elevate the design quotient of a room, making it more personalized and visually interesting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accentuate the perimeter of a room with a different tile or wood shade. This creates a frame, adding depth and character to the space.
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.
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!