Pros

Hardwood flooring is a premium material that offers the appeal of a natural wood, combined with long-term durability. Messes can be easily wiped away compared to carpeting. They also come in a variety of options including plank, strip wood and parquet. There is no limit to style since unfinished wood floors can be stained to suit any colour desired. Compared to engineered, harder woods tend to be more durable.

Cons

Hardwood is not recommended for damp or heated areas, such as bathrooms. It has a higher price tag, and requires refinishing over time to protect from dents and scratches. Avoid regular contact with water and harsh detergents as beautiful hardwood won't stand up to constant washing.

Pros

Engineered wood is 100% natural wood with a thin top layer of veneer and a sturdy bottom layer that resists expansion and contraction. Engineered hardwood is an attractive and cost- effective alternative to natural hardwood. With a scratch-resistant finish, Engineered Hardwood floors are the most durable natural wood option. Matte or low gloss finishes also help to hide scratches or scuffs.

Cons

Engineered Hardwood has the advantage of water resistance, however, neither option is ideal for damp rooms. Engineered Hardwood will still dent, scratch and scuff, and may fade over time. As always, be on the lookout for cheap imitations and opt for a high-quality Engineered Hardwood brand.

Pros

Laminate flooring, thanks to advancements, is a popuplar wood flooring alternative for homes to achieve a wood look. Laminate is affordable and easy to install, and it consists of a photographic applique layer that simulates the look of wood, stone or ceramic. The sealant layer helps to make it scratch resistant, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas in the home.

Cons

Laminate can be damaged by liquids if they’re left to sit for too long. Another potential issue with this laminate flooring is that the layer that protects the laminate is very slippery, and extra caution should be taken on stairs or high-traffic hallways.

Pros

Luxury vinyl is the most popular form of resilient flooring. It is strikingly similar to hardwood planks; but boasts a more comfortable underfoot surface and an easier installation process. Newer vinyl is made of 100% polymer materials making it the waterproof choice for bathrooms and damp locations over laminate. Vinyl also allows for easy cleaning and holds up well to a variety of cleaning agents.

Cons

In the event of removal, hardened adhesive backing will require elbow grease to remove. Under heavier furniture or appliances, it is susceptible to ripping or tearing. There is also a great variance of quality with LVT flooring, and home owners or contractors should do their due diligence in researching quality brands.

Pros

Porcelain and ceramic are long lasting flooring materials, requiring little maintenance. Tile flooring is moisture resistant, and is the perfect choice for areas where spills are common including bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of veining patterns, geometric patterns, colours and shapes to choose from. Tiles are as close to scratch proof as it gets.

Cons

Porcelain is pricier than ceramic tiles. Installation is challenging and time-consuming. While easy to clean, grout build up and cleaning is difficult to keep up.