Decorating & Design - Flooring

How to choose the right floor material

An increasingly diverse range of flooring materials is available these days. To help you sort through the options, here’s the lowdown on the main products out there.


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PORCELAIN TILE

Characteristics
The look of stone, for less! Huge selection of colours and designs.

Pros
Stronger than ceramic; durable and low maintenance.

Cons
Can cause discomfort to legs and back after prolonged standing.

Cost
$8-$28 per square foot
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LAMINATE

Characteristics
Great selection of styles and colours. Looks like wood, stone, ceramic.

Pros
Resists stains, scratches, dents, even cigarette burns. Relatively easy to DIY, often directly on top of existing floor. Click-into-place styles can simply be dismantled and taken with you when you move. Good-quality laminate can last up to 25 years.

Cons
Not recommended for bathrooms or other damp areas. Must be replaced when worn.

Cost
$3-$11 per square foot

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BAMBOO

Characteristics
Gives decor an exotic accent. Beautiful blond tone with natural striations. Carbonization process deepens grain and colour. Some natural shades available.

Pros
Environmentally friendly: Bamboo is a renewable, rapid-growth plant.
Harder and more resistant to dampness than wood, making it particularly suitable for the kitchen and basement.

Cons
Relatively limited selection of shades.

Cost
$7-$10 per square foot

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