Decorating & Design - Flooring

How to choose the right floor material

By: Isabelle Bergeron

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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ENGINEERED WOOD

Characteristics
An alternative to hardwood and laminate, this is the most versatile option in this category.

Pros
Produced by adhering sheets of real wood to a composite surface. Does not expand or contract with temperature changes. Sold prefinished. Can be glued or clicked into place directly over concrete or an acoustic nderlayment.

Cons
Less durable than hardwood. Cannot be sanded more than twice.

Cost
$12-$20 per square foot

CONCRETE

Characteristics
Provides the industrial look that’s increasingly popular.

Pros
Perfect for lofts. Good selection of colours and finishes.

Cons
Can cause leg and back discomfort after prolonged standing. Surface receiving the concrete must be properly prepared. Needs yearly resealing.

Cost
About $13 per square foot

CORK

Characteristics
Available in tiles or interlocking planks to make a floating floor. Good selection of colours and styles, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind design.

Pros
Warm and cushiony on bare feet. Hypoallergenic and mildew- and dent-resistant, making it suitable even for bathrooms. As durable as wood, but an extra application of sealer is recommended in damp rooms.

Cons
Does not go well with all decors. Less popular than wood.

Cost
$6-$16 per square foot