Shopping for new flooring can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when you’re looking for the perfect blend of style, durability, and budget-friendly options. Whether you’re upgrading your home or starting from scratch, Flooring Store Canada offers a wide range of flooring materials to suit every need. But before diving in, it’s important to understand the best strategies to ensure you make a well-informed decision. Below are 10 tips to guide you through your shopping experience.
1. Research Your Flooring Options
Before heading to the store, it’s essential to understand the various types of flooring available. Flooring Store Canada carries a variety of options, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, carpet, and tile. Each has its pros and cons depending on the room, climate, and the type of use it will undergo.
- Hardwood Flooring: Known for its timeless appeal and durability. It’s a great option for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Laminate Flooring: A more affordable alternative to hardwood, offering a similar look with easier maintenance.
- Vinyl Flooring: Perfect for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms due to its water resistance.
- Carpet: Ideal for warmth and comfort, making it a popular choice for bedrooms and cozy spaces.
- Tile: Best suited for areas with high traffic and moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
Each material comes with unique features, so researching beforehand will help narrow down your choices based on your needs.
2. Determine Your Budget
One of the most important steps in shopping for flooring is setting a clear budget. Flooring materials can vary greatly in price, and you’ll also need to account for additional costs like underlayment, installation, and maintenance.
For example:
- Hardwood: Generally higher in price but adds value to your home.
- Laminate and Vinyl: Budget-friendly options that still provide great durability and style.
- Carpet: Varies widely in cost depending on the material and brand.
Setting a budget ensures that you don’t overspend and helps store staff provide more suitable recommendations.
3. Consider Your Lifestyle Needs
The type of flooring you choose should complement your lifestyle. Families with children or pets might need more durable and scratch-resistant options like vinyl or laminate, while someone living alone may opt for more luxurious materials like hardwood or soft carpet. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Busy households: Consider durable options like vinyl or tile that can withstand heavy foot traffic and spills.
- Pet owners: Look for scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean materials like laminate or vinyl planks.
- Allergy sufferers: Hardwood or tile might be the best option as they don’t trap dust and allergens like carpets.
Your lifestyle will heavily influence the flooring that works best for your home, so consider how your flooring will be used daily.
4. Take Samples Home
Flooring can look quite different in your home compared to the store due to lighting and room size. Most stores, including Flooring Store Canada, offer samples that you can take home. Lay them out in different rooms and check how they look during various times of the day. Seeing the flooring in your space will give you a better idea of how it complements your decor and lighting.
5. Measure Your Space
Before visiting the store, measure the rooms where you plan to install the flooring. Having these measurements on hand ensures a quicker and more accurate shopping experience. If you’re unsure of how to measure, many flooring stores offer in-home measurement services to help you get exact dimensions, ensuring you order the correct amount of flooring.
Here’s a quick guide to measuring:
- Measure the length and width of the room.
- Multiply these numbers to get the total square footage.
- For irregularly shaped rooms, divide the room into square or rectangular sections and calculate each area separately.
6. Ask About Installation Costs
The cost of installation can significantly add to the overall price of your flooring project. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of installation costs, which can vary depending on the material and the complexity of the job. Some factors that may impact installation costs include:
- Subfloor preparation: The condition of your subfloor may require additional work.
- Patterned floors: Intricate patterns or layouts like herringbone can cost more to install.
- Stairs: Installing flooring on stairs often comes at an extra charge.
Make sure to clarify if the quote includes removal of old flooring, furniture moving, and disposal fees as well.
7. Understand the Maintenance Requirements
Different flooring materials require varying levels of maintenance, and it’s essential to choose one that fits your cleaning habits. For instance:
- Hardwood: Needs regular sweeping and occasional refinishing to keep it looking new.
- Vinyl and Laminate: Easy to clean with just a damp mop, but avoid using excessive water.
- Carpet: Requires regular vacuuming and deep cleaning to prevent wear and allergens buildup.
Make sure to ask the store staff for cleaning tips and recommendations for maintaining your new flooring.
8. Look Into Warranties
Always inquire about the warranties offered on both the flooring material and the installation. Warranties typically cover defects in the product or installation issues but vary depending on the manufacturer and type of flooring.
For example:
- Hardwood and Vinyl: Often come with long-term warranties, sometimes lasting 25 years or more.
- Carpet: Warranties may cover issues like staining or wear over a set number of years.
Ensure you fully understand what the warranty covers and any conditions required to maintain it, such as specific cleaning products or procedures.
9. Don’t Forget About Eco-Friendly Options
If sustainability is a priority, ask about eco-friendly flooring options at Flooring Store Canada. Many flooring types now come in eco-conscious versions, made from sustainable materials or designed to minimize environmental impact. Some examples include:
- Bamboo flooring: A rapidly renewable resource that is both durable and stylish.
- Cork flooring: Made from the bark of cork trees, this renewable material provides excellent insulation and comfort.
- Reclaimed hardwood: Offers a beautiful, rustic look while giving old wood a second life.
These options often provide the same durability and aesthetic appeal as traditional materials but come with the added benefit of being environmentally responsible.
10. Check for Sales and Promotions
Flooring can be a significant investment, so it’s always worth checking for seasonal sales or promotions. Many flooring stores in Canada offer discounts during specific times of the year or on particular brands and styles. You can also look into bulk discounts if you’re planning a large-scale renovation.
To stay updated, sign up for store newsletters or follow Flooring Store Canada’s social media accounts. Shopping during sales can help you get high-quality flooring at a fraction of the regular cost.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right flooring is a big decision, but with careful planning and consideration, you can find the perfect fit for your home at Flooring Store Canada. By doing your research, setting a budget, and understanding your specific needs, your shopping experience will be much smoother. Don’t hesitate to ask store staff for help—after all, their expertise can guide you to the best options for your home. Happy shopping!