Flooring Stores in Canada

By admin On January 2nd, 2012

The variety of retailers providing floor coverings for Canadians is only surpassed by the incredible selection, professional installation and dedicated service provided to customers.  Canadian Flooring, a member of the National Wood Flooring Association, offers expertise in wood floors, serving contractors, builders and homeowners.

 

Flooring Canada, with over 17 000 choices in floors, all professionally installed, will inspire you with innovative ideas to create the perfect ambiance in any room.  Nufloors Canada, meanwhile, is home to a network of independent operators, all catering to the highest levels of customer service which has made this company a leader in the marketplace in only twenty years.

 

By far, one of the most well known Canadian flooring companies is Alexanian Carpet and Flooring.  A trusted name since 1925, Alexanian offers more than area rugs and carpets.  A wide selection of flooring solutions include vinyl and laminate, as well as ceramic, slate and even porcelain flooring.  Alexanian also offers expert advice on floor cleaning and maintenance, as well as catering to a selection of window coverings to match your flooring choices.

 

The list of local and national flooring experts is long and diverse, as is the overwhelming choices available for floor coverings.  Before you start shopping, take a quick lesson in some popular flooring choices and their main benefits.

Hardwood Flooring

 

Not all hardwoods are equal.  In fact, before you decide on the type of look you want, you should consider the traffic and use of the room it will be covering.   The hardness of a wood is measured by its ability to stand up against dents and indentations.  Black Cherry, for example, is more likely to sustain damage than Maple.  Consider pets, children and the amount of wear on the floor and choose a hardwood floor that will stand up to use over time.

 

Laminate Flooring

 

Laminate flooring is a durable and popular choice for heavy traffic areas.  In fact, many commercial offices, dance clubs and restaurants use laminate flooring because it maintains its appearance under the click of high heels and the roll of casters.  Laminate is not just wood-look flooring, but is also available to duplicate ceramic or stone flooring.  Laminate flooring usually comes in planks that are installed much the same way that traditional wood flooring is installed.

 

Carpet and Rugs

 

The distinction between a carpet and a rug is sometimes lost on the average consumer.  Broadloom refers to any kind of floor covering created on a wide loom, and results in a larger coverage area.  However, broadloom can be bought as carpeting or as a rug.  The difference?  Whether or not the flooring piece is permanent or moveable.

 

Carpeting is usually installed wall to wall, and is meant to be a permanent fixture, just as hardwood or ceramic tiles are meant to endure.  Rugs, on the other hand are moveable.  Many people use area rugs to protect the surface of high traffic areas, or to add a little finesse and character to a living space.  Area rugs generally don’t use any type of separate cushioning or under pad, whereas most carpeting also requires under padding for comfort.

 

Bamboo Flooring

 

Bamboo is not actually wood at all, but a type of grass.  Just like the grass in your yard grows much faster than trees, so too does bamboo.  This makes it an eco-friendly and renewable source of flooring, that simulates the look and feel of hardwood floors.  Not only that, but the material is quite durable and strong, making it ideal for high traffic areas.  It can be treated to a pale finish or a darker, warmer tone like various forms of hardwood.

 

Cork Flooring

 

The cork oak trees found in areas like Portugal and Italy, provide a natural, energy efficient floor covering that is also attractive and comfortable.  The substance is incredibly durable and withstands wear and tear quite well, but unlike hardwood or laminate is much quieter.  It’s also a natural insulator against both heat and cold, and generally feels warm to the touch, making it ideal for recreation rooms and basement floor coverings.