Flooring You Can Stand By 09 Nov 2021

Flooring You Can Stand By

Discover the various features of flooring options offered at Cedarglen Homes.

Throughout your homebuilding journey at Cedarglen Homes, there are many decisions you will make during your interior selections meeting at our Studio 81 Design Centre. From backsplashes to hardware, you will come across many different selections with one of the most important being flooring. Depending on your wants and needs there are various options to consider including tile, laminate, luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood and carpet.


TILE

Many new houses feature tile in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and other high traffic areas. Ceramic tile has a hard solid surface that is very durable and easy to clean, although it can be cold to walk on. Porcelain tile is a variation of ceramic tile that is slightly more expensive on average and is harder and more resistant to water. Both tiles come in a wide variety of designs and patterns allowing homeowners to express their creative side with flooring.


LAMINATE

Laminate has been growing in popularity over the years as it is both extremely durable and budget friendly. Comprised of wood by-products that are bonded by a synthetic resin, laminate is then stamped with a realistic 3D print that recreates the look and feel of the material it is imitating (i.e. wood, ceramic or stone). The top layer is durable and transparent making it scratch resistant, however due to the nature of the core, laminate flooring is only partially water resistant and can soften or swell if exposed to water for too long. If damaged, laminate flooring cannot be re-sanded or refinished and will need to be replaced.


LUXURY VINYL PLANK (LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Plank (also known as LVP) is another great cost-effective alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. LVP flooring has the look of engineered hardwood with all the benefits and features of vinyl. It is not only sturdy, but it is also water, scratch, and stain resistant – perfect for active families.

When installed correctly, LVP perfectly captures the look, texture, and warmth of real wood but is more durable than other flooring options. LVP is a man-made product made of various layers sealed together with each layer working together to create a strong, low-maintenance floor. The core is comprised of a stone polymer composite, or SPC, which means it does not absorb water, making it 100% waterproof. On top of that, the strong wear layer makes LVP flooring extremely resistant to scratches and dents. So, if you have any pets or have an active family, vinyl flooring is a perfect alternative to hardwood flooring.


ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

In comparison to traditional solid hardwood, engineered hardwood bonds a thin layer of hardwood with high-quality plywood, thus offering the beautiful look of hardwood at a more reasonable price point. This layered construction allows for some flexibility to each plank making it more durable than solid hardwood, and it is less likely to warp when coming into contact with moisture. While engineered flooring cannot be refinished quite as many times as solid hardwood, it is still built to last and has become a more popular option due to its impressive look and affordable price.


CARPET

Carpet is an excellent choice for bedrooms and recreational spaces as it helps to dampen sound as you walk around and is soft to the touch. Carpet creates a comforting and relaxing atmosphere and is much warmer to the touch than other options - especially living in Calgary where winter months can be long and cold. Although selection your carpet may seem like an easy decision there are a few important factors to consider:

Pile Heightthe height of the carpet fibers.
  • Low pile carpet has short fibers that are flat and dense, making it easy to clean and the most durable.
  • Medium pile carpet lies somewhere in the middle offers a balance between durability and comfort.
  • High pile carpets have long fibers that are plush but more difficult to keep clean.
Face Weight/Densityhow much yarn makes up the carpet pile.
  • The higher the face weight the more dense and long-lasting the carpet will be.
Material most carpets are made of synthetic materials because they are designed to resist stains, static electricity, fading and moisture. The primary types of carpet materials are:
  • Nylon (the most popular)
  • Polyester
  • Wool
  • Olefin
Textures
  • Cut pile carpets consists of yarn that are cut at the ends making it very comfortable to walk on (ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and bonus rooms).
  • Loop carpet has yarns that are looped and uncut on the carpet surface which make it durable and helps hide dirt and debris (ideal for heavy traffic areas).

Padding the cushioning layer underneath the carpet that adds insulation, dampens noise, and makes it more comfortable to walk on.


Selecting the flooring in your new home build is an important decision as it will likely be getting the most traffic of any item in the house. Certain areas of the home are better suited for certain flooring types; however it really comes down to each family and what features they value most.