The Best Luxury Vinyl Flooring Options in Canada

Canada’s dynamic climate, characterized by freezing winters and humid summers, calls for durable and versatile flooring solutions. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) has emerged as a popular choice for Canadian homeowners and businesses, offering unparalleled resilience, style, and affordability. This comprehensive guide explores the best luxury vinyl flooring options in Canada, delving into the factors that make them ideal for your home or office.

Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring stands out for several reasons:

1. Durability: LVF is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
2. Waterproof Properties: Unlike traditional hardwood or laminate, luxury vinyl is waterproof, an essential feature for Canadian homes exposed to snow and rain.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: With designs mimicking hardwood, stone, and ceramic tiles, LVF provides a luxurious look without the hefty price tag.
4. Ease of Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining luxury vinyl flooring is straightforward, making it a practical choice for busy households.
5. Affordability: Compared to hardwood or stone flooring, LVF offers a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.

Top Luxury Vinyl Flooring Brands in Canada

Here are the leading brands offering high-quality luxury vinyl flooring options in Canada:

1. Karndean Design Flooring

• Features: Karndean is renowned for its realistic wood and stone designs, exceptional durability, and lifetime residential warranties.
• Popular Products:
  • Korlok Select: Features rigid core technology for easy installation.
  • Art Select: High-end range with intricate details and textures.
• Best For: Homeowners seeking premium aesthetics and performance.

2. Armstrong Flooring

• Features: Armstrong offers a wide array of luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tiles (LVT) with superior scratch and stain resistance.
• Popular Products:
  • Luxe Plank: Offers realistic wood visuals and easy installation.
  • Vivero: Features Diamond 10® technology for enhanced durability.
• Best For: Families with pets and children due to its toughness and easy cleaning.

3. Shaw Floors

• Features: Shaw’s LVF products are known for their innovative designs, excellent warranties, and eco-friendliness.
• Popular Products:
  • Floorté: Combines waterproof features with luxurious visuals.
  • Paragon: Offers extreme durability with a solid core construction.
• Best For: Environmentally conscious homeowners.

4. Fuzion Flooring

• Features: A Canadian favorite, Fuzion blends style, durability, and affordability.
• Popular Products:
  • SmartDrop Elite: Easy-to-install loose-lay planks.
  • Maximus: Rigid core technology ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Best For: Canadian homeowners seeking local expertise.

5. Mohawk Flooring

• Features: Mohawk offers a broad selection of stylish and resilient luxury vinyl options.
• Popular Products:
  • SolidTech: 100% waterproof with exceptional scratch resistance.
  • Pergo Extreme: Known for extreme performance and durability.
• Best For: Homes with active lifestyles.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Luxury Vinyl Flooring

When selecting the best luxury vinyl flooring for your space, consider these factors:

1. Thickness and Wear Layer:
   • Thicker planks and wear layers provide better durability.
   • Look for at least a 20-mil wear layer for high-traffic areas.
2. Installation Type:
   • Options include click-lock, loose lay, and glue-down.
   • Click-lock systems are ideal for DIY installations.
3. Design and Style:
   • Choose designs that complement your interior decor.
   • Consider textures for a more realistic look.
4. Warranty:
   • Opt for products with long-term warranties to ensure peace of mind.
5. Environmental Considerations:
   • Look for eco-friendly certifications such as FloorScore® or GreenGuard®.

Best Places to Buy Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Canada

Several retailers and suppliers across Canada offer high-quality LVF products. Here are some top options:

1. Home Depot Canada:
   • Wide range of brands and price points.
   • Online shopping and in-store availability.
2. Flooring Liquidators:
   • Competitive pricing with a focus on luxury options.
   • Multiple locations across Ontario.
3. End of the Roll:
   • Affordable pricing and excellent customer service.
   • Offers a mix of domestic and imported brands.
4. Vellfinish Floors Store:
   • Specializes in premium flooring, including luxury vinyl.
   • Expertise in local Canadian flooring needs.
5. Local Independent Retailers:
   • Many local stores offer personalized service and exclusive deals.

Popular Styles and Trends in Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring styles have evolved significantly, reflecting modern design preferences:

1. Wide Plank Designs:
   • Mimic traditional hardwood flooring with broader planks.
   • Popular in open-concept spaces.
2. Herringbone Patterns:
   • Adds a touch of sophistication and elegance.
   • Ideal for living rooms and dining areas.
3. Stone and Marble Looks:
   • Provides the opulence of natural stone without the cost.
   • Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
4. Neutral and Natural Tones:
   • Earthy shades like greys, beiges, and whites dominate.
   • Complements minimalist and Scandinavian interiors.
5. Textured Surfaces:
   • Embossed textures mimic real wood grains or stone finishes.
   • Enhances the tactile experience of the flooring.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Installation:

• Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installation.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for the chosen installation method.
• Use underlayment for added comfort and sound absorption.

Maintenance:

• Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris.
• Use a damp mop with a mild cleaner for deeper cleaning.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that may damage the surface.
• Place felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.

The Cost of Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Canada

Luxury vinyl flooring prices in Canada vary based on factors like brand, style, and installation method. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Basic Options: $2 to $4 per square foot.
• Mid-Range Options: $4 to $7 per square foot.
• High-End Options: $7 to $12+ per square foot.

Additional costs for installation, underlayment, and accessories should also be factored in.

Conclusion

Luxury vinyl flooring is a versatile and stylish choice for Canadian homes, offering durability, waterproof properties, and a wide range of designs. Whether you’re renovating your living room, kitchen, or office, the options listed above cater to diverse needs and preferences. With the right choice, you can enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance flooring that withstands Canada’s challenging climate.

Take your time to explore brands, styles, and retailers to find the perfect luxury vinyl flooring that matches your taste and budget. With proper installation and care, your flooring investment will serve you well for years to come.