Hard Surface Flooring for the Way You Live

o v e r v i e w

Which Material is Right for You?

At Flooring Canada, we are dedicated to keeping

you ahead of flooring fashion trends with long-lasting,

cutting-edge styles and time-proven classics, in

17,432 durable flooring choices.

With so many materials and designs available, you

are sure to find the right product for the way you live.

And to help your selection, we’ve created this guide

to hard surface flooring choices. Read on to better

understand each product category and its attributes,

along with factors to consider before purchasing your

new floor.

We look forward to helping you find the perfect floor

to turn your decorating dreams into reality!

At Flooring Canada, we understand the importance of choice.

Our wide selection of hard surface materials gives

you choices you won’t fi nd anywhere else. Flooring

Canada offers style, performance, and value in trusted

brands like Armstrong® Hampton™ Collection, Bedford

Mills™, Downs®, Floorcraft™, Naturcor™, and Design

Distinctions™.

Knowing the types of hard surfaces available and the

characteristics of each will help you make the best

choice when selecting fl ooring to suit your home,

lifestyle, and budget. Flooring Canada has the fl ooring

you need and the selection you deserve.

Look for this symbol to identify our earth-friendly products.

hard surface

TABLE OF CONTENTS

factors to consider ............................................... 2

Flooring Canada brands ...................................... 3-5

PRODUCT

hardwood ............................................................ 6-7

ceramic and porcelain ......................................... 8-9

laminate ............................................................... 10-11

vinyl ..................................................................... 12-13

alternative materials ............................................. 14-15

REFERENCE

at a glance........................................................... 16-17

1

Our vast floor-covering selection comes from a

unique family of products, many available exclusively

at Flooring Canada. Each product is backed by some

of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.

To simplify your selection process, we’ve included

an introduction to our best-selling brands. With this

guide, you will better understand which brands aim

to fulfill high-performance needs, which focus on high

style, and which provide the perfect balance between

performance, style, and price.

b r a n d s

3

Factors to Consider

DESIGNWhat is your design aspiration? Before you

choose a new floor, consider if your goal is

sleek and contemporary, cozy and rustic,

traditional, or totally eclectic. Flooring

Canada sales professionals are trained in

design to help you achieve your desired

look. Be sure to ask about our Confidence

Plus 60-Day Replacement Warranty to

give you decorating assurance.

COLOURToday, flooring of all materials is available

in virtually every colour imaginable.

Colour sets a tone and creates a mood.

Whether you’re bold and adventurous or

committed to neutral, we can help you

find the perfect floor. We offer hundreds

of finishes, styles, and materials to

complement your décor and create the

exact ambiance you’ve been dreaming

of.

LIFESTYLE & PERFORMANCEToday’s floors are manufactured with

easy care in mind, but you will want to

make your flooring selection based on

the activity level your new floor will be

asked to withstand. Busy homes with

kids and pets demand high-performance

floors. Some floors are engineered for

extra cushion underfoot to ease stress on

knees, back, feet, and joints. Ask about

our Five Star Selection System to help you

choose the floor that best fits your lifestyle.

AREAS OF APPLICATIONMany exciting, new flooring products

are extending beyond the floor onto

countertops, backsplashes, shower walls,

balconies, patios, and more. Discuss

with your sales professional where your

purchase will be installed: indoors or

outdoors; above, below, or on grade; or

in a location where moisture may be a

concern.

Bedford Mills™ floors are meticulously constructed of the most

exquisite materials by the most skilled hands. The epitome of style,

design, elegance, and performance, Bedford Mills™ sets a new

pinnacle for the latest looks in luxurious hard-surface flooring. It’s

the floor you were meant to own.

Visionary designers from the trend-setting studios of Design

Distinctions™ passionately gather the boldest colours, the most

contemporary patterns, and the most inspiring textures to create a

unique collection of definitive flooring products. Individuals seeking

to indulge their personal style and revel in self-expression will enjoy

the unique product options presented in this stunningly creative

collection. Design Distinctions™ – The Ultimate In Expressive Design.

32

b r a n d s

5

Downs® has fi lled homes with quality fl ooring for more than four

generations. One of the oldest and most respected names in the

industry, Downs® has become synonymous with superbly

constructed, elegant, and unique styled fl oors since 1865. And

today, that Downs® heritage of quality, integrity, and unsurpassed

luxury is carried on with fl oors for the active family who need it all

– unbeatable performance, extensive styling options, and the best

warranty package available. That’s why every single Downs® fl oor is

Five-Star rated as a premium performance fl oor.

In-demand styling suited to tastes from contemporary to traditional,

from lounge to lodge, and everything in between, Floorcraft™

fl ooring features only quality materials, crafted with pride to exacting

standards using the most innovative manufacturing techniques. It’s

the right choice for affordable styling and exceptional quality.

The rich, luxurious fl oors of the Armstrong® Hampton™ Collection

add value and comfort to your home, with radiant beauty that never

goes out of style. This distinctive line of premier hardwood and

laminate is hand-selected and precision-built to ensure top

performance and splendid good looks for graceful living.

Hearth & Home™ fl oors represent real style and real value. Whether

you are starting out or starting over, Hearth & Home™ offers the

quality and durability consumers demand, reasonably priced to suit

every lifestyle and budget. Hearth & Home™ makes decorating on a

budget rewarding and beautiful.

The Home Craft™ hard-surface collection highlights attractive and

affordable products suitable for long-wearing performance in every

room. Home Craft™ makes fl ooring with the needs of the new-home

buyer in mind, offering a Never-Miss-A-Closing guarantee.

The heart of Naturcor™ lies in its technologically advanced layered

construction, which makes it especially resilient and cushioned

underfoot. Naturcor’s unique Nature Surface System offers an

abundance of realistic wood and stone looks in a sheet product

that is so stunning, its beautiful natural designs are rivaled only by

its strength and durability. Highly warranted and high performing,

Naturcor™ is a category unto itself.

You trust Stainmaster® carpet for durability, style, and easy cleanup.

Now those same qualities can be found in Stainmaster® resilient

vinyl fl ooring. It’s the perfect choice for kitchens, baths, laundry

rooms, mudrooms — anywhere you need the practicality of resilient

and the lasting beauty of Stainmaster®.

4

h a r d w o o d

Hardness RatingRanked by Janka

SO

FT

ER

HA

RD

HA

RD

ER

The Janka hardness rating of wood is a relative measurement of its

resistance to impact, giving prospective flooring buyers a numerical

representation of the wood’s durability. Janka is very important for

matching flooring material to its intended use. Higher levels of foot

traffic, for example, would require a more durable species, i.e. one

with a higher Janka rating.

Br. Cherry

Jarrah

Merbau

Hard Maple

Bamboo (natural)

Ash

Red Oak

Yellow Birch

Am. Black Walnut

Beech

Cherry

So. Yellow Pine

Solid Hardwood Flooringa) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane

coatings designed to protect the wood’s natural

wood beauty for years. Factory finishes containing

aluminum oxide offer the most protection against

scuffs and scratches.

b) SOLID WOOD Solid hardwood, milled from lumber.

Engineered Hardwood Flooringa) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane

coatings designed to protect the natural wood beauty

for years. Factory finishes containing aluminum oxide

offer the most protection against scuffs and scratches.

b) TOP LAYER A layer of hardwood veneer comprises the

‘show’ layer — what you see when the floor is installed.

c) SUPPORTING LAYERS Layers of wood that are

assembled and glued in a cross-ply construction.

This structure is more stable and less susceptible to

shrinking and expanding than solid wood.

a

b

ab

c

7

HARDWOOD Hardwood fl oors are always in style.

Their timeless elegance transcends trends in colour,

texture, plank width, and species for enduring beauty.

Design ConsiderationsDifferences in appearance of hardwood result from different species

of wood and the different ways they are sawn. The species’ natural

colour and the stain applied to the wood create a spectrum of

colour options. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of styles and

surface textures to meet individual needs and tastes, whether rustic,

traditional, or contemporary. A smooth hardwood surface imparts

a sleek, sophisticated, and contemporary look; a hand-scraped

option provides a more rustic, casual look. Engineered hardwoods

are designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture

poses a problem for solid hardwood fl oors.

Why Hardwood?PROS: Appearance improves with age; long-lasting, great

investment; can be refi nished; easy care and maintenance; ideal for

allergy sufferers; increases the value of your home.

CONS: May scratch or dent; transition height to other fl oors may differ.

Where Can I Use Hardwood?Hardwood is appropriate anywhere, with a few exceptions:

• Solid or engineered hardwood is not recommended for a full

bathroom due to exposure to moisture but can be used in a half bath.

• Engineered hardwood is the only type of hardwood recommended

for below-grade installation. Always check with your sales

professional fi rst.

6

c e r a m i c

CERAMIC & PORCELAIN Whether earthen

and rugged or cool high-gloss, tile is seen more than

ever on walls, countertops, backsplashes, and fl oors

in limitless fashion.

Design Considerations COLOUR Ceramic and porcelain tile naturally varies in colour,

texture, and tone between individual tiles.

SHAPES AND TEXTURES Include subtle, tone-on-tone designs

that mimic fabric fi nishes like damask. Multiple listellos (narrow

borders) can be stacked horizontally to imitate stone, or vertically

to accentuate an arch or other architectural detail. Moulded,

three-dimensional tiles in small and larger formats create texture

and pattern when used with companion two-dimensional pieces

— especially dramatic in subtle white-on-white or gray-on-gray

installations.

Why Ceramic and Porcelain?PROS: Long-lasting and low-maintenance, ceramic and porcelain

stand up to high traffi c, making both a great investment; can

increase home value.

CONS: Hard, unforgiving surface may be perceived as ‘cold.’

Where Can I Use Ceramic and Porcelain? Ceramic and porcelain tile are appropriate anywhere in the house,

indoors or out, at, below, or above grade level. Besides fl oors and

walls, additional uses are balconies, patios, backsplashes, and

countertops.

8 9

l a m i n a t e

11

LAMINATE Today’s laminate fl oors combine

exceptionally realistic good looks and carefree

maintenance. It’s an ideal fl ooring choice for

active households.

Design Considerations Laminate has been called ‘the ultimate copycat.’ Its ultra-realistic

designs bring an affordable, natural look to any room. Laminate can

mimic ceramic, hardwood, or stonework. This multi-talented fl ooring

material also makes for visually pleasing area-to-area transitions.

Why Laminate?PROS: Realistic designs; long-lasting; child/pet friendly;

hypoallergenic; easy-clean; highly resistant to dents, stains,

scratches, and abrasions.

CONS: Cannot be refi nished; shorter life expectancy than natural

products; sensitive to moisture.

Where Can I Use Laminate? Laminate can be used in any room of the house. Can be installed

above or below grade and over virtually any fl ooring surface. May not

be recommended for bathrooms due to excessive moisture exposure.

Laminate Flooringa) WEAR LAYER A protective layer containing

aluminum oxide that protects the floor from stains,

fading, and wear.

b) IMAGE LAYER A high-quality photographic image of

wood, stone, or any graphic design.

c) INNER CORE Provides the floor’s structural strength

and stability. Made from high-density fiberboard (HDF).

d) BACKING LAYER Made with resin paper, it creates a

moisture barrier that protects the floor from warping.

a

c

b

d

10

v i n y l

12

Vinyl Sheet Flooringa) TOP COAT Urethane or other top coat that makes the

product easy to clean and resist scratches and scuffs.

b) CLEAR VINYL Adds durability and protects against

rips, tears, and gouges.

c) PRINTED CUSHION An unlimited range of patterns

and designs.

d) FELT OR FIBERGLASS Felt bottom layer adheres

to the subfloor preventing contraction and expansion.

Vinyl Tile Flooringa) PROTECTIVE WEAR LAYER Urethane and other

high-performance wear layers make the product easy

to clean and resistant to scratches and scuffs.

b) PROTECTIVE CLEAR FILM LAYER Adds durability and

helps protect against rips, tears, and gouges.

c) PRINTED DESIGN LAYER Affords endless designs.

d) VINYL TILE BACKING Adds strength and durability.

a b

d

c

a b

d

c

VINYL Remarkably resilient, vinyl has evolved! In

addition to gorgeous, nature-inspired patterns and

updated colours and textures, vinyl durably cushions

every step.

Design ConsiderationsThanks to state-of-the-art print and embossing technology, vinyl can

imitate both the look and texture of natural materials like hardwood,

limestone, slate, ceramic, and porcelain. Available in a wide variety

of colours, styles, and sizes, vinyl is an easy and affordable way

to customize fl oors. Contemporary vinyl designs in white or light

colours provide the perfect counterpoint to the clean, sleek lines of

postmodern décor.

Why Vinyl?PROS: Broadest range of colours and designs; great value for

the price; underfoot comfort and resilience; low maintenance.

CONS: Adds less value to your home than natural products;

easier to tear or gouge.

Where Can I Use Vinyl? Vinyl can be used in any room: below, at, or above grade level.

What Makes Naturcor™ Unique? Naturcor™ has a highly resistant fi berglass

base, double encapsulated by PVC layers. Thanks to this revolutionary

construction, your Naturcor™ fl oor has unmatched dimensional stability

eliminating conventional problems of contraction, expansion, curling, and

cracking, resulting in easy installation and better durability. Moreover, the unique

characteristics of PVC gives you higher underfoot comfort and unparalleled

fl exibility, combined with excellent resistance to everyday wear and tear.

Naturcor™ Flooringa) SUPER GUARD Resists scuffs, scrapes and stains.

Prevents accumulation of dirt and grime. Allows your floor to

look new longer. Ensures easy cleaning and maintenance.

b) QUICK CLEAN WEAR LAYER Offers extra durability.

Provides protection against general wear, dents, cuts,

and scratches. Offers better definition of design and

colour. Ensures lasting luster and beauty.

c) FOAM LAYER Allows additional indentation recovery, enhancing resiliency.

d) FIBERGLASS Combines strength and flexibility to prevent contraction, expansion,

cracking, and curling.

e) COMFORT FOAM Luxurious cushioned vinyl backing supports the vinyl structure and

offers a base for indentation resistance. Reduces noise and sound transmission. Guarantees

unmatched underfoot comfort and provides moisture and mildew resistance.

a

b

e

c

d

13

a l t e r n a t i v e m a t e r i a l s

15

CORK Made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree,

cork is a naturally moisture-resistant material. A

renewable and sustainable resource, cork answers the

demand for conservation and use of ‘green’ materials.

Design Considerations Cork warms and enriches any interior, blending well with other

furnishings and decorations. Natural colour variations create tonal

designs ranging from yellow gold to nut brown.

Why Cork?PROS: Renewable and sustainable; resilient to pressure and

impact; provides good insulation; more accommodating to pets’

claws than many other natural wood options; hypoallergenic, anti-

static; absorbs noise; highly durable; naturally shock-absorbing.

CONS: Colour change can occur after prolonged exposure to light.

Where Can I Use Cork? Cork can be widely applied in residential and commercial settings.

The glueless joint system of fl oating planks permits fast and effi cient

installation on any fl at surface at all grade levels.

BAMBOO Bamboo is an extremely versatile,

environmentally-friendly fl ooring product that’s increasing

in popularity. Amazingly durable and long-lasting, bamboo

is a form of grass that’s actually harder than hardwood.

Design Considerations Stylish and practical, bamboo is offered in a variety of looks

depending on how it’s manufactured. Horizontal or vertical bamboo

refers to the way the individual slats are laminated together. The

look varies considerably for each. With horizontal, the pieces are

arranged side-by-side then laminated fl atwise; with vertical, the

slats are laminated standing upright and on edge. Bamboo is now

available in a wider range of colours, from natural to darker tones.

Why Bamboo?PROS: Durable; long-lasting; easy to clean; hypoallergenic – an

excellent fl oor for healthy homes.

CONS: Less moisture-resistant than average engineered hardwood fl oors.

Where Can I Use Bamboo? Can be installed over numerous types of subfl oors in virtually any room.

Not recommended for wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms,

saunas, enclosed porches, or verandas.

Cork Flooringa) PROTECTIVE FINISH

b) CORK WEAR LAYER

c) CORK CORE Flexible and insulating core for better

walking and standing comfort.

d) HIGH DENSITY FIBERBOARD (HDF) The core layer

with connecting system.

e) CORK UNDERLAYMENT For warmth and silence.

a, b, c, d, e) EDGE SEALANT Paraffin-based, all-around

edge-sealing system to protect against moisture.

Bamboo Flooring Horizontal

a) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane

coatings designed to protect the natural bamboo beauty

for years. Factory finishes containing aluminum oxide

offer the most protection against scuffs and scratches.

b) HORIZONTAL BAMBOO WEAR LAYER What you see

when the floor is installed.

c, d) SUPPORTING LAYERS Layers of wood that are

assembled and glued.

Bamboo Flooring Verticala) PROTECTIVE FINISH Urethane and polyurethane

coatings designed to protect the bamboo for years.

b) VERTICAL BAMBOO WEAR LAYER The ‘show’ layer.

a

e

d

b

c

a

b

a

aa

cd

b

d

14

1716

At A Glance

Compare how different hard surfaces perform under

different circumstances on the Lifestyle chart below.

At right is a list of our hard surface brands by category.

Lifestyle

hardwood (sold & engineered)

ceramic laminate

vinyl cork & bamboo

life expectancy Properly maintained fl oors

may last a lifetime.

child-friendly Can scratch. Pooled liquids can

damage surface and warp boards.

pet-friendly Can scratch. Pooled liquids can

damage surface and warp boards.

care & maintenance Sweep and mop occasionally

with Resista™ Floor Care Cleaner or

other recommended fl oor cleaner.

life expectancy Properly maintained fl oors Floors may last

may last a lifetime. 15-30 years.

child-friendly Hard, unforgiving surface Pooled liquids

may bruise elbows and knees. can damage fl ooring.

pet-friendly Yes Pooled liquids

can damage fl ooring.

care & maintenance Sweep and mop with Resista™ Vacuum and mop

Floor Care Cleaner or occasionally with Resista™

other recommended Floor Care Cleaner

fl oor cleaner. or other recommended

fl oor cleaner.

life expectancy Floors may last Properly maintained fl oors

20-30 years. may last a lifetime.

child-friendly Yes Can scratch.

Pooled liquids can

damage surface

and warp boards.

pet-friendly Yes Can scratch.

Pooled liquids can

damage surface

and warp boards.

care & maintenance Sweep and mop with Resista™ Sweep and mop

Floor Care Cleaner or occasionally with Resista™

other recommended Floor Care Cleaner

fl oor cleaner. or other recommended

fl oor cleaner.

C = Cork, B = Bamboo

hard surface by category

Brands hard

wood

cera

mic

&

porc

ela

in

lam

inate

vinyl

altern

ate

m

ate

rials

Yes Yes — — C, B

Yes Yes Yes — —

Yes — Yes — —

Yes Yes Yes — C, B

Yes — Yes Yes —

Yes — — Yes —

Yes Yes Yes Yes —

— — — Yes —

— — — Yes —

Hard Surface Flooring for the Way You Live.

© 2010, CCA Global Partners®, Inc. 09.10 FC 636

w w w . f l o o r i n g c a n a d a . c a