Flooring Canada Hard Surfaces for the Way you Live Brochure
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Transcript of Flooring Canada Hard Surfaces for the Way you Live Brochure
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