Best Flooring options for Your Toronto Home: Pros, Cons, and Costs
Flooring is one of the most important design decisions homeowners make during a renovation. It affects not only the look and feel of a room but also its durability, maintenance, and long-term value. With so many flooring options available, choosing the right one for your Toronto home can feel overwhelming.
At Sash Build, we’ve guided countless clients through flooring decisions as part of kitchen, bathroom, basement, and full-home renovations. This guide breaks down the most popular flooring types, their pros and cons, costs, and where they work best — so you can make an informed choice.
- Why Flooring Matters in Renovations
Flooring does more than just cover a surface. It sets the tone for your home’s style, impacts daily comfort, and influences resale value. Choosing the right flooring for each room depends on:
• Durability – Can it withstand foot traffic, pets, or spills?
• Moisture Resistance – Critical for basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Maintenance – Some floors need regular refinishing; others are low-maintenance.
• Budget – Flooring costs vary widely depending on materials and installation.
• Style – The finish, texture, and color need to complement your design.
- Popular Flooring Options in Toronto Homes
Here’s a breakdown of the most common flooring types we install for our clients:
a. Hardwood Flooring
• Pros: Timeless look, adds warmth, high resale value, can be refinished multiple times.
• Cons: Expensive, sensitive to moisture, scratches easily, not ideal for basements.
• Cost: $8–$15 per square foot (plus installation).
• Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms.
b. Engineered Hardwood
• Pros: Similar look to hardwood, more moisture-resistant, suitable for basements.
• Cons: Limited refinishing compared to solid hardwood, mid- to high-cost.
• Cost: $6–$12 per square foot.
• Best for: Condos, basements, and modern homes where durability is key.
c. Laminate Flooring
• Pros: Affordable, scratch-resistant, wide variety of styles that mimic wood or stone.
• Cons: Not as durable as hardwood, can’t be refinished, susceptible to water damage.
• Cost: $2–$6 per square foot.
• Best for: Bedrooms, offices, low-traffic spaces.
d. Vinyl Plank (Luxury Vinyl Tile – LVT)
• Pros: Highly water-resistant, durable, comfortable underfoot, budget-friendly.
• Cons: Not as high-end as hardwood, may dent under heavy furniture.
• Cost: $3–$7 per square foot.
• Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and rental units.
e. Tile Flooring (Porcelain or Ceramic)
• Pros: Waterproof, easy to clean, available in countless styles, long-lasting.
• Cons: Cold underfoot, hard surface, grout requires maintenance.
• Cost: $5–$15 per square foot.
• Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms.
f. Carpet
• Pros: Comfortable, warm, sound-absorbing, budget-friendly.
• Cons: Stains easily, traps dust/allergens, short lifespan compared to other materials.
• Cost: $2–$5 per square foot.
• Best for: Bedrooms, basements (if dry), family rooms.
- Flooring for Specific Rooms in Toronto Homes
• Basements: Moisture-resistant options like vinyl plank, tile, or engineered hardwood.
• Bathrooms: Tile or luxury vinyl for waterproof protection.
• Kitchens: Durable, water-resistant materials like tile, vinyl, or engineered hardwood.
• Living Rooms: Hardwood or engineered hardwood for a warm, upscale look.
• Bedrooms: Carpet for comfort or hardwood for a timeless finish.
- Cost Considerations in Toronto Renovations
Flooring costs go beyond the material itself. In Toronto, homeowners should also consider:
• Installation costs (labour can range from $2–$6 per square foot depending on the material).
• Subfloor preparation, especially in basements where moisture barriers are required.
• Removal and disposal of old flooring.
• Finishing touches like baseboards and trim.
A professional contractor ensures the installation is done properly, extending the lifespan of your flooring.
- Common Flooring Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve seen homeowners make costly mistakes when choosing flooring. Here’s what to avoid:
• Installing hardwood in basements where moisture can cause warping.
• Choosing flooring only for looks without considering durability or function.
• Skipping moisture barriers in basements or bathrooms.
• Going too cheap — low-quality flooring wears out faster and often needs replacing sooner.
- Our Flooring Installation Process at Sash Build
We approach flooring projects with the same care as full renovations:
1. Consultation & Site Visit – Assess your space and discuss lifestyle needs.
2. Material Selection – Help you choose flooring that matches your design, budget, and functionality.
3. Preparation – Remove old flooring, repair subfloor, and install moisture barriers if needed.
4. Installation – Our skilled trades ensure precise, durable installation.
5. Finishing Touches – Baseboards, trims, and cleanup to complete the project.
- Ready to Choose the Right Flooring?
Flooring is more than just a surface — it’s the foundation of your home’s style and functionality. At Sash Build, we help Toronto homeowners select and install flooring that enhances their lifestyle, fits their budget, and increases long-term value.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s find the perfect flooring solution for your home renovation.
