Investing in new flooring is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your home. It adds beauty, value, and function — but only if it’s done right.
That’s why it’s essential to protect your flooring investment by knowing what to look for before you buy. From choosing the right material for your space to understanding the installation process and ongoing maintenance, making informed decisions can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your floors last for years to come.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy — so you can invest with confidence and get the most out of your flooring.
1. Know Your Space: Match Your Flooring To Your Lifestyle
One of the most important things to consider before you buy flooring is how much foot traffic the space receives. The wrong choice in a high-traffic area could lead to premature wear and tear.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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High-Traffic Areas (like hallways, entryways, kitchens): These areas take a beating every day. Choose durable, low-maintenance options like vinyl plank, laminate, or engineered hardwood with a strong wear layer. These materials are designed to handle foot traffic, dirt, and moisture without showing premature wear.
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Low-Traffic Areas (like bedrooms or formal living rooms): Here, you can prioritize comfort and style. Carpet, softer hardwoods, or decorative flooring options work well since they won’t be subjected to the same level of use.
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Kids or Pets in the Home: Look for scratch-resistant, waterproof, and easy-to-clean flooring. Vinyl plank and waterproof laminate are great choices that combine practicality with style.
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Rental Properties: If you're installing flooring in a rental unit, durability and cost-effectiveness are key. Go for materials that can withstand heavy use, require minimal maintenance, and are easy to replace in case of damage — like vinyl plank, laminate, or engineered hardwood with a click-lock system.
2. Consider the Installation Method
Not all flooring is installed the same way, and understanding the installation method is just as important as choosing the right style or material. Different flooring categories come with different installation options — and your choice can impact everything from durability and maintenance to noise levels and comfort.
Some floors are designed to float, while others need to be glued, nailed, or stapled down. In fact, some products — like engineered hardwood — offer multiple installation methods, giving you flexibility based on your subfloor type, room usage, and even building code requirements.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Floating floors (like click-lock laminate or vinyl plank) are fast to install and ideal for DIY projects. They’re great for areas where you might want future flexibility, but they do require expansion gaps and careful underlayment selection to manage sound and movement.
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Glue-down or nail-down floors offer a more permanent, stable solution — especially important if you have heavy furniture or want a solid, underfoot feel.
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If you're in a condo or strata-managed building, check with your strata council before you buy flooring. Many buildings have specific rules about soundproofing, underlayment types, and approved materials — especially for upper-level units.
3. Always Acclimate Your Flooring
No matter which type of flooring you choose — laminate, engineered hardwood, or vinyl — acclimating it to your space is non-negotiable. Floors expand and contract with temperature and humidity, especially in Canadian climates where the seasons vary drastically.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Let your flooring sit in the room it will be installed in for 48–72 hours before installation for laminate & vinyl and preferably 5–7 days for solid & engineered hardwood.
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Keep it in its boxes, stacked flat, and away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
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Skipping this step can lead to gapping, buckling, or failed locking mechanisms — all of which could void your warranty.
4. Subfloor Prep: One of the Most Common Root-Cause Issues in Flooring
You can invest in the best flooring on the market — but if your subfloor isn’t properly prepared, you’re setting yourself up for problems. From squeaking and shifting to uneven wear and premature damage, improper subfloor prep is one of the most common root-cause issues we see in flooring failures.
A properly prepped subfloor provides the stable foundation your new flooring needs to perform at its best and last for years.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Make sure your subfloor is dry, clean, and level — this is non-negotiable.
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Remove old nails, staples, and debris to avoid bumps or weak spots.
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Use self-leveling compound to fix low areas or sand down high spots.
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For concrete subfloors, always install a moisture barrier. If gluing down, use an adhesive with an integrated vapour barrier to prevent moisture damage.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Subfloor inspection and preparation should never be skipped — it’s the first and most important step to ensure your new floors look great and perform long-term. If you’re unsure about your subfloor or want a second opinion before you buy, feel free to reach out to a professional.
5. Choose the Right Underlayment (If Needed)
Many flooring products require a specific type of underlay — and choosing the wrong one can lead to issues like noise, poor support, or even damage.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Use vapour barrier underlayment for concrete installations.
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Choose sound-dampening underlay for upper floors or condos or if your strata has a specific sound requirement you need to hit.
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Ensure your underlay matches your flooring type (some vinyl or laminate planks come with pre-attached underlay — don’t double up unless specified).
6. Use Transitions and Expansion Gaps Where Needed
Floating floors are designed to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. That’s why it’s crucial to use proper transitions and allow for expansion gaps during installation. These elements not only help your floor move naturally but also create a clean, professional finish between rooms and different flooring types.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Always leave expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room and around fixed objects (like columns, cabinets, or fireplaces) to prevent buckling or lifting.
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Use T-mouldings in large open areas or between rooms to break up long runs and give the floor space to shift with seasonal changes.
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Apply reducers, or threshold transitions where needed — especially between flooring types or at exterior doors.
Neglecting transitions can lead to serious issues like lifting, gapping, or shifting over time. Always plan this step before you buy or begin installation.
7. Avoid Overloading Your Floating Floor
Floating floors (like click-lock vinyl or laminate) are designed to “float” and expand and contract with changes in climate. Placing extremely heavy furniture or built-ins directly on top can restrict movement and cause damage.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Avoid placing kitchen islands or wall units on top of floating floors.
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For heavy furniture (like pool tables or pianos), consider glue-down or nail-down installation methods.
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Use felt pads under all furniture legs.
8. Use Area Rugs and Mats in High-Traffic Zones
Even the most durable flooring benefits from a little extra protection.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Place area rugs in high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and under dining tables.
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Use walk-off mats at entrances to capture dirt, salt, and moisture.
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Avoid rubber-backed rugs that can trap moisture or discolour your floor.
9. Protect Against Scratches and Dents
Small habits make a big difference. Everyday wear and tear can add up quickly if you don’t take preventative measures.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Attach felt pads to all chairs, tables, couches, and other heavy items.
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Use furniture coasters for larger pieces.
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Avoid dragging furniture across the floor — always lift when moving.
10. Keep Floors Clean and Debris Free
Dirt and dust act like sandpaper underfoot. Over time, they can dull and scratch your floor’s surface — especially in high-traffic areas.
✔️ Pro Tips:
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Sweep or vacuum daily (use a soft brush attachment if vacuuming).
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Wash only with manufacturer-recommended products.
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Clean up spills immediately to avoid water damage or staining.
11. Adopt a No-Shoes Policy
Your shoes track in grit, moisture, salt, and bacteria — all of which can damage your flooring over time.
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Place a bench or shoe rack at your entrance.
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Encourage guests to remove their shoes indoors.
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Use boot trays during the winter to keep melting snow and salt contained.
👣 Your floors (and your family’s health) will thank you!
Bonus Tip: Talk to Someone Who’s Done This Before
Let’s be real — flooring is a big purchase, and it’s not something you want to mess up. If you’re not 100% sure what to choose or how it all works, it’s totally worth chatting with someone who knows the ropes before you buy.
If you’ve got questions, we’re happy to help. Seriously — no pressure, no pushy sales stuff.
We can help you:
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Figure out what type of flooring makes sense for your space
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Avoid common (and expensive) mistakes
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Get a feel for how it’ll actually look and hold up in your home
If you're in Western Canada, we even offer free in-home consultations, so you can get expert advice without leaving your house.
We’ve seen it all — and we’re here if you need us before you buy.
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Protecting your flooring investment starts before you even buy. With the right advice, products, and preventative care — you'll enjoy beautiful, long-lasting floors that perform as well as they look.