Choosing the right floor can feel overwhelming. This quick guide compares hardwood, luxury vinyl, laminate, and carpet so you can match the material to your space, lifestyle, and budget. We cover where each works best, what it costs to maintain, and the key things to consider for busy Alberta homes.
How to Choose
Moisture: Kitchens, entries, and basements see spills and humidity. Choose floors that can handle water.
Traffic: Pets, kids, and busy hallways need higher wear resistance.
Comfort: Bedrooms and media rooms benefit from softer, quieter floors.
Care: Decide how much maintenance you want to do.
Budget and Timeline: Balance upfront cost, longevity, and install speed.
Resale: Some floors can be refreshed or refinished and may add value.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Hardwood | Luxury Vinyl (LVP/LVT) | Laminate | Carpet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water tolerance | Low to moderate by product; avoid below grade for solid | Excellent; many products are waterproof | Good to very good; water-resistant options available | Low |
| Wear resistance | Very durable; can be recoated or refinished | Very durable; check wear layer mils | Durable; check AC rating | Good; depends on fiber and density |
| Comfort & sound | Firm, warm look | Firm with some underfoot give | Firm with some underfoot give | Softest and quietest |
| Maintenance | Routine cleaning; occasional recoat or refinish | Easy cleaning; no waxing | Easy cleaning; no waxing | Regular vacuuming; periodic deep clean |
| Resale & lifespan | High; can last decades with care | High practical value; cannot be refinished | Good value; cannot be refinished | Good comfort value; style refresh over time |
| Typical best spots | Main floors, living areas, bedrooms | Kitchens, entries, basements, busy homes | Living spaces, rentals, busy homes | Bedrooms, stairs, playrooms, media rooms |
Hardwood
- Why People Choose it: Natural beauty, long life, and the ability to renew the finish. Properly maintained wood can be recoated or refinished, which is a big part of its long lifespan and value.
- Best Applications: Main floors, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms. Use entry mats and wipe spills quickly.
- Keep in Mind: Solid hardwood is not recommended below grade because of moisture risk in basements. Engineered wood or other materials are safer choices there. Maintain indoor humidity in a stable range per product guidelines.
- Care Basics: Sweep or vacuum with a hardwood setting. Clean with a pH-neutral wood cleaner. Recoat or refinish as needed over time.
Luxury Vinyl (LVP/LVT)
- Why People Choose it: Looks like wood or stone, handles water, and stands up to daily life. Check the wear layer thickness for durability. Common residential wear layers are about 6, 12, or 20 mil, with thicker layers offering more protection. Look for FloorScore or similar certifications if low emissions matter to you.
- Best Applications: Kitchens, entries, mudrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, rentals, and high-traffic family spaces.
- Keep in Mind: “Waterproof” refers to the surface material. Subfloors still need to be dry and properly prepared. Follow manufacturer instructions for temperature and sunlight.
- Care Basics: Sweep or vacuum regularly. Damp mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner. Avoid steam. Protect from scratches with felt pads.
Laminate
- Why People Choose it: Realistic looks with strong scratch and wear performance at a friendly price. Use the AC rating to match the product to traffic. AC3 is common for residential, AC4 for heavier use, AC5 for very high traffic.
- Best Applications: Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, and family spaces. Water-resistant options can work in kitchens and entries; always follow product guidance.
- Keep in Mind: Most laminates cannot be refinished. Protect from standing water. Choose the right underlay for sound and comfort.
- Care Basics: Dry sweep or vacuum with hard-floor setting. Lightly mist a laminate-safe cleaner. No steam.
Carpet
- Why People Choose it: Warmth, comfort, style, and quiet rooms. Carpet absorbs sound and can act like a passive air filter that holds dust and allergens until you vacuum, which can help indoor air quality when maintained. Look for CRI Green Label Plus for low-emitting options.
- Best Applications: Bedrooms, stairs, playrooms, media rooms, and basements where you want extra warmth and acoustic comfort.
- Keep in Mind: Choose the right fiber and density for traffic. Use entry mats and a quality pad. Plan periodic professional cleaning to refresh fibers.
- Care Basics: Vacuum regularly. Blot spills quickly. Schedule deep cleaning as needed.
Decision Guide
- For Basements or Moisture-Prone Spaces: Start with luxury vinyl. Consider carpet with the right pad for warmth in dry, well-managed basements. Avoid solid hardwood below grade.
- For Maximum Long-Term Value and the Option to Refresh Later: Hardwood wins because you can recoat or refinish.
- For Active Households That Want Easy Care and Strong Wear: Luxury vinyl or a higher-AC laminate are great picks. Check wear layer mils for vinyl and AC ratings for laminate.
- For Quiet, Cozy Rooms: Carpet delivers comfort and sound absorption.
- For Indoor Air Considerations: Prioritize certified products such as FloorScore for hard surfaces and Green Label Plus for carpet. Ventilate during and after install.
Local Tips for Sherwood Park and Edmonton Homes
- Winter air can get dry. Keep indoor humidity within the range your product recommends to reduce gaps or movement in wood-based floors.
- Use walk-off mats at exterior doors to manage grit from freeze-thaw cycles and road sand.