Tips for First-Time Flooring Buyers

Embarking on a flooring renovation is an exciting step toward transforming your home. But for a first-time buyer, the process can feel daunting. With countless materials, styles, and price points to choose from, knowing where to start can be the biggest challenge. The key is to be prepared with the right questions and a clear understanding of your needs. At Jordans Flooring, we have over 50 years of experience guiding customers through this journey. Our team is dedicated to providing genuine, old-fashioned service, and we’ve compiled these essential tips for first-time flooring buyers to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Step 1: Define Your Needs and Lifestyle

Before you even look at a single sample, it’s crucial to understand what you need from your new floor.

• Lifestyle: Do you have a busy household with kids and pets? Or are you a single professional with a quiet space? The level of activity will dictate the durability you need.
• Room Function: What room is the flooring for? A kitchen or bathroom requires a waterproof floor. A bedroom can handle a softer, less durable material than a high-traffic entryway.
• Personal Style: What is your design aesthetic? Do you prefer a cozy, rustic look or a clean, modern one?
• Budget: Set a realistic budget for both the materials and the installation. This will help narrow down your options and prevent you from falling in love with a floor you can’t afford.

Step 2: Research and Understand the Main Flooring Types

One of the most important tips for first-time flooring buyers is to familiarize yourself with the major categories.

1. Hardwood Flooring

• Pros: Unmatched natural beauty, long lifespan, can be refinished multiple times, and significantly increases home value.
• Cons: High cost, susceptible to scratches and moisture damage, requires careful maintenance.
• Best For: Main living areas, dining rooms, and bedrooms in homes where authenticity and resale value are a top priority.

2. Laminate Flooring

• Pros: Affordable, highly scratch and dent-resistant, easy to clean, and offers realistic designs of wood and stone.
• Cons: Can be susceptible to water damage (unless you choose a water-resistant option), and cannot be refinished.
• Best For: Living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms in active households that need a durable and budget-friendly option.

3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

• Pros: 100% waterproof, incredibly durable, easy to clean, soft and quiet underfoot, and offers highly realistic designs.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than laminate, and may not add the same resale value as hardwood.
• Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with kids and pets where water exposure is a major concern.

4. Carpet

• Pros: Warm, soft, and comfortable underfoot; excellent sound absorption; wide variety of colors and textures; affordable.
• Cons: Susceptible to stains and spills, can trap allergens, and requires regular deep cleaning.
• Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, and dens where comfort is the main priority.

Step 3: The Importance of the Sample

Never buy flooring based on a small picture online or in a catalog.

• See It in Person: Visit a showroom, like one of our many locations across British Columbia and Alberta, to see and feel the flooring.
• Check the Lighting: Take a sample home and look at it in your room’s natural and artificial lighting. Colors can look drastically different under different light sources.
• Match with Decor: Place the sample next to your furniture, paint color, and other decor to ensure it all works together.

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Installation

The quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the flooring itself.

• Hire a Professional: While some floors are marketed as “DIY-friendly,” a professional installer has the experience and tools to ensure the job is done correctly, which will guarantee the longevity and performance of your floor.
• Get a Written Quote: The quote should include the cost of materials, underlayment, subfloor preparation, removal of old flooring, and installation labor.

Your Partner for a Confident Purchase

Choosing new flooring is a significant investment in your home. By following these tips for first-time flooring buyers, you can navigate the process with confidence, ensuring you select a floor that not only looks beautiful but also perfectly fits your lifestyle and budget. At Jordans Flooring, our team is here to answer your questions, provide expert advice, and help you find the perfect flooring solution for your home.

The narrative of Jordans Flooring begins and ends with an unwavering commitment to quality in both product and service. This foundational principle, simple in its essence yet powerful in its passion, has not only sustained us for years but continues to guide us forward. We are immensely proud of the success, longevity, and reputation we have built. As a leading retailer, Jordans Flooring is now recognized for providing a broad spectrum of products and services across the Home Furnishings and Flooring sectors, all delivered with the same commitment that started it all.

Contact us or visit our showroom locations in Victoria, BC – Vancouver, BC – South Surrey, BC – Richmond, BC – Red Deer, AB – Nanaimo, BC – Langley, BC – Victoria, BC – Kelowna, BC – Kamloops, BC – Edmonton, AB – Coquitlam, BC – Calgary, AB – Burnaby, BC – Abbotsford, BC.