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ADDRESS:
81C Ronald Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario M6E 4M9

 

SHOWROOM HOURS
Mon-Fri: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday: By Private Appointment


Tel. 416-782-7882

SKONA

News FLOORING FUNDAMENTALS

Selecting the right flooring for your modern kitchen will either enhance the clean lines or create an “opposites attract” aesthetic. The two extremes of very light or very dark flooring are perfect for modern spaces. Dark floors will add contrast to a monochrome palette while very light floors will feed into it, creating a space that’s cohesive and appears light and airy. Medium tones create a warmer vibe.

Knowing the basics of kitchen flooring will make a world of difference. Let’s walk through the various types of flooring that will complement your custom cabinetry…

HARDWOOD:

Advantages:

  1. It’s the most natural and versatile material with a warm look and feel.
  2. There’s a wide variety of shades and tree species (oak, maple, walnut, hickory, etc).
  3. Various grains and finishes will help you to achieve the style and mood that you’re seeking (ex. sleek, contemporary, elegant, transitional, rustic).
  4. The planks can be laid out in many popular patterns…brick, bias (diagonally), chevron, herringbone, random widths, etc.
  5. Since wood has a natural resilience, it’s more comfortable to walk on and doesn’t put a strain on a person’s joints.

Disadvantages:

  1. Hardwood is somewhat high maintenance. It requires consistent humidity levels to be maintained within the home to prevent boards from warping and moving.
  2. It can discolour if there’s lots of natural light in the room.
  3. It can easily chip, crack and get scratched.
  4. It must be protected from contact with water.

ENGINEERED WOOD:

FLOORING FUNDAMENTALS - ENGINEERED WOOD

Advantages:

  1. This option has many of the benefits of real wood but it’s lesser priced.
  2. Can be purchased as a click-together system for easy self-installation.
  3. It’s MUCH more durable to withstand years of daily wear and tear.
  4. It’s resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
  5. Can be used for underfloor heating.
  6. Feels soft and springy underfoot.
  7. Won’t discolour like natural wood.

Disadvantages:

  1. Engineered wood is easily damaged by scratches, dents, moisture and sunlight.
  2. It’s hard to repair or refinish once damaged.
  3. It doesn’t expand or contract like solid wood, so it’s prone to cracks and warps.
  4. Not as authentic as solid hardwood.

TILES:

FLOORING FUNDAMENTALS - TILES

Advantages:

  1. Made from various materials like natural stone (marble and granite) as well ceramic, quartz or porcelain.
  2. Available in a variety of designs and styles…colourful, patterned, monochromatic.
  3. The tiles can be laid out in similar patterns to hardwood planks…brick, bias (diagonally), chevron, herringbone, random widths, etc.
  4. Tiles are easier to maintain and are more durable than wood.

Disadvantages:

  1. Tiles feel cold underfoot.
  2. They’re slippery when wet.
  3. Dirt can easily build up on grout and discolour it.
  4. Can easily crack when objects fall on them.
  5. Due to the hard surface, it’s uncomfortable to stand on.
  6. Even the smallest speck of dust, dirt and debris is easily visible.

POURED CONCRETE:

FLOORING FUNDAMENTALS - POURED CONCRETE

Advantages:

  1. Lends an urban industrial vibe.
  2. It’s low maintenance but generates high impact.
  3. The low cost of concrete makes it an economical choice.
  4. It can be painted and/or stained. An acrylic high-gloss sealer will give it a wet look and transform it to resemble limestone.
  5. Can also be polished to a lustrous sheen to lend a warm and elegant look.
  6. The tonal differences, subtle cracks and aggregates take on a stonelike, natural feel.
  7. It has the most longevity. A floor that’s been polished and maintained can be expected to last a hundred years or more.
  8. Add decorative effects such as faux finishes, marbled effects, scoring-in grid lines or stamping the wet concrete with plank-like wood-grain imprints.

Disadvantages:

  1. Some may find that concrete is “cold” or “prison-like”.
  2. It’s non-resilient so it’s hard underfoot and may cause joint pain issues (knee, hip or back pain). Soft area rugs with rubber under-mats can help alleviate this issue for extra cushioning.
  3. It needs proper and periodic sealing to be moisture-proof.
  4. Polished floors can be slippery and dangerous to walk on.

LARGE FORMAT STONE:

Advantages:

  1. Oversized tiles are on trend for a more modern look.
  2. The larger sizes (24” x 48” or 36” x 36”) creates a sleek and seamless look since their size allows them to cover a larger area with a minimum of joints.

Disadvantages:

  1. The tiles may crack during installation, so a very flat substrate is necessary.
  2. This option is more expensive to both buy and install.
  3. See other notes in “Tiles” section above.

Please note that there’s many other options to choose from depending on your location, climate, etc…such as cork, bamboo, laminate, vinyl, linoleum, etc.