What Is Sheet Vinyl Flooring? What Is It Made Of?

When it comes to water-resistant floors, vinyl flooring has always been a top choice. From sheet vinyl to luxury vinyl tile flooring, your flooring will boast water resistance, high durability, and stylish qualities. Vinyl sheet flooring has come a long way over the years thanks to technological innovations in the flooring industry. Not only is it an affordable flooring material and covering, but it is also a beautiful flooring with a long life expectancy. We’ve already further explored luxury vinyl flooring options perfect for tile and planks, so let’s jump into what vinyl sheet flooring is and why it might just be the perfect fit for your home or business space.

What is Sheet Vinyl Flooring?

Like other types of vinyl floors, sheet vinyl is made to perfectly reproduce the look of natural stone, tile, and hardwood flooring. Vinyl sheet flooring is made from a synthetic material mostly made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins. The synthetic materials are coated in UV-cured surface protection made of urethane, a transparent wear layer, making the entire floor around it resistant to water, scratching, stains, and other types of damage. Probably the biggest advantage of sheet vinyl as flooring materials, however, is its easy installation. Additionally, vinyl sheet flooring comes in huge rolls and is ideal for rooms on your property that are susceptible to moisture, such as:

• Kitchen

• Bathroom

• Basement

• Laundry Room

What is the Difference Between Sheet Vinyl and Luxury Vinyl?

The key differences between sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl are that a sheet vinyl floor is made in large sheets. In contrast, luxury vinyl (such as vinyl tiles and planks) comes in separate pieces that mimic the types of genuine flooring that are being produced. Sheet vinyl is made from several layers: 

• Top coat

• Wear layer

• Pattern layer

• Cushion layer

• Fiberglass

• Base layer

Standard vinyl flooring is made from flexible sheets that are very thin, while luxury vinyl is a very different type of vinyl flooring made from the same materials. Luxury vinyl flooring is sold in separate tiles or planks and is thicker than sheet vinyl. Luxury vinyl is not as smooth as sheet vinyl either. This is due to the grooves and whirls made into the flooring material that makes it accurately mimic natural materials like ceramic tile or hardwood. While both offer immense durability, luxury vinyl is virtually dent and gouge resistant, making it the more durable flooring option of the two.

Is Sheet Vinyl Flooring Waterproof?

Sheet vinyl is made with waterproof materials, such as PVC, which makes this flooring option perfect for water-prone areas of the home. Sheet vinyl is a great fit for any room in your home, but it excels in the kitchen, laundry room, basement, and bathrooms where it exceeds expectations in water-resistance.

Schedule a free room measure and start renovating your home with vinyl sheets, luxury vinyl tiles, and other vinyl products today!

What is Pet-Friendly Flooring?

Choosing the right flooring material can be a real challenge for a homeowner with pets. How do you keep your pets safe and comfortable while protecting your floors from moisture, staining, scratches, and other types of damage? Fortunately, the friendly and knowledgeable flooring experts at Flooring Canada make it easy to find materials that are compatible with every family member - including Fido and Fluffy! Whether you’re searching for the best flooring for pet stains, scratch-resistant flooring for dogs, or other pet-proof flooring options, read on to learn the basics and get some design ideas your furry friends will love. 

Pet-Proof Flooring Types

Choosing the right pet-friendly flooring requires some important considerations as there are pros and cons to the different flooring materials depending on your pet’s needs. Finding flooring that suits your style and is ideal for your pet can be tricky, but our flooring experts are here to help you find the perfect balance. Potential flooring options include:

• Hardwood flooring
• Laminate flooring
• Luxury vinyl flooring
• Tile flooring
• Waterproof carpet

What Does “Pet-Proof Flooring” Mean?

The phrase “pet-proof flooring” means that it has to be strong enough to withstand damage from urine, scratching nails, tracked-in mud, and other hazards to your home. Durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean are the qualities in flooring that essentially make it “pet-proof.” However, pet-friendly flooring should satisfy your needs as a pet owner and as a homeowner. Luckily, there are plenty of flooring options that can satisfy every need, whether it is style or durability and everything in between.

Why Should I Get Pet-Proof Flooring?

While we all love our pets, we know they can take a toll on our home. They can leave behind scratches, pet hair, dander, and messes. There are a few factors to remember when shopping for pet-friendly flooring. Consider the following when comparing different flooring options:

Is the flooring resistant to scratches?

Scratching is a major concern for dog owners, so durable flooring options are needed. Scratch-resistant flooring options include hardwood floors, stone tile, laminate flooring, and luxury vinyl flooring.

Is the flooring resistant to pet damage as well as wear and tear?

Scratches aren’t the only source of pet damage. Stains, mud, and moisture can also take a toll. This is especially true for hardwood flooring. If urine or moisture is your main concern, consider a line of waterproof products, such as luxury vinyl flooring or engineered hardwood flooring. 

Will it be comfortable for my cat or dog?

Of course! Pets appreciate a soft landing just as much as their owners - especially pets that love to jump. Plush, flexible flooring materials like carpet and cork flooring offer more cushioning and support than hard flooring materials like tile or wood. 

Does pet-proof flooring offer traction for my pet?

Both dogs and cats need traction, or the ability to “grip” the floor while they walk and run, to ensure they can safely navigate your home. Some types of flooring, like carpet, provide more traction than others.

What flooring type is best for pet urine?

Urine can damage your floors in more ways than one, so it is important to get stain-resistant and moisture-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, luxury vinyl, laminate, and solid hardwood with a dense, durable coating to repel liquids can all do the trick!

Waterproof Flooring for Pets

Accidents are a fact of life when you have pets - especially those with new puppies or kittens. That’s why all pet-friendly flooring options are waterproof! This is ideal for accident-prone pets and helps your floors withstand little spills and dribbles from the water bowl. 

For waterproof flooring options, consider a product made with luxury vinyl flooring, which comes in a wide selection of patterns, colours, and styles. You can even purchase vinyl flooring in luxury vinyl planks or luxury vinyl tile, depending on which design aesthetic you are going for. Luxury vinyl is tougher and more durable against moisture from urine, water, and other spills. That said, there are plenty of other waterproof and scratch-resistant options like engineered hardwood flooring, tile flooring, and laminate flooring for every pet owner’s budget and style preference.

Scratch-Resistant Flooring for Pets

The wear and tear from a dog’s nails can scar your floor for life and burn through your wallet in the process. Don’t worry, though! There are flooring options that are specially designed to withstand pet damage from those scratching and clacking nails. If you’re searching for a scratch-resistant flooring product, here are a few options to consider:

• Wood Floors - Certain hardwood flooring species are more resistant to scratching and denting than others. A good source to determine the hardness of a species is the Janka scale. The higher the rating on the Janka scale, the more likely the species will hold up to pet scratches. Engineered hardwood flooring is also durable and offers both style and strength. 
• Luxury Vinyl - Luxury vinyl is waterproof flooring that is also scratch-proof and dent-proof. With the correct backing, it can even be sound dampening. It is durable and cost-effective, making it ideal for any home with pets.
• Stone Flooring - Stone is another easy-to-clean yet scratch-resistant flooring option, providing an elegant alternative to luxury vinyl

Pet-Friendly Flooring Options for Dogs & Cats

At Flooring Canada, we understand that your pet is like a family member. They are an active part of your day-to-day life. We’re dedicated to helping you find safe, comfortable, and attractive flooring that meets your needs - and the needs of your furry friend! Whether your primary concern is preventing water damage, staining, claw marks, or all three, count on our friendly team of flooring experts to deliver top-quality flooring for every room in your home. 

You can find more information at our flooring stores. Our team of experts will give you some pointers and tips for getting started. You can contact your local Flooring Canada to connect with flooring experts who can help you find the best fit for your home.

Whether you are an aging adult looking to choose safe and beautiful floors for your home, or you are helping your aging loved one find new flooring, there are a few factors to consider; safety chief among them. It is key to ensure that your new flooring choice is both slip- and trip-resistant. Of course, safety is important, but cleaning, comfort, cushion, and function should all be considered when shopping as these factors contribute to finding the perfect floor.

Floors Seniors Should Avoid

First, let’s talk about the floors seniors should avoid. Falling is a real fear for many seniors, especially if they live alone and help is not readily available. Ensuring that the flooring inside seniors’ homes minimizes the risk of falling is a priority. 

Area rugs are a big no-no in spaces where seniors walk. Rugs often slide around, easily bunch up, and even the slightest height difference could be challenging for some individuals. Thus, area rugs can be a real tripping hazard, which, of course, should be avoided.

Natural stone is another material that should be avoided. It is very hard and requires regular maintenance, which makes it unforgiving. In addition, polished stone floor is slippery when wet and can be cold under bare feet. Ceramic and porcelain tile should also be avoided for the same reasons. Although this material requires very little maintenance, wide grout joints or uneven tiles can create a tripping risk.

Rubber Flooring Is Number One

Rubber flooring is a wonderful option for seniors because it is slip-resistant even when it is wet, making it the safest choice. Another great benefit is its absorbency. If someone were to fall on rubber flooring, it would most likely be less painful than hard surfaces. The cushioning and installation that rubber flooring offers also make it a warmer surface, which helps keep seniors more comfortable. In addition to all the great benefits that rubber flooring gives seniors, it also comes in a variety of colour options, and it’s easy to maintain, making it not only a functional but aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.

Cork Flooring Is the Runner-Up

Another great option for seniors is cork flooring because it is soft, shock-absorbent, and provides traction, making it slip-resistant. Much like rubber flooring, it not only helps prevent falls but in the event of one, it cushions to reduce the chance of injury. Many cork floors are often finished with sealants, which will make it easy for seniors to wipe down and maintain. 

It is important to note that cork does not last over time and should not be placed in high-moisture areas, as it is prone to cracks, fading, and dents.

Vinyl Flooring Can Be Valuable for Seniors

When it comes to vinyl flooring, there are a lot of great benefits. It’s easy to maintain, waterproof, and easy to walk on without slipping. Compared to cork and rubber, vinyl is a harder flooring surface, making it less forgiving when it comes to falls. Modern vinyl is called luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) and comes in a variety of attractive styles, which means you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for function. This affordable flooring is an excellent option for seniors.

Carpet Shouldn’t Be Counted Out

Despite being more difficult for individuals in wheelchairs to maneuver on, carpet is still a great option for seniors. When installed correctly, wall-to-wall carpeting is smooth, soft, and comfortable. Carpet is especially ideal in colder regions because it provides warmth underfoot and a cozy feel. Plus, it is very cushiony and forgiving in case of a fall. Carpet is often overlooked as it can be tough to clean and may trap unwanted dust and debris, which can be challenging for seniors with allergies or breathing problems. Hypoallergenic carpets, however, are an ideal option for people with allergies as they better filter out pollen and dust.

Consult the Experts on Senior-Safe Flooring

If you need help figuring out what flooring types are senior-safe while also fitting your budget and style, the Flooring Canada experts are here to help. Give them a call, or stop by your local Flooring Canada store today.

As we enter the brightest of seasons, infuse your home with colour using the interior design tips and inspiration provided in the pages of our 2021 Summer Issue of Design at Home. Within these pages, you get the inside scoop on trending styles, colours, and decor, from exclusive designer interviews to tips on styling your outdoor spaces to behind the design of a lovely lake home. Whether you're hoping to saturate your areas with sunny, rich hues or looking to stick to a natural muted palette, we have the design insight you need to get started. Here's a sneak peek at the brilliant articles that are awaiting you inside this issue of Design at Home:

7 Quick Tips for Outdoor Design

Dive into the best design ideas to create your outdoor oasis in a simple seven-step article. Chock full of tips and advice to make the most of your outdoor space, we detail how to add focal points, use lighting to direct your mood, and bring a fresh feel to your outdoor patio.

Design by Kate Davidson, Photography by Stephani Buchman 

Interior Inspiration: Calling All Colours

In this eight-page spread, we gathered our favorite trending colours of the season and show you how you can incorporate them into your home design. colour can be tricky business, which is why we showcase gorgeous room scenes that use simple, low-commitment colour solutions to refresh their space.

Design by Rebecca Hay, Photography by Stephani Buchman

Styles We Love: Infusing Summer into Your Design

Three styles have stolen our hearts this summer: Modern Mediterranean, Cozy Cottagecore, and Outdoor Oasis. With new flooring, décor, furniture, and lighting, you can effortlessly incorporate these beautifully natural designs into your home. Check out some of our best pieces from each collection and put together a look you'll adore, whether you go all-in on one of our exclusive styles or mix and match a few elements.

Striking the Perfect Balance: Trendy Tile Colours Paired with Neutrals

As the strongest, most durable hard surface solution out there, tile is a popular choice for many homeowners. We'll explain how you can blend tile colours with the existing natural neutral tones of your home, giving you the best balance of colour and tranquil ambiance that's necessary to design a refreshing summer home.

Nostalgia in Saga by Emser Tile

Reset, Refresh with a Splash of Colour

In this area rug feature, we discuss the benefits of adding an area rug to your space and make suggestions on the best colours for styling. This summer, we're obsessed with blues, golds, bright botanical elements, and elegant stone-inspired hues. Learn how to style your area rugs and delve into our top products from trusted brands at Flooring America.

Twilight Collection in Ivory Grey Blue by Nourison

Designer Q&A: Urban to Suburban with Korina Khamas and Eugenia Triandos of Hibou Design & Co.

Explore a stunning transformation in this Q&A with Hibou Design. Eugenia and Korina walk us through their approach to a home renovation and talk about drawing on inspiration from natural elements to create a unified design.

Design by Hibou Design + Co, Photography by Drew Hadley

Designing in a Sea of Blue

Written by Louis Duncan-He, Design by Louis Duncan-He

As a brilliant designer, Louis Duncan-He breaks down how the colour blue —which has become a staple hue for so many designs —can work with mixed metals and other household elements. In this piece, Duncan-He discusses the importance of variety, building a colour story, and how to bridge your many shades of blue.

Design and Photography by Louis Duncan-He

Behind the Design: A Casual Lake Home Getaway

Written by Kate O'Hara, Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors, Photography by Spacecrafting Photography

Delve into a stunning lake house designed by Kate O'Hara of Martha O'Hara Interiors. Featuring bright dining spaces both inside and out, unusual bunk space in the guest room, and a surprisingly bold kitchen colour, the architecture of this home will make you long for lazy trips to the lake. O'Hara will walk you through her design ideas and challenges to reveal how she created a sanctuary dedicated to lake life.

Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors, Photography by Spacecrafting Photography

Style Watch

We are the flooring specialists at Flooring America, and we've compiled a list of the top 10 flooring trends for 2021. Our Style Watch collection of flooring solutions, including carpet, luxury vinyl, tile, and more, takes the guesswork out of choosing a floor that complements this year's top trends, features, and technologies.

How to Find the Best Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are classic in any space. Choosing hardwood floors gives you a beautiful clean slate to create any decor style, whether you are looking for a modern oasis or a traditional home base. When it comes to choosing the right hardwood floors for your home, the best hardwood floors are dependent on…well, you!

The Key to Hardwood Floors Is You

As much as we would love to have a one-size-fits-all when it comes to hardwood flooring, the truth is everyone has different design needs and desires. But fear not, we have plenty of tips to help you find the right floors for you, your family, your pets, and your favorite activities. Choosing the right wood flooring goes well beyond color. Of course, color is important, but finding floors that are durable enough for your space and fit into your budget are considerations that can’t be overlooked.

Foot Traffic Is a Factor

The first step in picking out your hardwood flooring is determining what room it will go in. This matters because the amount of wear and tear your floor experiences can often vary by room. For example, the spills and foot traffic that takes place in the kitchen far exceed those of the master bedroom. So, location can help determine what type of durability you will need when choosing hardwood floors.

You Don’t Have to Break Your Budget

Another important factor to consider is your budget, as some wood types are more expensive than others. Ebony is one of the most expensive species of wood because it is not only rare but also durable and termite resistant. On the other hand, wood-look laminate and luxury vinyl planks are an inexpensive way to get the hardwood look you want for less.

In addition to different types of wood, there are various products and methods for finishing floors. Some wood planks come prefinished from the factory, and others need to be finished after installation. The cost varies for each type of floor and floor finish. To understand the details and cost of hardwood floors, visit or call your local Flooring Canada.

Hardwood Floors Come in a Rainbow of Colors

Last, how you want your floors to look is a major factor. There’s an incredible array of wood species, but the most popular ones are hickory, oak, cherry, ash, maple, ebony, and bamboo. Each of these species has subspecies, that can range in color, and have unique grain patterns. For instance, cherry has distinctive warm red hues, where white oak is light and adds white accents. It’s essential to have a vision for what you want your room to look like so you can find the right wood species and color.

It is also crucial to consider that wood changes over time. Seasonally, wood can expand and shrink, and sunlight can also change the coloration of your wood over time. Maintenance and refinishing might be required to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. As always, your Flooring Canada experts are here to help you every step of the way.