If you’re remodeling, buying a new home, or just thinking about updating one room, the right floor can change everything. In this guide I’ll walk you through the top flooring trends Canada is seeing in 2024–2025, explain why each trend matters for Canadian homes, give how-to tips, real-life examples, budget-friendly options, and where to shop locally. This post is written in plain, human-friendly English — no heavy jargon — and it uses recent market signals so you know what’s actually available now.
Quick snapshot — the big ideas behind today’s flooring trends Canada
- Natural, warm looks: warm wood tones and natural textures are replacing the cool, washed-out grays of the last decade. (Flooring Liquidators)
- Wide planks and classic patterns: wider boards and patterns like herringbone/chevron are back, giving a premium, timeless feel. (The Floor Shop)
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) & waterproof options: vinyl that looks like real wood but is scratch- and water-resistant remains hugely popular, especially for busy households. (Westboro Flooring & Decor)
- Tile innovation & “tile drenching”: big-format porcelain, tile drenching (same tile across floor and walls), and patterned tiles for impact. (Woman & Home)
- Underfloor heating compatibility: demand for floors that work with radiant systems (electric or hydronic) is rising — especially in colder regions. (Bonafide Research)
- Sustainability & alternative materials: cork, engineered hardwood from sustainable sources, and more transparency about product lifecycle. (Wood and Beyond)
Each of these threads shows how Canadians are balancing looks, durability, and comfort. Below I unpack every trend, share practical tips, and list Canadian shops and brands where you can find these products.
1) Warm wood tones & “brunette” flooring — goodbye gray, hello cosy
What’s happening
After several years of gray-washed floors, designers and buyers are moving toward warmer, richer wood tones — think honey, caramel, and deep “brunette” browns that read as cozy and grounded. This shift is one of the clearest flooring trends Canada is showing in 2025. (Flooring Liquidators)
Why it matters for Canadian homes
Warm tones make rooms feel inviting during long winters and pair well with the warm-minimal and Japandi interiors many homeowners like. They also photograph well for resale listings and social media — an indirect but real factor in buyer preferences.
How to use it
- Choose mid- to dark-toned oak, walnut, or engineered planks.
- For small rooms, balance darker floors with light walls and layered rugs.
- Use satin or matte finishes (less maintenance and less glare than high gloss).
Local brands & where to look
- Coresource / Mohawk (distributors in Canada) and local flooring dealers stock a wide range of warm engineered & solid woods.
- The Floor Shop (Toronto), Westboro Flooring (Ottawa), and Flooring Liquidators often feature seasonal “brunette” collections. (The Floor Shop)
Real-life example: A Halifax bungalow replaced blond oak with a 5″ wide walnut-look engineered plank — the main floor felt warmer and more connected to wood furniture and leather sofas.
2) Wide planks & traditional patterns — more visual calm, less busy seams
What’s happening
Wide planks (5″ and wider) are trending because they create a calm, continuous look and show off wood character. At the same time, classic installs like herringbone and chevron are coming back for dining rooms, entryways, and focal areas. (The Floor Shop)
Why Canadians choose them
Wider planks make older homes feel updated without changing the architecture. Herringbone gives a handcrafted, higher-end look that can increase perceived value.
How to use it
- Use wide planks in open-plan main floors to create flow.
- Reserve herringbone/chevron for smaller feature zones like entryways or behind kitchen islands.
- Select engineered hardwood for better stability in Canadian climate variations.
Vendors
MSI Surfaces, Ramirro, and many local hardwood suppliers offer wide-plank engineered options. Ask for climate-stable finishes if you live in humid or very dry areas. (Houzz)
Real-life example: A Toronto townhouse installed 7″ engineered oak wide planks on the main level and a herringbone inlay at the front hall — it made the entry feel custom without a full bespoke floor.
3) Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) — the everyday hero
What’s happening
LVP remains a dominant choice for many Canadian homeowners because it balances style, water resistance, and cost. Modern LVP can mimic hardwood, natural stone, and high-variation rustic looks closely. (Westboro Flooring & Decor)
Why it’s so popular in Canada
- Moisture resistance: great for basements, mudrooms, kitchens — places real wood can struggle.
- Durability: scratch- and stain-resistant types are perfect for pets and kids.
- Style options: from light naturals to dark brunettes and textured finishes.
How to pick LVP
- Choose rigid core (SPC) for better dent resistance and a stable install.
- Check wear layer thickness (20–30 mil for busy homes).
- Order samples and view them in your light — LVP looks change a lot with lighting.
Where to buy
Big retailers like Home Depot Canada, RONA, Lowe’s Canada, and specialty stores (Flooring Liquidators, local dealers) carry broad LVP lines and often have installation services. (Flooring Liquidators)
Real-life example: A Montreal family used SPC LVP on their main floor and went with a warm mid-brown tone; the floor handled snow boots, dog nails, and high traffic without showing wear after two winters.
4) Tile trends: big-format porcelain, patterned tiles & “tile drenching”
What’s happening
Tile is flexing beyond bathrooms and kitchens. Big-format porcelain reduces grout lines and reads almost like a slab. Patterned tiles (Moroccan, geometric, encaustic-look) add personality. “Tile drenching” — using the same tile across floors and walls for a continuous look — is a standout design move in 2025. (Livingetc)
Why it fits Canadian homes
Porcelain is tough, resistant to freeze-thaw in entryways, and available in many wood- and stone-look finishes that are practical and low maintenance.
How to use it
- Use large slabs in open-plan main levels or shower surrounds for a spa feel.
- Add patterned tile as a rug or a backsplash to create a focal point.
- For tile drenching, pick a muted palette to avoid overwhelming small spaces.
Vendors
MSI Surfaces, local tile showrooms, Flooring Liquidators, and plumbing fixture retailers stock large-format porcelain and artisanal patterned lines. Ask suppliers about rectified tiles (cleaner edges) for tight joins. (Houzz)
Real-life example: In Vancouver, a condo used the same light-veined porcelain tile on the bathroom floor and tub wall — it made the small bath look and feel larger.
5) Floors that work with radiant heating — comfort you feel
What’s happening
Underfloor heating is growing in new builds and renovations. Many homeowners now consider whether their new floor is compatible with electric or hydronic radiant systems. Market reports show rising adoption in Canada for comfort and energy-efficiency reasons. (Bonafide Research)
Why it’s important in Canada
Cold winters make heated floors not just luxe but practical. Radiant systems change how people choose materials (engineered wood, LVP, and porcelain are the usual picks).
How to choose
- Confirm manufacturer recommendations: engineered hardwood (not always solid wood), LVP with SPC core, and porcelain are typically radiant-friendly.
- Use an experienced installer to size the system properly and avoid thermal mismatches.
- Consider smart thermostats for energy control.
Where to buy/install
Local HVAC and specialty electric/hydronic suppliers carry underfloor systems. Some flooring stores will coordinate installs; for big projects ask for contractors experienced with radiant systems. (Global Market Insights Inc.)
Real-life example: A Calgary reno included hydronic radiant heating and an engineered oak floor; the system cut cold mornings and increased comfort dramatically during -20°C stretches.
6) Sustainable & alternative materials — cork, reclaimed wood, and trustworthy certifications
What’s happening
Sustainability is no longer niche. Buyers ask about source, emissions, and longevity. Cork, reclaimed wood, and engineered products with FSC certification or low-VOC finishes are in demand. (Wood and Beyond)
Why Canadians care
Energy costs, environmental awareness, and a desire for durable products drive choices toward longer-lasting and responsibly sourced floors.
How to shop responsibly
- Ask for FSC or PEFC certification for wood products.
- Choose low-VOC adhesives and finishes.
- Consider cork for quieter floors and natural resilience in bedrooms or home offices.
Local sellers
Specialty retailers and some mainstream dealers now carry sustainable lines — ask showrooms for certified options. Local reclaim yards and salvage stores are great for character floors at reasonable cost.
Real-life example: A Hamilton couple sourced reclaimed fir for a feature wall and stair treads, pairing the boards with new engineered planks for stability.
7) Practical small-space tips for Canadian condos & townhouses
Many Canadian homes have compact footprints. Here are tested tips:
- Light-reflecting finishes: if you want a light, airy feel, go for mid-tone wide planks rather than very dark colors that can make spaces feel smaller. (Houzz)
- Continuous flooring: run the same floor through living and kitchen to visually expand the area.
- Smart transitions: use reducers and matching thresholds to maintain flow.
- Waterproof at entryways: select LVP or porcelain near doors and mudrooms to handle slush and salt.
Real-life example: A condo owner in Winnipeg used the same LVP across living, kitchen and hallway; the uninterrupted plank direction made the unit feel larger and more cohesive.
Budget guide: update floors by tiers (Canada-focused)
Refresh under $1,000
- Add large-area rugs, refinish existing wood (if possible), or replace flooring in a single small room with budget LVP.
- Check local big-box stores for clearance lines and samples.
$1,000–$6,000 (noticeable upgrade)
- Replace flooring in a main floor area with mid-range LVP or engineered hardwood.
- Add underlay for sound reduction and insulation. Many homeowners choose professional installation here.
$6,000+ (whole-home or premium finishes)
- Wide-plank engineered hardwood across open-plan spaces, tile drenching in bathrooms, or hardwood + radiant heating installs. Work with local pros for subfloor prep and warranty. (The Floor Shop)
Where to buy in Canada — local vendor cheat-sheet
- Home Depot Canada — big selection of LVP, laminate, and basic hardwood; often good for sales.
- RONA / Lowe’s Canada — national chains with variety and installation services.
- MSI Surfaces / Ramirro / Flooring Liquidators — tile and stone specialists with large-format porcelain. (Houzz)
- Local specialty dealers — The Floor Shop (Toronto), Westboro Flooring (Ottawa), and independent hardwood stores for engineered and custom installs. (The Floor Shop)
- Brand manufacturers — Mohawk, Armstrong, Shaw (distributors in Canada) for hardwood and resilient products. (The Floor Shop)
Always order samples and test in your home light before committing.
Installation & maintenance tips (keep your floor longer)
- Prep matters: a flat, dry subfloor is everything. Poor prep equals squeaks and failures. Hire an installer who will check moisture and level.
- Use the right underlay: soundproofing underlay for condos; vapor barrier for slabs.
- Trim & expansion: wood and LVP need expansion gaps. Make sure trim and thresholds allow movement.
- Maintenance: follow manufacturer cleaning instructions — avoid harsh chemicals on sealed floors. Seal wood every few years as recommended.
Quick decision flow — which floor is right for you?
- High moisture / basement / mudroom → LVP (SPC) or porcelain tile.
- Main living & resale value → engineered hardwood wide-plank (warm tones).
- High-style statement → herringbone hardwood or tile drenching in focal rooms.
- Radiant heating → engineered wood, LVP rated for radiant, or porcelain.
- Sustainability → cork, reclaimed wood, FSC-certified engineered planks.
Weekend checklist before you buy
- Order 3 full-size samples (different lighting shows color variations).
- Check the product’s installation guide for radiant compatibility.
- Ask about warranty (wear layer, water warranty, installation warranty).
- Get at least two contractor quotes and compare installer references.
- Ensure return policy for opened boxes (most stores have restrictions).
Final thoughts — pick durability, then style
flooring trends Canada are clearly leaning toward warmth, durability, and comfort. Whether you’re choosing a cozy brunette hardwood, practical LVP for a busy household, or dramatic tile drenching in a bathroom, the best choice balances how you live (kids, pets, snow) with the look you love. Start with samples, check radiant compatibility, and work with trusted local suppliers — that combination consistently gives the best long-term outcome.