How to Pick the Perfect Floor for Every Room in Your Home

flooring for interiors

Your Floor: Your Home’s Foundation (and First Impression!)

Flooring for interiors is the foundation of every room, setting the tone before you even pick out paint colors. Here’s what you need to know:

Quick Answer: Choosing the Best Flooring for Interiors

  • For Budget & Durability: Laminate flooring offers unbeatable value and AC5-rated toughness.
  • For Timeless Appeal: Engineered wood combines real hardwood beauty with superior stability.
  • For High Traffic: Look for AC5-rated laminate or water-resistant engineered options.
  • For Families & Pets: Choose scratch-resistant, easy-clean surfaces like premium laminate.
  • For Moisture-Prone Areas: Water-resistant laminate or waterproof SPC vinyl are ideal.

Your floors do more than just hold up your furniture. They’re the first thing your feet notice when you wake up and the backdrop for every family memory. Choosing flooring isn’t just about picking something pretty; it’s about finding the sweet spot between style, durability, budget, and your real life. Whether you’re dealing with a houseful of kids, a dog who thinks he’s a horse, or you just want something that looks amazing without breaking the bank, your floors need to work as hard as you do. The good news? With 40 years of helping BC homeowners find their perfect floors, we’re here to make this decision way easier than you think.

Infographic showing four key factors for choosing flooring for interiors: Lifestyle (including family size, pets, and room function), Budget (from cost-effective laminate to premium hardwood), Style (modern, traditional, rustic, contemporary), and Maintenance (water resistance, scratch resistance, cleaning ease) - flooring for interiors infographic

What’s Your Lifestyle? (And Why It Matters for Flooring)

Your lifestyle calls all the shots when choosing flooring for interiors. Are you running a household that’s basically a zoo (the good kind, with kids and pets)? Or is your place a peaceful retreat? These questions are the secret to finding flooring that actually works for your life, handling the foot traffic, spills, and scratches that come with it.

How Will You Use the Room?

Different rooms have different needs. You wouldn’t put delicate flooring where it’s going to get hammered every day.

  • High-traffic zones like hallways, kitchens, and entryways need flooring that’s tough and easy to clean. Our Laminate Flooring is a champion here, especially European-made options with high durability ratings.

  • Moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements need special attention. For these spaces, you need something that can handle splashes and spills. We offer water-resistant laminate and fully waterproof options that stay beautiful even when life gets wet.

  • Low-traffic areas like bedrooms are where you can prioritize comfort and that luxurious look that makes a room feel special.

Who’s Living Here? (Kids, Pets, and Comfort)

Your flooring needs to work for everyone under your roof, including tiny humans and furry friends.

  • For families with children, scratch and dent resistance is your best friend, along with surfaces that clean up in seconds. Our premium laminate options are practically made for parents.

  • For pet owners, the best flooring is tough against scratches, easy to wipe clean, and ideally water-resistant. Many of our engineered wood and laminate products tick all these boxes.

  • For allergy sufferers, hard surfaces like wood and laminate are ideal because they don’t trap dust and allergens like carpet does.

  • For the elderly, safety and comfort are key. Look for slip-resistant surfaces with good stability, like our Engineered Flooring, which feels softer underfoot than tile.

A happy family with children and a dog playing on durable, easy-to-clean laminate flooring in a living room, bathed in natural light - flooring for interiors

Durability, Water Protection, and Pet-Friendly Features: What Should You Look For?

When it comes to flooring for interiors, durability is everything. You need floors that can handle muddy paws, dropped toys, and daily life. So what actually matters when you’re comparing options?

First, let’s talk about the AC rating. This abrasion class scale (from AC1 to AC5) is your floor’s report card for toughness. For most homes, an AC4 rating is solid, but if you have a busy household, an AC5-rated laminate is your best friend. It’s engineered to handle heavy traffic and resist scratches and dents. We stock European laminate with AC5 ratings because we believe in offering floors that last.

Next up is water. Water-resistant flooring can handle spills if you wipe them up quickly. But for bathrooms or basements where standing water is a risk, you want waterproof flooring like SPC vinyl. Waterproof means it’s completely impervious to water.

For homes with pets or kids, scratch and dent resistance is non-negotiable. High-quality laminate and premium engineered products come with tough wear layers that stand up to claws and chaos. And don’t forget easy cleaning. Smooth, durable surfaces that only need a quick sweep or damp mop are a game-changer for any busy family.

King of Floors' massive showroom with various laminate and engineered wood samples on display, highlighting different finishes and colors - flooring for interiors

While natural materials like solid wood have their charm, modern synthetics like laminate offer superior durability, water protection, and easier maintenance at a friendlier price. Today’s manufacturing technology makes them look so realistic, your guests will never know the difference. Come see for yourself at our massive showroom – it’s worth the drive.

Hardwood, Engineered, and Laminate: Which Flooring for Interiors Is Right for You?

Picking the right material is the biggest decision you’ll make. Let’s dig into the most popular choices we see folks across the Lower Mainland considering every day.

The Timeless Classic: Hardwood & Engineered Wood

Wood floors bring warmth and character that never goes out of style. Solid hardwood is the traditional choice, but it can be sensitive to moisture, which is tricky in BC’s climate.

That’s where engineered wood shines. Our Engineered Flooring features a real wood veneer on top of a stable core, making it far more resistant to humidity swings. When shopping, look for a top hardwood layer of at least 3mm and an overall plank thickness of around 5/8 inches for stability and refinishing potential. Engineered wood consistently adds value to your home, with stunning options like rich Oak Flooring and gorgeous Walnut Flooring available.

The Smart & Stylish Contender: Laminate Flooring

If you want the look of real wood without the high price or maintenance, our Laminate Flooring is your champion. Laminate is a top choice for good reason: it’s affordable, incredibly durable, and easy to install. It resists spills, scratches, and fading, making it perfect for busy families.

Our European laminate often boasts AC5 ratings, meaning it’s tough enough for commercial spaces. Plus, it’s a dream for DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re eyeing our 12mm Premium Series Laminate or another style, we stock the largest selection of European laminate around, ready for same-day pickup.

While wood-look options are our specialty, other materials might fit your needs:

  • Carpet: Unbeatable for comfort and noise reduction, but requires more maintenance and can trap allergens.
  • Tile: Extremely durable and water-resistant, making it great for bathrooms and kitchens, but can feel cold and hard.
  • Vinyl (SPC): A fully waterproof option that’s a game-changer for basements and bathrooms. Our SPC Vinyl Flooring delivers exceptional durability and realistic designs.

How Do You Match Floors to Your Home’s Style and Budget?

Once you’ve narrowed down your material, it’s time for the fun part: making it look good! You don’t have to choose between beautiful floors and staying on budget. With smart choices, you can have both.

Matching Floors to Your Home’s Vibe

Your floor is the canvas for your home’s design. For a modern farmhouse look, try light natural wood tones. For traditional elegance, medium to darker oaks or walnuts add timeless warmth. Contemporary spaces look great with sleek, light European Oak, like a Brushed Finish Flooring.

Lighter floors, like trendy Grey Flooring tones, make rooms feel open and airy. Darker floors create a rich, dramatic backdrop. Right now, light natural tones and wide-plank flooring are popular, but the best style is the one you love.

Flooring on a Budget: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

Your budget guides your choices, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. We’re all about giving you “bang for your buck,” and our direct import model makes that possible. By importing directly from Europe by the container load, we cut out the middlemen and their markups. This means you get premium European laminate or engineered wood for way less than you’d expect.

Don’t forget to think about long-term value. Investing in durable, high-quality flooring saves you money on future repairs and replacements. Plus, quality flooring like engineered wood is a proven investment in your home’s resale value.

The Nitty-Gritty: Installation & Maintenance Tips from the Pros

You’ve picked your perfect flooring for interiors, now what? Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring your floors look fantastic for years.

When it comes to installation, you can go the DIY or professional route. Click-together laminate is great for ambitious homeowners, while other types benefit from a pro’s touch. If you need a recommendation, we work with a network of certified bonded installers to ensure your project goes smoothly.

A pro tip for laying laminate: always start along your longest wall and use spacers to maintain a 1/4 to 3/8-inch expansion gap from the walls. This gives your floors room to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing buckling. Also, ensure your subfloor is level, clean, and dry before you begin – it’s a non-negotiable step for a flawless finish.

Keeping your floors looking great is easy:

  • Laminate and Vinyl: Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping with an approved cleaner is all you need. Avoid excessive water.
  • Engineered Wood: Use wood-specific cleaners and a damp (not soaked) mop.
  • Tile: Simple to sweep and mop. Grout lines may need occasional cleaning to stay fresh.
  • Carpet: Requires regular vacuuming and immediate attention to spills. Professional cleaning is recommended every year or two.

Premium quality without the premium price.

For forty years – since 1984 – we’ve been the family helping your family find the perfect flooring for interiors. We’re a family-owned, 100% Canadian business that believes in real advice from real people.

King of Floors gets it right: direct imports, no middlemen, and unbeatable prices. Premium products, factory-direct. Premium quality without the premium price.

Our showroom is truly worth the drive. Picture a massive 85,000 sq ft facility in Surrey packed with over 10 million sq ft of flooring in stock and ready for same-day pickup. No waiting weeks for your order. Our huge display tables let you see and feel full-size samples exactly as they would look in your home.

We’re conveniently located at 15350 56 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 5K7, right on Highway #10 and less than 20 minutes from all major bridge and tunnel crossings. We stand behind our products with a customer-friendly 90-day full refund return policy on unopened boxes. Check out our Store Live Tour or read our glowing Testimonials to hear from customers who’ve experienced the King of Floors difference. We make floors that make sense (and cents)!

Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring for Interiors

How can flooring choices impact the resale value of a home?

Flooring can significantly impact resale value. Hardwood flooring, including high-quality engineered wood, is a proven investment that strongly appeals to buyers. Durable, low-maintenance floors in timeless styles are always a plus, as buyers appreciate a home that won’t need immediate, costly updates.

What are the most sustainable flooring options?

If being eco-friendly is a priority, look for features that make a difference. Many engineered wood products are FSC Certified, ensuring the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. Additionally, choosing flooring with low-VOC finishes helps improve your home’s indoor air quality, which is a win for both you and the environment.

Keeping up with trends can be fun! Here are some of the most popular styles for flooring for interiors:

  • Light Natural Wood Tones: These create a bright, airy feel and make spaces appear larger.
  • Wide-Plank Flooring: Wider planks in laminate or engineered wood offer an expansive, authentic look.
  • Waterproof Features: The demand for waterproof and water-resistant flooring continues to grow, especially for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Matte & Textured Finishes: Moving away from high-gloss, matte and textured surfaces like wire-brushed or hand-scraped finishes add character and hide minor wear.

There Is Only One King of Floors

Choosing the right flooring for interiors is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Your perfect floor is out there, whether it’s the timeless elegance of engineered wood or the smart, durable appeal of European laminate. And we’re here to help you find it.

For 40 years, our family has been offering expert, friendly advice that makes sense. We believe in making quality flooring accessible through factory-direct prices, a massive selection, and real people who genuinely want to help. No pushy sales tactics, just honest guidance.

So when you’re ready to transform your home from the ground up, come see us. Walk through our 85,000 sq ft showroom, touch the samples, and let us show you why we’re BC’s flooring kings. Check out our massive selection of flooring today – trust us, it’s worth the drive!