Flooring is high-impact and Ontario’s humidity swings matter for material selection. Here’s the 2026 comparison.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP):
100% waterproof, dimensionally stable, suitable for all levels including basements. Dominant renovation flooring in Ontario for the past 5 years.
- Spec: 12 mil wear layer minimum residential, 20 mil high-traffic
- GTA pricing: $7-$13/sq ft supply and install
Solid Hardwood:
Best resale value driver, not suitable below grade or high-moisture. Red oak and white oak dominant in Ontario.
- GTA pricing: $12-$28/sq ft supply and install (red oak lower, white oak higher)
Engineered Hardwood:
Real wood veneer over plywood core. More humidity-tolerant than solid, can go on-grade.
- GTA pricing: $10-$24/sq ft supply and install
- Can be refinished 1-3x depending on veneer thickness
Porcelain/Ceramic Tile:
Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, mudrooms. Porcelain PEI 4-5 required for floors.
- GTA pricing: $11-$39/sq ft supply and install
- Heated floor (uncoupling membrane + electric mat): add $8-$15/sq ft
Application guide:
- Basement: LVP (best), engineered (on-grade with mitigation only)
- Main floor: any option
- Bathroom/kitchen: tile, LVP
- Bedrooms: hardwood, engineered, LVP
Flooring contractor referrals at home.renovation.reviews