The Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Flooring in Canada (2025 Edition)

A complete resource to help Canadians choose the perfect vinyl flooring for their home, investment property, or commercial space. The Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Flooring in Canada (2025 Edition).

Vinyl flooring has taken Canada by storm—and for good reason. It’s stylish, waterproof, affordable, and durable enough to handle everything from kids and pets to cold basements and busy entryways. Whether you live in a downtown condo in Vancouver, a family home in suburban Calgary, or a cottage in Muskoka, vinyl flooring could be one of the smartest upgrades you can make in 2025.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make a confident vinyl flooring decision. This isn’t a sales pitch—just real, helpful information from people who work with flooring every day. Our goal is to share what we’ve learned so you can make the best choice for your space.

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic floor covering made from multiple layers of plastic (PVC) and other stabilizing materials. It is engineered to be water-resistant or waterproof, durable, and stylish. It comes in a wide variety of colours, textures, and formats that mimic the look of hardwood, tile, and even stone.

The most common vinyl flooring formats in Canada are:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Resembles hardwood planks

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Mimics natural stone or ceramic tile

• Sheet Vinyl: Installed in rolls and glued down; best for large areas on a tight budget

Types of Vinyl Flooring in Canada

Understanding the different formats and core structures of vinyl flooring is essential. Each type serves a different purpose depending on where it's being installed, how it will be used, and your budget.

1. Dry Back Vinyl (2mm–3mm Glue-Down)

• Thin, flexible vinyl

• Glued directly to a perfectly level subfloor

• Common in large commercial jobs (e.g. hospitals, retail chains like BC Liquor Stores)

• Rarely used in residential homes

2. LooseLay Vinyl (Typically 5mm)

• Thicker vinyl that "lays loose" or is lightly glued down

• More comfortable and quieter underfoot than rigid vinyl

• Used in both residential and light commercial

• Often preferred over thin SPC in Canada due to comfort and warmth

3. SPC Vinyl (Stone Plastic Composite)

• Dense core made of stone powder and plastic polymers

• Extremely rigid, waterproof, and durable

• Great for rental units, kitchens, and budget-focused residential homes

• Click-lock installation

4. WPC Vinyl (Wood Plastic Composite)

WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. It refers to the core of the plank, which was originally made from a mix of wood fibre and plastic polymers. That core provides cushioning, warmth, and waterproof protection. Over time, most manufacturers have moved away from wood fibre and now use a stone polymer blend that’s more stable and moisture-resistant. Even though the "W" still stands for wood, most modern WPC products contain no wood at all.

Consumers love WPC for its:

• Thicker, warmer feel underfoot

• Built-in underlay

• Realistic wood textures (often EIR embossed)

WPC is widely considered a premium vinyl product—offering greater comfort than SPC and better long-term residential performance than standard LVP.

5. Peel-and-Stick Vinyl / Click Sheet Vinyl

• Budget-friendly

• Easy to install (DIY)

• Not suitable for long-term use or high moisture areas

Wear Layer: What It Is and Why It Matters

The wear layer is the clear top coating that protects your vinyl floor from scratches, scuffs, and wear. It plays a huge role in how long your floor lasts and where it can be installed.

• 12 mil wear layer: Suitable for most Canadian homes

• 20 mil wear layer: Ideal for rental properties, high-traffic homes, and light commercial use

• 28+ mil wear layer: Used in heavy commercial environments (offices, hospitals, etc.)

WPC, SPC, and LooseLay vinyl can all be used in light or medium commercial spaces if they have a 20 mil wear layer or greater.

WPC vs SPC: A Deep Dive

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)

• Warmer and thicker underfoot

• Feels more like natural wood

• Softer and more forgiving

• Slightly more expensive than SPC

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)

• Denser and more rigid

• Better for high-traffic areas or heavy furniture

• Typically louder and colder underfoot without underlay

• Budget-friendly and ideal for rentals

Bottom line: If comfort and quiet matter, go with WPC. If durability and price are top priorities, SPC might be the better fit.

Where to Use Vinyl Flooring (Room by Room)

Basements: Go with waterproof WPC or SPC. LooseLay is also a strong option.

Kitchens & Bathrooms: Gluedown dry back and loosely work great hear. SPC and WPC works too, but as they are floating floors, you need to factor that in especially in bathrooms. Water could get under the planks and get trapped, which may cause issues like mold. Discuss with a professional installer your options.

Living Rooms & Bedrooms: WPC and LooseLay vinyl planks provide the warmth and acoustic benefits you want in these spaces. SPC vinyl can be used with no issue if budget is more of a concern.

Rental Properties: SPC with a 20 mil wear layer is a winner as most rental properties have a budget focus. Looselay and dry back vinyl can also be considered as it may be easier to remove a single damaged plank.

Retail, Offices, or Light Commercial: WPC, SPC, or LooseLay vinyl (with proper wear layer of 20mil).

Vinyl vs Laminate vs Hardwood

Vinyl Flooring:

• Waterproof, budget-friendly, versatile

• Available in click-lock and glue-down formats

Laminate Flooring:

• Water-resistant but not waterproof

• More rigid and traditionally wood-based

• Often louder and colder than vinyl

Hardwood Flooring:

• Natural beauty, high resale value

• Expensive and vulnerable to moisture

• Requires professional installation and maintenance

Vinyl offers a balance between durability and price, making it ideal for modern Canadian homes.

Canadian Subfloor & Climate Considerations

• Vinyl works well over concrete, OSB, and plywood

• LooseLay and WPC offer thermal benefits in cold basements

• Ensure your subfloor is dry, clean, and level before installation

For colder provinces like Alberta or Manitoba, vinyl is an excellent solution where freezing temps and basement humidity are common concerns.

Installation Tips (DIY vs Pro)

• Most click-lock vinyl can be installed by a handy homeowner

• Dry back and LooseLay typically require professional installation

• Always use moisture barriers and follow manufacturer recommendations

• Let the flooring acclimate for 48 to 72 hours. Even up to 1 week

• Subfloor must be level. Do not cut corners and cheat on your subfloor. It is the key top a successful installation. DIY installers miss this part the most. 

Vinyl Maintenance & Cleaning Tips

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to avoid grit buildup

• Use a damp mop and vinyl-safe cleaner

• Avoid bleach, ammonia, and steam mops

• Place felt pads under furniture

• Use walk-off mats at entryways

Common Myths About Vinyl Flooring

Myth 1: Vinyl looks fake – Not anymore! EIR (Embossed in Register) surfaces are incredibly realistic.

Myth 2: Vinyl flooring is cheap – There are budget lines, but WPC and SPC can be luxurious. We see it installed in many multi million dollar homes.

Myth 3: It’s not durable – With a proper wear layer, vinyl can last 20+ years.

Vinyl Flooring Trends in Canada

Google Trends (2015–2024)

• Search interest in "vinyl flooring" grew 177% in Canada

• Laminate and carpet saw steady declines

• SPC and WPC surged

Statista Forecast (2023–2026)

Advanced Insights: Vinyl Flooring and Resale Value

While vinyl has traditionally been considered a budget-friendly option, the landscape has changed. In today’s real estate market, high-end vinyl flooring (especially WPC and premium SPC) is seen as a smart, attractive upgrade.

• Buyers love waterproof features

• Landlords value durability and low maintenance

• Designers appreciate the new range of natural textures and matte finishes

Vinyl can increase the appeal of your home without the upfront cost of hardwood.

Vinyl Flooring in Multi-Family and Commercial Builds

Canadian builders are increasingly specifying SPC and WPC vinyl for:

• Apartment units

• Student housing

• Townhomes and row houses

• Small retail and office units

Why?

• Fast installation (click systems)

• Fewer callbacks for damage or moisture issues

• Aesthetic consistency across large footprints

Many developers now opt for WPC in premium units and SPC in base units, maximizing both cost control and comfort.

Designer Perspectives: Colour & Style Trends in 2025

Designers across Canada are reporting these dominant trends in vinyl flooring for 2025:

• Wide planks (7–9") and long lengths (60–72")

• Matte finishes with low sheen

• Neutral and warm tones: beige, natural oak, honey, and ash

• EIR textures that follow the wood grain

• Minimal knots for cleaner aesthetics

Vinyl no longer means compromise. The top WPC and SPC collections are indistinguishable from engineered hardwood to the average eye.

Vinyl vs Other Waterproof Floors: Tile & Laminate

How does vinyl compare to other popular waterproof flooring options?

Vinyl stands out for its balance of comfort, waterproofing, and ease of installation.

Real-World Examples & Use Cases

1. The Urban Condo Owner (Toronto)

Switched from engineered hardwood to 8mm WPC for their downtown condo. "No more squeaks, easier cleaning, and it’s warmer in the winter."

2. The Rental Property Investor (Edmonton)

Uses SPC in all 10 units. "Low cost, great wear layer. Tenants are hard on floors—SPC handles it."

3. The Suburban Family Home (Kelowna)

Installed LooseLay in basement and bedrooms. "No click sound, soft underfoot, and quieter than laminate."

Soft Close: Explore Caledon Floors at a Local Dealer

If you’d like to explore these products in person, visit a Caledon Floors dealer near you. You’ll find:

• Premium WPC Vinyl collections

• On-trend colours and textures

• Knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right vinyl floor for your space

Final Thoughts

Vinyl flooring offers Canadian homeowners an incredible mix of performance, comfort, and value. With options like WPC for comfort, SPC for durability, and LooseLay for flexibility, there’s a solution for every room, climate, and budget.

Want to see samples in person? Visit a local flooring dealer who carries Caledon Floors to view Canada’s top vinyl styles.