Message us a photo of your room and we'll help you pick the right vinyl — real advice from our Markham showroom, no call centre, no pressure.
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BBS Flooring — Buying Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about luxury vinyl plank — SPC vs WPC, wear layers, thickness, waterproof performance, costs, and how to choose the right vinyl for every room.
BBS Flooring carries 241 luxury vinyl plank (LVP/SPC) options from $1.79–$3.59/sqft — one of the largest vinyl selections in the Greater Toronto Area. All 100% waterproof with click-lock installation. Brands include Woden, NAF, Triforest, Simba, Falcon, and Lee. Professional installation from $2.00/sqft. Showroom: 6061 Hwy 7, Markham | (647) 428-1111 | bbsflooring.ca
Luxury vinyl plank is a multi-layer engineered flooring that realistically mimics real hardwood while being 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, and significantly more affordable. It's the fastest-growing flooring category in North America — and for good reason.
UV Coating (Top)
Invisible ceramic or urethane coating that protects against scratches, scuffs, and UV fading. Premium products have multiple UV-cured coats.
Wear Layer
Clear vinyl layer measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). This is the single most important spec — it determines how long the floor lasts. 12mil = basic, 20mil = standard, 22–28mil = premium/commercial.
Print Layer
High-definition photographic layer that creates the wood-look appearance. Modern printing uses EIR (Embossed-In-Register) technology to align texture with the printed grain — so the grooves you feel match the wood pattern you see.
Rigid Core
SPC (stone-polymer) or WPC (wood-polymer) core that provides structure and click-lock connection. This is what makes modern vinyl “rigid core” — completely different from the thin, flexible sheet vinyl of the past.
Attached Underpad (IXPE/EVA)
Pre-attached backing that provides sound absorption, thermal insulation, and moisture barrier. Most premium vinyl in 2026 comes with IXPE underpad pre-attached — no separate underlayment needed.
Not sure if vinyl is right for your space? Our waterproof flooring collection covers all 241 options, or book a free in-home measurement and we'll walk you through your best choices in person.
The core material is the biggest decision when choosing vinyl plank. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) | WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | Limestone powder + PVC | Wood flour + PVC |
| Density | Very high (~2,000 kg/m³) | Medium (~1,400 kg/m³) |
| Dent resistance | Excellent — resists heavy furniture | Good — can dent under extreme weight |
| Comfort underfoot | Firm (improved with IXPE underpad) | Softer and warmer |
| Sound absorption | Moderate (needs underpad) | Better natural sound dampening |
| Thickness range | 4mm–6.5mm | 5.5mm–8mm |
| Temperature stability | Excellent — minimal expansion | Good — slightly more expansion |
| Price range (BBS) | $1.79–$3.59/sqft | $2.79–$3.59/sqft |
| Best for | Basements, kitchens, high-traffic | Bedrooms, living rooms, condos |
📌 Our Recommendation
SPC is the dominant choice in 2026 — about 85% of the vinyl flooring we sell at BBS is SPC. Its superior dent resistance and temperature stability make it the safer all-around pick for most Canadian homes. WPC is still a great choice if underfoot comfort is your top priority (bedrooms, playrooms).
A popular SPC entry point is the Cliffside by Falcon (6mm SPC) at $1.79/sqft — an ideal budget option for basements and rental properties. For a mid-range 7mm SPC with more colour options, check out Madagascar by NAF Classic (7mm) at $2.79/sqft.
The wear layer is the clear protective layer on top of the printed design. It's measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch or ~0.025mm). This single spec determines how long your vinyl floor will look new.
Suitable for low-traffic rooms like bedrooms and guest rooms. Expected lifespan: 10–15 years. Adequate for rental properties and budget renovations.
The sweet spot for most homes. Handles kitchens, living rooms, and moderate pet traffic. Expected lifespan: 20–25 years. Our most popular category.
Maximum durability for busy households, large dogs, commercial spaces. Expected lifespan: 25–30+ years. Virtually scratch-proof for residential use.
Real example: The Fulham NAF AquaPlus Platinum (9mm) at $3.49/sqft features a 28mil wear layer — premium-grade protection for busy family homes, large dogs, or commercial-adjacent spaces. For most main-floor living areas, a 20mil product like Walnut Wharf by Lee (7mm) at $2.49/sqft is the practical sweet spot.
Total plank thickness (not to be confused with wear layer) affects how the floor feels, how well it hides subfloor imperfections, and how much height it adds. Here's what each thickness delivers in practice:
Entry-Level — Budget Rentals & Dry Basements
The thinnest rigid-core vinyl available. Works fine over a perfectly flat concrete or plywood subfloor. Feels noticeably hollow underfoot and telegraphs subfloor irregularities more than thicker options. Best reserved for rental units, storage rooms, or any space where price is the only priority. You'll notice the difference walking on it.
Light Residential — Bedrooms & Low-Traffic Areas
A step up in feel and subfloor tolerance. Still requires a relatively flat surface but hides minor imperfections better. A reasonable choice for secondary bedrooms and low-traffic areas in homes with tight height clearances (under doors, transitioning to tile, etc.).
Standard Residential — The Most Popular Thickness
The dominant thickness for residential vinyl in Canada. Solid underfoot feel, hides typical subfloor variation, and pairs well with attached IXPE underpad. The Cliffside Falcon 6mm at $1.79/sqft is our best-selling entry product at this thickness. Works in kitchens, living rooms, basements, and bedrooms equally well.
Mid-Range Residential — Better Feel, More Subfloor Forgiveness
Noticeably more solid than 6mm. Better thermal insulation and less sound transmission. The extra millimetre makes a real difference if you have older concrete with small dips or uneven areas. Most of our mid-range lineup sits here — like the Walnut Wharf Lee 7mm at $2.49/sqft and Madagascar NAF Classic 7mm at $2.79/sqft.
Premium Residential — Maximum Comfort & Durability
The thickest rigid-core vinyl available at BBS. Feels the closest to real hardwood underfoot — substantial, quiet, and warm. Handles the most pronounced subfloor irregularities and is virtually indistinguishable from wood when walked on. The Fulham NAF AquaPlus Platinum 9mm at $3.49/sqft is our flagship 9mm product — 28mil wear layer, IXPE underpad included, lifetime residential warranty.
📐 Height Note
Every mm of thickness counts when transitioning to adjacent rooms or fitting under door casings. If you're replacing existing flooring, match or go thinner than what's there. If you have tight clearances under doors, stick to 6mm or under. Our installers trim door casings as needed — no extra charge.
Minimum 20mil for main living areas. Don't go below 12mil anywhere. If you have large dogs, go 22mil+.
Thicker planks (6mm+) feel more substantial underfoot and hide minor subfloor imperfections better. 4mm works on perfectly flat concrete. 7mm+ is ideal for older homes with less-than-perfect subfloors.
Look for vinyl with pre-attached IXPE underpad — it provides sound dampening, thermal comfort, and moisture barrier in one. Saves $0.50–$0.75/sqft on separate underlayment.
Wider, longer planks (7" × 48" or larger) create a more realistic wood look with fewer seams. Standard 6" × 36" planks are economical but look more repetitive.
Check how many unique print patterns are in each box. Premium products have 8–12 unique patterns; budget products repeat every 3–4 planks, creating a noticeable “repeat” effect.
Premium brands use Valinge or Unilin click systems that lock tighter and resist gaps. This matters more in high-traffic areas and rooms with temperature swings.
We carry 241 vinyl products across 6 brands. Here's how they stack up:
| Brand | Products | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAF Flooring | 69 | $2.49–$3.59 | Widest selection, premium collections, SPC + herringbone options |
| Woden Flooring | 49 | $2.29–$3.19 | Mid-range value, consistent quality, good colour range |
| Triforest Flooring | 44 | $2.29–$3.19 | Strong mid-range, thick planks, commercial-grade options |
| Simba Flooring | 42 | $2.29–$3.59 | Budget-friendly, clearance deals, herringbone available |
| Falcon Flooring | 19 | $1.79–$2.59 | Best budget option, reliable basics for rentals and basements |
| Lee Flooring | 10 | $2.29 | Value-focused, consistent single price point |
Prices current as of April 2026. Browse all 241 vinyl products →
Want something different? Check out our full waterproof flooring collection — it includes vinyl, SPC, and select laminate options all rated for moisture-prone spaces.
Here's exactly what your budget buys you — with real products at BBS Flooring across four price tiers. All prices are material only; add $2.00/sqft for professional installation.
6mm–7mm SPC. 12mil wear layer. Basic print variety. No attached underpad on most. These floors do their job without fuss — ideal for rental units, basements that need covering fast, and secondary rooms where premium aesthetics aren't the priority.
Example Product
Cliffside — Falcon Floors 6mm SPC — $1.79/sqft · 12mil wear layer · 100% waterproof · Click-lock over concrete
7mm SPC. 20mil wear layer. More realistic print options. Many products include attached IXPE underpad. This is where most BBS customers land — enough durability for a busy household, without the premium price tag. Great for kitchens, living rooms, and open-concept main floors.
Example Product A
Walnut Wharf — Lee 7mm — $2.49/sqft · 20mil · Warm oak tone
Example Product B
Madagascar — NAF Classic 7mm — $2.79/sqft · 20mil · Rich natural grain
7mm SPC. 20–22mil wear layer. Wider plank formats. Improved EIR embossing, longer repeat cycles, IXPE underpad included. This tier looks and feels noticeably more premium than mid-range. For show homes, master bedrooms, or open-plan main floors, this is where the value-per-dollar peaks.
Example Product
H02 Seaside Motel — Woden Herringbone 7mm — $2.79/sqft · 20mil · Statement herringbone pattern
8mm–9mm SPC. 22–28mil wear layer. IXPE underpad included. Lifetime residential warranty. These floors are essentially indistinguishable from engineered hardwood underfoot — and they're permanently waterproof. Worth every penny in high-traffic areas and forever homes.
Example Product
Fulham — NAF AquaPlus Platinum 9mm — $3.49/sqft · 28mil wear layer · IXPE underpad included · Lifetime warranty
Not sure which tier fits your budget? Use our quote calculator to see total installed cost by room size — or book a free measurement and we'll bring samples from each tier to your home.
These four products are our most-recommended vinyl floors — each selected for a specific type of buyer. All are 100% permanently waterproof, click-lock, and in stock at our Markham location.
Falcon Flooring · 6mm SPC · 12mil wear layer
The most affordable SPC vinyl we carry — and it doesn't feel cheap. Solid click-lock, waterproof core, and a clean, neutral wood look that works in almost any space. Best for rental units, basements, and budget full-home renovations.
View Product →NAF Flooring · 7mm SPC · 20mil wear layer
Our best mid-range all-rounder. The NAF Classic 7mm hits the sweet spot of price, durability, and visual quality. 20mil wear layer handles everyday family life and pets. Installs beautifully in kitchens, living rooms, and open-concept main floors.
View Product →Woden Flooring · 7mm SPC · 20mil wear layer · Herringbone
For buyers who want something beyond the standard plank. Herringbone vinyl delivers a high-end, European aesthetic without the premium price. Popular in entryways, dining rooms, and main floors in newer GTA builds. Same 100% waterproof SPC core as the rest of our lineup.
View Product →NAF Flooring · 9mm SPC · 28mil wear layer · IXPE underpad
The best vinyl floor we stock, full stop. 9mm thickness means a solid, hardwood-like feel. 28mil wear layer provides commercial-grade scratch resistance. Pre-attached IXPE underpad means no separate underlayment needed. Lifetime residential warranty. Choose this if you want vinyl that will outlast the house.
View Product →Here's what a complete vinyl flooring project costs at BBS Flooring, broken down by room size:
| Room Size | Material (Budget) | Material (Mid) | Material (Premium) | Installation | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Room (150 sqft) | $329 | $413 | $539 | $300 | $629–$839 |
| Bedroom (200 sqft) | $438 | $550 | $718 | $400 | $838–$1,118 |
| Living Room (350 sqft) | $767 | $963 | $1,257 | $700 | $1,467–$1,957 |
| Main Floor (500 sqft) | $1,095 | $1,375 | $1,795 | $1,000 | $2,095–$2,795 |
| Whole Home (1,000 sqft) | $2,190 | $2,750 | $3,590 | $2,000 | $4,190–$5,590 |
💡 Budget Tip
Material costs above include 5% waste factor. Installation at $2.00/sqft is all-inclusive labour — no hidden fees for furniture moving, transitions, or basic prep. Old carpet removal adds $1.00/sqft; old hardwood/laminate removal adds $1.25–$1.50/sqft.
Want a precise number before you commit? Try our quote calculator for a custom estimate, or book a free in-home measurement for a firm quote with no obligation.
The #1 choice. 100% permanently waterproof, handles temperature swings, installs over concrete. SPC with IXPE underpad is the gold standard for Ontario basements. See our complete basement flooring guide for moisture testing, cost breakdowns, and room-by-room recommendations.
Waterproof + scratch-resistant = ideal for kitchens. Handles dropped pots, spills, and heavy foot traffic. Easier on legs than tile during long cooking sessions.
Vinyl replaces cold tile with a warmer, more comfortable surface — and it's still fully waterproof. Perfect for half-baths and powder rooms; main bathrooms should use caulked edges.
Great for families with kids and pets. Pick a 20mil+ wear layer and wider planks for a high-end look. Some purists prefer real hardwood here — that's personal preference.
Vinyl with attached IXPE underpad often meets condo sound requirements (STC/IIC ratings). Check your condo board's flooring rules — some require minimum thicknesses or sound test reports.
100% permanently waterproof means zero stress about washer leaks or drips. Budget SPC works perfectly here — no need for premium wear layers in a utility space.
Vinyl is one of the fastest and easiest flooring types to install. Here's the typical process with BBS Flooring:
Free In-Home Measurement
We measure every room, assess your subfloor, and provide a no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Material Selection
Choose your vinyl at our Markham showroom (241 options to see and touch) or from our online catalog.
Subfloor Preparation
Old flooring removal (if needed), levelling compounds for dips/bumps, and moisture testing on concrete.
Click-Lock Installation
Planks click together without glue. A 500 sqft room typically takes 1 day. We handle furniture moving, transitions, and trim.
Final Walkthrough
We inspect every seam, clean up all debris, move furniture back, and review the finished project with you.
⏱ Timeline
From measurement to finished installation typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on material availability. Same-week installation is often available for in-stock products. No acclimatization period needed for vinyl (unlike hardwood, which requires 48–72 hours).
Not sure which flooring type is right for you? Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Vinyl (LVP) | Engineered Hardwood | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | ✅ 100% | ❌ Water-resistant | ⚠️ Some models |
| Refinishable | ❌ No | ✅ 1–3 times | ❌ No |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Basement safe | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ With moisture test | ❌ Not recommended |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 25–50 years | 15–25 years |
| Material cost (BBS) | $1.79–$3.59 | $2.49–$8.99 | $1.49–$2.99 |
| Installation cost | $2.00/sqft | $2.25–$4.25/sqft | $2.00/sqft |
| Resale value impact | Good | Excellent | Neutral |
Want a detailed comparison? Read our Hardwood vs Vinyl vs Laminate Comparison Guide →
Visit our Markham showroom to touch and compare all 241 vinyl options. Or book a free measurement and we'll bring samples to your home.
BBS Flooring · 6061 Highway 7, Unit B, Markham · (647) 428-1111