How to Choose the Right Flooring for Condos (Toronto Edition)
How to Choose the Right Flooring for Condos (Toronto Edition)
Living in a Toronto condo comes with amazing perks — great locations, modern amenities, and low-maintenance living. But when it comes to flooring, condo owners face unique challenges: strict building rules, noise concerns, and limited material options.
Here’s a complete guide to choosing the perfect flooring for your condo, while staying compliant with your condo board.
1. Start With Your Condo Board Rules (Crucial!)
Before buying anything, check your building’s flooring regulations. Most Toronto condos require:
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Minimum IIC & STC sound ratings (often 60+)
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Floating floor systems only
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Approved underlayment types
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Restrictions on hardwood or tile
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Engineer approval before install
Failing to follow these rules may lead to fines or forced removal — very common in Toronto.
2. Best Flooring Options for Toronto Condos
✔ 1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) — The Most Popular Choice
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Quiet underfoot
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100% waterproof
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Works well with soundproof underlayment
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Affordable and durable
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Looks like real wood
Most condo boards approve LVP with the right acoustic underlay.
✔ 2. Laminate Flooring — Stylish and Cost-Effective
Modern laminate is:
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Scratch-resistant
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Easy to install
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Available in trendy colours
But: make sure it meets sound requirements. Cheap laminate often fails condo noise tests.
✔ 3. Engineered Hardwood — Condo-Friendly Real Wood
Toronto condo boards rarely allow solid hardwood, but engineered hardwood is usually approved because:
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It’s dimensionally stable
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Works with underlayment
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Looks premium
Great choice for resale value.
✔ 4. Carpet or Carpet Tiles — Best for Bedrooms
Soft, warm, quiet. Condo boards love it.
Great for:
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Bedrooms
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Home offices
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Kids’ rooms
3. The Importance of the Right Underlayment
A proper acoustic underlay is often mandatory in your Toronto condo.
Look for:
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IIC 60+ rating
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Sound moisture barrier
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Compatibility with your flooring type
This is often the difference between approval and denial.
4. Colours That Work Best in Condos
Small Toronto condos benefit from:
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Warm light oak
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Beige or blonde tones
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Soft greige
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Matte finishes
These make spaces feel brighter and bigger.
5. Final Tips for Condo Flooring Purchases
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Always get written approval before installation
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Ask your flooring provider for acoustic test results
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Choose materials suited for high-traffic urban living
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Consider resale value — modern buyers love vinyl plank and engineered hardwood
Conclusion
Choosing flooring for a condo is different from choosing for a house — but with the right material and underlay, you can create a quiet, stylish, and board-approved living space.