Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP/SPC): Waterproof Style for Canadian Homes

Introduction: Why Vinyl Plank Flooring Is a Canadian Favourite

Vinyl plank flooring, also known as LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) or SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), has quickly become one of the most popular flooring choices for Canadian homes. Its waterproof construction, realistic textures, and easy installation make it an ideal solution for basements, kitchens, condos, and family spaces.

At ShopFlooring.ca, we stock a wide range of vinyl plank options designed for Canadian lifestyles — combining durability with stylish finishes that replicate hardwood and stone. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about vinyl plank flooring: what it is, how to choose the right type, how to calculate coverage, and how to manage shipping, returns, and installation with confidence.

Step 1 — Understand the Two Types: LVP vs. SPC

When browsing vinyl plank flooring, you’ll see both LVP and SPC. Here’s the difference:

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Softer underfoot, offers comfort and warmth. Great for bedrooms, living rooms, and areas where comfort matters.
Stone Plastic Composite (SPC): Rigid, denser, and extremely stable. Withstands temperature swings and heavy traffic. Excellent for basements, kitchens, and commercial settings.

Both are waterproof, but SPC has an edge for basements and moisture-prone areas.

Step 2 — Why Vinyl Plank Flooring Works in Canadian Homes

Vinyl plank flooring addresses many of the challenges Canadian homeowners face:

Basements: Fully waterproof, SPC is especially resistant to subfloor moisture.
Kitchens & Mudrooms: Spills, snow, and salt are no match for vinyl’s resilience.
Condos & Apartments: Many products come with sound-dampening underlayment or can be paired with approved underlays to meet condo requirements.
Seasonal Cabins & Cottages: SPC handles fluctuating temperatures and humidity without warping.

Step 3 — Comparing Specs Online

ShopFlooring.ca makes it easy to compare vinyl products by their technical specs:

Overall Thickness: Common ranges are 4–7 mm. Thicker planks feel more solid underfoot.
Wear Layer: Look for 12–20 mil for most residential use, thicker for heavy traffic.
Surface Texture: Embossed-in-register (EIR) finishes mimic real wood grain.
Edge Details: Painted bevels give a more authentic, board-by-board look.
Underlayment: Some planks include attached pads; others may require a separate underlayment.

By filtering products by these attributes, you can easily match your space and budget.

Step 4 — Calculate Coverage and Waste

Every product page at ShopFlooring.ca lists coverage per box. Most vinyl cartons cover between 18–28 sq ft. To calculate your order:

Measure your room’s square footage (length × width).
Add closets or connecting spaces if flooring will run through them.
Divide total square footage by carton coverage.
Add a waste factor:
- 7–10% for straight layouts.
- 12–15% for angled or patterned installs.

Tip: Always order an extra box to keep on hand for future repairs.

Step 5 — Delivery Options at ShopFlooring.ca

Vinyl plank is heavy and bulky, but ShopFlooring.ca makes delivery straightforward:

Regional Truck Runs (Ontario): Orders are processed in 1–3 business days. Drivers call to schedule delivery, ensuring you’re ready for the drop-off.
Canada-Wide Shipping: Nationwide pallet and parcel delivery is available. Costs and timelines are transparent, so you can plan your project.
Warehouse Pickup: Pick up your order directly if you want to start immediately. Contractors especially benefit from this option.

This flexibility ensures that whether you’re in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, or Halifax, your flooring can be delivered in a way that fits your project.

Step 6 — Returns and Buyer Protection

Buying flooring online requires a clear return process. ShopFlooring.ca provides:

30-day returns for unused products in original packaging.
Full refunds when products are faulty or damaged.
No returns for change-of-mind, which is why sample orders are strongly recommended.

By testing samples first, you reduce the risk of colour or texture mismatches and avoid return complications.

Step 7 — Don’t Forget the Finishing Pieces

Vinyl plank flooring looks its best when paired with the right accessories. ShopFlooring.ca stocks matching trims and mouldings in each collection:

Stair Nosings: Essential for safety and visual consistency.
Reducers: Smooth transitions between vinyl and other flooring types.
T-Mouldings: Ideal for doorways or between rooms with the same flooring.
End Caps: Clean finishing for exposed edges.

Adding these during checkout ensures everything matches and avoids future delays.

Step 8 — Installation Tips for Success

Vinyl plank flooring is DIY-friendly, but following the right steps makes a huge difference:

Acclimate planks in your space for at least 24–48 hours.
Check subfloor flatness — vinyl requires a smooth, even surface.
Use approved underlayment for soundproofing or condo requirements.
Click-lock systems make installation straightforward — follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Expansion gaps around walls and fixed objects prevent buckling.

If you’re working with a contractor, schedule installation only after delivery to ensure all materials are on-site.

Step 9 — Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Vinyl plank is low-maintenance, but a few practices keep it looking new:

Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent grit from scratching the surface.
Mop with a damp cloth and mild, pH-neutral cleaner.
Avoid waxes or harsh chemicals.
Place mats at entryways to reduce salt and dirt tracked in during Canadian winters.
Use felt pads under furniture legs.

Why ShopFlooring.ca Is the Best Source for Vinyl Plank

When you choose ShopFlooring.ca for vinyl plank flooring in Canada, you benefit from:

Canada-wide sample delivery so you can test colours and textures before committing.
Transparent carton coverage listings on every product page.
Regional truck runs, national shipping, and warehouse pickup for flexible delivery.
Matching trims and accessories available for every flooring line.
A clear return policy that protects you from faulty or damaged products.

By focusing only on Canadian customers and offering tailored delivery solutions, ShopFlooring.ca ensures that buying vinyl plank flooring online is straightforward, reliable, and stress-free.

Conclusion

Vinyl plank flooring combines waterproof durability with stylish looks, making it one of the most versatile choices for Canadian homes. By understanding the difference between LVP and SPC, calculating coverage correctly, planning delivery, and including trims, you’ll set your project up for success.

With ShopFlooring.ca’s wide selection, clear product information, Canada-focused delivery options, and dedicated return policy, buying vinyl plank flooring online has never been easier. Whether you’re upgrading a basement, refreshing a kitchen, or installing in a condo, ShopFlooring.ca is your trusted partner in Canada for vinyl plank flooring.