Does your kitchen floor scream outdated with peeling linoleum? Is the carpeting in your family room stained and worn? Hate the tile color in your bathroom? Updating the flooring in your home can make a dramatic statement, completely transforming a room from shabby to snazzy. And in today's tight economy, upgrading outdated flooring, such as a stained carpet or old linoleum, will help maximize your home's resale value. Sorting through all your flooring options, however, can seem overwhelming. Price and style are two important factors to consider when selecting new flooring. Oakville, ON and Burlington, ON, Canada offer a wide variety of flooring material choices, including hardwood, carpet, laminate and tile.

Hardwood versus laminate -- what's the best investment in flooring?

Burlington, ON and Oakville, ON homeowners love hardwood -- it is one of the most popular flooring choices. Hardwood flooring offers timeless beauty and elegance. These floors are easy to maintain, and when it comes to selling your house, potential homeowners love this flooring. However, upgrading to hardwood flooring can be expensive, and installation can take time. Laminate flooring is a durable, low-cost alternative to hardwood flooring. Oakville, ON and Burlington, ON homeowners on a budget should consider this option. Laminate floors are treated with a low-sheen finish to protect the surface from scratches and stains. Choose a thicker laminate to mimic the feel of hardwood, and even your neighbors won't be able to tell the difference! When it comes to hardwood or laminate, you can't go wrong with either option.

Customize your room: Carpeting and tile flooring.

Oakville, ON and Burlington, ON homeowners looking for a quick way to customize a room with their personal taste should consider carpet or tile flooring. Both are inexpensive options that offer a variety of color and style choices. Carpet flooring is an especially popular choice for families. If you have young children, carpeting a playroom or a bedroom will give your child a safe surface to play and explore -- and protect your child from bruises if he falls. Today, many companies produce carpet that is specially treated to protect against stains. If you are looking to invest in carpeting, ask your local flooring experts about stain protection options. If you are looking for a quick way to update your bathroom, a new tile floor can change the room's entire look and feel. You may also want to consider including radiant heating underneath the tiles. Your feet will feel warm on frosty winter mornings and you will keep energy costs down by maintaining the ambient air temperature.

Go green: Eco-friendly flooring.

Oakville, ON and Burlington, ON homeowners are increasingly choosing to "go green" with their flooring. Green flooring is made from recycled or sustainable materials, such as bamboo. Certified green flooring meets government regulations for recycling, helping to reduce waste and dependency on oil. Green floors also improve indoor air quality. Bamboo and cork flooring are two green flooring options that have become increasingly popular in recent years. The natural patterns of both bamboo and cork flooring enhance a home's interior, and the durable material ensures your new flooring will last for years. If you love the feel of plush carpeting, you can also choose green carpeting options. Natural fibers, such as wool, are a popular -- if expensive -- option for carpet flooring. Oakville, ON and Burlington, ON homeowners willing to invest a little extra in wool carpet will love this naturally-stain resistant, soft and extremely durable flooring choice.

In Canada, no matter what type of flooring you choose, it is also important to also select a trusted, professional company that specializes in flooring. Oakville, ON and Burlington, ON are home to reputable flooring firms that will work closely with you through the floor selection and installation process. Working with a team of experts will ensure the flooring you select is the best quality, covered by a warranty, and installed right the first time -- saving you time and money.