Modernizing the Timeless Charm of the Ontario Bungalow

The classic post-war bungalow is a beloved fixture across Ontario, from the suburbs of Ottawa to the historic streets of Toronto and beyond. These homes offer fantastic layouts, great backyards, and solid construction. However, they present two perennial renovation challenges when it comes to flooring: basement moisture/cold and the need for design continuity across the compact main floor.

For over 30 years, since opening our doors in 1995, GC Flooring has been assisting Ontario homeowners and businesses with superior quality floor coverings designed to solve these exact problems.

We specialize in identifying high-value, durable floors that not only meet your budget but also ensure the longevity and comfort of your classic bungalow. We only sell products we can stand behind, and that means choosing materials built for Ontario life.

The Bungalow’s Greatest Challenge: The Basement

Many bungalows feature basements that are either full-height living spaces or simply storage, but they all sit on concrete slabs susceptible to moisture and cold. Selecting the wrong floor here is the fastest path to failure (warping, mould, or mildew).

Top Durable Options for the Ontario Basement:

SPC Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is the number one choice we recommend. Its rigid, stone-plastic composite core is 100% waterproof and dimensionally stable.

It can be installed directly over the concrete slab (with minimal prep and a proper underlayment/vapour barrier), providing warmth underfoot and completely eliminating the risk of water damage, making your basement a truly worry-free living space.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Highly durable, moisture-proof, and can be installed directly on the slab. Tile is excellent for laundry rooms or basement bathrooms.

For added comfort during the Ontario winter, we strongly recommend coupling it with a radiant floor heating system.

Design Continuity and Durability for the Main Floor

The main level of a bungalow typically features high-traffic areas converging in a central hall or kitchen. Durability and flow are key, especially in high-traffic kitchens and entryways where wet boots and daily wear are constant.

Top Durable Options for the Main Floor:

• Engineered Hardwood: For the living and bedroom areas, engineered hardwood offers the beautiful, traditional look of wood without the vulnerability of solid hardwood to humidity changes. Its stable construction makes it a high-value option that adds significant aesthetic appeal and resale value to your bungalow.
• High-Quality Laminate (Water-Resistant): Laminate offers excellent durability against scratches and dents from pets or busy children, a common feature in family homes. Look for products with enhanced water-resistant or waterproof cores and high Abrasion Class (AC) ratings (AC4 or higher) to ensure the longevity we stand behind.
• Seamless Flow: A major trend for bungalows is installing one continuous flooring material (LVP or Engineered Hardwood) across the entire main floor, from the front door through the kitchen and hallways. This eliminates visual breaks, making the compact layout feel more open and expansive.

The GC Flooring Advantage for Ontario Renovations

Our longevity in the industry means we have seen countless bungalow renovations. We anticipate the exact needs of this home style—from moisture control in the basement to the need for wide-plank aesthetics on the main floor.

We leverage our ability to buy in bulk for the national market, ensuring that high-quality, durable solutions—like superior SPC LVP and robust Engineered Hardwood—are available to our Ontario customers at low prices. We are committed to helping you add maximum value to your family home or business with floor coverings that are built to last through many Ontario seasons, guaranteeing a purchase you can sleep soundly at night on.

Planning your Ontario bungalow’s next big renovation in 2026? Start with a durable, high-value foundation. Call or visit GC Flooring (Giant Commercial Flooring) in Ottawa, Ontario. We service all of Canada’s 10 provinces with superior quality floor coverings.