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20 26 SEP

Back to Beige Cue the creamy whites, taupes and medium browns, as consumers move to more natural-toned flooring

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Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. is a member-owned and member-directed, not-for-profit Lumber and Building Materials buying group. Our members make up a national network of LBM and Commercial dealers who are the pillars of their communities. Our connection to these members, our vendor partners and our industry has positioned Castle for continued growth. We’ve stood the test of time by putting our members first, building strong relationships with industry partners, and supporting the communities they serve. Together…We Build Communities. www.castle.ca

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Build & Reno Digital Magazine is published exclusively by Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Each issue of Build & Reno features a curated blend of expert insights, industry news, product innovations, trend forecasts, and realworld project inspiration designed to help professionals and enthusiasts plan smarter and work more efficiently. The publication embraces technology and offers dynamic, accessible content across all devices.

BUILD & RENO MAGAZINE Editorial & Marketing Direction Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Jennifer Mercieca Director of Communications jmercieca@castle.ca

Build & Reno Editor Teresa Christine editor@castle.ca

Art Direction & Design Sebastian Tan Espress Labs Inc

Cover photo courtesy of PRIMCO LIMITED

SEPTEMBER 2026

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THIS ISSUE’S

Contributor

LISA GORDON Lisa Gordon is a freelance writer and editor based in Selkirk, Ontario. She has been telling stories that matter for more than 25 years, partnering with leading companies and associations to communicate their impact and highlight their achievements to customers, members and subscribers. Contact her at mustangmediaservices.ca.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 BACK TO BEIGE Cue the creamy whites, taupes and medium browns, as consumers move to more natural-toned flooring 2026 SEPTEMBER INSIGHTS.

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Back to

Beige ‡

P R O D U C T F E AT U R E

‡

Written by LISA GORDON

CUE THE CREAMY WHITES, TAUPES AND MEDIUM BROWNS, AS CONSUMERS MOVE TO MORE NATURAL-TONED FLOORING 6

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Photo courtesy of GOODFELLOW INC.

When it comes to choosing floor coverings, style, durability and budget all play a role. Certain materials are better suited to specific applications, and there is plenty to consider when selecting the surfaces we walk on every day. To get a sense of what is shaping the market, Build & Reno Magazine checked in with several Castle vendor partners to explore the latest trends in flooring materials, performance and colour. “Our most popular type of floor is SPC (stone plastic composite) vinyl,” said Jeff Morrison, Executive Vice President, Goodfellow Inc. “It continues to be very popular with end users due to its durability, ease of installation and affordable price point. It’s all wrapped into a floor covering that has many colour and design options to suit any decor.” SPC is also available in a wide range of thicknesses and widths, creating multiple options for appearance and quality at different price points. Morrison said cost continues to influence flooring choices for many consumers. “Over time, we have seen the flooring budget in a build or renovation shrink as a percentage of the total cost of the project.”

Durability is another important factor. Consumers are looking for more resilient floor coverings that require less maintenance, while the location of the installation also plays an important role. “Basement renovations tend toward products like SPC, and also people looking for a quick fix with less investment.” Demographics and income play into the equation as well, Morrison explained. “Older consumers with a higher budget will tend to install hardwood, and it is often used in more expensive renovations or in custom homes. Consumers whose home already has hardwood will tend to put more hardwood in if they are renovating or adding more space.” At the same time, consumers can turn to SPC’s almost unlimited design and colour selection to achieve the look they want. “At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do with a piece of oak.” Morrison added that although “naked tones and natural colours” remain the top choice in flooring, he has observed growing demand for medium-toned browns in the Canadian market. Over at Gillfor Distribution, Karynn Tremblay, Internal Account Manager, said that in 2026, 2026 SEPTEMBER INSIGHTS.

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Photos courtesy of GILLFOR DISTRIBUTION 8

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consumers are seeking, more than ever, a balance between aesthetics, performance and value. “We’ve observed that this trend is directly reflected in flooring choices, particularly for laminate and SPC,” she said. Gillfor’s waterresistant laminate flooring from the Intemporel – Canadian Maple collection continues to be its most popular offering. “Its light, warm hue appeals to customers of all ages and blends easily with a variety of decor styles,” said Tremblay, adding that consumers seeking an authentic hardwood flooring look at a more affordable price are also drawn to the line’s narrow 100 mm (4 in.) planks. Buyers often start with design and colour, but price and perceived value are decisive factors when choosing flooring. “Consumers take the time to compare different options and look for the best value for their money,” explained Tremblay. “Promotions and discounts can also influence the final decision.” Although ease of cleaning, maintenance and simplicity of installation are key concerns, increased instances of water damage and climate-related events are also prompting

consumers to seek water-resistant flooring for greater peace of mind, she noted. “Water resistance has become a particularly important selling point.” Natural tones remain very popular in 2026, added Tremblay. “Gillfor’s annual participation at The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas allows us to closely monitor market developments. We’re seeing a persistent preference for natural, warm colours, paired with matte finishes rather than glossy ones.” Laminate flooring is experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to its durability, abrasion resistance, thickness and ease of installation, she stated. “And the widespread availability of water-resistant laminate products is helping to renew its appeal among consumers.” Regarding future innovation, Tremblay said the next evolution in laminate flooring may already be on the horizon. “That would be laminate flooring with a plywood core. This technology makes it possible to replicate the look of engineered wood at a more affordable price, while allowing for different installation methods, using a click system, with adhesive in the joints, or fully glued.”

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Photo courtesy of PRIMCO LIMITED 2026 SEPTEMBER INSIGHTS.

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Photos courtesy of PRIMCO LIMITED

Warren Sinclair, Director of Marketing and Buy Groups at Primco Limited, has also observed continued growth in the laminate flooring category. “Currently, the category that is most popular and has grown the most over the last few years is laminate, due to its introduction of waterresistant core technologies.” Sinclair said laminate flooring provides a more durable wear surface and more realistic images and textures than luxury vinyl plank (LVP). “The construction and manufacturing process of laminate gives it a more realistic gloss that refracts light better than LVP, giving it an authentic hardwood appearance.” Consumers choose flooring materials after considering numerous factors, Sinclair explained. These include whether there will be moisture or temperature transitions, the 12

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flatness of the subfloor, subfloor preparation requirements, whether the area will experience high or low traffic, and the presence of children and pets. The consumer’s budget, in relation to the total cost of the project, is then weighed in making the final decision. “All of these factors influence the consumer’s choice of material. Laminate’s water resistance and superior durability make it a great flooring choice for busy, active households.” Warm colours have continued to be popular, Sinclair noted. “Earthy, natural white oaks that have refined graining and less knotting continue to be in high demand.” Looking ahead, he too sees increasing interest in medium browns, which are already gaining momentum. “As the new, emerging colour trend, we should see it grow and gain more popularity over the next few years.”

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At Anatolia Tile & Stone Inc., a company spokesperson said porcelain continues to be the material of choice for Canadian consumers.

“Deeper greens, warmer browns and richer accent tones can add personality while still working with neutral foundations.”

Porcelain combines durability, design flexibility and practicality in a single surface, with low water absorption making it particularly well suited to kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and other high-traffic areas. “Advances in digital printing allow manufacturers to recreate the look of natural stone, concrete and wood with remarkable realism,” noted the company.

Current design reporting points toward more layered spaces that combine natural materials, texture, vintage influences and contemporary elements to create interiors that feel collected rather than perfectly coordinated.

Durability and maintenance are major considerations, particularly for busy households with children and pets, added the Anatolia representative. Consumers also consider the location of the installation, moisture exposure, expected traffic, installation requirements and overall budget. “Increasingly, homeowners are also looking for flooring that will remain visually relevant for years, rather than following a short-lived trend.” Even though choosing a flooring material involves much more than appearance, design plays an equally important role, added the representative. “Format, finish, pattern, grout colour and the ability to coordinate flooring with cabinetry, countertops and wall treatments can all influence the final decision.” Anatolia has observed a shift to warm neutrals, earthy tones and natural-inspired colours, moving away from cool grey palettes. “Creamy whites, beige, greige, mushroom, taupe and warm brown are gaining momentum,” as consumers choose interiors that feel grounded and inviting. “Design professionals are also pointing toward muted greens, terracotta and red-brown tones.” The spokesperson cautioned that today’s design trends do not mean colour is disappearing. Rather, consumers are becoming more comfortable introducing colour in sophisticated, nature-inspired ways.

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The spokesperson also felt that porcelain is well positioned to meet today’s demand for “flooring surfaces with subtle variation, authentic-looking stone or wood characteristics, and warm undertones.” Photos courtesy of ANATOLIA TILE & STONE INC.

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Photo courtesy of ANATOLIA TILE & STONE INC. 2026 SEPTEMBER INSIGHTS.

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Photos courtesy of NEXT FLOOR INC.

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Moving over to Next Floor Inc., Sales Director Edmund Paulauskas said modern SPC and wood plastic composite (WPC) rigid-core products continue to play a key role in meeting consumer needs. “Our ScratchMaster® PVC-free resin-fusedcore and DropFit™ loose lay offerings are our fastest-growing product categories,” he noted. “A consumer’s choice ultimately depends on how the room will be used,” Paulauskas said. There are many household factors that can affect a consumer’s flooring choice. “Moisture, traffic, children, pets, castor movement, comfort, acoustics, maintenance, installation requirements, warranty coverage and total installed cost all influence the decision,” he explained. Although appearance remains essential, performance and style that work together are becoming an increasingly important part of consumer expectations.

For areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements that are well suited to 100 per cent waterproof flooring with a strong and stable core, Paulauskas said Next Floor’s StoneCast™ SPC and WPC collections remain popular. “They combine durability, realistic design and value.” High-traffic households can benefit from a robust core with outstanding resistance to scratches, stains and everyday wear. “Our ScratchMaster® PVC-free resin-fused-core collection, particularly Organica and Botanica, is especially attractive for active families with children and pets,” said Paulauskas. He also offered the flooring as an excellent choice for home offices. “Thanks to its ultra-strong core, this flooring is warranted for use under rolling office chairs without requiring protective chair mats.”

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Photo courtesy of NEXT FLOOR INC.

Paulauskas has observed rapid growth in the loose lay flooring category as well. He views it as an excellent option for areas prone to higher moisture levels because it allows easier access if individual planks ever need replacement. “This thick, flexible flooring can be installed using only a band of perimeter adhesive to secure the outer planks and hold the interior planks in position; or if desired, it can be fully adhered.” To suit consumer design preferences, he noted that DropFit™ loose lay flooring is available in a wide, long plank with a subtle micro-bevelled

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edge (Donnington), or a more defined bevel that highlights each plank (Edgewood). “In colour, the clearest 2026 trend is a return to warmth,” Paulauskas confirmed. “Cool grey is giving way to light-to-medium natural wood tones, such as warm oak, honey, caramel, wheat, taupe and almond.” He said greige is becoming warmer and more organic, with consumers becoming more interested in realistic grain, natural colour variation and matte finishes that create a comfortable, timeless foundation for the home.

Performance, design and confidence are taking centre stage for 2026 in the Canadian flooring industry, according to Matt George, Flooring Business Development, Taiga Building Products. He has observed several interesting market shifts. “While vinyl continues to be the strongest-performing flooring category, the way consumers and contractors evaluate vinyl flooring has evolved significantly compared to 15 years ago.” George feels contractors and consumers are becoming increasingly aligned, with both considering locking systems and product thickness when selecting flooring for their projects. Even with budget-conscious renovations and refreshes, price isn’t necessarily above product performance and installation considerations. Instead, the factors are closer to being on par. “Rather than simply looking for the lowest22

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cost option, customers are increasingly willing to invest in a thicker product with a reliable locking system that delivers a better-looking installation and greater long-term confidence.” Taiga Building Products has been closely monitoring these changes over the past two years, George said. “We have been taking steps to develop collections that respond directly to the evolving needs of our partners and their customers.” He referenced Taiga’s Difference collection, featuring a 6.5 mm overall thickness, a Unipush locking system on the plank, and a 5G locking system on the tile, as an example. “Difference delivers the combination of performance, stability and design that today’s market is demanding.” George said the collection is a standout performer and demonstrates that consumers

Photos courtesy of TAIGA BUILDING PRODUCTS

are increasingly willing to spend a little more for performance and visual appeal when they see the value in higher-quality flooring solutions. “The collection offers seven 7” x 54” plank designs and two 12” x 24” tile looks, providing a versatile selection for a wide range of residential and commercial applications.” Taiga introduced White Box 6.5 in 2026, George added. “This collection also features a 6.5 mm overall thickness and adds six plank colours in a 7” x 48” format, combined with a Uniclic locking system.” To make the decision process as easy as possible for consumers, he said options must combine performance, style and design to meet the expectations of the current Canadian market. “From a design perspective, natural tones, warmer colours and deeper brown shades are gaining momentum across Canada. These designs offer the authentic, inviting aesthetic

customers are increasingly looking for in today’s homes and commercial spaces,” George concluded. Across the country, flooring suppliers and manufacturers are reporting similar trends in 2026. Warm tones continue to gain popularity, with medium browns and natural wood looks catching the eye of consumers. Budget remains a major factor, but consumers are also focused on choosing the right flooring for the application. Ultimately, spending a little more at the outset may help avoid premature replacement or removal of an unsuitable product. If you’re selecting flooring in 2026, think earthy and natural, while choosing a material that best meets your placement and usage requirements. After all, durability is key when you will be walking all over it.

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Build a Stronger Foundation

Get more dimensional stability

Water-resistant coating protects during construction. PWT LVL surpasses traditional lumber for dimensional consistency and load-carrying capacity. Ideal for long spans, PWT LVL is available in up to 60’ lengths and resists warping, twisting, bowing, and crowning. PWT products come backed by warranties you won’t find with traditional lumber. pwtewp.com

PWT offers longer lengths so that ceilings and floors can be designed with fewer pieces, saving time on installation. Other advantages over lumber include lower moisture content, which makes PWT I-Joists less likely to split, shrink, twist, warp, or bow. This means reduced callbacks due to fewer pops and squeaks. pwtewp.com

LUMBER LOCK® is a heavy-duty subfloor and construction adhesive that is stronger than the LUMBER it LOCKS together. LUMBER LOCK® is preferred by contractors and framers because it is easy to gun out in the cold and won’t run-on in the heat. kmcorp.com/lumber-lock

Durastrand pointSIX® is a premium, high-performance T&G sub-floor engineered to perform well in extreme weather conditions. Its patented tapered edge design helps combat edge swell by allowing the edges to expand and become flush with the surface when exposed to moisture, such as rain or humidity. This ensures that the subfloor remains flat and stable, even in challenging environments. osb.westfraser.com

LAUNCHING FALL 2026

Westman Steel is proud to present Signature Series, a new lineup of steel siding profiles. Choose your profile. The 5.25” Plank brings clean, classic vertical lines. The Single 6” Lap delivers that timeless residential silhouette. The 10” Board & Batten makes a bold, architectural statement. All three are made with 26-gauge steel and have a hidden fastener system for a seamless look. Engineered to resist warping, cracking, and shrinking. Available in 10 modern colours that are backed by a 40-year paint warranty. Available this fall at your local Westman dealer.