Whatever floor you go with, don’t overlook proper installation: caulking around the tub and toilet, correct transitions and a well-prepared subfloor. Such details make a huge difference for how long your floor will last.
Kitchens and bathrooms rank among the busiest rooms in a household. They see water, steam, falling objects and constant cleaning. The flooring you choose for these rooms must stay waterproof, hard-wearing and low maintenance without sacrificing great design.
If you are thinking of selling soon, or you are looking to make your home more comfortable, updating your floors is easily one of the most effective investments you can make. Your floors cover nearly the entire surface in every room, so they have a huge impact on first impressions.
Quality laminate is another great option. The tough wear layer stays highly resistant to scratches, often better than other floors. Choose products with a high abrasion rating and good moisture protection for families with pets.
If you share your home with pets and kids, you already know that floors suffer. Claws, toy cars and blocks, accidents and snow and slush will stain a delicate surface faster than you think. The good news: today’s flooring materials are built to survive busy family life.
And what about laminate in a kitchen or bathroom? Water-resistant laminate are a valid option in kitchens, if water is cleaned up quickly. Wood may also be used in kitchens if you are careful, but in bathrooms with a shower or tub, waterproof vinyl or tile are the better options.
Hardwood is a feature many buyers look for. Engineered hardwood offers the same appeal with more flexibility for our climate. If you need to control costs, quality laminate can provide a comparable wood look for less.
A key function is to provide sound reduction. Laminate and click vinyl often sound hollow if installed directly on the subfloor. The right underlay dampens impact sound, something that is especially important in multi-storey homes where strata rules may demand specific acoustic ratings.
Canadian homes go through dramatic changes in temperature and humidity from season to season. During winter, our heaters dry out indoor air; in summer, moisture levels go up again. For wood flooring, these changes often leads to gapping, crowning and movement.
A good underlay can also compensates for minor imperfections beneath the floor while adds a bit of comfort and insulation. Keep in mind, however, that is not a substitute for a flat subfloor: large dips and bumps must be corrected first.
Porcelain tile remain a proven solution. Tiles are nearly impervious to water, scratch-resistant and available in endless styles, including wood-look planks to natural stone visuals. Choose a slip-resistant finish for bathrooms, then consider in-floor heating for extra comfort.
Can you still have hardwood? Yes, though choose wisely. Harder woods like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, and matte finishes or distressed or hand-scraped textures hide minor marks better than glossy floors.
A cohesive look is also important. A patchwork of materials from room to room can make a home feel disjointed. Running the same floor through the main living areas gives a sense of flow that buyers appreciate.
The outcome is simply a floor with the look just like traditional wood but performs better in Canadian conditions. Because it is more stable, engineered wood can often be installed in areas where solid wood is a risk, such as below-grade rooms or on concrete.
Luxury vinyl plank is usually the first recommendation for busy homes. It’s waterproof or highly water-resistant, so water bowls become no big deal. A durable top layer will help reduce scuffs, and its softer feel is more comfortable than tile.
Vinyl plank and vinyl tile have quickly become a top choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Water-resistant cores mean that standing water won’t damage the planks if cleaned up promptly. Vinyl feels more comfortable under bare feet than tile, which is a real plus during winter.
When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to the colour, DeCIdIM.caLaFeLl.cAT style and price. But what you put under the boards plays an equally important role. The right underlayment can improve how the floor feels, sound and protection against moisture, and can help your flooring last longer.
Before choosing a floor, test the humidity in the slab. A basic moisture test such as taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for a day or two can show if moisture is rising. Fix water problems before you install new flooring.
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Old, stained carpet, scratched hardwood or cracked tile send a signal suggesting that the home requires repairs. Meanwhile, new, consistent flooring helps make a house feel clean and modern, which can help attract more buyers.
Luxury vinyl plank is usually the best choice below grade. Many vinyl products are fully waterproof, meaning they won’t be damaged when humidity happens. Rigid-core planks also hide slight unevenness in the concrete.