Moisture levels also matters and is critical. In winter, indoor air often becomes too dry, leading to wood floors to shrink and cracks to appear. A humidifier to maintain humidity in a moderate range benefits your wood floors as well as your comfort.
Winter in Canada can be beautiful, but winter is tough on floors. Slush, road salt, grit and dry indoor air can damage your floors if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, you can protect your floors looking great through the winter.
Toughness is another reason to choose it. Many vinyl planks feature a wear layer on top that protects against everyday wear, marks and discoloration. Homes with dogs and cats love how easy it is to maintain: a quick sweep and occasional damp mopping keep it looking new.
Comfort underfoot counts too, especially in Canadian winters. Vinyl tends to feel softer and quieter under your feet compared to tile or stone, and several products include an attached underlayment that adds extra comfort.
De-icing salt can leave white marks which may etch the finish of your floor. Remove salty puddles as soon as possible using a soft mop and a floor-specific cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.
The first line of defence is the entrance. Use a sturdy outdoor mat and a soft absorbent mat inside every entrance. This combination catches the majority of the dirt and salt before it reaches the rest of the house. Add a boot tray so snowy boots aren’t left on the floor.
So, which floor should you choose? When the real thing plus refinishing potential are what you want, go with engineered or solid hardwood. If cost, scratch resistance and simple care top your list, laminate is hard to beat.
Porcelain and ceramic tile stay a timeless choice. Tiles are nearly impervious to water, very durable and available in endless styles, including wood-effect tiles and natural stone visuals. Choose a slip-resistant finish for bathrooms, and consider radiant heating for winter comfort.
A cohesive look matters too. Too many flooring types from room to room often makes a home look choppy. Using a single floor across the main floor creates a clean, open feel that looks great in listing photos.
The biggest advantage of vinyl plank is its water resistance. Unlike traditional laminate, good vinyl flooring will not swell when exposed to spills. This makes it an ideal option for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Whatever floor you go with, don’t overlook the details: caulking around the tub and toilet, clean transitions between rooms and a flat, dry subfloor. These details matter a lot in how long your floor will last.
Its first role is sound reduction. Floating floors can sound loud if installed directly on the subfloor. The right underlay absorbs footstep noise, something that is essential in condos where building rules often set a minimum IIC or STC rating.
If you are thinking of selling in the next few years, or even if you simply want to enjoy your home more, new flooring ranks among the most effective investments you can make. The floor cover most of the visible space in every room, so they make a huge impact on first impressions.
If you are thinking about vinyl plank flooring for your next project, make sure to compare thicknesses and check colours at home. You can browse many styles at canadafloorsdepot.com before making your final choice.
Over the past few years, luxury vinyl plank has become one of the best-selling types of flooring in Canada. The reasons are easy to understand: it looks great, it handles water, and it fits most budgets.
Important: some vinyl and laminate products include a built-in underlay. In that case, adding another underlay could create movement and void the warranty. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Kitchens and washrooms are the busiest rooms in the house. They get water, moisture, heavy foot traffic and frequent mopping. Your flooring choice in these spaces must be waterproof, durable and low maintenance while still offering great design.
Hardwood is one of the most requested features buyers ask for most. Engineered hardwood delivers the same natural look with more flexibility in Canadian conditions. If you need to control costs, luxury vinyl plank will create an equally attractive wood look at a fraction of the price.
Can you use wood in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate are a valid option for kitchens, provided that water is cleaned up quickly. Wood can also work in kitchens with care, however in bathrooms with a shower or tub, vinyl or tile stay the better options.
Hardwood remains the classic choice. It brings authentic grain that many buyers love, and it is often refinished many times over the decades. Being able to refinish it means quality hardwood to last for generations. Hardwood also boosts resale value in most cities.
Underlayment also hides small irregularities beneath the floor and gives a little softness underfoot. Remember, however, that cannot replace levelling the subfloor: major unevenness need to be corrected first.