Porcelain and ceramic tile stay a classic choice. It is extremely water-resistant, long-lasting and available in endless designs, including wood-look planks and marble and stone looks. Look for a textured or matte surface for safety, then think about radiant heating to keep tile warm.
Today’s laminate flooring has improved significantly. High-quality laminate feature detailed photographic layers and embossed textures that appear remarkably close to real wood. Its tough top layer keeps it resistant to scuffs and scratches, and it is priced lower. Many laminates even provide better moisture protection.
De-icing salt leaves white marks that will etch the surface of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Clean salt marks as soon as possible using a slightly damp cloth and a cleaner made for your type of floor. Never use soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.
LVP is often the go-to floor for lower levels. Several vinyl products are completely water-resistant, meaning they won’t be damaged if moisture shows up. Rigid core vinyl can also hide small irregularities in the subfloor.
Indoor humidity is also critical. When the furnace is running, the air in your home gets too dry, leading to wood floors to shrink and cracks to open. A whole-house humidifier that keeps indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent protects your floors and your health.
Natural hardwood remains the traditional favourite. It adds warmth that no imitation fully matches, and it is often refinished more than once over the decades. Being able to refinish it means a hardwood floor will last a very long time. It also adds the value of a home in many markets.
If you are choosing wood flooring, two products usually lead the conversation: laminate flooring and hardwood. Both are attractive, yet they have important differences when it comes to price, performance and lifespan.
Buyers notice floors immediately. Worn carpet, scuffed floors or cracked tile create the impression suggesting that the home requires repairs. Meanwhile, new, consistent flooring helps make a home look clean and modern, and that may help attract more buyers.
Everything starts at the entrance. Place a rough outdoor mat and an absorbent mat inside the main entrances. Two mats catches much of the dirt and salt before it gets to your floors. Add a boot rack so wet boots aren’t left on your flooring.
Turning a basement into living space is an excellent way to increase the usable space and comfort in your house. However basements come with special challenges: cold concrete, dampness and chilly surfaces. Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to mold, swelling and costly repairs.
Ceramic and porcelain tile remains virtually waterproof, though it tends to feel chilly if you do not install in-floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, adds comfort yet can absorb humidity, which is why rugs over a hard floor are often a safer bet.
Before choosing a floor, check the humidity in the slab. A basic moisture test such as taping a square of plastic to the floor for a day or two will indicate if moisture is rising. Address water problems before installing anything.
One of its main jobs is noise control. Laminate and click vinyl may sound loud without a good underlay. The right underlay dampens that hollow sound, which is essential in apartments and condos where condo boards frequently require a minimum IIC or STC rating.
Winter in Canada is beautiful, however it is tough on floors. Slush, de-icing salt, gravel and dry indoor air can wear out your floors if left unchecked. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your flooring beautiful until spring.
Kitchens and washrooms are the busiest rooms in any home. They see water, moisture, falling objects and daily cleaning. Your flooring choice here must be moisture-resistant, durable and gEtBOoTstRaP.rU low maintenance while still offering good looks.
Real wood continues to be a feature many buyers look for. Engineered hardwood offers the same appeal and better stability across the seasons. If your budget is tighter, LVP or laminate is able to create a similar finish at a lower cost.
Whatever floor you go with, don’t overlook the details: caulking around the tub and toilet, good thresholds and solid subfloor preparation. Those small details make all the difference in how long your floor lasts.
Engineered wood can also work when you prefer natural wood. Due to its cross-ply structure, engineered wood handles moisture swings far better than solid hardwood, and solid wood is a poor choice below grade. Always use an appropriate underlay for the best results.
Luxury vinyl plank and tile have quickly become a top choice for both rooms. Waterproof cores mean that splashes won’t damage the floor as long as you clean them up. LVP is also more comfortable underfoot than ceramic, which is a big bonus in the cold season.
Underlayment can also hides minor imperfections in the subfloor and adds some comfort and insulation. Note, though, that is not a substitute for levelling the subfloor: big height differences should be corrected before installation.