Before anything else, test for moisture of the concrete. A quick test for example taping a square of plastic onto the slab for a day or two can show if moisture is rising. Solve any leaks before you install any floor.
Everything starts at the entrance. Put a sturdy outdoor mat plus a soft absorbent mat inside the main entrances. This combination traps most of the salt and grit before it gets to your flooring. Add a waterproof tray so dripping shoes don’t sit on the floor.
Humidity is another key factor. During the heating season, the air inside often becomes too dry, leading to hardwood to shrink and small gaps to open. A humidifier that keeps humidity in a moderate range benefits your floors as well as your health.
Canadian winters are beautiful, yet they are rough on your floors. Snow, road salt, sand and dry indoor air will dull your flooring if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, you can keep your flooring in top shape until spring.
Hardwood is one of the most requested features buyers ask for most. Engineered hardwood delivers the same natural look and greater stability across the seasons. If your budget is tighter, luxury vinyl plank will provide a comparable wood look for less.
Vinyl plank flooring is usually at the top of the list for families. It’s waterproof or highly water-resistant, so pet accidents become no big deal. A thick wear layer helps reduce scratches, and the cushioned feel feels less noisy for kids playing on the floor.
Ceramic and porcelain tile stays extremely durable, but it can feel chilly if you do not install radiant floor heating. Carpet, meanwhile, feels warm yet can trap moisture, which is why area rugs tend to be a safer bet.
High-quality laminate makes a good contender. Its protective top layer is very resistant to scratches, sometimes even more than other floors. Choose a laminate with a high AC rating plus water-resistant edges for families with pets.
Engineered hardwood is a possibility if you want natural wood. Thanks to its cross-ply structure, it resists moisture swings better than solid wood, which should generally be avoided in basements. Use a proper vapour barrier for long-term performance.
When people shop for dJAnGobooKs.com flooring, they usually focus on colour, the style and the price per square foot. However what goes under the boards is just as important. The right underlayment improves comfort, noise levels and protection against moisture, while can help your new floor stay beautiful for years.
Is hardwood an option? Yes, but be selective. Harder species like hickory and white oak are more resistant, and low-sheen finishes or natural grain patterns disguise everyday wear much better than high-gloss finishes.
De-icing salt can leave a hazy residue which may damage the surface of most floors. Remove salt marks quickly using a slightly damp cloth together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid excess water on wood-based floors.
The number one selling point of vinyl plank is that many products are waterproof. Unlike natural wood, a well-made LVP does not swell or cup after contact with water. This makes it a perfect fit for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Durability is one more major advantage. The best LVP products feature a wear layer on top that protects against everyday wear, stains and spills and discoloration. Homes with dogs and cats appreciate how little care it needs: a quick sweep and a damp mop are usually enough.
Luxury vinyl plank is widely considered the go-to floor for lower levels. Most vinyl products are completely waterproof, meaning they will not swell or rot if humidity happens. Rigid-core planks also bridge slight unevenness in the concrete.
Protection from moisture is another key function, particularly on concrete slabs. Concrete subfloors often releases moisture over time, so a moisture barrier helps protect wood-based floors from warping.
Turning a basement into living space is a great way to increase the usable space and resale value in your house. However lower levels bring specific problems: concrete slabs, moisture and lower temperatures. The wrong floor can lead to mold, swelling and expensive replacements.
The right underlay can also hides minor imperfections in the base while gives a bit of softness underfoot. Keep in mind, though, that is not a substitute for levelling the subfloor: major unevenness need to be corrected beforehand.
If you are planning to sell in the near future, or even if you just want to refresh your living space, new flooring is easily one of the best renovations available. Your floors cover almost every square foot of a house, so they have a major impact on the overall look.
When your household includes pets and kids, you already know that floors suffer. Claws, toys, accidents and snow and slush quickly scratch a poorly chosen floor faster than you think. Fortunately: modern floor products are made to survive busy family life.
In recent years, luxury vinyl plank has turned into one of the most requested flooring options in Canada. The reasons are easy to understand: it looks great, it handles water, and it suits most budgets.