Can you use laminate in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate can work well for kitchens, if water is cleaned up promptly. Engineered hardwood can also work in kitchens with caution, but in full bathrooms, vinyl or tile remain the better options.
When planning a flooring project, they usually focus on the colour, the style and the price per square foot. But what lies beneath the floor is just as important. A good underlayment can make a big difference in how the floor feels, noise levels and moisture protection, and can help your new floor stay beautiful for years.
The right underlay can also compensates for small irregularities in the base while provides a little comfort and insulation. Remember, however, that cannot replace levelling the subfloor: big height differences should be fixed before installation.
Porcelain tile remain a proven choice. It is virtually waterproof, long-lasting and offered in countless patterns, from wood-effect tiles to natural stone visuals. Look for a slip-resistant finish for bathrooms, then think about heated floors for winter comfort.
Vinyl plank and vinyl tile are now the most popular choice in wet areas. Waterproof cores mean that splashes will not ruin your investment as long as you clean them up. LVP is also softer underfoot than tile, which is much appreciated in the cold season.
Its first role is to provide sound reduction. Floors that are not glued down may sound noisy without proper underlayment. A good acoustic underlay reduces impact sound, something that is essential in apartments and condos where building rules may demand specific acoustic ratings.
The first line of defence is the entrance. Use a sturdy outdoor mat and a soft absorbent mat inside each door. Using both traps most of the snow and grit before it can scratch your flooring. Use a boot tray to make sure dripping shoes don’t sit on your flooring.
The kitchen and the bathroom count as the hardest-working rooms in any home. They see water, steam, heavy foot traffic and daily cleaning. The floor you install for these rooms has to stay moisture-resistant, durable and low maintenance and still deliver style.
what do you think you get is flooring with the look exactly like real hardwood but performs better in our climate. Since it moves less, engineered hardwood can often be installed in rooms in which solid wood is a risk, like basements or on concrete.
When shopping, check the veneer thickness. A thicker veneer allows sanding and refinishing down the road, adding to the floor’s lifespan. Also control humidity between roughly 35 and 55 percent for best results.
This is where engineered hardwood stands out. Rather than being made from a solid plank, engineered wood consists of cross-layered plies: a genuine wood veneer on top of a plywood or HDF core. This layered structure reduces seasonal movement.
No matter what you choose, don’t overlook proper installation: caulking around the tub and toilet, good thresholds and a flat, dry subfloor. Those small details matter a lot for how long your floor lasts.
A final tip: many vinyl and laminate products include an attached underlayment. In that case, adding another underlay can create problems and void the warranty. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Humidity is very important. During the heating season, the air in your home gets too dry, which causes hardwood to contract and gaps to form. A whole-house humidifier to maintain humidity at a stable level benefits your floors and your furniture.
Houses across Canada go through significant changes in temperature and humidity from season to season. In winter, furnaces dehydrate indoor air; in the warm months, humidity rise again. For natural wood, these changes may cause gaps, cupping and movement.
Porcelain tile stays virtually waterproof, although it can feel chilly unless install in-floor heating. Carpet, meanwhile, is cozy but can absorb humidity, which is why carpet tiles are often a more practical choice.
Finishing a basement is a great way to add living space and resale value to your home. But basements present unique challenges: cold concrete, humidity and chilly surfaces. A poor flooring choice may result in mildew, swelling and expensive replacements.
First of all, evaluate for moisture of the concrete. A simple test such as taping a square of plastic to the floor for a day or two can show if moisture is rising. Solve drainage issues prior to installing any floor.
When your household includes pets and kids, you have probably learned how quickly floors can get damaged. Claws, toy cars and blocks, accidents and snow and slush will stain the wrong floor in a few months. Fortunately: today’s flooring materials are designed to survive everyday chaos.
Vinyl plank flooring is usually at the top of the list for pet owners. It is water-resistant, so spilled drinks are no big deal. A durable top layer will help reduce scratches from claws, while its softer feel is more comfortable than tile.
