Porcelain tile stays very water-resistant, although it can feel chilly unless you add in-floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, meanwhile, feels warm but may hold moisture, which is why area rugs are often a more practical choice.
The cold season in Canada is beautiful, however they are tough on floors. Snow, calcium chloride, grit and dry indoor air can damage your flooring over time. With a few simple habits, you can keep your floors in top shape through the winter.
Last but not least, always bring samples home under your own lights. Colours often look quite different in natural light. For helpful advice and a wide selection of quality flooring products, take a look at this Canadian flooring store and start planning your project today.
Is hardwood an option? Yes, but choose wisely. Harder woods such as hickory, maple and oak are more resistant, and low-sheen finishes or textured surfaces camouflage minor marks far better than glossy floors.
When your household includes dogs, cats or young children, you know that floors can get damaged. Pet nails, toys, spills and wet paws quickly wear down the wrong floor faster than you think. Luckily: modern flooring products are designed to stand up to busy family life.
First of all, what exactly is underlayment? It is a thin cushioned layer installed between the subfloor and the flooring. Based on the material, it can be made of cork and equipped with a moisture barrier.
Salt residue can leave a white film that will damage the surface of your floor. Remove salty puddles promptly using a damp microfibre mop and a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.
If you are thinking of selling in the next few years, or even if you simply want to refresh your living space, new flooring is one of the most effective investments available. Your floors cover almost every square foot in every room, which means they have a huge impact on how buyers feel.
Engineered hardwood can also work if you want real wood. Thanks to its layered construction, engineered wood tolerates moisture swings much better than solid wood, which is not recommended in basements. Use a proper vapour barrier for the best results.
First of all, check the humidity in the slab. A quick test such as taping a square of plastic to the floor for 24 to 48 hours can show whether moisture comes through. Address water problems before you install any floor.
Your budget is also a major consideration. Laminate provides a natural-looking finish for less money, while vinyl brings together affordability with outstanding water resistance. Keep in mind to factor in the underlay, baseboards, and professional installation in your estimate.
Luxury vinyl plank is the number one pick for pet owners. It’s water-resistant, khargharonline.com so water bowls become easy to clean up. A strong wear layer helps prevent scratches, and the cushioned feel feels quieter for kids playing on the floor.
Vinyl plank is usually the best choice below grade. Many vinyl products are fully water-resistant, so they will not swell or rot when humidity shows up. Rigid core vinyl can also bridge small irregularities in the slab.
A good underlay can also smooths out slight unevenness in the subfloor while provides a little comfort and insulation. Remember, though, that cannot replace levelling the subfloor: large dips and bumps should be levelled before installation.
Picking new flooring is one of the biggest decisions you can make during a renovation. In Canada, the decision is even more demanding because our homes have to survive long winters, warm and humid summers, snow and road salt carried in on every boot.
High-quality laminate is another strong option. The protective top layer is very resistant to scuffs and scratches, in many cases more than vinyl. Select products with an AC4 or AC5 rating plus water-resistant edges for busy homes.
Finishing a basement is a great way to increase the usable space and value to your home. Yet basements come with special challenges: concrete slabs, humidity and chilly surfaces. A poor flooring choice can lead to mildew, swelling and wasted money.
Seasonal change also plays an important role. Traditional solid wood shrinks and swells as humidity rises and falls, so it is best installed with proper acclimatization and controlled humidity. Engineered wood offers the same natural look with improved dimensional stability, which makes it a favourite in our climate.
Hardwood floors continues to be a feature many buyers look for. Engineered wood delivers the same appeal and more flexibility across the seasons. If your budget is tighter, quality laminate can provide an equally attractive wood look at a fraction of the price.
Continuity is also important. Too many different floors from room to room often makes a home appear choppy. Running the same floor through the main living areas produces a more spacious look that buyers appreciate.
The first line of defence is the entrance. Place a rough outdoor mat and a washable absorbent rug indoors every entrance. Using both traps the majority of the snow and grit before it can scratch your floors. Add a boot tray to make sure wet boots aren’t left on the floor.
