Ceramic and porcelain tile stays virtually waterproof, but it tends to feel cold underfoot unless combine it with in-floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, feels warm but may hold moisture, so carpet tiles tend to be a better solution.
LVP is often the best choice below grade. Several vinyl products are water-resistant, so they won’t be damaged if humidity shows up. Rigid core vinyl can also tolerate small irregularities in the concrete.
What about wood in a kitchen or bathroom? Some modern laminates can work well for kitchens, provided that water is cleaned up promptly. Wood may also be used in a kitchen with care, however in bathrooms with a shower or tub, waterproof vinyl or tile are the better options.
Humidity is very important. During the heating season, the air in your home can become extremely dry, causing hardwood to contract and small gaps to appear. A whole-house humidifier that keeps humidity at a stable level protects your floors and your health.
De-icing salt often leaves a white film that can dull the finish of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove salty puddles promptly using a damp microfibre mop and a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid excess water on wood and laminate.
Laminate is also a strong option. Its tough wear layer stays tough against scuffs and scratches, often why not find out more than other floors. Look for laminates with a high AC rating as well as water-resistant features for families with pets.
Vinyl plank flooring is often at the top of the list for families. It’s waterproof or highly water-resistant, so pet accidents are no big deal. A thick wear layer will help resist scratches, while the softer surface is more comfortable than tile.
Can you still have hardwood? Yes, though be selective. Harder woods like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, while wire-brushed textures and natural grain patterns hide everyday wear far better than glossy floors.
If you are shopping for LVP for your next project, make sure to compare wear layers and check colours at home. You can browse a great selection at vinyl plank flooring in Canada before making your final choice.
Winter in Canada is picturesque, yet they are tough on floors. Slush, road salt, sand and dry heated air can damage your floors over time. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your floors beautiful until spring.
Porcelain tile stay a timeless choice. Tile is extremely water-resistant, long-lasting and comes in a huge variety of styles, from wood-effect tiles and natural stone visuals. Select a slip-resistant finish for safety, then consider heated floors for winter comfort.
If you are thinking of selling in the next few years, or you are looking to make your home more comfortable, updating your floors is one of the smartest upgrades to consider. Floors take up nearly the entire surface in every room, which means they have a major impact on first impressions.
Buyers notice floors immediately. Old, stained carpet, scratched hardwood or chipped tile send the impression that the property requires repairs. In contrast, fresh, modern flooring can make a home feel bright and well-maintained, and that often helps it sell faster.
Before choosing a floor, check the moisture level of the concrete. A quick test like taping a plastic sheet to the floor for a day or two can reveal if moisture is rising. Solve water problems before installing new flooring.
Hardwood floors remains one of the features buyers love. Engineered wood gives you the same natural look and more flexibility across the seasons. For a smaller budget, LVP or laminate is able to deliver a similar wood look at a fraction of the price.
The kitchen and the bathroom are the most demanding spaces in the house. They deal with splashes, moisture, dropped dishes and frequent mopping. Your flooring choice here has to be water-resistant, hard-wearing and simple to maintain while still offering style.
Everything starts at the entrance. Put a sturdy outdoor mat and an absorbent mat inside every entrance. Using both stops the majority of the dirt and salt before it reaches your floors. Set up a waterproof tray to make sure dripping shoes aren’t left directly on the floor.
Engineered wood is a possibility for those who want a genuine wood surface. Thanks to its stable core, engineered wood tolerates humidity changes far better than solid wood, and solid wood should generally be avoided in basements. Install it with a proper vapour barrier to protect it.
When your household includes dogs, cats or young children, you already know how quickly floors take a beating. Paws, toy cars and blocks, spills and muddy boots quickly stain a poorly chosen floor in a few months. Fortunately: modern floor materials are designed to handle busy family life.
Finishing a basement is one of the best ways to increase the usable space and resale value in your house. However lower levels present special challenges: cold concrete, moisture and chilly surfaces. A poor flooring choice may result in mold, swelling and expensive replacements.