Luxury vinyl plank and tile have become a favourite for kitchens and bathrooms. Water-resistant cores mean that standing water won’t damage the floor when wiped up quickly. LVP is also softer underfoot than tile, which is a big bonus on cold Canadian mornings.
Can you still have hardwood? It is possible, though be selective. Harder woods such as hickory, maple and oak hold up better, and matte finishes or textured surfaces hide minor marks better than glossy floors.
Laminate makes a good contender. Its hard melamine surface is very resistant to scratches, sometimes even more than vinyl. Choose laminates with a high AC rating plus good moisture protection for the best performance.
Buyers notice floors right away. Worn carpet, damaged wood floors or cracked tile create the impression that the property requires repairs. Meanwhile, fresh, modern flooring makes a house feel bright and well-maintained, and that may help it sell faster.
Hardwood floors continues to be one of the most requested features buyers love. Engineered wood delivers the same natural look with better stability in Canadian conditions. If your budget is tighter, luxury vinyl plank can provide an equally attractive finish at a lower cost.
Tile remain a proven option. Tiles are nearly impervious to water, scratch-resistant and available in a huge variety of patterns, from wood-effect tiles to concrete-style finishes. Look for a slip-resistant finish for bathrooms, then think about radiant heating for extra comfort.
Selecting the right floor is one of the biggest decisions you will make during a renovation. Here in Canada, the choice is particularly demanding because our floors have to withstand long winters, humid summers, melting snow and de-icing salt brought in at the door.
If you plan to put your house on the market soon, or you are looking to refresh your living space, new flooring is one of the best upgrades you can make. Your floors cover most of the visible space of a house, which means they have a huge impact on the overall look.
And what about hardwood in wet areas? Newer water-resistant laminates can be a good fit in kitchens, as long as moisture is dealt with promptly. Engineered hardwood can also work in kitchens with caution, however in bathrooms with a shower or tub, vinyl or tile stay the safer choices.
A key function is noise control. Floors that are not glued down may sound hollow without a good underlay. The right underlay absorbs footstep noise, something that is especially useful in apartments and condos in which condo boards may demand punbb.Skynettechnologies.us a minimum IIC or STC rating.
Finally, be sure to see samples in your own lighting. Tones often look very different at home. If you want professional guidance and a large selection of floors for every room, visit this Canadian flooring store and start planning your project today.
When planning a flooring project, they usually focus on the colour, the style and price. But what goes under the floor is just as important. The right underlayment can improve comfort, noise levels and moisture protection, and it helps your new floor perform better.
Humidity is very important. When the furnace is running, the air in your home often becomes too dry, which causes wood floors to shrink and gaps to form. Using a humidifier that keeps humidity at a stable level benefits your wood floors as well as your furniture.
Everything starts at the entrance. Put a sturdy outdoor mat plus a soft absorbent mat inside each door. This combination catches the majority of the salt and grit before it gets to your floors. Add a boot rack to make sure snowy boots don’t sit on your flooring.
LVP is the number one pick for busy homes. It is water-resistant, so water bowls become easy to clean up. A strong wear layer will help reduce scratches from claws, and its softer feel feels less noisy than tile.
When your household includes pets and kids, you have probably learned how quickly floors take a beating. Claws, toys, accidents and wet paws will scratch a delicate surface in a few months. Luckily: current flooring materials are designed to stand up to busy family life.
The kitchen and the bathroom rank among the most demanding spaces in a household. They deal with splashes, steam, dropped dishes and frequent mopping. The flooring you choose for these rooms must stay waterproof, hard-wearing and easy to clean without sacrificing good looks.
Continuity matters too. Too many different floors from room to room tends to make a home look smaller. Running the same floor across the main floor creates a clean, open feel that looks great in listing photos.
Road salt can leave a white film that can damage the finish of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove residue as soon as possible using a slightly damp cloth together with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor on wood and laminate.
One important note: some vinyl and laminate products include a built-in underlay. When that is the case, adding another underlay may create problems and cancel your warranty. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.