Real hardwood is a timeless option. It offers authentic grain that is hard to copy, and it can be refinished several times over its life. Being able to refinish it means a hardwood floor to last for decades. It usually boosts the value of a home across Canada.
When you are deciding on a classic wood look, two products usually lead the conversation: laminate flooring and real hardwood. Each of them can look attractive, yet they have important differences when it comes to price, durability and maintenance.
If you are thinking about luxury vinyl for your home, make sure to compare thicknesses and see samples in person. You can explore many styles on vinyl plank flooring in Canada and find the right floor for your space.
Laminate has improved dramatically. Good laminate products feature detailed photographic layers and embossed textures that appear surprisingly close to real wood. Its protective surface makes it highly resistant to daily wear, and it costs less. Many laminates also offer improved water resistance.
Winter in Canada is picturesque, yet winter is rough on your floors. Snow, road salt, grit and low indoor humidity can damage your floors if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your floors beautiful all season long.
Seasonal change has a major role. Solid hardwood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, so it performs best after proper acclimatization and a stable indoor environment. Engineered wood offers the same natural look with improved dimensional stability, making it a popular choice for Canadian homes.
A good underlay can also compensates for minor imperfections in the subfloor and adds a little cushioning and warmth. Remember, though, it is not a substitute for a flat subfloor: big height differences should be corrected before installation.
Start at the door. Use a sturdy outdoor mat and an absorbent mat inside each door. This combination catches the majority of the dirt and salt before it gets to the rest of the house. Use a boot rack to make sure wet boots aren’t left on your flooring.
If you live with little ones and four-legged friends, you know that floors can get damaged. Pet nails, toy cars and blocks, accidents and muddy boots quickly scratch a poorly chosen floor in a few months. Fortunately: today’s flooring products are made to survive real life.
The first step is to consider the way you live in each space. A mudroom requires something tough and easy to clean, while a master bedroom may focus more on warmth underfoot. Wet areas benefit from waterproof materials such as LVP or porcelain tile.
Moisture levels also matters and is very important. During the heating season, the air inside gets extremely dry, causing natural wood to shrink and gaps to appear. Using a humidifier that keeps humidity at a stable level benefits your wood floors and your health.
Durability is one more reason to choose it. Most vinyl planks come with a protective wear layer designed to resist scuffs and scratches, Humpaki.com marks and discoloration. Homes with dogs and cats love how little care it needs: a quick sweep and a light mop are all it takes.
Over the past few years, luxury vinyl plank has turned into one of the best-selling floor coverings for Canadian homeowners. There are good reasons for that: it looks like real wood, it handles water, and it fits almost any budget.
Road salt leaves a white film that will dull the surface of your floor. Remove salty puddles quickly with a slightly damp cloth and a floor-specific cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor on wood-based floors.
Quality laminate is also a great option. Its hard melamine surface stays tough against claw marks, in many cases even more than other floors. Choose a laminate with a high AC rating and good moisture protection for families with pets.
Luxury vinyl plank is usually at the top of the list for families. It is waterproof or highly water-resistant, so pet accidents are simple to handle. A strong wear layer will help prevent scratches from claws, and its softer feel is more comfortable for running feet and paws.
The number one selling point of LVP is its resistance to moisture. Unlike traditional laminate, a quality vinyl plank does not swell or cup when exposed to water. It is therefore an ideal option for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Its first role is to provide noise control. Laminate and click vinyl may sound noisy if installed directly on the subfloor. A good acoustic underlay absorbs that hollow sound, something that is especially useful in condos where strata rules often demand specific acoustic ratings.
Can you still have hardwood? Yes, but choose wisely. Harder woods such as hickory, maple and oak hold up better, while wire-brushed textures or distressed or hand-scraped textures hide minor marks far better than glossy floors.
A final tip: some vinyl and laminate products include an attached underlayment. When that is the case, adding another underlay could cause movement and cancel your warranty. Always read the installation guide.