Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Dated carpet, scuffed floors or chipped tile create a signal suggesting that the house has been neglected. In contrast, new, consistent flooring can make a house look bright and well-maintained, and that may help attract more buyers.
Choosing new flooring is one of the biggest decisions you can make during a renovation. Here in Canada, the selection is even more important because our floors have to handle long winters, muggy summers, snow and road salt carried in on every boot.
Hardwood floors is a feature buyers ask for most. Engineered wood gives you the same natural look and more flexibility for our climate. For a smaller budget, luxury vinyl plank can deliver a comparable wood look at a fraction of the price.
Tile remain a proven option. It is virtually waterproof, scratch-resistant and comes in countless styles, including wood-look planks and concrete-style finishes. Choose a textured or matte surface for bathrooms, then think about radiant heating for extra comfort.
Today’s laminate flooring has come a long way significantly. Good laminate products use realistic printed designs and embossed textures that look surprisingly natural. The protective surface makes it very resistant to daily wear, and it costs at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Many newer products now include better moisture protection.
Tile stays virtually waterproof, but it feels cold if you do not install radiant floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, browse this site on the other hand, is cozy but can absorb humidity, which is why rugs over a hard floor are usually a more practical choice.
Natural hardwood is the classic choice. It offers authentic grain that many buyers love, and it can be sanded and refinished more than once during its lifespan. That ability means a hardwood floor to last for decades. It also adds the value of a home in many markets.
Luxury vinyl plank and tile have become the most popular choice in wet areas. Fully waterproof constructions guarantee that spills cannot harm the floor if cleaned up promptly. LVP feels more comfortable underfoot than tile, which is much appreciated during winter.
Engineered hardwood is another option if you want real wood. Thanks to its layered construction, it handles humidity changes far better than solid hardwood, which should generally be avoided below grade. Install it with a moisture barrier to protect it.
The kitchen and the bathroom are the hardest-working rooms in a household. They get water, humidity, dropped dishes and daily cleaning. Your flooring choice for these rooms needs to stay water-resistant, durable and low maintenance and still deliver great design.
If you are choosing wood flooring, two products typically lead the conversation: laminate flooring and real hardwood. Each of them can look attractive, yet they differ a lot when it comes to price, durability and lifespan.
The first thing to do is to look at the way you live in each space. A busy entryway needs a durable, easy-care surface, whereas a master bedroom may prioritize comfort and warmth. Kitchens and bathrooms are best served by water-resistant products like luxury vinyl plank or porcelain tile.
Ultimately, which one should you choose? If authentic material and refinishing potential are what you want, go with hardwood. When cost, durability and easy maintenance are more important, quality laminate makes a lot of sense.
Before choosing a floor, check the humidity in the slab. A basic moisture test for example taping a square of plastic onto the slab for 24 to 48 hours can show any moisture problem. Solve water problems prior to installing new flooring.
And what about laminate in wet areas? Newer water-resistant laminates are a valid option in kitchens, as long as moisture is dealt with promptly. Wood can also be used in a kitchen if you are careful, but in full bathrooms, tile and vinyl are the safer choices.
Renovating a basement is a great way to increase the usable space and resale value to your home. But basements present special challenges: cold concrete, moisture plus colder floors. The wrong floor may result in mold, warping and wasted money.
Continuity is also important. Too many different floors in connected spaces can make rooms appear choppy. Using a single floor in open-concept spaces gives a clean, open feel that looks great in listing photos.
The result is simply flooring with the look identical to real hardwood while stays more stable in our climate. Because it is more stable, engineered wood is often suitable in areas where solid wood would struggle, including lower levels or over concrete slabs.
If you plan to put your house on the market in the next few years, or you simply want to refresh your living space, new flooring is easily one of the best investments to consider. The floor take up almost every square foot of a house, which means they have a major impact on how buyers feel.
Before buying, pay attention to the thickness of the top layer. A thicker top layer lets you sanding and refinishing down the road, extending the life of your floor. Remember to keep indoor humidity at a steady level all year long.