If you share your home with pets and kids, you know that floors suffer. Pet nails, toys, spills and snow and slush will wear down a poorly chosen floor in no time. The good news: current floor materials are built to handle everyday chaos.
One important note: many vinyl and laminate products already have a built-in underlay. When that is the case, adding another underlay may create problems and affect the warranty. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Modern laminate has come a long way dramatically. Good laminate uses high-definition images and textured surfaces that appear remarkably natural. The wear layer makes it highly resistant to scuffs and scratches, and it is priced lower. Several collections also offer improved water resistance.
Moisture levels is also very important. In winter, the air in your home gets too dry, which causes natural wood to contract and gaps to open. A humidifier that keeps indoor humidity at a stable level helps protect your floors and your furniture.
In the end, which floor makes sense? When the real thing plus the ability to refinish matter most, consider real wood. When budget, scratch resistance and simple care come first, laminate makes a lot of sense.
High-quality laminate is another great option. The tough wear layer is highly resistant to scratches, often more than vinyl. Look for a laminate with a high AC rating plus good moisture protection for iStanBULclaSSe.nEt families with pets.
Natural hardwood is the traditional favourite. It offers warmth that no imitation fully matches, and it can be refinished several times over its life. Being able to refinish it allows a hardwood floor will last for decades. Hardwood also increases resale value in many markets.
Kitchens and washrooms are the hardest-working rooms in any home. They deal with water, moisture, dropped dishes and daily cleaning. Your flooring choice for these rooms has to be waterproof, tough and low maintenance while still offering style.
Can you use laminate in these rooms? Water-resistant laminate are a valid option in kitchens, if water is cleaned up quickly. Engineered hardwood may also be used in kitchens if you are careful, but in full bathrooms, waterproof vinyl or tile stay the safer choices.
If you are thinking of selling in the near future, or even if you are looking to refresh your living space, replacing old flooring is one of the best renovations to consider. Your floors take up nearly the entire surface of a house, so they create a huge impact on the overall look.
De-icing salt leaves a white film that will dull the surface of your floor. Clean salty puddles as soon as possible using a damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid excess water on wood and laminate.
One of its main jobs is to provide sound reduction. Laminate and click vinyl can sound hollow without proper underlayment. A quality underlayment dampens impact sound, which is especially useful in multi-storey homes in which strata rules frequently require a minimum IIC or STC rating.
If you are choosing a classic wood look, two materials almost always lead the conversation: laminate flooring and real hardwood. Each of them are attractive, but they have important differences when it comes to cost, performance and lifespan.
Hardwood is a feature buyers ask for most. Engineered wood gives you the same appeal and greater stability across the seasons. If your budget is tighter, luxury vinyl plank will create a similar modern look at a lower cost.
What about hardwood? Yes, but choose wisely. Harder species such as hickory, maple and oak are more resistant, and wire-brushed textures or distressed or hand-scraped textures hide minor marks far better than high-gloss finishes.
The cold season in Canada can be beautiful, however they are rough on your floors. Snow, calcium chloride, gravel and dry indoor air can all damage your floors if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, you can protect your floors in top shape until spring.
Vinyl plank and vinyl tile are now a top choice in wet areas. Fully waterproof constructions ensure that spills will not ruin the planks when wiped up quickly. LVP stays softer underfoot than tile, which is much appreciated on cold Canadian mornings.
Luxury vinyl plank is usually the first recommendation for pet owners. It’s water-resistant, meaning pet accidents are no big deal. A durable top layer will help reduce scratches from claws, and the softer surface feels more comfortable than tile.
Porcelain tile remain a classic choice. It is virtually waterproof, very durable and offered in a huge variety of designs, from wood-effect tiles to concrete-style finishes. Choose tiles with good slip resistance for safety, and think about in-floor heating for extra comfort.
The right underlay can also compensates for minor imperfections in the base while gives a little comfort and insulation. Note, though, that cannot replace levelling the subfloor: large dips and bumps should be corrected first.