What about hardwood? It is possible, but make careful choices. Harder species such as hickory, maple and oak hold up better, and wire-brushed textures or natural grain patterns camouflage everyday wear better than a shiny finish.
Tile are still a timeless solution. Tiles are nearly impervious to water, scratch-resistant and comes in countless designs, from wood-effect tiles and concrete-style finishes. Select a textured or matte surface for safety, then consider radiant heating for extra comfort.
The first step is to consider the purpose of each room. A busy entryway needs something tough and easy to clean, whereas a bedroom can focus more on softness and style. Kitchens and bathrooms work best with water-resistant products such as luxury vinyl plank or tile.
Kitchens and washrooms are the busiest rooms in a household. They get water, steam, falling objects and frequent mopping. The floor you install in these spaces needs to be waterproof, hard-wearing and low maintenance while still offering great design.
What about hardwood in a kitchen or bathroom? Some modern laminates can work well for kitchens, as long as water is cleaned up right away. Engineered hardwood can also be used in kitchens with caution, FIlMyHd.NEt however in full bathrooms, tile and vinyl remain the safer choices.
The number one selling point of LVP is its water resistance. Compared with solid hardwood, a well-made LVP does not swell or cup because of spills. That makes it an excellent choice for basements, laundry rooms and entryways.
A good underlay also hides slight unevenness in the subfloor while gives some comfort and insulation. Remember, however, it cannot replace a flat subfloor: big height differences need to be levelled first.
Moisture protection is also a critical function, particularly in basements. Concrete can release moisture vapour over time, so an underlay with a built-in vapour barrier keeps laminate and wood floors from warping.
The Canadian climate also plays an important role. Traditional solid wood shrinks and swells with changes in humidity, so it performs best with proper acclimatization and controlled humidity. Engineered wood provides an authentic wood surface but with greater stability, making it a smart option across the country.
If you share your home with dogs, cats or young children, you already know how quickly floors suffer. Claws, toys, spills and snow and slush quickly wear down a delicate surface in a few months. Luckily: today’s flooring products are designed to survive busy family life.
In recent years, vinyl plank flooring has become one of the most requested floor coverings in Canada. There are good reasons for that: it looks like real wood, it stands up to spills, and it fits most budgets.
Luxury vinyl have quickly become a favourite in wet areas. Fully waterproof constructions mean that splashes cannot harm the planks if cleaned up promptly. LVP feels softer underfoot compared to stone, something a real plus during winter.
Cost is also a key factor. Laminate delivers a natural-looking finish at an affordable cost, while LVP brings together value with outstanding moisture protection. Don’t forget to factor in underlayment, baseboards, and professional installation in your total cost.
Start at the door. Put a sturdy outdoor mat and a washable absorbent rug indoors every entrance. This combination catches the majority of the salt and grit before it can scratch your floors. Add a boot tray so wet boots don’t sit directly on the floor.
One important note: some vinyl and laminate products include a pre-attached pad. When that is the case, adding a second layer could create problems and void the warranty. Always read the installation guide.
When planning a flooring project, they tend to focus on the colour, style and price. But what lies beneath the floor is just as important. Quality underlay improves comfort, noise levels and protection against moisture, while it helps your new floor stay beautiful for years.
Moisture levels is also critical. In winter, the air inside can become very dry, leading to wood floors to contract and small gaps to appear. A whole-house humidifier keeping humidity in a moderate range helps protect your floors as well as your furniture.
Laminate is also a strong option. The tough wear layer stays highly resistant to scratches, in many cases even more than vinyl. Select a laminate with a high AC rating plus good moisture protection for the best performance.
De-icing salt often leaves a hazy residue that can dull the surface of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Wipe up salt marks as soon as possible using a soft mop and a floor-specific cleaner. Avoid steam mops on wood-based floors.
Picking the right floor is one of the biggest decisions you will make during a renovation. In Canada, the decision is even more important because our homes have to handle cold, dry winters, humid summers, slush and salt tracked in at the door.
Winter in Canada can be magical, however winter is hard on flooring. Slush, road salt, gravel and dry indoor air can damage even the best floors if you are not careful. With some simple precautions, you can keep your flooring beautiful through the winter.