When your household includes dogs, cats or young children, you have probably learned how quickly floors can get damaged. Claws, toy cars and blocks, accidents and snow and slush quickly scratch the wrong floor in no time. Fortunately: current flooring materials are built to survive busy family life.
Toughness is one more reason to choose it. Many vinyl planks include a protective wear layer designed to resist scratches, stains and discoloration. Homes with dogs and cats love how little care it needs: a quick sweep and a light mop are all it takes.
LVP is usually the number one pick for busy homes. It’s water-resistant, meaning water bowls are no big deal. A thick wear layer helps reduce scuffs, while the softer surface is more comfortable for running feet and paws.
Hardwood remains a timeless option. It brings authentic grain that no imitation fully matches, and it is often refinished more than once over the decades. That ability allows quality hardwood will last for decades. Hardwood also adds resale value across Canada.
Laminate is another great option. The tough wear layer is very resistant to scuffs and scratches, in many cases more than other floors. Select a laminate with an AC4 or AC5 rating and good moisture protection for busy homes.
Renovating a basement is one of the best ways to gain extra square footage and resale value in your house. But basements come with specific problems: cold concrete, moisture and colder floors. A poor flooring choice can lead to mildew, swelling and wasted money.
Ceramic and porcelain tile is virtually waterproof, although it can feel cold underfoot if you do not combine it with in-floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, adds comfort yet can absorb humidity, so rugs over a hard floor tend to be a more practical choice.
Before anything else, test the moisture level of the concrete. A basic moisture test such as taping a plastic sheet to the floor for 24 to 48 hours will indicate if moisture is rising. Address any leaks before installing new flooring.
The number one selling point of LVP is that many products are waterproof. Unlike solid hardwood, good vinyl flooring will not swell after contact with spills. That makes it an ideal option for basements, laundry rooms and entryways.
If you are considering luxury vinyl for your next project, it is worth taking time to compare thicknesses and check colours at home. You can explore many styles at Canada Floors Depot before making your final choice.
Everything starts at the entrance. Use a rough outdoor mat plus a washable absorbent rug indoors the main entrances. Using both stops most of the salt and HumpAKi.COm grit before it gets to the rest of the house. Add a boot rack to make sure snowy boots don’t sit directly on the floor.
Budget is another deciding factor. Today’s laminate delivers a realistic wood look for less money, and luxury vinyl blends value and great moisture protection. Keep in mind to include the underlay, trims and moldings, and labour when comparing prices.
In recent years, vinyl plank flooring has grown into one of the most requested floor coverings for Canadian homeowners. It is easy to see why: it delivers a beautiful wood look, it handles water, and it suits almost any budget.
Vinyl plank is often the best choice for lower levels. Several vinyl products are waterproof, meaning they will not be damaged when humidity shows up. SPC and WPC vinyl also tolerate slight unevenness in the subfloor.
What about hardwood? Yes, but make careful choices. Dense species such as hickory, maple and oak resist dents better, and matte finishes or distressed or hand-scraped textures disguise minor marks much better than high-gloss finishes.
Engineered wood is a possibility if you want a genuine wood surface. Due to its stable core, engineered wood handles moisture swings far better than solid wood, which is a poor choice in basements. Use an appropriate underlay for the best results.
Laminate has come a long way dramatically. Premium laminate uses high-definition images and embossed textures that look remarkably close to real wood. Its tough top layer makes it very resistant to scuffs and scratches, and it comes in less. Many laminates now include water-resistant cores.
De-icing salt can leave a hazy residue that can dull the protective layer of your floor. Wipe up residue promptly with a damp microfibre mop together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Never use excess water on wood-based floors.
Winter in Canada is picturesque, yet they are tough on floors. Melting snow, de-icing salt, sand and dry indoor air can all dull your floors if you are not careful. With some simple precautions, you can protect your flooring in top shape all season long.
Before you buy, be sure to bring samples home in your own lighting. Finishes can look very different than they do in a showroom. If you want professional guidance and a large selection of quality flooring products, visit canadafloorsdepot.com and start planning your project today.