Engineered wood can also work for those who want natural wood. Because of its stable core, it handles moisture swings better than solid hardwood, which should generally be avoided below grade. Always use an appropriate underlay for long-term performance.
Before anything else, test the moisture level of the concrete. A basic moisture test such as taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for a day or two will indicate if moisture is rising. Address drainage issues before you install new flooring.
Kitchens and bathrooms rank among the busiest rooms in a household. They see spills, moisture, dropped dishes and frequent mopping. The flooring you choose in these spaces has to be water-resistant, durable and low maintenance and still deliver great design.
Finishing a basement is a great way to gain extra square footage and resale value to your home. But lower levels come with specific problems: concrete slabs, humidity plus chilly surfaces. A poor flooring choice can lead to mold, swelling and costly repairs.
Porcelain tile remain a classic choice. Tile is nearly impervious to water, very durable and comes in endless styles, from wood-effect tiles to concrete-style finishes. Look for a textured or matte surface in bathrooms, and think about heated floors for extra comfort.
The cold season in Canada are picturesque, but winter is rough on your floors. Snow, road salt, gravel and dry heated air will dull your floors if left unchecked. With the right routine, it is easy to keep your floors beautiful until spring.
Indoor humidity is critical. During the heating season, the air in your home gets extremely dry, which causes hardwood to contract and small gaps to appear. A whole-house humidifier that keeps indoor humidity in a moderate range helps protect your wood floors as well as your comfort.
One of its main jobs is sound reduction. Floating floors may sound hollow if installed directly on the subfloor. The right underlay absorbs that hollow sound, something that is especially useful in condos where building rules may set minimum sound ratings.
LVP is often the go-to floor for lower levels. Many LVP collections are water-resistant, meaning they won’t be damaged when humidity shows up. Rigid core vinyl can also tolerate slight unevenness in the subfloor.
Tile remains very water-resistant, but it feels chilly unless combine it with radiant floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, meanwhile, feels warm yet can absorb humidity, so rugs over a hard floor are often a safer bet.
And what about wood in these rooms? Some modern laminates can work well in kitchens, if moisture is dealt with promptly. Engineered hardwood may also be used in kitchens with care, but in bathrooms with a shower or tub, vinyl or tile are the recommended options.
Road salt often leaves a hazy residue which may dull the finish of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove salt marks promptly using a slightly damp cloth together with a floor-specific cleaner. Never use soaking the floor on wood-based floors.
Quality laminate makes a great option. The tough wear layer is very resistant to claw marks, often even more info than other floors. Look for a laminate with a high AC rating plus water-resistant features for the best performance.
LVP is usually at the top of the list for pet owners. It is water-resistant, so water bowls are easy to clean up. A thick wear layer helps reduce scuffs, while the softer surface is less noisy than tile.
What about hardwood? Yes, though choose wisely. Harder species like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, while matte finishes or textured surfaces hide minor marks far better than high-gloss finishes.
Everything starts at the entrance. Place a sturdy outdoor mat plus a washable absorbent rug indoors the main entrances. This combination catches much of the snow and grit before it reaches the rest of the house. Set up a waterproof tray to make sure wet boots aren’t left on the floor.
Luxury vinyl plank and tile have become the most popular choice for both rooms. Water-resistant cores guarantee that spills cannot harm your investment if cleaned up promptly. Vinyl stays softer under bare feet than ceramic, which is a big bonus on cold Canadian mornings.
If you share your home with dogs, cats or young children, you have probably learned that floors take a beating. Pet nails, toy cars and blocks, spills and snow and slush can stain a delicate surface in no time. Fortunately: current flooring products are designed to stand up to busy family life.
When people shop for flooring, they usually focus on colour, style and price. But what goes under your planks plays an equally important role. The right underlayment improves how the floor feels, sound and moisture protection, while it helps your new floor perform better.
Underlayment can also smooths out minor imperfections beneath the floor and provides some cushioning and warmth. Remember, however, it is not a substitute for a flat subfloor: big height differences need to be fixed before installation.