Modern laminate has evolved dramatically. Good laminate feature high-definition images and textures that follow the grain that look remarkably natural. Its tough top layer keeps it very resistant to scuffs and scratches, and it costs lower. Several collections even provide water-resistant cores.
Finishing a basement is a great way to add living space and value to your home. But lower levels bring special challenges: cold concrete, humidity plus lower temperatures. Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to mold, buckling and costly repairs.
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Over the past few years, luxury vinyl plank has become one of the best-selling types of flooring in Canada. The reasons are easy to understand: it delivers a beautiful wood look, it stands up to spills, and it fits most budgets.
The biggest advantage of vinyl plank is its resistance to moisture. Compared with solid hardwood, a quality vinyl plank will not swell when exposed to water. It is therefore a perfect fit for basements, laundry rooms and entryways.
When people shop for flooring, they tend to focus on the colour, style and the price per square foot. But what you put under your planks plays an equally important role. Quality underlay can improve how the floor feels, sound and protection against moisture, and can help your new floor perform better.
The outcome is flooring that looks identical to solid hardwood while stays more stable in our climate. Since it is more stable, engineered hardwood can be used in places in which solid wood is a risk, including basements and on concrete.
Before buying, look closely at the veneer thickness. A thicker wear layer allows refinish the floor down the road, extending the floor’s lifespan. Also control humidity in a stable range with a humidifier in winter.
Long-term durability is another reason to choose it. Most vinyl planks come with a tough top coating that resists everyday wear, stains and spills and UV fading. Busy households value how little care it needs: a quick sweep and occasional damp mopping are usually enough.
Porcelain tile is very water-resistant, although it can feel cold if you do not combine it with in-floor heating. Carpet, meanwhile, is cozy but may hold moisture, which is why area rugs tend to be a better solution.
Luxury vinyl plank is usually the go-to floor for lower levels. Several LVP collections are completely water-resistant, so they will not be damaged when a small leak shows up. Rigid core vinyl also bridge slight unevenness in the concrete.
First of all, check the moisture level in the slab. A quick test like taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for 24 to 48 hours can show whether moisture comes through. Address drainage issues before you install any floor.
Canadian homes face big humidity changes from season to season. During winter, our heaters dehydrate the air; during summer, humidity go up again. For natural wood, these changes can cause gapping, warping and squeaks.
This is where engineered wood really shines. Rather than using a single solid piece of wood, engineered flooring is built from cross-layered plies: a genuine wood veneer glued over a dimensionally stable base. This layered structure limits seasonal movement.
De-icing salt can leave a white film which may damage the finish of your floor. Remove salty puddles promptly using a slightly damp cloth and a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid excess water on hardwood and laminate.
The right underlay also compensates for small irregularities beneath the floor and gives a bit of comfort and insulation. Remember, though, that is not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation: major unevenness should be fixed before installation.
Everything starts at the entrance. Use a rough outdoor mat and an absorbent mat inside each door. Two mats catches most of the salt and grit before it reaches your flooring. Set up a boot rack to make sure wet boots don’t sit on your flooring.
Indoor humidity is another key factor. When the furnace is running, the air in your home often becomes extremely dry, leading to hardwood to contract and cracks to form. A humidifier keeping indoor humidity at a stable level helps protect your floors and your comfort.
One of its main jobs is to provide sound reduction. Floors that are not glued down often sound loud without a good underlay. A quality underlayment absorbs footstep noise, something that is especially useful in apartments and condos where condo boards frequently require specific acoustic ratings.
The cold season in Canada is beautiful, however they are tough on floors. Snow, de-icing salt, gravel and dry heated air can all wear out your floors if left unchecked. With a few simple habits, you can keep your floors looking great until spring.