Its first role is to provide sound reduction. Floors that are not glued down often sound loud without proper underlayment. A good acoustic underlay reduces impact sound, which is especially useful in condos in which condo boards frequently require specific acoustic ratings.
Engineered hardwood is another option for those who want natural wood. Thanks to its stable core, it tolerates moisture swings far better than solid hardwood, and solid wood is a poor choice below grade. Use a moisture barrier to protect it.
The kitchen and the bathroom are the most demanding spaces in a household. They see spills, steam, heavy foot traffic and constant cleaning. The flooring you choose here needs to stay waterproof, durable and low maintenance while still offering great design.
Tile stays virtually waterproof, though it tends to feel chilly if you do not install in-floor heating. Carpet, on the other hand, feels warm yet can absorb humidity, which is why rugs over a hard floor are usually a safer bet.
What about hardwood? Absolutely, but make careful choices. Harder woods like hickory and white oak resist dents better, while low-sheen finishes or natural grain patterns disguise small scratches much better than a shiny finish.
If you live with pets and kids, you know that floors suffer. Paws, toy cars and blocks, spills and snow and slush can stain the wrong floor in no time. The good news: current flooring materials are made to stand up to real life.
High-quality laminate makes a good contender. Its tough wear layer stays highly resistant to claw marks, in many cases even more than other floors. Select a laminate with an AC4 or AC5 rating as well as water-resistant edges for the best performance.
Humidity is also another key factor. In winter, the air in your home gets too dry, causing wood floors to shrink and small gaps to form. A humidifier that keeps indoor humidity in a moderate range benefits your wood floors and your furniture.
Hardwood floors remains one of the features buyers love. Engineered hardwood gives you the same natural look and greater stability for our climate. If your budget is tighter, quality laminate is able to deliver a similar modern look for less.
When people shop for flooring, they tend to focus on the colour, style and price. Yet what goes under your planks is just as important. Quality underlay can improve how the floor feels, sound and moisture protection, while can help your flooring stay beautiful for years.
A good underlay can also hides minor imperfections beneath the floor while adds a little softness underfoot. Remember, however, that is not a substitute for levelling the subfloor: big height differences should be fixed beforehand.
Turning a basement into living space is a great way to gain extra square footage and comfort to your home. But basements bring unique challenges: cold concrete, moisture and colder floors. Choosing the wrong flooring may result in mold, warping and wasted money.
Consistency matters too. A patchwork of different floors from room to room often makes a home look choppy. Installing one continuous floor in open-concept spaces gives a sense of flow that buyers appreciate.
LVP is the number one pick for pet owners. It is waterproof or highly water-resistant, so water bowls are easy to clean up. A thick wear layer will help reduce scuffs, and the cushioned feel is more comfortable for running feet and paws.
First of all, evaluate for moisture in the slab. A simple test such as taping a square of plastic onto the slab for a day or two will indicate any moisture problem. Solve any leaks before you install new flooring.
Can you use hardwood in these rooms? Some modern laminates can work well for kitchens, if moisture is dealt with promptly. Engineered hardwood can also work in kitchens if you are careful, however in full bathrooms, vinyl or tile stay the better options.
If you are planning to sell in the next few years, or you just want to refresh your living space, new flooring ranks among the most effective renovations you can make. Floors cover most of the visible space in every room, which means they make a major impact on first impressions.
Salt residue often leaves white marks which may damage the protective layer of your floor. Clean salt marks as soon as possible with a damp microfibre mop together with a floor-specific cleaner. Never use steam mops on wood-based floors.
The cold season in Canada are magical, yet it is tough on floors. Melting snow, calcium chloride, gravel and low indoor humidity will wear out your flooring if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, you can keep your floors looking great until spring.
Vinyl plank is often the go-to floor below grade. Most LVP collections are completely water-resistant, so they will not be damaged when humidity happens. Rigid-core vinyl also hide slight unevenness in the concrete.
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Dated carpet, damaged wood floors or cracked tile create a message that the property has been neglected. In contrast, fresh, modern flooring makes a house look move-in ready, and that may help attract More Signup bonuses buyers.
