Winter in Canada is magical, but they are hard on flooring. Melting snow, de-icing salt, gravel and low indoor humidity can wear out even the best floors if left unchecked. With the right routine, you can protect your floors beautiful until spring.
Luxury vinyl have quickly become a favourite in wet areas. Fully waterproof constructions ensure that standing water will not ruin the planks when wiped up quickly. LVP stays warmer under bare feet than ceramic, which is much appreciated on cold Canadian mornings.
When people shop for flooring, they usually focus on colour, the style and the price per square foot. But what goes under the boards plays an equally important role. A good underlayment can improve how the floor feels, sound and moisture protection, while it helps your new floor perform better.
De-icing salt leaves a hazy residue that can dull the surface of most floors. Wipe up salt marks promptly using a damp microfibre mop and a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid steam mops on wood and laminate.
Climate also plays a major role. Traditional solid wood expands and contracts between seasons, which means it performs best once it has acclimatized and a good humidifier in winter. Engineered hardwood offers an authentic wood surface but with greater resistance to movement, which makes it a popular choice for Canadian homes.
Long-term durability is one more major advantage. Most LVP products come with a tough top coating that protects against scratches, stains and discoloration. Busy households value the low maintenance: regular sweeping and a damp mop keep it looking new.
Is hardwood an option? Yes, but be selective. Dense species such as hickory, maple and oak resist dents better, and low-sheen finishes and distressed or hand-scraped textures hide everyday wear far better than high-gloss finishes.
Choosing a new floor is one of the most important decisions homeowners make during a renovation. Here in Canada, the decision is even more critical because our homes have to handle long winters, humid summers, snow and road salt carried in on every boot.
In recent years, LVP has grown into one of the most requested floor coverings across the country. There are good reasons for that: it looks like real wood, it resists moisture, and it fits a wide range of budgets.
Luxury vinyl plank is usually the first recommendation for busy homes. It’s water-resistant, so water bowls become easy to clean up. A strong wear layer helps resist scuffs, while the softer surface is less noisy than tile.
Porcelain tile are still a classic option. Tile is virtually waterproof, scratch-resistant and offered in endless styles, from wood-look planks and marble and stone looks. Select tiles with good slip resistance for safety, then add in-floor heating for winter comfort.
Can you use hardwood in wet areas? Newer water-resistant laminates can work well for kitchens, if moisture is dealt with right away. Wood may also be used in kitchens with care, but in bathrooms with a shower or tub, tile and Khargharonline.com vinyl remain the recommended options.
One of its main jobs is to provide acoustic insulation. Laminate and click vinyl often sound hollow without proper underlayment. A quality underlayment absorbs that hollow sound, something that is especially useful in condos in which strata rules frequently demand specific acoustic ratings.
A good underlay can also compensates for minor imperfections in the subfloor while adds some cushioning and warmth. Remember, however, it is not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation: major unevenness must be levelled beforehand.
The first line of defence is the entrance. Put a sturdy outdoor mat plus an absorbent mat inside every entrance. Two mats catches the majority of the snow and grit before it reaches the rest of the house. Use a boot rack so wet boots don’t sit directly on the floor.
Before you buy, make sure you see samples in the actual room. Colours may appear completely different at home. For expert advice and a wide selection of quality flooring products, check out this Canadian flooring store before you make your final decision.
Moisture levels is also very important. In winter, indoor air can become very dry, causing natural wood to shrink and cracks to open. Using a humidifier that keeps indoor humidity at a stable level protects your floors as well as your furniture.
The number one selling point of vinyl plank is its water resistance. Compared with natural wood, a quality vinyl plank won’t warp because of moisture. That makes it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
If you are shopping for luxury vinyl for your renovation, make sure to compare wear layers and check colours at home. You can browse a wide range on canadafloorsdepot.com to find a style that matches your home.
If you share your home with pets and kids, you already know that floors suffer. Claws, toys, accidents and wet paws can wear down a delicate surface faster than you think. Fortunately: today’s floor options are designed to handle real life.
