Choosing the Perfect Flooring for Canadian Homes

De-icing salt leaves a hazy residue which may etch the surface of most floors. Remove residue as soon as possible with a soft mop together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Never use steam mops on hardwood and laminate.

A good underlay can also hides small irregularities in the subfloor and adds a little softness underfoot. Note, however, it is not a substitute for a flat subfloor: major unevenness should be corrected beforehand.

The outcome is flooring that looks exactly like solid hardwood but behaves better through the seasons. Since it is more stable, engineered hardwood can be used in places in which solid hardwood would struggle, like below-grade rooms and over concrete slabs.

And what about hardwood in a kitchen or bathroom? Newer water-resistant laminates can work well for kitchens, provided that moisture is dealt with right away. Engineered hardwood may also be used in kitchens with caution, however in full bathrooms, tile and vinyl are the safer choices.

One important note: some vinyl and laminate products include an attached underlayment. In that case, adding another underlay could lead to movement and void the warranty. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Porcelain tile are still a classic choice. It is virtually waterproof, very durable and offered in countless designs, including wood-effect tiles and concrete-style finishes. Look for a textured or matte surface in bathrooms, and consider heated floors to keep tile warm.

Kitchens and washrooms rank among the hardest-working rooms in the house. They deal with water, steam, falling objects and frequent mopping. The flooring you choose for these rooms must be water-resistant, durable and easy to clean without sacrificing style.

When planning a flooring project, they usually focus on the colour, style and the price per square foot. But what lies beneath your planks is just as important. The right underlayment can improve comfort, sound and protection against moisture, while can help your new floor last longer.

Your budget remains a deciding factor. Today’s laminate delivers convincing wood visuals at an affordable cost, and luxury vinyl blends affordability and great moisture protection. Don’t forget to budget for the underlay, trims and moldings, and professional installation in your estimate.

Luxury vinyl have quickly become the most popular choice for both rooms. Water-resistant cores guarantee that spills will not ruin your investment when wiped up quickly. Vinyl feels more comfortable under bare feet than tile, which is much appreciated on cold Canadian mornings.

Hardwood remains the classic choice. It offers natural character that no imitation fully matches, and it is often refinished many times over its life. Being able to refinish it means a hardwood floor can last a very long time. It also increases the value of a home in many markets.

When it comes to a classic wood look, two options almost always come up first: laminate and natural hardwood. Each of them are attractive, however they differ a lot in cost, durability and long-term value.

Canadian homes face big changes in temperature and humidity every year. During winter, heating systems dry out the air; in the know the warm months, humidity go up quickly. For wood floors, that constant movement may cause gapping, crowning and noise.

Ultimately, what option is right for you? When authentic material plus the ability to refinish are your priority, go with engineered or solid hardwood. If cost, scratch resistance and low upkeep come first, quality laminate makes a lot of sense.

One of its main jobs is to provide acoustic insulation. Laminate and click vinyl may sound noisy if installed directly on the subfloor. A quality underlayment reduces that hollow sound, something that is especially useful in condos where condo boards frequently set a minimum IIC or STC rating.

Laminate has improved dramatically. High-quality laminate feature detailed photographic layers and textures that follow the grain that feel surprisingly realistic. The wear layer makes it very resistant to scratches, and it is priced at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. A growing number of collections even provide improved water resistance.

This is where engineered wood really shines. Rather than using one solid board, an engineered plank is made of multiple layers: a top layer of real wood bonded to a plywood or HDF core. The cross-layered construction minimizes the natural movement of wood.

Before you buy, check the thickness of the top layer. A heavier wear layer lets you sanding and refinishing down the road, adding to the floor’s lifespan. Remember to maintain humidity at a steady level with a humidifier in winter.

Moisture levels is also very important. During the heating season, indoor air often becomes extremely dry, causing wood floors to contract and cracks to open. A whole-house humidifier to maintain indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent benefits your wood floors and your furniture.