Canadian winters can be magical, but winter is hard on flooring. Slush, de-icing salt, grit and dry indoor air will dull even the best floors over time. With the right routine, it is easy to keep your flooring looking great until spring.
Road salt often leaves white marks that can dull the protective layer of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove residue as soon as possible using a slightly damp cloth together with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid steam mops on hardwood and laminate.
When planning a flooring project, they tend to focus on the colour, style and price. But what lies beneath your planks plays an equally important role. A good underlayment can make a big difference in how the floor feels, noise levels and protection against moisture, and it helps your new floor stay beautiful for years.
Today’s laminate flooring has come a long way a lot. Good laminate products uses high-definition images and textures that follow the grain that feel very realistic. Its protective surface keeps it resistant to scratches, and it comes in at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Many newer products also offer water-resistant cores.
Over the past few years, luxury vinyl plank has turned into one of the best-selling floor coverings across the country. There are good reasons for that: it looks great, it stands up to spills, and it fits almost any budget.
Luxury vinyl are now a favourite for both rooms. Fully waterproof constructions ensure that standing water cannot harm the planks as long as you clean them up. LVP is also more comfortable under bare feet than tile, which is a real plus during winter.
Real hardwood remains the traditional favourite. It adds authentic grain that is hard to copy, and it is often refinished more than once during its lifespan. Being able to refinish it means a hardwood floor to last for decades. Hardwood also boosts the value of a home in most cities.
Toughness is one more major advantage. Most vinyl planks include a protective wear layer designed to resist scuffs and scratches, marks and fading. Homes with dogs and cats love how little care it needs: a quick sweep and occasional damp mopping keep it looking new.
Indoor humidity is very important. In winter, indoor air gets too dry, leading to wood floors to contract and gaps to appear. Using a humidifier that keeps humidity around 35 to 50 percent helps protect your floors and your health.
If you are shopping for luxury vinyl for your home, take the time to compare thicknesses and check colours at home. You can explore a great selection at Canada Floors Depot and find the right floor for your space.
The first line of defence is the entrance. Use a heavy-duty mat outside plus a soft absorbent mat inside the main entrances. This combination traps much of the dirt and salt before it reaches the rest of the house. Add a waterproof tray to make sure snowy boots never sit directly on the floor.
If you are planning to sell in the near future, or even if you are looking to enjoy your home more, new flooring is one of the best investments available. Your floors cover almost every square foot of a house, which means they have a big effect on first impressions.
The main benefit of vinyl plank is its water resistance. Unlike solid hardwood, good vinyl flooring does not swell or cup because of water. That makes it an ideal option for basements, laundry rooms and entryways.
Ultimately, which one makes sense? If the real thing and refinishing potential matter most, consider engineered or solid hardwood. When cost, durability and low upkeep top your list, laminate makes a lot of sense.
Consistency is also important. Too many materials throughout the house can make a home appear smaller. Using a single floor in open-concept spaces gives a sense of flow that looks great in listing photos.
What about wood in a kitchen or bathroom? Newer water-resistant laminates can be a good fit in kitchens, as long as moisture is dealt with quickly. Engineered hardwood may also work in kitchens if you are careful, however in bathrooms, tile and vinyl are the better options.
Tile are still a proven option. It is nearly impervious to water, scratch-resistant and offered in countless styles, from wood-effect tiles and concrete-style finishes. Choose tiles with good slip resistance in bathrooms, then think about in-floor heating to keep tile warm.
Hardwood floors remains one of the most requested features buyers love. Engineered hardwood offers that same premium look and better stability across the seasons. If your budget is tighter, Khargharonline.com quality laminate can create a comparable modern look for less.
A good underlay can also smooths out slight unevenness in the base while provides some softness underfoot. Note, however, it does not replace a flat subfloor: big height differences should be fixed before installation.
One of its main jobs is to provide sound reduction. Floating floors can sound loud if installed directly on the subfloor. The right underlay absorbs that hollow sound, which is especially useful in multi-storey homes where building rules frequently set minimum sound ratings.