Agustin Stinson

Before anything else, check the moisture level in the slab. A simple test such as taping a square of plastic to the floor for a day or two will indicate if moisture is rising. Solve drainage issues before you install any floor.

That is where engineered wood really shines. Instead of using a solid plank, engineered wood is built from multiple layers: a genuine wood veneer bonded to a dimensionally stable base. This layered structure reduces seasonal movement.

Road salt leaves white marks that can etch the finish of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove residue promptly with a slightly damp cloth and a floor-specific cleaner. Stay away from steam mops on wood and laminate.

When you are deciding on a wood-look floor, two products usually come up first: laminate and natural hardwood. Both are attractive, however they have important differences when it comes to price, performance and lifespan.

The first line of defence is the entrance. Place a sturdy outdoor mat and a soft absorbent mat inside the main entrances. Two mats catches much of the dirt and salt before it reaches your flooring. Set up a boot tray so snowy boots don't sit directly on the floor.

If you are planning to sell in the near future, or you are looking to refresh your living space, new flooring is easily one of the smartest renovations to consider. Your floors make up most of the visible space of your home, which means they create a big effect on first impressions.

When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to the colour, style and the price per square foot. Yet what lies beneath the floor plays an equally important role. A good underlayment improves comfort, sound and moisture protection, while can help your flooring stay beautiful for years.

LVP is usually the best choice for basements. Most vinyl products are completely water-resistant, so they will not swell or rot when humidity shows up. SPC and WPC planks can also hide slight unevenness in the slab.

Modern laminate has come a long way dramatically. Good laminate products feature detailed photographic layers and embossed textures that look surprisingly realistic. The protective surface makes it very resistant to scuffs and scratches, and it costs at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Several laminates also offer improved water resistance.

One important note: many vinyl and laminate products include a built-in underlay. In that case, adding another underlay may lead to movement and cancel your warranty. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

What you get is simply a floor that looks identical to traditional wood while stays more stable in Canadian conditions. Since it moves less, engineered wood can be used in areas in which solid wood would struggle, like lower levels and on concrete.

Homes in Canada go through dramatic humidity changes from season to season. writes in the official Ipt blog winter, heating systems dry out the air; during summer, humidity go up again. For natural wood, these changes can cause cracks, cupping and squeaks.

Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Worn carpet, scuffed floors or cracked tile create a signal suggesting that the home requires repairs. Meanwhile, beautiful updated floors makes a home feel clean and modern, and that may help it sell faster.

Hardwood floors continues to be a feature many buyers look for. Engineered wood offers the same appeal and more flexibility across the seasons. If your budget is tighter, LVP or laminate can provide a similar modern look at a fraction of the price.

Finishing a basement is a great way to gain extra square footage and value in your house. Yet below-grade spaces come with special challenges: concrete slabs, moisture plus chilly surfaces. A poor flooring choice can lead to mold, swelling and costly repairs.

The right underlay also hides slight unevenness in the subfloor and provides a bit of comfort and insulation. Keep in mind, however, it cannot replace a flat subfloor: major unevenness must be fixed first.

Engineered hardwood is a possibility if you want a genuine wood surface. Due to its cross-ply structure, it resists humidity changes much better than solid hardwood, which is a poor choice in basements. Use a moisture barrier for the best results.

The cold season in Canada can be magical, however winter is tough on floors. Snow, calcium chloride, grit and low indoor humidity can damage even the best floors if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, you can keep your flooring in top shape through the winter.

Humidity also matters and is very important. When the furnace is running, the air inside can become very dry, causing wood floors to shrink and gaps to open. A humidifier to maintain humidity around 35 to 50 percent helps protect your wood floors and your comfort.

Protection from moisture is also a major benefit, particularly on concrete slabs. Concrete often releases moisture vapour for years, so an underlay with a built-in vapour barrier helps protect laminate and wood floors from warping.