Agustin Stinson

No matter what you choose, don't overlook the details: caulking around the tub and toilet, good thresholds and a well-prepared subfloor. Such details make all the difference in how long your floor lasts.

Houses across Canada go through dramatic humidity changes from season to season. In winter, heating systems dry out indoor air; in summer, moisture levels go up again. For natural wood, these changes can cause gapping, warping and noise.

Winter in Canada are picturesque, but it is hard on flooring. Snow, de-icing salt, gravel and dry indoor air can all dull your floors if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, you can keep your floors looking great until spring.

Before you buy, check the veneer thickness. A thicker top layer allows sanding and refinishing down the road, adding to the floor's lifespan. Remember to keep indoor humidity in a stable range with a humidifier in winter.

When it comes to wood flooring, two options typically top the list: laminate flooring and real hardwood. Each of them can look at here attractive, yet they are very different when it comes to cost, durability and lifespan.

Choosing the right floor is one of the biggest decisions homeowners make during a home renovation. Across Canada, the choice is especially demanding because our interiors must handle long winters, muggy summers, slush and salt brought in at the door.

De-icing salt can leave a hazy residue that will etch the surface of most floors. Wipe up salty puddles as soon as possible using a damp microfibre mop together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Stay away from soaking the floor on wood-based floors.

Everything starts at the entrance. Put a rough outdoor mat plus a soft absorbent mat inside the main entrances. Using both catches the majority of the salt and grit before it reaches your floors. Use a boot tray so snowy boots don't sit on your flooring.

That is where engineered wood makes a difference. Instead of being made from one solid board, engineered wood consists of cross-layered plies: a real hardwood top layer on top of a plywood or HDF core. This layered structure minimizes expansion and contraction.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most demanding spaces in the house. They deal with water, moisture, falling objects and frequent mopping. Your flooring choice in these spaces must be waterproof, durable and simple to maintain without sacrificing good looks.

Can you use wood in a kitchen or bathroom? Some modern laminates can work well in kitchens, provided that water is cleaned up quickly. Engineered hardwood can also be used in kitchens if you are careful, but in bathrooms with a shower or tub, vinyl or tile remain the safer choices.

The outcome is simply flooring that looks just like solid hardwood while behaves better in Canadian conditions. Because it moves less, engineered wood can be used in areas in which solid wood is a risk, such as lower levels or on concrete.

Indoor humidity is another key factor. During the heating season, the air inside gets extremely dry, causing wood floors to shrink and small gaps to appear. Using a humidifier that keeps indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent benefits your wood floors and your furniture.

Hardwood remains a feature many buyers look for. Engineered hardwood gives you the same natural look with more flexibility for our climate. For a smaller budget, quality laminate is able to create a comparable modern look for less.

In the end, which floor makes sense? If authentic material plus the ability to refinish are what you want, choose real wood. If budget, durability and low upkeep are more important, quality laminate is hard to beat.

Hardwood remains the traditional favourite. It adds warmth that many buyers love, and it can be refinished more than once over its life. This means a well-kept hardwood floor will last a very long time. It also increases the value of a home across Canada.

Luxury vinyl are now a top choice in wet areas. Waterproof cores guarantee that spills cannot harm your investment as long as you clean them up. Vinyl feels more comfortable underfoot than ceramic, something a big bonus in the cold season.

Porcelain tile stay a timeless choice. Tiles are virtually waterproof, scratch-resistant and comes in a huge variety of designs, including wood-look planks and marble and stone looks. Select a textured or matte surface in bathrooms, then consider radiant heating to keep tile warm.

The first step is to look at the way you live in each space. A mudroom calls for something tough and easy to clean, while a bedroom can focus more on warmth underfoot. Wet areas are best served by moisture-resistant options like vinyl plank or porcelain tile.

Modern laminate has come a long way dramatically. Good laminate products feature detailed photographic layers and embossed textures that appear surprisingly realistic. Its tough top layer makes it resistant to scratches, and it is priced less. A growing number of collections even provide improved water resistance.