Agustin Stinson

Long-term durability is one more strong point. Most LVP products come with a tough top coating that protects against everyday wear, stains and spills and fading. Families with kids and pets love how little care it needs: regular sweeping and a damp mop are usually enough.

One important note: many vinyl and laminate products already have a built-in underlay. In that case, doubling up could cause problems and affect the warranty. Be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines.

Lately, luxury vinyl plank has become one of the most popular flooring options for Canadian homeowners. There are good reasons for that: it looks great, it handles water, and it works with almost any budget.

Porcelain tile remain a timeless choice. Tile is extremely water-resistant, very durable and offered in countless patterns, from wood-effect tiles and marble and stone looks. Choose a textured or matte surface for bathrooms, and add radiant heating for winter comfort.

Warmth and khArghaRonlInE.cOm comfort counts too, particularly when temperatures drop. LVP tends to feel warmer and softer underfoot than ceramic tile, and most collections offer an attached underlayment that reduces noise.

Finishing a basement is one of the best ways to add living space and resale value in your house. Yet below-grade spaces present special challenges: concrete slabs, moisture and colder floors. Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to mildew, swelling and costly repairs.

Whatever floor you go with, don't overlook the details: caulking around the tub and toilet, clean transitions between rooms and a well-prepared subfloor. Such details make a huge difference for how long the floor stays beautiful.

If you are thinking about LVP for your next project, make sure to compare thicknesses and check colours at home. You will find a wide range at this Canadian flooring retailer before making your final choice.

In the end, what option is right for you? When the real thing plus refinishing potential are what you want, choose real wood. When cost, scratch resistance and low upkeep top your list, laminate is a smart choice.

Tile stays virtually waterproof, although it tends to feel cold unless combine it with a heated floor system. Carpet, on the other hand, feels warm yet may hold moisture, which is why carpet tiles are often a more practical choice.

Vinyl plank and vinyl tile have quickly become the most popular choice in wet areas. Water-resistant cores guarantee that splashes cannot harm your investment when wiped up quickly. Vinyl stays warmer under bare feet compared to stone, something much appreciated during winter.

When planning a flooring project, most of the attention goes to colour, style and the price per square foot. Yet what lies beneath the boards is just as important. Quality underlay improves how the floor feels, noise levels and protection against moisture, while can help your new floor perform better.

One of its main jobs is sound reduction. Floors that are not glued down can sound hollow if installed directly on the subfloor. A good acoustic underlay reduces impact sound, which is essential in apartments and condos in which building rules frequently require a minimum IIC or STC rating.

Before anything else, test the humidity in the slab. A basic moisture test for example taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for 24 to 48 hours can reveal whether moisture comes through. Address drainage issues prior to installing new flooring.

If you are planning to sell in the next few years, or even if you simply want to make your home more comfortable, new flooring is one of the smartest upgrades available. Floors make up almost every square foot of a house, which means they create a huge impact on how buyers feel.

Engineered hardwood can also work if you want a genuine wood surface. Due to its layered construction, engineered wood resists humidity changes much better than solid hardwood, which should generally be avoided in basements. Always use a proper vapour barrier for long-term performance.

The number one selling point of luxury vinyl is that many products are waterproof. In contrast to natural wood, a well-made LVP does not swell or cup when exposed to water. That makes it a perfect fit for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Vinyl plank is often the go-to floor for basements. Most vinyl products are fully water-resistant, meaning they will not swell or rot when a small leak appears. Rigid core planks can also hide small irregularities in the slab.

The kitchen and the bathroom count as the most demanding spaces in the house. They deal with water, steam, dropped dishes and frequent mopping. The flooring you choose for these rooms must stay water-resistant, hard-wearing and simple to maintain without sacrificing good looks.

What about laminate in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate can be a good fit in kitchens, provided that water is cleaned up promptly. Wood may also work in a kitchen with caution, however in full bathrooms, vinyl or tile are the better options.