Agustin Stinson

Can you still have hardwood? It is possible, but choose wisely. Harder species like oak, maple or hickory resist dents better, while matte finishes or distressed or hand-scraped textures disguise small scratches much better than a shiny finish.

Laminate makes a strong option. Its protective top layer is very resistant to claw marks, in many cases even more than other floors. Choose products with a high abrasion rating and water-resistant edges for families with pets.

A good underlay also compensates for minor imperfections beneath the floor while provides some cushioning and warmth. Keep in mind, however, that is not a substitute for levelling the subfloor: major unevenness must be corrected beforehand.

Lately, vinyl plank flooring has grown into one of the most popular flooring options in Canada. It is easy to see why: it delivers a beautiful wood look, it handles water, and it fits a wide range of budgets.

The first step is to consider the purpose of each room. A mudroom calls for a hard-wearing floor that cleans up in seconds, whereas a bedroom can prioritize softness and style. Kitchens and bathrooms are best served by waterproof options like LVP or porcelain tile.

Before anything else, test the humidity of the concrete. A simple test for example taping a plastic sheet to the floor for a day or two will indicate whether moisture comes through. Solve water problems prior to installing new flooring.

When your household includes dogs, cats or young children, you know that floors can get damaged. Paws, toy cars and blocks, accidents and snow and slush quickly wear down a delicate surface in a few months. Fortunately: today's flooring materials are designed to handle busy family life.

The Canadian climate also plays a big role. Traditional solid wood moves with changes in humidity, so it performs best after proper acclimatization and a stable indoor environment. Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of real wood with much better resistance to movement, making it a favourite for Canadian homes.

Tile remains virtually waterproof, though it tends to feel cold unless you add radiant floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, meanwhile, adds comfort but may hold moisture, so carpet tiles are often a safer bet.

Luxury vinyl plank is the number one pick for families. It's water-resistant, meaning pet accidents become no big deal. A strong wear layer helps prevent scuffs, while its softer feel feels less noisy for kids playing on the floor.

One of its main jobs is acoustic insulation. Floating floors often sound loud without a good underlay. A quality underlayment reduces impact sound, which is especially useful in condos where strata rules may set a minimum IIC or http://Crativ.Co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=info1&wr_id=157488 STC rating.

Protection from moisture is another key benefit, particularly in basements. Concrete subfloors can release moisture for years, so an underlay with a built-in vapour barrier keeps the flooring from warping.

De-icing salt can leave white marks that will etch the finish of most floors. Clean salty puddles as soon as possible using a damp microfibre mop and a floor-specific cleaner. Never use steam mops on wood and laminate.

When people shop for flooring, most of the attention goes to colour, the style and the price per square foot. But what lies beneath the boards matters just as much. A good underlayment improves comfort, noise levels and protection against moisture, while can help your flooring perform better.

Everything starts at the entrance. Put a heavy-duty mat outside plus an absorbent mat inside every entrance. Two mats stops the majority of the salt and grit before it reaches the rest of the house. Use a boot tray to make sure dripping shoes don't sit directly on the floor.

Winter in Canada are beautiful, yet they are rough on your floors. Snow, road salt, grit and dry heated air can all dull your floors over time. With the right routine, you can keep your floors beautiful all season long.

Choosing new flooring is among the most significant decisions you will make during a renovation. Across Canada, the selection is even more important because our homes have to withstand long winters, muggy summers, melting snow and de-icing salt carried in from outside.

Renovating a basement is a great way to gain extra square footage and value in your house. But below-grade spaces come with specific problems: cold concrete, humidity and lower temperatures. The wrong floor can lead to mildew, buckling and expensive replacements.

Moisture levels also matters and is very important. In winter, the air inside often becomes very dry, leading to natural wood to contract and gaps to appear. A humidifier that keeps humidity in a moderate range helps protect your wood floors and your health.

Luxury vinyl plank is often the best choice for lower levels. Many LVP collections are fully waterproof, meaning they won't swell or rot when a small leak happens. SPC and WPC planks can also hide small irregularities in the concrete.