Agustin Stinson

Salt residue often leaves white marks which may dull the finish of your floor. Clean residue quickly with a damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.

Modern laminate has evolved a lot. Premium laminate use detailed photographic layers and textures that follow the grain that look very realistic. Its wear layer makes it resistant to scratches, Khargharonline.com and it costs at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Many newer products even provide better moisture protection.

Selecting a new floor is one of the most important decisions you can make during a remodeling project. Here in Canada, the selection is especially important because our interiors must withstand freezing winters, warm and humid summers, slush and salt brought in on every boot.

Start at the door. Place a sturdy outdoor mat and a soft absorbent mat inside each door. Using both traps most of the salt and grit before it can scratch the rest of the house. Use a boot tray to make sure snowy boots aren't left directly on the floor.

Is hardwood an option? Yes, but choose wisely. Harder species like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, and matte finishes or distressed or hand-scraped textures camouflage small scratches much better than a shiny finish.

Moisture levels is very important. During the heating season, the air inside gets extremely dry, leading to natural wood to contract and cracks to appear. A whole-house humidifier that keeps indoor humidity in a moderate range helps protect your floors and your comfort.

Quality laminate makes a good contender. Its protective top layer stays very resistant to scuffs and scratches, often more than other floors. Choose laminates with a high AC rating and good moisture protection for families with pets.

Finally, always look at samples in your own lighting. Colours can look quite different at home. If you are looking for expert advice and a wide selection of hardwood, laminate and vinyl, check out this Canadian flooring store to find the floor that fits your home.

Winter in Canada is picturesque, but it is rough on your floors. Snow, road salt, grit and low indoor humidity will dull even the best floors if you are not careful. With some simple precautions, you can keep your floors in top shape until spring.

The Canadian climate also plays an important role. Traditional solid wood moves between seasons, so it is best installed after proper acclimatization and controlled humidity. Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of real wood with much better resistance to movement, which makes it a popular choice in our climate.

If you are choosing a wood-look floor, two materials typically lead the conversation: laminate flooring and natural hardwood. Each of them are beautiful, but they differ a lot when it comes to price, performance and long-term value.

Budget is another deciding factor. Today's laminate delivers a natural-looking finish for less money, while luxury vinyl combines affordability with outstanding moisture protection. Remember to include the underlay, trims and moldings, and professional installation when comparing prices.

The first thing to do is to think about the purpose of each room. A high-traffic hallway requires a durable, easy-care surface, whereas a master bedroom may prioritize comfort and warmth. Kitchens and bathrooms work best with moisture-resistant products like luxury vinyl plank or tile.

Vinyl plank flooring is at the top of the list for pet owners. It is waterproof, so pet accidents become no big deal. A strong wear layer will help prevent scratches, while the softer surface feels more comfortable than tile.

If you live with dogs, cats or young children, you know that floors can get damaged. Paws, toy cars and blocks, juice spills and muddy boots will stain a poorly chosen floor faster than you think. Fortunately: today's floor products are designed to stand up to real life.

Whatever floor you go with, pay attention to proper installation: sealing around fixtures, clean transitions between rooms and a flat, dry subfloor. Such details make all the difference in how long your floor will last.

Natural hardwood remains the traditional favourite. It adds authentic grain that is hard to copy, and it may be refinished many times over its life. That ability means a hardwood floor can last for decades. It also adds the value of a home in many markets.

When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to the colour, the style and the price per square foot. Yet what lies beneath your planks plays an equally important role. A good underlayment can improve comfort, noise levels and protection against moisture, while can help your new floor perform better.

Its first role is to provide noise control. Floors that are not glued down can sound hollow if installed directly on the subfloor. A good acoustic underlay dampens footstep noise, which is especially useful in condos in which condo boards may set specific acoustic ratings.