Agustin Stinson

This is where engineered hardwood makes a difference. Rather than using a single solid piece of wood, an engineered plank is made of multiple layers: a top layer of real wood on top of a plywood or HDF core. The cross-layered construction reduces the natural movement of wood.

Humidity is also critical. During the heating season, the air in your home often becomes extremely dry, causing wood floors to shrink and small gaps to appear. A whole-house humidifier to maintain indoor humidity at a stable level benefits your wood floors as well as your comfort.

Ultimately, which floor makes sense? When authentic material and the ability to refinish are what you want, consider real wood. If budget, scratch resistance and easy maintenance come first, quality laminate makes a lot of sense.

Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Old, stained carpet, scuffed floors or mismatched flooring create a signal suggesting that the house needs work. Meanwhile, new, consistent flooring can make a home feel clean and modern, and that may help it sell faster.

What you get is simply a floor that looks identical to traditional wood while stays more stable in Canadian conditions. Because it moves less, engineered wood can often be installed in places in which solid wood is a risk, such as below-grade rooms and on concrete.

Installing it is also more versatile. Depending on the product, engineered wood can be installed as a floating floor, glued or stapled. Such flexibility helps make it a go-to option for renovators and families across the country.

Real wood continues to be a feature buyers love. Engineered wood gives you that same premium look with better stability in Canadian conditions. If your budget is tighter, luxury vinyl plank is able to deliver a similar finish for less.

Salt residue can leave a hazy residue which may damage the protective layer of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove residue promptly using a damp microfibre mop and a cleaner made for your type of floor. Never use soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.

The cold season in Canada can be picturesque, but winter is tough on floors. Melting snow, calcium chloride, sand and low indoor humidity can wear out your floors over time. With a few simple habits, you can protect your floors looking great through the winter.

Renovating a basement is an excellent way to gain extra square footage and resale value in your house. But basements present unique challenges: cold concrete, dampness plus colder floors. Choosing the wrong flooring may result in mold, buckling and expensive replacements.

Ceramic and porcelain tile stays virtually waterproof, but it tends to feel cold underfoot unless you add radiant floor heating. Carpet, on the other hand, adds comfort yet can trap moisture, so rugs over a hard floor are usually a safer bet.

Houses across Canada go through big seasonal swings from season to season. In the cold months, our heaters dry out the air; in the warm months, moisture levels go up again. For natural wood, that constant movement often leads to cracks, warping and movement.

Everything starts at the entrance. Place a heavy-duty mat outside plus an absorbent mat inside every entrance. Using both catches most of the dirt and salt before it reaches your flooring. Add a boot tray to make sure wet boots don't sit on your flooring.

Engineered hardwood is a possibility for those who want natural wood. Due to its layered construction, it tolerates humidity changes far better than solid hardwood, which should generally be avoided on concrete. Install it with an appropriate underlay to protect it.

Vinyl plank and vinyl tile are now a favourite in wet areas. Waterproof cores ensure that splashes will not ruin your investment as long as you clean them up. Vinyl is also more comfortable underfoot than ceramic, something much appreciated during winter.

Before buying, pay attention to the thickness of the wear layer. A deeper veneer means you can refinish the floor in the future, extending its lifespan. Also maintain humidity at a steady level all year long.

If you are thinking of selling in the near future, or even if you are looking to make your home more comfortable, new flooring is easily one of the best upgrades you can make. Floors take up nearly the entire surface of your home, which means they make a major impact on the overall look.

A cohesive look also counts. A patchwork of materials in connected spaces tends to make rooms look choppy. Running the same floor through the main living areas produces a sense of flow that feels more modern.

Whatever material you choose, don't overlook the details: caulking around the tub and toilet, correct transitions and a well-prepared subfloor. Such details make all the difference in how long your floor will last.

Before choosing a floor, Khargharonline.com test the humidity of the concrete. A quick test like taping a plastic sheet to the floor for 24 to 48 hours can show any moisture problem. Address any leaks before you install any floor.