Before choosing a floor, check the moisture level of the concrete. A simple test for example taping a square of plastic to the floor for a day or two will indicate any moisture problem. Fix drainage issues before you install anything.
What you get is flooring with the look exactly like solid hardwood but behaves better in our climate. Because it is more stable, engineered hardwood can often be installed in areas in which solid hardwood would struggle, including lower levels and over radiant heating.
Real wood is one of the features buyers love. Engineered hardwood gives you that same premium look and better stability for our climate. For a smaller budget, luxury vinyl plank can provide an equally attractive wood look at a lower cost.
De-icing salt often leaves white marks that can etch the surface of hardwood, FiLmYHD.NeT laminate and vinyl. Wipe up residue quickly using a slightly damp cloth together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid excess water on wood and laminate.
Start at the door. Put a rough outdoor mat plus a washable absorbent rug indoors each door. Two mats traps much of the salt and grit before it can scratch your floors. Add a boot rack to make sure dripping shoes never sit on your flooring.
That is exactly where engineered hardwood really shines. Instead of using a solid plank, engineered wood consists of several layers: a genuine wood veneer on top of a plywood or HDF core. This layered structure limits expansion and contraction.
If you plan to put your house on the market soon, or even if you are looking to enjoy your home more, replacing old flooring ranks among the best renovations available. Floors take up almost every square foot in every room, so they create a huge impact on the overall look.
When planning a flooring project, they tend to focus on the colour, the style and the price per square foot. But what lies beneath the boards is just as important. A good underlayment can make a big difference in how the floor feels, sound and protection against moisture, while it helps your flooring stay beautiful for years.
What about hardwood? It is possible, but make careful choices. Harder species like hickory and white oak hold up better, and matte finishes and textured surfaces camouflage small scratches better than glossy floors.
A key function is to provide acoustic insulation. Laminate and click vinyl may sound noisy without proper underlayment. A quality underlayment reduces that hollow sound, something that is especially important in apartments and condos where strata rules frequently demand a minimum IIC or STC rating.
If you live with dogs, cats or young children, you have probably learned how quickly floors suffer. Claws, toy cars and blocks, juice spills and wet paws can scratch a poorly chosen floor in no time. Luckily: modern floor materials are designed to stand up to real life.
A cohesive look is also important. A mix of materials in connected spaces often makes a home feel disjointed. Using a single floor in open-concept spaces produces a clean, open feel that looks great in listing photos.
Winter in Canada is beautiful, yet they are rough on your floors. Melting snow, calcium chloride, gravel and low indoor humidity can damage your flooring if you are not careful. With the right routine, it is easy to keep your floors looking great all season long.
A final tip: many vinyl and laminate products come with a built-in underlay. If so, adding a second layer could create problems and cancel your warranty. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The right underlay also smooths out small irregularities in the base while adds some softness underfoot. Remember, however, it is not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation: major unevenness must be fixed before installation.
Turning a basement into living space is an excellent way to increase the usable space and comfort in your house. However below-grade spaces come with special challenges: concrete slabs, moisture and lower temperatures. The wrong floor may result in mildew, swelling and wasted money.
Homes in Canada face dramatic humidity changes every year. During winter, furnaces dehydrate indoor air; in the warm months, moisture levels rise again. For wood flooring, this cycle often leads to gaps, cupping and squeaks.
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Worn carpet, scuffed floors or cracked tile create the impression that the house has been neglected. Meanwhile, new, consistent flooring makes a house look bright and well-maintained, which can help attract more buyers.
Protection from moisture is a second critical role, particularly in basements. Concrete can release moisture constantly, and an underlay with a built-in vapour barrier protects the flooring from damage.
When shopping, pay attention to the veneer thickness. A thicker wear layer means you can refinish the floor later, extending the life of your floor. Don’t forget to control humidity at a steady level with a humidifier in winter.