A good underlay also smooths out small irregularities in the subfloor and provides a bit of comfort and insulation. Remember, though, it is not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation: major unevenness need to be levelled first.
Ceramic and porcelain tile is extremely durable, although it feels chilly if you do not you add a heated floor system. Wall-to-wall carpet, meanwhile, feels warm but can trap moisture, which is why area rugs are often a more practical choice.
That is exactly where engineered hardwood makes a difference. Instead of being made from one solid board, engineered wood consists of multiple layers: a genuine wood veneer glued over a plywood or HDF core. That construction reduces the natural movement of wood.
Engineered hardwood is another option when you prefer natural wood. Due to its cross-ply structure, engineered wood tolerates humidity changes much better than solid hardwood, which is a poor choice in basements. Install it with a moisture barrier for long-term performance.
Renovating a basement is an excellent way to gain extra square footage and resale value to your home. But lower levels present unique challenges: concrete slabs, humidity plus colder floors. The wrong floor often causes mold, swelling and expensive replacements.
Real wood continues to be one of the features many buyers look for. Engineered hardwood gives you that same premium look and more flexibility across the seasons. If your budget is tighter, quality laminate is able to deliver a similar wood look at a lower cost.
Porcelain and ceramic tile remain a proven option. It is extremely water-resistant, very durable and offered in a huge variety of styles, including wood-effect tiles and concrete-style finishes. Look for a textured or matte surface in bathrooms, then think about heated floors to keep tile warm.
If you are thinking of selling soon, or you simply want to make your home more comfortable, new flooring is easily one of the smartest upgrades available. Your floors cover almost every square foot of your home, which means they create a major impact on first impressions.
Lately, vinyl plank flooring has become one of the most requested types of flooring for Canadian homeowners. There are good reasons for that: it looks great, it stands up to spills, and it works with most budgets.
Durability is another major advantage. Most LVP products come with a wear layer on top that resists scratches, stains and UV fading. Busy households appreciate how easy it is to maintain: a quick sweep and occasional damp mopping are all it takes.
Continuity matters too. Too many different floors in connected spaces tends to make a space look smaller. Using a single floor across the main floor gives a clean, open feel that looks great in listing photos.
Buyers notice floors immediately. Old, stained carpet, damaged wood floors or cracked tile create the impression suggesting that the house has been neglected. Meanwhile, fresh, modern flooring can make a home feel clean and modern, which can help it sell faster.
LVP is often the go-to floor for basements. Many LVP collections are completely water-resistant, meaning they won’t swell or rot if moisture happens. SPC and WPC vinyl can also tolerate slight unevenness in the concrete.
First of all, test for moisture of the concrete. A quick test for example taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for 24 to 48 hours can show if moisture is rising. Address water problems before installing anything.
Homes in Canada face dramatic changes in temperature and humidity every year. In the cold months, our heaters dehydrate the air; in summer, humidity go up quickly. For natural wood, this cycle often leads to cracks, cupping and movement.
If you are considering LVP for your next project, take the time to compare wear layers and look at real samples. You will find many styles on this Canadian flooring retailer before making your final choice.
When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to the colour, style and the price per square foot. Yet what you put under your planks plays an equally important role. The right underlayment improves how the floor feels, noise levels and moisture protection, and it helps your new floor perform better.
Luxury vinyl plank and tile are now a favourite for kitchens and bathrooms. Fully waterproof constructions mean that splashes cannot harm your investment as long as you clean them up. LVP feels more comfortable under bare feet than ceramic, something much appreciated in the cold season.
What about hardwood in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate can work well in kitchens, provided that water is cleaned up promptly. Engineered hardwood may also work in a kitchen with care, however in bathrooms, waterproof vinyl or tile remain the recommended options.
Kitchens and bathrooms rank among the hardest-working rooms in any home. They get splashes, humidity, falling objects and frequent mopping. The floor you install in these spaces must stay water-resistant, durable and low maintenance and still deliver good looks.