Ultimately, which floor makes sense? When authentic material and refinishing potential are what you want, choose engineered or solid hardwood. When cost, scratch resistance and easy maintenance come first, laminate is a smart choice.
And what about hardwood in wet areas? Some modern laminates can work well for kitchens, provided that spills are wiped up right away. Wood may also work in a kitchen with caution, but in bathrooms, tile and vinyl stay the recommended options.
What about hardwood? It is possible, but make careful choices. Dense species such as hickory, maple and oak are more resistant, and wire-brushed textures or distressed or hand-scraped textures disguise minor marks far better than high-gloss finishes.
Picking new flooring is among the most significant decisions you will make during a renovation. Across Canada, the decision is even more important because our homes have to withstand long winters, humid summers, slush and salt carried in on every boot.
Kitchens and bathrooms rank among the hardest-working rooms in any home. They deal with water, humidity, heavy foot traffic and constant cleaning. The flooring you choose for these rooms must stay moisture-resistant, durable and simple to maintain and still deliver great design.
The result is flooring that feels identical to real hardwood but stays more stable through the seasons. Because it moves less, engineered wood is often suitable in places in which solid wood is not recommended, like lower levels and over radiant heating.
Canadian winters can be magical, however it is tough on floors. Melting snow, calcium chloride, gravel and dry indoor air will wear out even the best floors if left unchecked. With a few simple habits, you can protect your floors in top shape until spring.
Vinyl plank flooring is often the number one pick for pet owners. It is waterproof, so spilled drinks are no big deal. A thick wear layer helps resist scratches from claws, while the softer surface feels more comfortable for running feet and paws.
Indoor humidity also matters and is very important. During the heating season, the air in your home often becomes extremely dry, leading to wood floors to contract and cracks to form. Using a humidifier keeping humidity in a cool way to improve moderate range protects your floors as well as your comfort.
Vinyl plank and vinyl tile are now a favourite for kitchens and bathrooms. Water-resistant cores mean that standing water will not ruin your investment as long as you clean them up. Vinyl stays warmer underfoot than tile, something much appreciated during winter.
On the other hand, hardwood does not like moisture and seasonal humidity changes. It may scratch more readily compared to modern laminate, especially with large dogs. The initial price is generally higher.
Everything starts at the entrance. Place a heavy-duty mat outside plus a washable absorbent rug indoors every entrance. Using both stops much of the salt and grit before it reaches your floors. Add a boot tray so dripping shoes don’t sit directly on the floor.
Real hardwood remains the classic choice. It adds natural character that many buyers love, and it may be refinished more than once during its lifespan. That ability means a hardwood floor to last for generations. It also boosts the value of a home in most cities.
Salt residue leaves a white film that will dull the protective layer of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Clean salty puddles promptly with a slightly damp cloth together with a floor-specific cleaner. Avoid excess water on hardwood and laminate.
Laminate makes a strong option. Its protective top layer stays highly resistant to scuffs and scratches, often better than other floors. Look for a laminate with a high AC rating and water-resistant edges for busy homes.
Installing it tends to be easier. Depending on the product, planks can be installed as a floating floor, glued or stapled. Such flexibility makes it a go-to option for contractors and DIYers across the country.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are still a timeless solution. It is virtually waterproof, scratch-resistant and available in a huge variety of patterns, from wood-look planks and natural stone visuals. Look for tiles with good slip resistance in bathrooms, and consider in-floor heating to keep tile warm.
When your household includes little ones and four-legged friends, you have probably learned that floors can get damaged. Claws, toys, juice spills and snow and slush can scratch the wrong floor in no time. The good news: today’s flooring products are made to handle real life.
Cost is another deciding factor. Modern laminate provides a natural-looking finish at a lower price, while vinyl combines affordability and great moisture protection. Keep in mind to factor in the underlay, baseboards, and labour when comparing prices.
Modern laminate has evolved a lot. Premium laminate feature realistic printed designs and textures that follow the grain that appear very close to real wood. Its wear layer makes it highly resistant to daily wear, and it comes in at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Several newer products even provide improved water resistance.