Can you still have hardwood? Absolutely, though make careful choices. Harder species like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, and matte finishes or textured surfaces camouflage minor marks much better than high-gloss finishes.

Luxury vinyl plank is the number one pick for busy homes. It’s waterproof, meaning pet accidents are no big deal. A strong wear layer will help prevent scratches, while the cushioned feel is less noisy for running feet and paws.

First of all, what exactly is underlayment? Underlayment is a thin cushioned layer installed over the subfloor and under the floor. Depending on the type, it can be rubber or equipped with a plastic film.

If you share your home with little ones and four-legged friends, you already know how quickly floors can get damaged. Claws, toys, spills and wet paws will wear down a delicate surface faster than you think. Fortunately: modern floor products are made to stand up to real life.

Before you buy, pay attention to the thickness of the top layer. A thicker wear layer means you can sand it down the road, extending its lifespan. Also maintain humidity at a steady level for best results.

Quality laminate is also a good contender. Its hard melamine surface is tough against claw marks, sometimes better than vinyl. Select products with an AC4 or AC5 rating and water-resistant edges for families with pets.

The cold season in Canada is picturesque, however winter is rough on your floors. Melting snow, de-icing salt, sand and dry heated air can dull your floors if left unchecked. With some simple precautions, you can protect your floors beautiful until spring.

Its first role is to provide acoustic insulation. Floating floors often sound loud without a good underlay. A quality underlayment dampens footstep noise, which is especially important in multi-storey homes where condo boards may require specific acoustic ratings.

De-icing salt leaves a white film which may damage the protective layer of most floors. Remove salty puddles quickly using a slightly damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor on wood-based floors.

Seasonal change has a major role. Solid hardwood shrinks and swells between seasons, which means it performs best after proper acclimatization and a good humidifier in winter. Engineered wood provides the same natural look but with much better dimensional stability, making it a smart option in our climate.

Whatever floor you go with, pay attention to proper installation: http://www.nursing.Dofollowlinks.org/News/canada-floors-depot-145/ caulking around the tub and toilet, good thresholds and solid subfloor preparation. Those small details matter a lot in how long your floor will last.

That is where engineered hardwood makes a difference. Instead of being made from a single solid piece of wood, engineered wood consists of multiple layers: a genuine wood veneer glued over a plywood or HDF core. That construction minimizes the natural movement of wood.

When planning a flooring project, most of the attention goes to the colour, the style and price. However what goes under the floor plays an equally important role. The right underlayment improves comfort, noise levels and protection against moisture, and it helps your flooring perform better.

Underlayment also compensates for minor imperfections beneath the floor and adds a little softness underfoot. Keep in mind, however, that does not replace proper subfloor preparation: large dips and bumps must be levelled before installation.

Luxury vinyl plank and tile have become a top choice in wet areas. Fully waterproof constructions guarantee that spills cannot harm your investment if cleaned up promptly. LVP is also warmer underfoot than ceramic, which is a real plus in the cold season.

Homes in Canada face big changes in temperature and humidity every year. During winter, furnaces dry out the air; during summer, humidity go up quickly. For wood flooring, these changes can cause cracks, crowning and noise.

Important: some flooring products already have a pre-attached pad. When that is the case, doubling up could lead to joint failure and affect the warranty. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Indoor humidity is another key factor. During the heating season, indoor air often becomes extremely dry, causing natural wood to contract and gaps to open. Using a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent helps protect your wood floors as well as your health.

The first step is to think about the way you live in each space. A high-traffic hallway calls for something tough and easy to clean, while a guest room can focus more on warmth underfoot. Kitchens are best served by waterproof products such as luxury vinyl plank or tile.

Start at the door. Place a heavy-duty mat outside and an absorbent mat inside the main entrances. Using both stops most of the salt and grit before it reaches the rest of the house. Use a boot tray so snowy boots never sit on your flooring.

The kitchen and the bathroom are the busiest rooms in any home. They see spills, humidity, falling objects and frequent mopping. The flooring you choose for these rooms has to be moisture-resistant, durable and easy to clean while still offering great design.