LVP is usually the number one pick for families. It is waterproof or highly water-resistant, meaning pet accidents are no big deal. A durable top layer helps resist scuffs, while the cushioned feel feels less noisy than tile.
If you plan to put your house on the market soon, or even if you just want to make your home more comfortable, updating your floors ranks among the smartest investments to consider. Floors cover nearly the entire surface of your home, which means they make a big effect on how buyers feel.
Buyers notice floors right away. Dated carpet, damaged wood floors or chipped tile create the impression that the property has been neglected. Meanwhile, fresh, modern flooring makes a house look bright and well-maintained, which can help attract more buyers.
One of its main jobs is acoustic insulation. Floating floors can sound noisy without a good underlay. A good acoustic underlay absorbs impact sound, which is especially important in apartments and condos in which building rules frequently set minimum sound ratings.
Consistency also counts. A mix of different floors from room to room tends to make a space look disjointed. Installing one continuous floor across the main floor creates a more spacious look that looks great in listing photos.
Comfort underfoot is also important, especially in Canadian winters. LVP is softer and quieter under your feet than porcelain or stone, while most products come with an attached pad for better sound absorption.
That is where engineered wood stands out. Rather than being made from a solid plank, an engineered plank is built from multiple layers: a real hardwood top layer glued over a dimensionally stable base. The cross-layered construction limits the natural movement of wood.
Over the past few years, vinyl plank flooring has grown into one of the most popular flooring options across the country. It is easy to see why: it looks like real wood, it resists moisture, and it suits a wide range of budgets.
Hardwood floors continues to be one of the most requested features buyers ask for most. Engineered hardwood offers that same premium look with better stability for our climate. If your budget is tighter, quality laminate is able to create a similar finish at a fraction of the price.
Homes in Canada experience big humidity changes from season to season. In the cold months, furnaces dehydrate indoor air; in summer, humidity go up sharply. For wood flooring, that constant movement can cause cracks, cupping and movement.
Putting it down is usually simple. Click-lock systems can be laid pop over here many existing floors, cutting down on labour costs. Still, proper subfloor preparation makes all the difference for a long-lasting result.
Whatever floor you go with, focus on the details: sealing around fixtures, clean transitions between rooms and a well-prepared subfloor. Those small details make all the difference in how long your floor lasts.
What you get is a floor with the look identical to traditional wood but behaves better in our climate. Because it moves less, engineered wood can often be installed in rooms where solid hardwood is not recommended, such as below-grade rooms or over concrete slabs.
The kitchen and the bathroom rank among the most demanding spaces in any home. They deal with spills, moisture, dropped dishes and constant cleaning. The floor you install for these rooms needs to stay moisture-resistant, durable and low maintenance while still offering style.
One important note: some flooring products already have an attached underlayment. When that is the case, adding a second layer could cause problems and void the warranty. Be sure to read the installation guide.
The number one selling point of vinyl plank is that many products are waterproof. In contrast to solid hardwood, good vinyl flooring will not swell after contact with spills. It is therefore an ideal option for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Laminate is another great option. Its protective top layer is highly resistant to scuffs and scratches, in many cases more than other floors. Select laminates with a high AC rating as well as water-resistant edges for the best performance.
Is hardwood an option? It is possible, though make careful choices. Harder species like hickory and white oak hold up better, and wire-brushed textures or natural grain patterns disguise small scratches far better than a shiny finish.
Underlayment also compensates for slight unevenness in the subfloor and adds a little comfort and insulation. Note, though, it does not replace proper subfloor preparation: large dips and bumps should be corrected beforehand.
If you live with dogs, cats or young children, you already know that floors suffer. Paws, toys, accidents and muddy boots quickly wear down a delicate surface faster than you think. Luckily: today’s flooring materials are made to handle busy family life.
Vinyl plank and vinyl tile are now a top choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Fully waterproof constructions ensure that standing water will not ruin your investment if cleaned up promptly. Vinyl feels softer under bare feet than ceramic, something a big bonus during winter.