Renovating a basement is one of the best ways to gain extra square footage and value in your house. But below-grade spaces come with specific problems: concrete slabs, dampness and lower temperatures. Choosing the wrong flooring may result in mildew, buckling and expensive replacements.

Engineered hardwood can also work for those who want real wood. Because of its cross-ply structure, engineered wood tolerates moisture swings better than solid hardwood, and solid wood should generally be avoided on concrete. Install it with a moisture barrier for the best results.

If you are planning to sell in the near future, or even if you simply want to make your home more comfortable, updating your floors ranks among the smartest renovations you can make. The floor make up most of the visible space in every room, so they make a major impact on how buyers feel.

Before choosing a floor, evaluate for moisture in the slab. A quick test like taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for a day or two can reveal any moisture problem. Solve drainage issues before you install any floor.

The outcome is simply a floor that looks exactly like solid hardwood but performs better in Canadian conditions. Since it is more stable, engineered wood is often suitable in places in which solid hardwood would struggle, such as lower levels and over concrete slabs.

Moisture levels is also another key factor. When the furnace is running, the air inside gets too dry, causing natural wood to contract and cracks to form. A whole-house humidifier to maintain indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent benefits your floors as well as your health.

Before buying, look closely at the veneer thickness. A thicker veneer lets you sand it in the future, adding to the floor’s lifespan. Remember to keep indoor humidity at a steady level with a humidifier in winter.

This is where engineered hardwood stands out. Rather than using a solid plank, an engineered plank is built from several layers: a real hardwood top layer on top of a dimensionally stable base. The cross-layered construction minimizes the natural movement of wood.

Canadian homes face dramatic changes in temperature and humidity throughout the year. During winter, furnaces dry out indoor air; in summer, humidity rise sharply. For wood floors, this cycle may cause cracks, warping and squeaks.

Ceramic and porcelain tile remains virtually waterproof, although it tends to feel chilly unless install in-floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, meanwhile, adds comfort yet can absorb humidity, so area rugs are often a safer bet.

Continuity matters too. A patchwork of materials throughout the house tends to make rooms look choppy. Installing one continuous floor in open-concept spaces gives a clean, open feel that feels more modern.

Porcelain and ceramic tile remain a classic choice. Tile is virtually waterproof, long-lasting and available in a huge variety of designs, from wood-effect tiles and marble and stone looks. Look for a slip-resistant finish in bathrooms, and add radiant heating for extra comfort.

Kitchens and washrooms count as the most demanding spaces in a household. They get spills, humidity, heavy foot traffic and daily cleaning. The floor you install for these rooms has to be waterproof, durable and low maintenance without sacrificing good looks.

The cold season in Canada are beautiful, yet they are rough on your floors. Melting snow, road salt, sand sAtSUMaim0.haTenaBlog.Com and dry heated air will wear out your flooring if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your flooring looking great until spring.

Buyers notice floors right away. Dated carpet, scuffed floors or cracked tile give a signal suggesting that the home has been neglected. Meanwhile, fresh, modern flooring helps make a house look clean and modern, and that may help it stand out.

Road salt can leave a white film which may etch the surface of your floor. Remove salty puddles quickly with a slightly damp cloth together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid steam mops on hardwood and laminate.

If you are considering vinyl plank flooring for your home, take the time to compare thicknesses and see samples in person. You can explore many styles on this Canadian flooring retailer before making your final choice.

Luxury vinyl are now the most popular choice in wet areas. Waterproof cores guarantee that splashes cannot harm the planks when wiped up quickly. LVP feels softer under bare feet than tile, something a big bonus during winter.

And what about laminate in a kitchen or bathroom? Water-resistant laminate can be a good fit in kitchens, provided that spills are wiped up right away. Engineered hardwood can also be used in kitchens with caution, but in bathrooms with a shower or tub, tile and vinyl stay the recommended options.

Start at the door. Put a sturdy outdoor mat and a soft absorbent mat inside each door. Using both stops most of the salt and grit before it gets to your flooring. Set up a waterproof tray so dripping shoes don’t sit on your flooring.