When your household includes little ones and four-legged friends, you already know how quickly floors take a beating. Paws, toys, accidents and snow and slush will stain a delicate surface in no time. The good news: today’s flooring options are built to handle busy family life.
What about hardwood? Absolutely, though be selective. Harder woods like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, while matte finishes and distressed or hand-scraped textures camouflage minor marks much better than glossy floors.
Hardwood floors continues to be one of the features many buyers look for. Engineered hardwood offers that same premium look and greater stability across the seasons. For a smaller budget, LVP or laminate is able to provide a similar finish for less.
LVP is widely considered the go-to floor below grade. Most LVP collections are fully waterproof, meaning they won’t be damaged if moisture shows up. Rigid-core planks can also hide slight unevenness in the concrete.
If you are considering luxury vinyl for your renovation, make sure to compare collections and see samples in person. You can browse many styles on this Canadian flooring retailer to find a style that matches your home.
High-quality laminate makes a great option. The protective top layer stays tough against claw marks, sometimes more than other floors. Choose products with a high AC rating as well as water-resistant edges for busy homes.
LVP is the first recommendation for families. It is water-resistant, so pet accidents become no big deal. A durable top layer helps prevent scuffs, and the softer surface is less noisy for running feet and paws.
Consistency is also important. A patchwork of materials throughout the house often makes rooms feel smaller. Running the same floor across the main floor produces a sense of flow that feels more modern.
And what about hardwood in wet areas? Newer water-resistant laminates can be a good fit in kitchens, provided that spills are wiped up right away. Wood can also be used in kitchens if you are careful, however in full bathrooms, tile and vinyl stay the safer choices.
Porcelain tile remains very water-resistant, though it tends to feel chilly unless install a heated floor system. Carpet, on the other hand, is cozy but may hold moisture, so carpet tiles tend to be a safer bet.
Vinyl plank and vinyl tile have become the most popular choice for both rooms. Water-resistant cores guarantee that splashes cannot harm the floor as long as you clean them up. Vinyl stays more comfortable under bare feet compared to stone, which is a big bonus during winter.
Long-term durability is also a strong point. Many LVP products include a wear layer on top that resists everyday wear, stains and UV fading. Busy households love how easy it is to maintain: a quick sweep and occasional damp mopping keep it looking new.
Kitchens and washrooms are the most demanding spaces in a household. They see water, humidity, falling objects and frequent mopping. Your flooring choice for these rooms needs to stay moisture-resistant, durable and low maintenance without sacrificing good looks.
If you are planning to sell in the next few years, or even if you just want to make your home more comfortable, updating your floors is easily one of the best renovations you can make. Your floors make up most of the visible space in every room, which means they create a huge impact on first impressions.
The number one selling point of vinyl plank is that many products are waterproof. Compared with solid hardwood, a well-made LVP will not swell when exposed to moisture. This makes it an excellent choice for basements, laundry rooms and entryways.
In recent years, LVP has become one of the most requested types of flooring for Canadian homeowners. It is easy to see why: it looks like real wood, it resists moisture, and it works with a wide range of budgets.
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Old, stained carpet, scratched hardwood or mismatched flooring send a signal suggesting that the house requires repairs. Meanwhile, beautiful updated floors makes a property feel clean and modern, which can help it sell faster.
What you get is simply a floor with the look identical to traditional wood while stays more stable through the seasons. Because it moves less, engineered hardwood can often be installed in rooms in which solid hardwood is a risk, such as lower levels or over concrete slabs.
First of all, evaluate the moisture level of the concrete. A quick test like taping a square of plastic to the floor for 24 to 48 hours can reveal any moisture problem. Fix drainage issues before installing new flooring.
Installation tends to be more flexible. Depending on the product, engineered wood can be installed as a floating floor, glued down and also stapled. This versatility makes it a go-to option please click for source installers and families across the country.
Turning a basement into living space is one of the best ways to increase the usable space and value to your home. Yet lower levels come with special challenges: cold concrete, humidity and colder floors. Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to mildew, swelling and wasted money.