Toughness is another major advantage. Many LVP products feature a tough top coating designed to resist scratches, stains and spills and fading. Homes with dogs and cats love how little care it needs: a quick sweep and a light mop are all it takes.
Over the past few years, vinyl plank flooring has become one of the best-selling types of flooring for Canadian homeowners. There are good reasons for that: it looks great, it stands up to spills, and it works with almost any budget.
One of its main jobs is to provide acoustic insulation. Laminate and click vinyl can sound noisy if installed directly on the subfloor. The right underlay dampens that hollow sound, which is especially important in condos where condo boards frequently require minimum sound ratings.
Porcelain tile remain a timeless choice. Tiles are nearly impervious to water, very durable and available in a huge variety of styles, including wood-look planks and natural stone visuals. Look for tiles with good slip resistance in bathrooms, then consider in-floor heating for extra comfort.
Tile is virtually waterproof, although it can feel cold if you do not you add a heated floor system. Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, feels warm yet can trap moisture, so carpet tiles tend to be a more practical choice.
Canadian homes go through dramatic humidity changes from season to season. In winter, our heaters pull moisture from the air; in summer, humidity rise again. For wood flooring, that constant movement may cause gapping, cupping and noise.
Vinyl plank is usually the best choice below grade. Several LVP collections are fully waterproof, meaning they will not be damaged when moisture happens. SPC and WPC vinyl can also hide small irregularities in the concrete.
First of all, evaluate for moisture in the slab. A quick test such as taping a square of plastic onto the slab for a day or two will indicate if moisture is rising. Fix water problems prior to installing anything.
Salt residue often leaves a hazy residue that can etch the protective layer of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Wipe up residue as soon as possible with a slightly damp cloth together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid excess water on wood and laminate.
Kitchens and bathrooms count as the most demanding spaces in a household. They deal with water, humidity, falling objects and daily cleaning. The flooring you choose for these rooms has to be water-resistant, durable and simple to maintain without sacrificing good looks.
Turning a basement into living space is a great way to add living space and value in your house. However below-grade spaces come with unique challenges: concrete slabs, humidity and colder floors. The wrong floor often causes mold, buckling and wasted money.
What about laminate in these rooms? Water-resistant laminate can be a good fit for kitchens, provided that moisture is dealt with right away. Engineered hardwood may also work in kitchens with caution, however in bathrooms with a shower or tub, waterproof vinyl or tile stay the safer choices.
Before buying, look closely at the thickness of the top layer. A deeper veneer allows sand it later, adding to the floor’s lifespan. Don’t forget to control humidity at a steady level with a humidifier in winter.
Vinyl plank and KharGHArONLIne.cOm vinyl tile have quickly become a favourite in wet areas. Waterproof cores mean that standing water won’t damage your investment when wiped up quickly. LVP is also warmer underfoot than ceramic, something a big bonus in the cold season.
A final tip: some vinyl and laminate products already have a built-in underlay. In that case, adding another underlay may create problems and cancel your warranty. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
If you are shopping for vinyl plank flooring for your home, make sure to compare collections and look at real samples. You can browse a great selection at canadafloorsdepot.com before making your final choice.
Engineered wood is a possibility if you want real wood. Thanks to its cross-ply structure, it resists humidity changes far better than solid hardwood, and solid wood is a poor choice on concrete. Install it with a proper vapour barrier to protect it.
The right underlay also smooths out minor imperfections in the subfloor and provides some cushioning and warmth. Note, however, it does not replace levelling the subfloor: major unevenness should be levelled beforehand.
Winter in Canada can be magical, however it is tough on floors. Snow, de-icing salt, gravel and low indoor humidity will wear out your floors over time. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your flooring in top shape all season long.
Everything starts at the entrance. Place a rough outdoor mat plus a washable absorbent rug indoors the main entrances. Two mats catches the majority of the snow and grit before it can scratch your floors. Set up a waterproof tray to make sure dripping shoes don’t sit on the floor.
Moisture levels is another key factor. When the furnace is running, the air in your home often becomes very dry, leading to wood floors to shrink and small gaps to appear. Using a humidifier keeping humidity around 35 to 50 percent benefits your floors as well as your comfort.