Toughness is one more strong point. Most vinyl planks include a tough top coating designed to resist scratches, marks and fading. Families with kids and pets love how little care it needs: a quick sweep and occasional damp mopping keep it looking new.
The biggest advantage of vinyl plank is that many products are waterproof. Compared with natural wood, a quality vinyl plank won’t warp because of moisture. That makes it a perfect fit for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Budget is also a key factor. Modern laminate provides convincing wood visuals at a lower price, while vinyl brings together value and excellent water resistance. Keep in mind to factor in the underlay, trims and moldings, and professional installation in your total cost.
No matter what you choose, pay attention to the details: caulking around the tub and toilet, correct transitions and solid subfloor preparation. These details make a huge difference in how long your floor lasts.
Laminate is also a great option. The hard melamine surface stays highly resistant to claw marks, in many cases even more than other floors. Look for products with a high abrasion rating and good moisture protection for the best performance.
De-icing salt can leave a white film which may etch the protective layer of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Clean residue quickly using a slightly damp cloth together with a floor-specific cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.
Installation is typically straightforward. Click-lock planks can be installed over most flat subfloors, saving both time and labour. However, a flat, clean subfloor is essential for a long-lasting result.
Homes in Canada face dramatic seasonal swings throughout the year. In the cold months, our heaters dry out the air; in summer, humidity go up again. For wood floors, R.Turn.com these changes may cause gaps, crowning and noise.
When your household includes little ones and four-legged friends, you know that floors suffer. Paws, toys, spills and muddy boots quickly stain a delicate surface in a few months. Luckily: today’s floor options are built to handle everyday chaos.
The outcome is a floor that looks just like traditional wood but stays more stable in our climate. Because it moves less, engineered hardwood can be used in areas in which solid hardwood is not recommended, including basements and over radiant heating.
And what about laminate in a kitchen or bathroom? Newer water-resistant laminates can be a good fit in kitchens, provided that moisture is dealt with promptly. Engineered hardwood may also be used in kitchens with caution, but in bathrooms with a shower or tub, waterproof vinyl or tile stay the recommended options.
Can you still have hardwood? It is possible, but choose wisely. Dense species such as hickory, maple and oak resist dents better, while matte finishes or distressed or hand-scraped textures disguise small scratches far better than glossy floors.
The cold season in Canada is beautiful, however they are tough on floors. Melting snow, de-icing salt, sand and dry indoor air will dull your floors over time. With some simple precautions, you can protect your flooring in top shape through the winter.
The kitchen and the bathroom rank among the hardest-working rooms in any home. They see spills, steam, heavy foot traffic and frequent mopping. The flooring you choose for these rooms must stay waterproof, hard-wearing and easy to clean and still deliver good looks.
Indoor humidity is critical. During the heating season, the air in your home often becomes too dry, causing wood floors to shrink and cracks to form. A whole-house humidifier that keeps indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent protects your floors and your health.
Luxury vinyl plank is often the first recommendation for families. It’s waterproof or highly water-resistant, meaning spilled drinks are no big deal. A strong wear layer will help prevent scuffs, and its softer feel feels quieter than tile.
That is exactly where engineered hardwood really shines. Instead of using one solid board, engineered wood is made of several layers: a top layer of real wood on top of a dimensionally stable base. That construction minimizes the natural movement of wood.
When shopping, look closely at the thickness of the wear layer. A deeper top layer lets you refinish the floor later, adding to the floor’s lifespan. Don’t forget to maintain humidity at a steady level with a humidifier in winter.
Over the past few years, luxury vinyl plank has turned into one of the best-selling floor coverings across the country. It is easy to see why: it looks like real wood, it handles water, and it works with a wide range of budgets.
Picking the right floor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a home renovation. In Canada, the selection is particularly demanding because our interiors have to survive long winters, warm and humid summers, slush and salt brought in at the door.
The first line of defence is the entrance. Place a rough outdoor mat plus a soft absorbent mat inside every entrance. Using both catches most of the salt and grit before it reaches your flooring. Set up a waterproof tray to make sure dripping shoes aren’t left on the floor.