If you plan to put your house on the market in the next few years, or even if you just want to refresh your living space, new flooring ranks among the best investments to consider. The floor cover nearly the entire surface of your home, which means they have a major impact on the overall look.
LVP is at the top of the list for busy homes. It’s waterproof or highly water-resistant, so pet accidents become easy to clean up. A thick wear layer will help prevent scratches from claws, and its softer feel is quieter than tile.
Can you still have hardwood? Yes, but choose wisely. Dense species like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, while matte finishes and natural grain patterns hide everyday wear better than glossy floors.
Buyers notice floors right away. Old, stained carpet, scuffed floors or cracked tile create a message that the home has been neglected. Meanwhile, fresh, modern flooring helps make a home feel bright and well-maintained, and that can help it stand out.
The kitchen and the bathroom count as the busiest rooms in the house. They deal with spills, moisture, falling objects and frequent mopping. Your flooring choice in these spaces must be moisture-resistant, durable and simple to maintain while still offering good looks.
What about laminate in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate can be a good fit in kitchens, if water is cleaned up promptly. Wood may also work in a kitchen with care, however in bathrooms with a shower or tub, vinyl or tile remain the better options.
Porcelain tile stay a classic choice. Tile is extremely water-resistant, scratch-resistant and offered in endless designs, from wood-look planks to natural stone visuals. Select a textured or matte surface for bathrooms, and think about in-floor heating to keep tile warm.
A cohesive look is also important. A mix of different floors in connected spaces tends to make rooms look smaller. Running the same floor across the main floor gives a more spacious look that looks great in listing photos.
So, which one should you choose? When the real thing plus the ability to refinish matter most, choose real wood. If cost, durability and easy maintenance are more important, laminate makes a lot of sense.
Vinyl plank and vinyl tile have become a top choice in wet areas. Fully waterproof constructions ensure that spills will not ruin the planks when wiped up quickly. Vinyl is also warmer underfoot than tile, which is a real plus on cold Canadian mornings.
One of its main jobs is to provide sound reduction. Floors that are not glued down can sound noisy without a good underlay. The right underlay absorbs that hollow sound, which is essential in apartments and condos in which condo boards frequently demand a minimum IIC or STC rating.
Laminate is another strong option. The protective top layer is tough against claw marks, often better than vinyl. Choose a laminate with an AC4 or AC5 rating plus good moisture protection for the best performance.
Real hardwood remains the traditional favourite. It offers warmth that many buyers love, and it may be sanded and refinished more than once during its lifespan. This means a well-kept hardwood floor can last a very long time. It also boosts the value of a home in many markets.
Laminate has come a long way dramatically. Good laminate feature realistic printed designs and textured surfaces that feel very natural. The tough top layer keeps it very resistant to scratches, and it comes in less. A growing number of newer products even provide better moisture protection.
Road salt often leaves a hazy residue that can dull the finish of most floors. Clean residue as soon as possible with a damp microfibre mop and a floor-specific cleaner. Stay away from excess water on hardwood and laminate.
Everything starts at the entrance. Use a sturdy outdoor mat and a soft absorbent mat inside every entrance. This combination catches the majority of the snow and grit before it reaches the rest of the house. Use a boot rack to make sure dripping shoes don’t sit on the floor.
Winter in Canada can be magical, but winter is rough on your floors. Slush, road salt, gravel and low indoor humidity can all dull your flooring if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, it is easy to Keep Reading your floors beautiful all season long.
If you share your home with dogs, cats or young children, you know how quickly floors suffer. Pet nails, toy cars and blocks, accidents and muddy boots quickly stain the wrong floor in no time. Fortunately: current floor options are made to handle everyday chaos.
Hardwood remains one of the most requested features many buyers look for. Engineered hardwood delivers that same premium look and better stability in Canadian conditions. For a smaller budget, quality laminate can create an equally attractive wood look at a lower cost.
Underlayment can also compensates for minor imperfections in the base while gives some softness underfoot. Keep in mind, however, that is not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation: large dips and bumps need to be corrected beforehand.
