The cold season in Canada are picturesque, but they are hard on flooring. Melting snow, calcium chloride, gravel and dry indoor air will wear out your floors if left unchecked. With the right routine, you can keep your floors in top shape through the winter.
Start at the door. Use a sturdy outdoor mat and a washable absorbent rug indoors each door. Using both stops much of the dirt and salt before it gets to your floors. Set up a boot tray to make sure snowy boots never sit on your flooring.
Turning a basement into living space is one of the best ways to increase the usable space and resale value in your house. But basements come with specific problems: cold concrete, moisture plus lower temperatures. The wrong floor may result in mildew, warping and expensive replacements.
Selecting a new floor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a remodeling project. In Canada, the selection is particularly important because our interiors must withstand cold, dry winters, muggy summers, snow and road salt carried in at the door.
Laminate has come a long way significantly. Good laminate products uses realistic printed designs and textures that follow the grain that appear very natural. Its protective surface keeps it very resistant to scuffs and scratches, and it costs lower. A growing number of newer products even provide better moisture protection.
Continuity is also important. A mix of different floors in connected spaces tends to make rooms feel choppy. Running the same floor through the main living areas gives a sense of flow that feels more modern.
Road salt leaves a hazy residue which may etch the protective layer of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove salty puddles as soon as possible with a damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral cleaner. Stay away from steam mops on hardwood and laminate.
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Old, stained carpet, scratched hardwood or cracked tile create a signal that the home needs work. Meanwhile, beautiful updated floors makes a home feel move-in ready, and that may help it stand out.
Indoor humidity is critical. In winter, the air inside can become very dry, which causes natural wood to shrink and small gaps to form. A whole-house humidifier that keeps indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent benefits your floors as well as your comfort.
The first step is to look at the way you live in each space. A busy entryway calls for a hard-wearing floor that cleans up in seconds, while a master bedroom can prioritize comfort and warmth. Kitchens and bathrooms are best served by water-resistant options like vinyl plank or tile.
Before anything else, check the humidity in the slab. A simple test for example taping a square of plastic onto the slab for 24 to 48 hours will indicate any moisture problem. Address water problems prior to installing new flooring.
Long-term durability is also a major advantage. Many vinyl planks come with a tough top coating that protects against scratches, stains and spills and fading. Homes with dogs and cats value how easy it is to maintain: a quick sweep and a light mop keep it looking new.
Hardwood is the classic choice. It offers warmth that is hard to copy, and it is often sanded and refinished more than once over the decades. That ability allows a well-kept hardwood floor will last for decades. It also adds the value of a home in most cities.
Engineered hardwood is another option for those who want real wood. Thanks to its cross-ply structure, engineered wood tolerates humidity changes better than solid hardwood, which is not recommended on concrete. Use a proper vapour barrier for the best results.
If you are thinking about luxury vinyl for your next project, make sure to compare thicknesses and check colours at home. You will find a great selection at vinyl plank flooring in Canada and Filmyhd.net find the right floor for your space.
In the end, what option is right for you? If the real thing plus the ability to refinish matter most, choose real wood. If budget, durability and easy maintenance top your list, quality laminate is hard to beat.
Climate plays a major role. Traditional solid wood expands and contracts between seasons, so it performs best after proper acclimatization and a good humidifier in winter. Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of real wood but with greater stability, which makes it a favourite for Canadian homes.
Finally, always look at samples in the actual room. Tones can look completely different than they do in a showroom. For helpful advice and plenty of options of hardwood, laminate and vinyl, take a look at this Canadian flooring store before you make your final decision.
Cost is another major consideration. Today’s laminate offers a realistic wood look at a lower price, and vinyl blends value with excellent moisture protection. Remember to factor in underlayment, trims and moldings, and professional installation in your estimate.
Ceramic and porcelain tile stays extremely durable, though it tends to feel cold unless install radiant floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, is cozy yet may hold moisture, which is why rugs over a hard floor are usually a safer bet.
