Before anything else, evaluate the moisture level in the slab. A quick test for example taping a square of plastic onto the slab for a day or two will indicate any moisture problem. Address water problems prior to installing new flooring.

Buyers notice floors immediately. Worn carpet, scratched hardwood or chipped tile give a message suggesting that the home requires repairs. Meanwhile, beautiful updated floors makes a home feel bright and well-maintained, and that may help it stand out.

Modern laminate has improved dramatically. Good laminate use detailed photographic layers and textured surfaces that feel very close to real wood. Its protective surface makes it very resistant to daily wear, and it is priced at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Several newer products even provide better moisture protection.

Moisture levels is also another key factor. When the furnace is running, the air inside can become very dry, leading to hardwood to shrink and cracks to open. A whole-house humidifier that keeps indoor humidity in a moderate range benefits your wood floors as well as your furniture.

Start at the door. Place a sturdy outdoor mat and an absorbent mat inside learn the facts here now main entrances. Two mats catches the majority of the snow and grit before it can scratch the rest of the house. Add a boot rack to make sure snowy boots aren’t left directly on the floor.

Canadian winters are picturesque, yet it is tough on floors. Slush, de-icing salt, gravel and dry heated air can dull even the best floors if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your floors looking great all season long.

Luxury vinyl plank is often the number one pick for pet owners. It’s waterproof or highly water-resistant, meaning water bowls become easy to clean up. A durable top layer helps prevent scratches from claws, and the softer surface feels more comfortable for kids playing on the floor.

Laminate is another good contender. Its hard melamine surface is highly resistant to claw marks, in many cases even more than other floors. Select laminates with an AC4 or AC5 rating as well as good moisture protection for busy homes.

What about hardwood? It is possible, though make careful choices. Harder species like hickory and white oak resist dents better, while matte finishes or distressed or hand-scraped textures camouflage minor marks better than glossy floors.

Real wood remains a feature buyers love. Engineered wood offers that same premium look with more flexibility for our climate. If your budget is tighter, luxury vinyl plank will provide a similar finish at a lower cost.

Consistency also counts. Too many different floors from room to room often makes a space feel disjointed. Running the same floor across the main floor creates a more spacious look that buyers appreciate.

If you plan to put your house on the market in the near future, or even if you are looking to refresh your living space, updating your floors is one of the smartest investments available. The floor make up most of the visible space of a house, which means they create a big effect on how buyers feel.

Salt residue often leaves a hazy residue that will dull the surface of your floor. Remove residue quickly with a slightly damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner. Never use excess water on wood-based floors.

Before you buy, pay attention to the thickness of the top layer. A thicker top layer lets you sanding and refinishing later, adding to the floor’s lifespan. Remember to maintain humidity in a stable range for best results.

If you live with pets and kids, you have probably learned that floors suffer. Pet nails, toys, juice spills and snow and slush will stain a delicate surface in no time. Fortunately: modern flooring options are made to stand up to everyday chaos.

Hardwood remains a timeless option. It offers authentic grain that is hard to copy, and it is often sanded and refinished many times over its life. That ability allows quality hardwood will last for generations. It also adds the value of a home in many markets.

Installation is usually more versatile. Based on the product, planks can be installed as a floating floor, glued and also stapled. That flexibility helps make it a go-to option for contractors and homeowners across the country.

Canadian homes go through significant seasonal swings from season to season. In the cold months, our heaters pull moisture from the air; in the warm months, moisture levels go up quickly. For wood flooring, these changes may cause cracks, crowning and noise.

That is where engineered hardwood stands out. Rather than being made from a solid plank, an engineered plank consists of several layers: a real hardwood top layer bonded to a dimensionally stable base. The cross-layered construction limits expansion and contraction.

That said, solid hardwood is more sensitive to moisture and seasonal humidity changes. It can dent more easily compared to laminate, particularly in homes with pets. The initial price is usually higher.