Road salt leaves a white film which may dull the protective layer of most floors. Clean salty puddles as soon as possible using a damp microfibre mop and a floor-specific cleaner. Never use steam mops on hardwood and laminate.

LVP is usually at the top of the list for busy homes. It’s waterproof, so pet accidents become no big deal. A thick wear layer will help reduce scratches, while the softer surface feels more comfortable for kids playing on the floor.

Selecting new flooring is one of the most important decisions you will make during a remodeling project. Here in Canada, the choice is even more important because our interiors need to survive cold, dry winters, humid summers, melting snow and de-icing salt brought in on every boot.

Underlayment also compensates for slight unevenness in the base while gives some cushioning and warmth. Keep in mind, however, it does not replace a flat subfloor: large dips and bumps should be levelled beforehand.

And what about hardwood in a kitchen or bathroom? Water-resistant laminate are a valid option in kitchens, if moisture is dealt with promptly. Engineered hardwood may also be used in kitchens if you are careful, however in bathrooms, tile and Clothiquehub.com vinyl stay the safer choices.

Is hardwood an option? Yes, though choose wisely. Dense species like hickory and white oak are more resistant, while matte finishes or textured surfaces disguise small scratches better than a shiny finish.

The first line of defence is the entrance. Use a sturdy outdoor mat plus a washable absorbent rug indoors every entrance. This combination traps the majority of the dirt and salt before it can scratch your flooring. Add a boot tray to make sure snowy boots don’t sit on the floor.

When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to the colour, the style and price. But what you put under the floor plays an equally important role. A good underlayment can make a big difference in how the floor feels, noise levels and protection against moisture, and it helps your new floor stay beautiful for years.

The number one selling point of luxury vinyl is that many products are waterproof. In contrast to solid hardwood, a well-made LVP does not swell or cup when exposed to moisture. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Toughness is one more major advantage. Most LVP products feature a tough top coating designed to resist scratches, marks and fading. Homes with dogs and cats appreciate how easy it is to maintain: regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are usually enough.

Tile remain a classic solution. Tiles are extremely water-resistant, long-lasting and offered in a huge variety of styles, including wood-look planks to marble and stone looks. Look for a slip-resistant finish for bathrooms, then consider radiant heating for winter comfort.

Winter in Canada is beautiful, however winter is tough on floors. Snow, road salt, gravel and dry heated air will wear out even the best floors if left unchecked. With a few simple habits, you can protect your flooring looking great through the winter.

The first thing to do is to think about how each room is used. A busy entryway needs a durable, easy-care surface, whereas a bedroom may focus more on comfort and warmth. Kitchens work best with water-resistant products like LVP or tile.

Warmth and comfort is also important, particularly in Canadian winters. Luxury vinyl feels warmer and softer under your feet than ceramic tile, and most planks come with a built-in underlay that adds extra comfort.

Over the past few years, LVP has grown into one of the best-selling types of flooring for Canadian homeowners. There are good reasons for that: it delivers a beautiful wood look, it handles water, and it fits a wide range of budgets.

Seasonal change has a major role. Traditional solid wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, so it performs best once it has acclimatized and a stable indoor environment. Engineered hardwood provides the beauty of real wood but with greater stability, which makes it a smart option across the country.

Humidity is critical. When the furnace is running, indoor air often becomes extremely dry, causing natural wood to shrink and cracks to appear. Using a humidifier keeping indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent benefits your floors as well as your comfort.

One of its main jobs is to provide sound reduction. Laminate and click vinyl often sound loud if installed directly on the subfloor. A quality underlayment dampens footstep noise, which is especially important in multi-storey homes where building rules may demand a minimum IIC or STC rating.

Budget remains a major consideration. Today’s laminate provides a natural-looking finish at an affordable cost, and vinyl brings together affordability and outstanding water resistance. Keep in mind to budget for the underlay, transitions, and professional installation when comparing prices.

Quality laminate is another strong option. The hard melamine surface stays very resistant to scuffs and scratches, sometimes even more than other floors. Select laminates with an AC4 or AC5 rating as well as water-resistant edges for busy homes.