The main benefit of LVP is that many products are waterproof. Unlike solid hardwood, a well-made LVP won’t warp because of spills. That makes it an ideal option for basements, laundry rooms and entryways.
The first line of defence is the entrance. Put a heavy-duty mat outside plus a soft absorbent mat inside the main entrances. Two mats stops much of the snow and grit before it gets to your floors. Add a boot tray to make sure dripping shoes aren’t left on the floor.
Kitchens and washrooms are the busiest rooms in the house. They get spills, steam, heavy foot traffic and frequent mopping. The floor you install in these spaces must stay waterproof, durable and easy to clean while still offering style.
This is where engineered wood stands out. Rather than being made from a single solid piece of wood, engineered flooring is built from several layers: a genuine wood veneer glued over a stable core. That construction limits seasonal movement.
Turning a basement into living space is a great way to increase the usable space and value in your house. But basements present special challenges: concrete slabs, humidity and lower temperatures. Choosing the wrong flooring often causes mildew, warping and expensive replacements.
De-icing salt leaves white marks which may damage the protective layer of most floors. Remove salt marks quickly with a damp microfibre mop together with a cleaner made for your type of floor. Stay away from soaking the floor on wood and laminate.
Laying it is also more versatile. Based on the product, planks can be installed as a floating floor, glued down and also nailed. This versatility helps make it a go directly to Humpaki-to option for installers and DIYers across the country.
LVP is usually the go-to floor for lower levels. Many vinyl products are completely water-resistant, meaning they will not be damaged if a small leak shows up. SPC and WPC vinyl can also tolerate small irregularities in the subfloor.
Before buying, pay attention to the veneer thickness. A heavier top layer allows sand it down the road, adding to the life of your floor. Remember to keep indoor humidity at a steady level with a humidifier in winter.
The result is a floor with the look just like solid hardwood while behaves better through the seasons. Because it moves less, engineered wood can often be installed in areas in which solid wood would struggle, like basements and on concrete.
Durability is one more reason to choose it. Many LVP products include a wear layer on top that protects against scuffs and scratches, stains and fading. Busy households love how little care it needs: a quick sweep and occasional damp mopping are all it takes.
The cold season in Canada can be beautiful, however it is rough on your floors. Melting snow, de-icing salt, grit and dry heated air can damage your flooring if you are not careful. With a few simple habits, you can keep your flooring in top shape through the winter.
Engineered wood can also work when you prefer natural wood. Thanks to its layered construction, it tolerates humidity changes better than solid hardwood, which should generally be avoided on concrete. Install it with an appropriate underlay for long-term performance.
Ceramic and porcelain tile is virtually waterproof, though it tends to feel cold if you do not combine it with radiant floor heating. Wall-to-wall carpet, meanwhile, is cozy yet can absorb humidity, so rugs over a hard floor tend to be a better solution.
If you are shopping for LVP for your home, it is worth taking time to compare thicknesses and see samples in person. You can browse a great selection at canadafloorsdepot.com and find the right floor for your space.
Indoor humidity is critical. In winter, the air in your home gets too dry, leading to wood floors to shrink and small gaps to open. A humidifier that keeps indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent protects your floors and your health.
Houses across Canada face big seasonal swings from season to season. In the cold months, furnaces dehydrate indoor air; during summer, humidity rise sharply. For wood floors, that constant movement may cause gaps, warping and squeaks.
Before anything else, check for moisture in the slab. A simple test such as taping a square of plastic onto the slab for 24 to 48 hours can show if moisture is rising. Address water problems prior to installing anything.
Buyers notice floors right away. Worn carpet, damaged wood floors or chipped tile give a signal that the home needs work. On the other hand, new, consistent flooring makes a home feel move-in ready, and that often helps attract more buyers.
Hardwood is one of the most requested features buyers ask for most. Engineered hardwood offers the same natural look with greater stability across the seasons. For a smaller budget, luxury vinyl plank is able to create an equally attractive wood look at a fraction of the price.
A cohesive look matters too. Too many different floors from room to room often makes a space appear choppy. Using a single floor across the main floor produces a more spacious look that feels more modern.
How to Choose the Best Floor for Kitchens and Bathrooms