In the end, which floor should you choose? If long-term value plus the ability to refinish are what you want, go with hardwood. If budget, scratch resistance and easy maintenance top your list, quality laminate makes a lot of sense.
Laminate has come a long way significantly. Premium laminate feature realistic printed designs and textured surfaces that feel surprisingly close to real wood. Its tough top layer makes it resistant to daily wear, and it comes in at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Several newer products also offer better moisture protection.
Luxury vinyl plank is widely considered the top option for lower levels. Several LVP collections are fully waterproof, so they won't be damaged when moisture happens. Rigid core vinyl can also bridge slight unevenness in the slab.
Hardwood is one of the most requested features buyers ask for most. Engineered hardwood offers the same natural look with greater stability in Canadian conditions. If your budget is tighter, quality laminate can create a comparable modern look at a fraction of the price.
Luxury vinyl plank and tile have quickly become the most popular choice for both rooms. Water-resistant cores mean that splashes won't damage the planks when wiped up quickly. LVP stays warmer under bare feet than tile, something much appreciated during winter.
When you are deciding on a wood-look floor, two products usually lead the conversation: laminate and real hardwood. Each of them are stunning, but they have important differences in price, durability and maintenance.
The kitchen and the bathroom are the busiest rooms in a household. They see splashes, moisture, falling objects and constant cleaning. Your flooring choice in these spaces must be water-resistant, hard-wearing and low maintenance while still offering style.
And what about wood in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate can work well in kitchens, provided that water is cleaned up quickly. Wood may also work in a kitchen with caution, but in bathrooms, waterproof vinyl or tile remain the safer choices.
Vinyl plank flooring is usually the first recommendation for pet owners. It is waterproof, meaning spilled drinks are no big deal. A durable top layer helps resist scratches, and the softer surface is quieter for running feet and paws.
The main benefit of LVP is its water resistance. Unlike natural wood, good vinyl flooring does not swell or cup when exposed to moisture. That makes it an excellent choice for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Quality laminate makes a good contender. Its protective top layer is very resistant to claw marks, in many cases even more than other floors. Choose laminates with a high abrasion rating as well as water-resistant features for families with pets.
Hardwood remains the traditional favourite. It adds authentic grain that no imitation fully matches, and it may be sanded and refinished many times during its lifespan. Being able to refinish it allows a hardwood floor can last for generations. Hardwood also boosts resale value in most cities.
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Worn carpet, scuffed floors or mismatched flooring create a message suggesting that the property has been neglected. On the other hand, new, consistent flooring can make a property look bright and well-maintained, and that can help it sell faster.
If you live with pets and kids, you have probably learned how quickly floors suffer. Paws, toys, accidents and snow and slush can scratch the wrong floor in no time. Fortunately: current flooring products are made to stand up to real life.
Porcelain and ceramic tile remain a proven choice. Tile is nearly impervious to water, scratch-resistant and available in endless designs, from wood-look planks to marble and stone looks. Choose tiles with good slip resistance for bathrooms, then consider radiant heating for winter comfort.
If you are planning to sell in the near future, or even if you are looking to enjoy your home more, replacing old flooring is one of the best upgrades you can make. The floor cover most of the visible space of a house, which means they have a major impact on first impressions.
First of all, test the moisture level of the concrete. A simple test such as taping a square of plastic to the floor for 24 to 48 hours can reveal any moisture problem. Fix drainage issues before you install any floor.
What about hardwood? It is possible, though be selective. Dense species such as hickory, maple and oak are more resistant, while wire-brushed textures and natural grain patterns disguise everyday wear better than glossy floors.
Porcelain tile remains very water-resistant, although it tends to feel chilly if you do not you add in-floor heating. Carpet, on the other hand, is cozy yet can absorb humidity, so carpet tiles tend to be a more practical choice.
Renovating a basement is one of the best ways to gain extra square footage and value in your house. However lower levels bring unique challenges: concrete slabs, moisture and lower temperatures. Choosing the wrong flooring may result in mildew, buckling and costly repairs.