Consistency matters too. A mix of materials throughout the house can make a space feel disjointed. Installing one continuous floor across the main floor gives a sense of flow that looks great in listing photos.

LVP is widely considered the best choice for lower levels. Many vinyl products are water-resistant, so they won't swell or rot if humidity shows up. Rigid-core planks can also bridge small irregularities in the subfloor.

If you are planning to sell in the near future, or even if you just want to refresh your living space, new flooring is one of the best investments to consider. The floor take up almost every square foot in every room, so they create a huge impact on first impressions.

Vinyl plank and vinyl tile have become the most popular choice for both rooms. Waterproof cores guarantee that spills won't damage the floor as long as you clean them up. Vinyl stays warmer underfoot than tile, something much appreciated on cold Canadian mornings.

Its first role is sound reduction. Floating floors can sound loud without a good underlay. A good acoustic underlay absorbs that hollow sound, something that is especially important in multi-storey homes where condo boards may demand minimum sound ratings.

What about laminate in these rooms? Water-resistant laminate can be a good fit in kitchens, provided that water is cleaned up right away. Engineered hardwood may also be used in kitchens with care, but in bathrooms with a shower or tub, waterproof vinyl or tile remain the better options.

LVP is usually at the top of the list for busy homes. It is waterproof, so pet accidents are no big deal. A thick wear layer helps resist scratches from claws, while its softer feel is more comfortable for kids playing on the floor.

Tile remain a classic choice. Tile is virtually waterproof, long-lasting and comes in endless designs, including wood-look planks to concrete-style finishes. Select a textured or matte surface for bathrooms, then think about radiant heating for extra comfort.

When shopping, look closely at the thickness of the wear layer. A thicker veneer lets you refinish the floor in the future, adding to its lifespan. Also control humidity in a stable range with a humidifier in winter.

The kitchen and the bathroom are the most demanding spaces in any home. They deal with spills, steam, falling objects and frequent mopping. The floor you install in these spaces needs to be water-resistant, durable and low maintenance without sacrificing great design.

When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to the colour, style and the price per square foot. Yet what goes under the floor plays an equally important role. Quality underlay can make a big difference in how the floor feels, sound and moisture protection, and it helps your new floor last longer.

Underlayment also compensates for slight unevenness in the subfloor while provides a bit of comfort and insulation. Keep in mind, however, it is not a substitute for a flat subfloor: major unevenness must be fixed beforehand.

Real wood continues to be a feature buyers love. Engineered hardwood delivers the same natural look with greater stability for our climate. If you need to control costs, luxury vinyl plank will create an equally attractive wood look at a lower cost.

What you get is a floor that looks exactly like traditional wood while stays more stable through the seasons. Because it moves less, engineered hardwood is often suitable in rooms where solid hardwood is a risk, like below-grade rooms and on concrete.

Buyers notice floors right away. Dated carpet, scuffed floors or chipped tile give a message suggesting that the house requires repairs. In contrast, fresh, modern flooring helps make a property look clean and modern, and that often helps it sell faster.

Homes in Canada face dramatic seasonal swings every year. During winter, heating systems pull moisture from indoor air; in the warm months, moisture levels go up again. For wood flooring, these changes often leads to gapping, cupping and movement.

That is exactly where engineered hardwood stands out. Instead of being made from a solid plank, engineered wood is made of several layers: a genuine wood veneer glued over a stable core. This layered structure limits expansion and contraction.

Renovating a basement is a great way to add living space and comfort to your home. Yet below-grade spaces present special challenges: cold concrete, humidity plus colder floors. The wrong floor often causes mildew, buckling and wasted money.

Laminate is another strong option. Its hard melamine surface is very resistant to claw marks, sometimes even more than other floors. Look for a laminate with a high abrasion rating and good moisture protection for families with pets.

Ceramic and porcelain tile is extremely durable, though it tends to feel chilly if you do not you add radiant floor heating. Carpet, meanwhile, feels warm but can trap moisture, so carpet tiles are usually a better solution.