One of its main jobs is to provide sound reduction. Laminate and click vinyl may sound hollow without a good underlay. A good acoustic underlay dampens impact sound, which is especially useful in apartments and condos where strata rules frequently demand a minimum IIC or STC rating.

When your household includes little ones and four-legged friends, you have probably learned that floors suffer. Paws, toys, accidents and snow and slush can wear down the wrong floor faster than you think. Fortunately: current floor products are designed to stand up to real life.

The Canadian climate has an important role. Natural hardwood moves as humidity rises and falls, which means it is best installed with proper acclimatization and a stable indoor environment. Engineered wood gives you the same natural look with improved stability, making it a favourite across the country.

Everything starts at the entrance. Put a rough outdoor mat and an absorbent mat inside each door. This combination traps most of the salt and grit before it reaches your flooring. Use a boot tray to make sure snowy boots don't sit on your flooring.

Laminate is another good contender. The protective top layer is very resistant to claw marks, sometimes even more than vinyl. Look for products with an AC4 or AC5 rating plus good moisture protection for families with pets.

Important: many vinyl and laminate products already have a built-in underlay. If so, adding another underlay could create problems and cancel your warranty. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Canadian winters can be beautiful, but winter is rough on your floors. Melting snow, calcium chloride, sand and dry indoor air will wear out your floors if left unchecked. With a few simple habits, you can keep your flooring in top shape until spring.

If you are planning to sell in the near future, or even if you simply want to enjoy your home more, new flooring is one of the best renovations to consider. Your floors take up most of the visible space of a house, which means they have a major impact on the overall look.

When shopping for new floors, they usually focus on colour, the style and the price per square foot. However what lies beneath the floor is just as important. A good underlayment can improve comfort, sound and moisture protection, while it helps your flooring perform better.

Buyers notice floors immediately. Dated carpet, scratched hardwood or cracked tile send the impression that the property has been neglected. On the other hand, new, consistent flooring makes a house look bright and well-maintained, and that may help it sell faster.

De-icing salt often leaves a hazy residue that can etch the protective layer of most floors. Remove residue promptly with a soft mop and a cleaner made for your type of floor. Avoid excess water on hardwood and laminate.

A good underlay can also smooths out slight unevenness in the subfloor and adds a little cushioning and warmth. Keep in mind, though, it does not replace proper subfloor preparation: major unevenness must be corrected first.

Last but not least, be sure to bring samples home in the actual room. Colours can look very different in natural light. For professional guidance and a large selection of quality flooring products, visit quality flooring in Canada before you make your final decision.

Is hardwood an option? It is possible, though choose wisely. Harder species like oak, maple or hickory hold up better, while low-sheen finishes or textured surfaces hide everyday wear far better than glossy floors.

The first step is to think about how each room is used. A busy entryway calls for something tough and easy to clean, whereas a master bedroom may focus more on comfort and warmth. Wet areas work best with moisture-resistant materials such as luxury vinyl plank or porcelain tile.

Selecting the right floor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a renovation. Here in Canada, the decision is especially important because our interiors have to survive long winters, warm and humid summers, melting snow and de-icing salt brought in from outside.

Budget is another key factor. Today's laminate delivers convincing wood visuals for less money, and vinyl blends affordability and great water resistance. Keep in mind to budget for underlayment, transitions, and installation in your estimate.

Indoor humidity is also very important. When the furnace is running, the air in your home often becomes extremely dry, causing hardwood to contract and small gaps to appear. A whole-house humidifier that keeps humidity around 35 to 50 percent protects your floors as well as your comfort.

Laminate has come a long way dramatically. High-quality laminate products use detailed photographic layers and embossed textures that appear surprisingly close to Nuvidatv.org real wood. Its protective surface makes it very resistant to scratches, and it costs less. Many newer products now include improved water resistance.