Its first role is to provide noise control. Floors that are not glued down can sound noisy if installed directly on the subfloor. The right underlay dampens that hollow sound, something that is essential in apartments and condos where strata rules often demand a minimum IIC or STC rating.

Canadian winters can be picturesque, however it is hard on flooring. Snow, road salt, gravel and dry heated air will wear out your floors over time. With a few simple habits, you can protect your floors in top shape all season long.

A good underlay can also hides slight unevenness in the subfloor and provides a little softness underfoot. Remember, however, it cannot replace levelling the subfloor: big height differences should be corrected first.

Real hardwood is a timeless option. It adds authentic grain that is hard to copy, and it is often refinished many times during its lifespan. Being able to refinish it means a hardwood floor will last for generations. It also boosts the value of a home across Canada.

If your old floor has suffered through past winters, it could be the right moment for something more durable. Discover flooring that can handle winter at canadafloorsdepot.com and get ready for the next snowfall.

Today's laminate flooring has improved a lot. Good laminate feature high-definition images and textures that follow the grain that look surprisingly close to real wood. The protective surface keeps it resistant to scratches, and it is priced lower. Several collections now include water-resistant cores.

Porcelain tile remain a timeless choice. Tile is virtually waterproof, very durable and available in endless patterns, including wood-effect tiles to concrete-style finishes. Choose tiles with good slip resistance in bathrooms, then consider heated floors for winter comfort.

Moisture levels is also very important. When the furnace is running, the air in your home gets very dry, which causes hardwood to shrink and cracks to form. A whole-house humidifier that keeps indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent helps protect your floors and your health.

Start at the door. Use a sturdy outdoor mat plus an absorbent mat inside the main entrances. Two mats catches the majority of the dirt and salt before it reaches your flooring. Set up a boot tray to make sure wet boots never sit directly on the floor.

When people shop for flooring, they tend to focus on the colour, the style and price. Yet what you put under the boards matters just as much. The right underlayment can make a big difference in how the floor feels, sound and protection against moisture, and it helps your flooring last longer.

Luxury vinyl plank is usually the first recommendation for busy homes. It is waterproof or highly water-resistant, meaning water bowls are no big deal. A strong wear layer will help reduce scratches from claws, while its softer feel is quieter for kids playing on the floor.

Luxury vinyl are now a top choice for Digitalgrowthkit.com both rooms. Fully waterproof constructions guarantee that standing water cannot harm your investment as long as you clean them up. Vinyl is also more comfortable under bare feet than ceramic, which is much appreciated in the cold season.

Whatever material you choose, pay attention to the details: sealing around fixtures, good thresholds and a flat, dry subfloor. Those small details make all the difference in how long your floor will last.

Salt residue leaves white marks that can dull the protective layer of hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Remove salty puddles promptly using a damp microfibre mop together with a floor-specific cleaner. Never use soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.

If you share your home with dogs, cats or young children, you have probably learned how quickly floors suffer. Paws, toys, spills and wet paws quickly stain a poorly chosen floor in a few months. Luckily: current floor options are built to stand up to busy family life.

Turning a basement into living space is a great way to increase the usable space and value in your house. However below-grade spaces bring special challenges: cold concrete, humidity and colder floors. The wrong floor often causes mold, swelling and expensive replacements.

And what about laminate in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate can work well in kitchens, if water is cleaned up right away. Wood can also work in kitchens with care, but in bathrooms, waterproof vinyl or tile remain the better options.

The kitchen and the bathroom rank among the busiest rooms in the house. They get spills, moisture, falling objects and daily cleaning. Your flooring choice here has to be moisture-resistant, tough and low maintenance without sacrificing style.

First of all, evaluate for moisture in the slab. A simple test like taping a square of plastic onto the slab for a day or two will indicate any moisture problem. Fix any leaks before you install new flooring.

Is hardwood an option? It is possible, though make careful choices. Harder species such as hickory, maple and oak are more resistant, and matte finishes or natural grain patterns camouflage small scratches far better than glossy floors.