Whatever material you choose, pay attention to the details: sealed edges, clean transitions between rooms and a well-prepared subfloor. Those small details make a huge difference for how long your floor D31nzass86ys2m.cloudfront.net will last.

If you are choosing a wood-look floor, two products almost always come up first: laminate flooring and hardwood. Both can look beautiful, but they have important differences when it comes to cost, performance and maintenance.

Indoor humidity also matters and is very important. In winter, the air in your home often becomes extremely dry, which causes hardwood to contract and gaps to open. A whole-house humidifier that keeps humidity at a stable level protects your wood floors as well as your comfort.

Vinyl plank flooring is usually at the top of the list for pet owners. It is waterproof or highly water-resistant, meaning spilled drinks are simple to handle. A strong wear layer will help prevent scuffs, and the cushioned feel feels quieter than tile.

Winter in Canada are beautiful, yet they are rough on your floors. Slush, road salt, sand and dry heated air can all dull your flooring if left unchecked. With some simple precautions, you can keep your flooring beautiful through the winter.

In the end, which one should you choose? If long-term value and the ability to refinish matter most, go with real wood. When cost, scratch resistance and low upkeep top your list, laminate is hard to beat.

The kitchen and the bathroom are the most demanding spaces in a household. They see splashes, steam, heavy foot traffic and constant cleaning. The floor you install in these spaces must be moisture-resistant, tough and simple to maintain without sacrificing style.

High-quality laminate is also a strong option. The hard melamine surface stays very resistant to scratches, often even more than vinyl. Look for a laminate with a high AC rating and water-resistant edges for busy homes.

Everything starts at the entrance. Put a heavy-duty mat outside plus an absorbent mat inside every entrance. Two mats catches the majority of the salt and grit before it reaches your floors. Set up a waterproof tray to make sure dripping shoes never sit on your flooring.

And what about laminate in these rooms? Newer water-resistant laminates are a valid option in kitchens, if spills are wiped up right away. Wood may also work in kitchens with caution, however in full bathrooms, waterproof vinyl or tile stay the safer choices.

If you are thinking of selling in the near future, or you simply want to make your home more comfortable, new flooring is easily one of the best upgrades available. Your floors take up most of the visible space in every room, which means they create a major impact on how buyers feel.

Today's laminate flooring has evolved dramatically. High-quality laminate products use detailed photographic layers and embossed textures that look very close to real wood. The wear layer keeps it highly resistant to scratches, and it comes in at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. Several laminates also offer improved water resistance.

If you live with little ones and four-legged friends, you already know that floors take a beating. Paws, toys, spills and muddy boots will scratch a delicate surface in a few months. Fortunately: modern floor options are built to survive real life.

Real hardwood remains the traditional favourite. It offers authentic grain that is hard to copy, and it is often refinished more than once over its life. Being able to refinish it means a hardwood floor to last a very long time. It usually boosts the value of a home in most cities.

Can you still have hardwood? Absolutely, though choose wisely. Harder woods such as hickory, maple and oak resist dents better, while low-sheen finishes and textured surfaces hide minor marks better than a shiny finish.

Engineered wood is another option for those who want natural wood. Thanks to its layered construction, it handles moisture swings much better than solid hardwood, and solid wood should generally be avoided in basements. Always use an appropriate underlay for long-term performance.

Before anything else, check the humidity in your basement. A basic moisture test such as taping a square of plastic to the floor for a day or two can show any moisture problem. Solve drainage issues before installing new flooring.

Renovating a basement is an excellent way to add living space and value to your home. But basements present unique challenges: cold concrete, humidity plus chilly surfaces. The wrong floor may result in mildew, swelling and expensive replacements.

Tile are still a classic choice. It is virtually waterproof, very durable and available in a huge variety of designs, including wood-look planks and marble and stone looks. Look for a textured or matte surface for bathrooms, and add radiant heating for winter comfort.

Ceramic and porcelain tile stays virtually waterproof, though it can feel cold if you do not you add a heated floor system. Carpet, meanwhile, adds comfort yet can trap moisture, so rugs over a hard floor are often a better solution.