Hardwood vs Laminate: Which One Should You Choose in Canada?

One important note: many flooring products come with a pre-attached pad. When that is the case, doubling up could lead to movement and affect the warranty. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

One of its main jobs is noise control. Floating floors can sound loud without proper underlayment. The right underlay reduces that hollow sound, which is especially useful in apartments and condos in which building rules frequently set a minimum IIC or STC rating.

If you are shopping for LVP for your next project, make sure to compare collections and see samples in person. You will find many styles on this Canadian flooring retailer before making your final choice.

Real wood is one of the features buyers ask for most. Engineered wood gives you the same appeal and better stability across the seasons. If you need to control costs, LVP or laminate will deliver an equally attractive finish at a lower cost.

Kitchens and washrooms count as the most demanding spaces in any home. They get water, humidity, dropped dishes and daily cleaning. The floor you install in these spaces must stay waterproof, durable and low maintenance without sacrificing style.

If you are choosing wood flooring, two products usually come up first: laminate and real hardwood. Both can look beautiful, yet they are very different when it comes to cost, performance and maintenance.

When shopping for new floors, most of the attention goes to the colour, the style and price. However what goes under your planks is just as important. Quality underlay can improve comfort, noise levels and protection against moisture, and it helps your new floor perform better.

Continuity is also important. A mix of materials from room to room often makes a space look disjointed. Using a single floor in open-concept spaces creates a more spacious look that looks great in listing photos.

Ultimately, which floor makes sense? When the real thing and the ability to refinish are what you want, consider engineered or solid hardwood. When budget, scratch resistance and simple care come first, laminate makes a lot of sense.

Real hardwood is the classic choice. It offers warmth that no imitation fully matches, and it may be sanded and refinished many times during its lifespan. That ability means a hardwood floor to last a very long time. Hardwood also adds buyer appeal across Canada.

Durability is also a major advantage. Most vinyl planks feature a protective wear layer designed to resist everyday wear, stains and discoloration. Families with kids and pets love the low maintenance: a quick sweep and a light mop keep it looking new.

If you are thinking of selling soon, or even if you simply want to enjoy your home more, replacing old flooring is one of the most effective upgrades to consider. Floors take up almost every square foot in every room, so they have a major impact on the overall look.

Whatever floor you go with, don’t overlook the details: caulking around the tub and toilet, good thresholds and solid subfloor preparation. These details make a huge difference for how long the floor stays beautiful.

Laminate has improved significantly. High-quality laminate feature realistic printed designs and textures that follow the grain that look remarkably close to real wood. Its wear layer keeps it resistant to daily wear, and it costs at a fraction of the cost of hardwood. A growing number of newer products now include improved water resistance.

The number one selling point of LVP is its water resistance. Compared with traditional laminate, good vinyl flooring does not swell or cup when exposed to spills. It is therefore a perfect fit for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Comfort underfoot also matters, particularly in Canadian winters. Vinyl tends to feel softer and quieter under your feet compared to porcelain or stone, and several products offer a built-in underlay for better sound absorption.

Can you use wood in a kitchen or bathroom? Some modern laminates can work well for kitchens, if water is cleaned up right away. Wood can also work in a kitchen with caution, however in bathrooms with a shower or tub, vinyl or tile stay the better options.

Porcelain and ceramic tile remain a proven choice. Tiles are nearly impervious to water, very durable and available in countless styles, including wood-look planks and marble and stone looks. Select a textured or matte surface for bathrooms, and consider heated floors to keep tile warm.

What about hardwood? Absolutely, though make careful choices. Harder woods like oak, maple or hickory resist dents better, while matte finishes and natural grain patterns hide small scratches better than glossy floors.

High-quality laminate makes a strong option. The protective top layer is very resistant to scratches, sometimes more than other floors. Look for beginners products with an AC4 or AC5 rating as well as water-resistant edges for busy homes.

The right underlay also hides minor imperfections in the base while adds a bit of comfort and insulation. Keep in mind, though, that is not a substitute for levelling the subfloor: big height differences need to be levelled first.