Get a Quote
Get a Quote
A young lady picking out a laminate flooring sample

Floor Advice

Frequently Asked Flooring Questions

Discover industry-leading tips and advice on choosing the flooring for your home. Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see what’s on your mind, get in touch with our team!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my hardwood gap?

  • When the temperature or humidity in a room changes, the wood planks of hardwood flooring expand and contract creating gaps at the seams. Areas of your home closest to water and humidity, particularly bathrooms and kitchens, are most prone to this gapping.

Do I need a humidifier for new flooring?

  • To prolong the life of solid hardwood floors, you should maintain 30-50% humidity in your home at all times. With Calgary’s dry climate a humidifier is likely necessary. However, other materials, including tile and luxury vinyl are more resistant to moisture and don’t require a humidifier.

What is floor prep and why is it important?

  • Floor prep is the process of preparing your floors for new flooring to ensure that it lays flat, stays bonded and looks great after installation. It can include making sure current floors are clean, level, free of adhesives and checking the humidity in your home.

What is the best flooring for me?

  • The best flooring for you will depend on several factors such as moisture level, durability and ease of maintenance. Once you’ve considered what your needs are, you can then choose the flooring material that suits your style and preferences.

Does grout stain? Why?

  • Yes, grout is prone to staining, especially in high traffic areas of your home like a tiled entry or mudroom. This is because, over time, the seal on the grout wears away, allowing moisture to seep through.

What’s the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl plank and tile (LVP/LVT)?

  • While laminate flooring is similar to luxury vinyl in its look and installation method, the primary difference is that laminate is made from wood products and bonded with resins. Laminate is therefore not ideal for heavy use water areas, such as bathrooms (with bathtubs, showers, etc), whereas the more durable luxury vinyl is.

Can I install my new flooring myself?

  • Some flooring materials like laminate and luxury vinyl have fairly easy installation methods and are better choices than hardwood, tile, carpet or sheet vinyl if you’re looking to do it yourself. However, a DIY project will probably take longer than hiring installers.

How do I clean and maintain my new flooring?

  • Proper maintenance for your new floors will depend on the material you have selected. Preventing damage to flooring is easy if you’re willing to stick to a regular cleaning schedule and invest in a few protective items like mats, area rugs and furniture pads.