November 21, 2024
Winter in Edmonton is more than just snow and ice—it’s a way of life. As the temperature drops, your flooring plays a bigger role than you might think. It affects not just the aesthetics of your space but also the warmth and comfort of your home.
When you need to choose between hardwood and vinyl flooring for Edmonton winters requires careful thought. Hardwood offers timeless beauty however, vinyl is known for its durability and practicality.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of both hardwood and vinyl flooring. As an expert flooring contractor in Edmonton, we will discuss how each performs during winter months.
Hardwood flooring is known for its luxury and timeless charm made from real wood like oak, maple, or walnut, it adds warmth and sophistication to any room.
Homes with hardwood floors often have a cozy, inviting feel making this flooring ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
However, hardwood can be tricky in winter. The dry air indoors may cause the wood to shrink creating small gaps between the boards. Snow and slush dragged in from outside can also damage the surface if not cleaned up quickly.
Hardwood is beautiful, but it needs regular care. It’s stunning but it doesn’t take well to neglect.
Vinyl flooring, particularly luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile (LVT) offers a practical solution for winter conditions. It’s designed to mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone but without high maintenance.
Vinyl is water-resistant, scratch-proof, and highly durable making it ideal for homes that see heavy foot traffic and wet boots during winter.
With vinyl, there are no worries about water damage or shrinking planks—it simply handles whatever winter throws at it. And let’s face it: after shoveling snow, the last thing you want is a floor that demands constant care.
Therefore, as a flooring contractor in Edmonton, we suggest you get a thorough understanding of each floor type before making a decision.
Hardwood flooring can transform any room adding warmth and charm. However, it doesn’t always play nice with Edmonton’s winter weather. Dry air can cause wood planks to shrink, leaving gaps between boards.
On the other hand, vinyl flooring thrives in winter. It doesn’t shrink or swell even when the temperature drops and heaters crank up. Its water-resistant properties make it perfect for entryways and mudrooms where snow and slush can pile up.
Unlike hardwood, vinyl can handle whatever winter throws your way with minimal fuss. It’s also resistant to scratches and keeps things looking fresh.
Hardwood has a warm and natural feel that’s hard to beat. It retains heat fairly well, making it a comfortable choice for bedrooms and living areas during winter. However, hardwood isn’t always cozy enough on its own—especially on those frosty Edmonton mornings.
You might need to throw down a few rugs to add extra insulation and keep your toes happy. However, vinyl flooring may not feel as warm as hardwood by itself but it pairs beautifully with radiant heating systems.
Since it doesn’t shrink or crack under changing temperatures, vinyl makes an excellent choice if you want heated floors throughout your home.
Maintaining hardwood in the winter can feel a bit like a second job. You’ll need to place mats by entryways to catch snow and grit. Also, running a humidifier is almost a must to prevent the wood from drying out.
Spills need to be wiped up quickly to avoid water stains and regular sweeping is necessary to keep scratches at bay. That said if you’re up for the challenge, the payoff is worth it.
Vinyl, on the other hand, takes a “no-stress” approach to winter. Snow, mud, and water? No problem. Vinyl’s waterproof nature means you won’t be left scrubbing out stains or worrying about warping.
Just grab a mop, wipe up the mess, and you’re good to go. Vinyl is also scratch-resistant so it can handle the wear and tear of boots, pets, and kids running around.
In short, if hardwood is like a high-maintenance pet, vinyl is the houseplant of flooring. Just the right amount of attention, and it thrives. So as an expert flooring contractor in Edmonton, we would recommend you get a floor based on your preferences and needs.
At Renovation King General Contractors, we specialize in transforming homes with high-quality renovations including expert flooring installations. Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen or renovating a full home, our team brings craftsmanship and expertise to every project.
Contact us today to discuss your next renovation! Visit www.renokingcontractors.ca for more information.
