Frequently asked questions

1

What are your tips for a wooden floor in the bathroom?

Bathroom spaces are characterized by a high presence of humidity and water. A hardwood floor, on the other hand, must be protected from excess humidity and splashes.

This is why a hardwood floor can only be installed under certain conditions and with certain precautions in a bathroom. Pre-oiled or engineered floors will be preferred for these spaces.

2

Which floor covering should you choose for underfloor heating?

Several floor coverings can be installed over a heated floor. Ceramic tiles are definitely the most frequently installed because of their cold surface. We can, among other things, also install vinyl and engineered wood coverings.

3

How to install underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is installed in different ways. The important point is essentially the uniform spacing between the wires. The latter will allow for constant heat and long-term performance of the underfloor heating. As for its installation, it can be installed using templates sold by manufacturers, or from a membrane base that ensures uniform distance between the wires but also in many cases a separation of the surface of the subfloor which could be slightly mobile. It will be mandatory, subsequently, to spread a layer of cement over the wires to protect them as well as to create a mass of heat.

4

Are varnishes still used for hardwood floors?

Hardwood floor varnishes are very varied. Several generations and characteristics differentiate them. There are also pre-oiled hardwood floors that have very interesting resistance characteristics for areas where objects will fall, scratches or heavy traffic will occur.

5

How to choose the right hardwood floor?

Choosing to install a hardwood floor is essentially like any other floor covering in a home. You must take into account the characteristics of colors, width of boards as well as the different visuals from one type of wood to another. You must also take into account the technical points characterizing it:

  • What is the surface where the flooring will be installed? Is it plywood, OSB, concrete or another covering?
  • What floor will the hardwood be installed on? Basement, ground floor or upstairs?
  • How important is traffic on occupant floors?
  • Will there be any risk of falling objects, water or humidity?
6

Does engineered wood yellow over time?

Engineered wood, like solid wood, can yellow over time. The factors that cause hardwood flooring to change color are the oxidation of the wood itself or the change in color of the varnish. Both are caused by exposure to sunlight and air, and/or certain contaminants.

7

Can you sand an engineered wood floor?

Engineered wood flooring can only be sanded deeply if it is installed nailed, stapled, or glued. In the case of a floating installation, it can only be sanded lightly and refinished on the surface.

8

What is the difference between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood?

Essentially, solid hardwood represents the original ancestral version of hardwood floors in Quebec. The installation options are nailed and stapled only. On the other hand, engineered hardwood is the new generation of hardwood floors. It allows a greater percentage of tree use, much better product stability and much larger board dimensions. It is installed nailed, stapled, glued, or floating.

9

When should you sand your hardwood floor?

A hardwood floor should be sanded when its surface reveals bare or damaged wood areas. This is also the case when a new look is desired. A change in color, gloss level or just to refresh an old yellowing varnish are common reasons for floor sanding. Finishes such as a new stain, varnish or oil protection protect the wood and ensure better durability.

10

How to repair a scratch on a hardwood floor?

A scratch as well as all types of breakage can be repaired on hardwood floors. It is possible to replace one or more boards most of the time. In the case of pre-oiled wood floors, local sanding and the addition of oil will usually be sufficient. For extreme breakages, deep sanding and refinishing may be necessary.

11

How to remove a stain from a quartz countertop?

Depending on the nature of the stain and the quality of the surface, there are different ways to restore a countertop. Using a specialized cleaner and/or sealer recommended by the manufacturer will usually be the first step. Polishing the surface may be necessary as a solution.

12

How to make black quartz shine?

Applying an appropriate sealer recommended by the manufacturer or polishing the surface are the usual ways to restore the shine of quartz, granite or marble.

13

How to lay ceramic tiles?

Installing ceramic tiles requires specific tools, adhesives, grouts and techniques. Expert advice is the first thing to consider. The quality of the ceramic tiles is obviously essential, but its installation will remain the most important to ensure their longevity.

14

What trowel should I use for ceramic?

There are several trowels available for installing ceramic tiles. The choice must be made according to the surface, the format of the tiles as well as the preference between a professional or occasional tool.

15

Is linoleum or vinyl still in style?

Vinyl rolls remain very popular in residential and commercial settings due to their wide variety of patterns and colors, strength, ease of maintenance, and high performance guarantees. Linoleum remains a biodegradable product. This is due to the fact that it is made from natural components such as linseed oil, wood flour, jute, and various color pigments.

16

What are the differences between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring?

Both vinyl and laminate floors can be installed floating. In addition, both are wear-resistant, easy to maintain and usually have long warranties. However, there are several points that differentiate vinyl and laminate floors. Resistance to humidity and water is the main difference between the two product groups. Depending on the qualities and their designs, precautions for maintenance and where to install them must be considered.

17

What are the differences between a floating floor and a laminate floor?

There is a common confusion in these popular terms used. For tradespeople, well-trained sales consultants and flooring professionals, a laminate floor is traditionally composed of compressed high density fiberboard (HDF) wood dust covered with a film (image) and an aluminum oxide wear layer. It is then cut into planks or tiles, factory-installed with a “click” anchor, and installed floating on an underlayment. New technologies are recently being added to the wood fibers to make the product more water resistant. A floating floor is a group of products that can be installed floating. Laminate is one such product, but so are vinyl rolls or modulars as well as engineered wood, cork and carpet.

18

How to install a floating floor?

A floating floor is simply laid on the subfloor. It will not be glued or anchored to the subfloor. It may or may not be laid on an underlayment. Click-type anchors often characterize this type of installation, but are not mandatory depending on the stability or design of the products.

19

What types of flooring do you recommend for a basement?

Recommended flooring for basement rooms must withstand higher levels of moisture than others. Vinyl, high-quality laminate flooring, engineered hardwood flooring and carpet are the most commonly used among the recommended choices.

20

What types of flooring do you recommend for pets?

The floor coverings recommended to resist pets vary depending on several points. The size of the animal is the main characteristic to pay attention to, but also the risks of urine on the floor and the maintenance of hair loss. The advice of a professional in a specialized store will be able to enlighten you for a wise choice.

21

What types of floor coverings do you recommend for an ecological and responsible environment?

Several flooring products have environmentally responsible characteristics. The most noble will leave fewer traces on our planet. This is true both in terms of its manufacturing, its components, the energy required for its manufacturing, transportation, decomposition time when it is discarded and its possibility of recycling. For each need, there are different products to consider. The advice of a professional in a specialized store will be able to enlighten you for a wise choice.

22

What are the advantages of tile carpet?

There are several advantages to tiled carpets. The product's durability, warmth underfoot, soundproofing, ease of transportation and installation, and ease of maintenance are the main positive points.