When is the Best Time to Install Hardwood Floors?

There are a lot of factors you need to consider before starting a renovation project, including your budget, materials, layouts and installation. Most homeowners are aware of these steps; however, when it comes to hardwood floors, there is one other factor you must consider before the installation process and that is the season during which you plan on completing your renovations.

The reason this aspect is important is because seasonal temperatures can affect the results of your new floors. If you’re planning on installing new hardwood flooring, fall is the best time and here are the reasons why:

Too much moisture during spring and summer

Hardwood floors can be installed any time and doing it in the fall is not mandatory, although the cooler temperatures this season provides make it the ideal time for hardwood flooring installation. This is especially true if you live in a humid climate because wood absorbs moisture as it is highly porous. So, if you complete your installation in the summer or spring, you run the risk of your floors becoming vulnerable to distortion because of the high humidity levels. Fall, on the other hand, is cool and crisp and this type of weather will result in less exposure to moisture, which is why it is ideal.

Homes lose moisture during the winter

Heating units result in a drying effect as well as lower moisture levels, and for these reasons, winter is not the best time to complete your hardwood flooring installation. One problem you may encounter is your floor absorbing moisture during the installation process, after which it can dry up during the winter causing your swollen floorboards to pull apart. This type of damage is often referred to as a cupping effect and is common whenever the installation takes place during the winter, so be mindful of this aspect. Installing your new flooring during fall will not only minimize this cupping effect but will decrease the risk of your floors absorbing unnecessary moisture as well. Additionally, the dry air coming from your heaters will not affect your wooden planks, so that’s another thing you won’t have to worry about if your renovations are done during the fall.

Adhesives require specific temperatures you will only get in the fall

Adhesives are often part of the installation process and in order for them to be effective, the temperature must be within a certain range. Your air conditioner will most likely put your home outside of that range in the summer and the cooler temperatures might prevent the drying and bonding of your floors in the winter.

Touchtone Canada can help with all of your home renovation needs, and we can install hardwood floors during any season, as long as the humidity and temperature levels in your home are adequate; contact us to learn about the proper humidity temperature levels you will need before your hardwood floor installation. We specialize in residential and commercial flooring as well as interior design, so if you are in the Edmonton area and want to add beauty to your home, give us a call now!

Three Essential Maintenance Tips To Preserve Your Floors Over The Holiday Season

The holidays are almost here, and along with festive cheer comes and increased foot traffic on your home’s floors! Whether you’re inviting a few close friends or your entire family along with the in-laws, you’ll want to keep your stunning floors protected and preserved all season long. 

Although you can’t completely stop your flooring from bearing all the holiday mess during your festive celebrations, you can certainly safeguard the floors in preparation! With Touchtone Flooring Canada’s three essential maintenance tips to preserve your floors this season from winter elements; you can be merry and stress-free!

1. Clean Floors Regularly

It’s a given that you’ll be giving a thorough scrub, dust and vacuuming to your flooring in anticipation of your holiday gathering. However, the cleaning certainly can’t halt there and you’ll need to keep those cleaning solutions in close proximity. As celebratory drinks and foods are shared, it’s inevitable that spills will happen. Catching a spill when it happens and cleaning it promptly will reduce the likelihood of a stain. Any spills onto a hardwood floor or carpet surface can be removed by blotting with an effective cleaning solution until the moisture has been removed. 

Unfortunately, with lovely winter snow, there’s also grit, grime, salt and ice! These are all winter elements that can damage your flooring if they’re not removed. If you have hardwood or laminate flooring, purchase a floor cleaner to prevent salt build-up and mop at least twice weekly.

2. Protect Against Tree Needles

Real Christmas trees can enhance and complete any home, however, they require proper upkeep to stay alive all season long. Christmas tree maintenance does not exclusively apply to the tree itself, but your floors as well. Tree needles can scratch your gorgeous hardwood floors or get stuck in your carpet’s fibres. Ensure you’re putting a plastic bag underneath the tree stand to catch needles and water. It’s important to protect your floors from the tree when you’re first bringing it into your home as well. Dragging it along your floor can scratch it terribly, so ensure you place a plastic tarp around the tree before bringing it into your home.

3. Watch Your Heating

As temperatures consistently dip on the outside, you may want to turn up your home’s thermostat for optimal coziness. As comfortable as this may make you, it could cost your hardwood floors significantly. High heat dries out hardwood floors and can cause floorboards to crack or shrink. To keep guests warm and utility bills low, run a humidifier to emit moisture in the air and provide warmth without damaging your floors.

Touchtone Flooring Canada is your first-rate flooring store in Edmonton for luxurious, durable flooring solutions to complete any home or commercial property. We carry only the highest-quality flooring products and service hundreds of Canadian homes and commercial businesses each year. We also offer our clients efficient and effective flooring installation to ensure a stress-free process!

Sound Barriers That Dampen Noise Between Floors

If you’re looking to tone down the noise between your floors, there are sound barriers that can help minimize the noise and help prevent them from travelling to the floor below or through the ceiling to the floor above. Here are a few options to consider if you’re having a problem with noise.

Installing underlayment is one option to think about. While the primary use of this is to provide a smooth and even surface for flooring installation, it can help act as a sound barrier as well. Underlayment refers to a soft layer, such as foam or cork, and is placed over the subfloor so that flooring can be installed on top. It is normally placed under carpet or laminate flooring. Underlayment can also refer to a hard, thin layer of cement or plywood. Both options will help with blocking out sound. It won’t eliminate the problem entirely but will definitely help.

If you choose to go with the most affordable option, it would be regular polyurethane foam which is very inexpensive but also the least effective so if you really want to tune out noise it may not be the best option. Acoustic foam, on the other hand, is far more effective, which is why it is more expensive. This is a sound absorbing material that can help silence the noise and prevent it from travelling from floor to floor.

Felt is another great option to consider and serves two purposes; it is effective and environmentally friendly. It’s double the cost of polyurethane foam, but you will notice a big difference when it comes to sound absorption, so if you can handle the price tag you will be noise free. A sheet of plywood can also be an option, although it’s not as effective as felt. It will help block some of the noise but not all of it. Despite this fact, it is still a popular wood underlayment option that is perfect for both laminate and hardwood flooring.

It’s not always easy to block out noise completely, which is why you can try combining a few different methods to see better results. You can try different kinds of underlayment or put in new solid doors to help reduce unwanted noise.

When it comes to home renovations and issues you want to improve within your home, Touchtone Canada is who you need to call. Whether you need carpet installation, commercial flooring or help with interior design, they can help. If you’re in the Edmonton area and want the best when it comes to renovations, contact Touchtone Canada today!

Is Laminate Flooring Suitable For Restaurants?

In short, the answer to this question is yes; laminate flooring is suitable for a restaurant. While that is a simple answer, there is much more to it if you want to ensure that laminate flooring is appropriate for your restaurant. There are many aspects to take into consideration and several steps that need to be applied in order for the flooring to be done right.

The first step is to choose a flooring company with experience. Experience means they are familiar with this type of flooring and know how to install it properly. Take the time to visit places that have laminate flooring so that you can see the results in a commercial setting and ask questions. Research will help you select a reputable company who can do the job right.

Next, you’ll want to assess your space to decide on the type of laminate flooring. There are a few options when it comes to laminate, so take the time to decide what type and design you are after. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you’ll need to figure out if the one you’ve chosen is suitable for a restaurant.

Laminate flooring has many benefits, including:

●        It mimics real wood so your restaurant will look beautiful with floors that are smooth and polished.

●        It is incredibly durable thanks to the materials it is made from. This makes it perfect for areas that see high foot traffic.

●        It has a layer of resin, making it very tough which is ideal in a restaurant setting because it will help prevent scratches and stains.

●        It is very easy to install, even on a commercial scale.

●        It comes in a large variety of colours so you have a lot of options when it comes to aesthetics.

●        It is an affordable option, especially when compared to other types of flooring.

●        It is very easy to clean, which makes it ideal for a restaurant.

While these are all great qualities you must also keep the following in mind:

●        Laminate flooring is more suitable in the restaurant and lounge area as opposed to the kitchen because water, heat and oils are everywhere in a restaurant kitchen and can destroy the flooring. While laminate is durable, it is not indestructible, so avoid installing it in a busy kitchen.

●        Consider the type of furniture you will be placing on the laminate floors as well as their weight. You want to make sure your flooring can support the furniture you have selected.

The right company will help you make the right decision so if you need guidance when it comes to commercial flooring, contact Touchtone Canada for all of your home renovation and interior design needs. Located in Edmonton, Touchtone Canada can help with your commercial and residential renovation projects.

Commercial Bathroom Flooring Guide

When choosing the flooring for a commercial bathroom, there are many aspects you will need to think about apart from pattern and color. Unlike personal bathrooms, commercial bathroom spaces are used by many different people. Designing a commercial bathroom and choosing the flooring has to be done carefully. The last thing you want is to send the wrong message with your aesthetics.

Choosing the right flooring

If you are looking for a stylish, highly customizable, and functional restroom flooring material, luxury vinyl flooring is a great option. With incredible design versatility, luxury vinyl flooring offers endless ways to style your bathroom floor. Vinyl is a perfect alternative to porcelain, ceramic, stone or marble and with its vast design options, it can easily complement most decor styles. With luxury vinyl, you can mix and match patterns and choose from a wide range of wood, tile, stone and other unique finishes that allow for ample scope of creativity.

Easy to clean

Bathroom floors are prone to spills and leaks. With a commercial bathroom, the risks multiply due to higher usage. As a result, it is extremely important to choose the flooring that offers ease and convenience of cleaning. Responsive to a simple weep and able to handle cleaners, Vinyl floors offer stress free cleaning and maintenance options. This is ideal for commercial bathroom spaces as presentation is crucial and opting for an easy to clean floor is a must.

Comfortable footing

Without the right flooring your commercial bathroom users may slip or face physical discomfort when using the space. Vinyl provides a comfortable and anti-skid surface so that occasional slips do not result in major accidents.

 Many bathroom designers choose a rougher surface to safeguard against slipping accidents. However, one issue with using rough surfaces is that maintaining the cleanliness is difficult. It is important to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. As a product that offers attached pad options, Vinyl flooring is a very comfortable option underneath the foot. It is a practical product for everyday use.

Durability and affordability

When it comes to durability and affordability of commercial bathroom flooring, you will want to source from the right manufacturer. Choose top quality providers to offer the best options for a functional bathroom for the long term. For more information and assistance with bathroom flooring, contact Touchtone Canada, Edmonton’s best commercial renovation company.

Vinyl Flooring Vs. Laminate Flooring: A Full Comparison

Many people do not realize that vinyl and laminate flooring are not the same thing. Before you dive into a flooring project, it is a good idea to get an understanding of the basics of these floor types to help you make your decision. To start, it is important to understand that there are similarities between vinyl and laminate floors, but it’s their differences that will help you decide which one is right for your home. We can break the decision down into four parts:

Aesthetics

Let’s face it, when it comes to flooring, a significant portion of the decision-making factor relates to how it looks in the room. You may have an image of an old fashioned laminate flooring in your mind and shudder at the thought of putting it in your home, but toss that image aside. Over the last few years, laminate and vinyl flooring have both made a comeback with designers and homeowners alike. If you love the look of natural hardwood or stone flooring but are seeking a less expensive choice, laminate is an excellent option. Laminate flooring is often embossed for an even more realistic look and feel, plus there are endless patterns and colours to choose from. Vinyl flooring, although similar, maybe slightly less realistic looking. There is an equally large number of style options, so there is bound to be something that suits every project.

Installation Method

Nobody wants to deal with a tricky do-it-yourself project, so installation should be a significant factor when deciding on your flooring project. Both laminate and vinyl floors are comparable when it comes to the ease of their installation processes. Both are suitable for do-it-yourselfers as long as the proper preparation is done first.

Durability

Generally, vinyl floors are a better choice for high activity rooms or areas that have a high moisture content, such as a basement or bathroom. Typically, vinyl comes as a seamless sheet to limit moisture from penetrating the floor and to keep mould and microorganisms away. Laminate is not quite the same, but it is water resistant and fitting for installation in most areas as long as it is installed correctly. You might want to use a different base or interlocking system for areas that see high levels of moisture, like around dishwashers, washing machines or sinks.

Maintenance

Most of us do not have the time or energy to spend cleaning floors in our home every day, which is why ease of maintenance should be another factor you consider. Fortunately, either option is simple to keep clean. You can vacuum, mop or sweep laminate or vinyl. One point to keep in mind is that vinyl floors are often softer than laminate, so they may be less resistant to wear.

All things considered, laminate and vinyl floors are comparable in a lot of ways. You will see an aesthetically pleasing room with affordable and durable flooring by picking either. The decision basically comes down to what appeals to you the most. If you are having trouble deciding on flooring for your project, the professionals at Touchtone Canada can help! We can provide support for your home renovation, interior design and commercial flooring projects. Call us today to see how we can assist you.

Why it’s Time to Take Luxury Vinyl Flooring Seriously

Tackling a home renovation isn’t easy, especially with all the decisions you need to make in a short amount of time. What kitchen countertops do you want, which light fixtures do you want in the living room, what floors do you want installed throughout? It’s a never-ending sea of questions. But to help make your job a bit easier, we’re going to tell you why you should choose to install luxury vinyl floors throughout your home.

Realism

Advancements in technology have allowed the printed images on vinyl floors to mimic the real material to such a degree that it's barely noticeable. The appearance of vinyl flooring has improved dramatically over the years, making it harder to distinguish between it and natural wood or tile floors. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are available in an array of patterns that can imitate almost any hardwood or stone you want.

Durability

Making sure your floors can hold up against a house full of kids or energetic pets is important with such an investment. When you choose luxury vinyl floors, you don’t have to worry about chipping or scratches. Vinyl is also resistant to water, so you don’t have to panic about potential water damage, and stains. Have your luxury vinyl planks installed in high traffic areas and don’t give it a second thought.

High-Quality Composition

Taking luxury vinyl flooring out of the dark shadow that is tradition vinyl sheeting, many floors today are designed to imitate natural materials like stone or wood. There are even some vinyl tiles that are composed of 75% limestone and 25% vinyl material. So much work has gone into making luxury vinyl floors appear more authentic than ever before that some tiles even require grout to help them in place.

Uses Natural Products

Natural products are used in the constriction and printing of luxury vinyl flooring. Not only that, but the actual tiles and planks are shaped to replicate the product their imitating. Whether you want an imitation stone tile or solid light wood plank, it can be done and no one will be the wiser. As the majority of luxury vinyl flooring comes in the form of a plank or tile, you won’t have to worry about dealing with traditional vinyl sheeting that’s sold in room-sized dimensions.

Affordable Price Point

Vinyl has always been a cost-efficient option when shopping around for new flooring materials. The upgrade from regular vinyl flooring to luxury vinyl still makes it a desirable choice for homeowners, builders and interior designers on a budget. Luxury vinyl flooring isn’t the same as it once was. You can say with confidence that your floors are made of high-quality vinyl material and guests are sure to be shocked.

At Touchtone Canada, we provide our customers with high-quality residential and commercial flooring. Our Edmonton facility that spans 50,000 square feet houses a wide variety of flooring options for any home renovation, including carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, laminate and more. Whether you’re a homeowner or interior designer, our Edmonton store it suitable for all kinds of renovations. With over 25 years of excellent customer service, be sure to visit our website and start planning your home renovation today!

Tips for Condo Renovations

Renovating a detached home and a condo unit can produce an end result that looks quite similar. However, the process of getting there will be quite different. Renovating a single unit within a condominium requires both strategy and an understanding of your limitations. While a home could be ripped down entirely and rebuilt, a condo needs to follow the buildings specific guidelines. To get the most out of your condo renovation, here are five tips to keep in mind.

Lower your Light Fixtures

When renovating a condo, you’ll need to be aware that many contain cement ceilings. While this can be aesthetically pleasing, it makes drilling through it to hang fixtures very difficult. This may mean that you’ll need to have a drop ceiling installed to allow for overhead lighting. A 6 to 12-inch drop ceiling may be required, depending on your lighting fixture of choice.

Always be Flexible

Yes, it’s good to have an idea about the specific elements you want to be integrated into your home renovation. However, it’s also important that you leave room for changes to occur. This could be because a certain element is much more expensive than you realized, or because it simply won’t arrive in time to meet your deadline. Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to be flexible about what your priorities are during the renovation process.

Paint all you Want

Don’t worry about what the next owners will think about whatever paint colours you have in mind. Paint can easily be altered to suit anyone’s aesthetic and it’s a great way to add interest to a room while staying within your budget. If anything, make plans to repaint the condo in a neutral shade when you’re ready to put it on the market.

Choose Your Flooring Wisely

While it might be easy to repaint the walls in the future, changing all the floors in the units is another story. Unless you’re planning on living there for the next several decades, it’s best to choose a neutral flooring option that will appeal to future buyers. Go for something that’s both durable and cozy, like hardwood or carpeting.

Work with an Interior Designer

Working with a professional interior designer can make the entire home renovation process go much smoother. They’ll know the ins and outs of how to get things done as well as understand want can and can’t be done in accordance with the condominium’s guidelines. Your designer will be able to schedule deliveries to arrive at key points throughout the renovation while making sure the project itself is always under control.

Don’t Live in a Renovation Zone

If it’s an option, consider living outside of your condo construction zone for the duration of the renovation process. This could mean having the work done before moving in or staying elsewhere while the remodel is happening. Living in a construction site without a functioning kitchen or bathroom can be exhausting a frustrating. Avoid hating your new home before it’s even finished by staying somewhere else.

At Touchtone Canada, we provide our residential, commercial and new construction clients with beautiful, high-quality flooring options. Our 50,000 square foot facility in Edmonton, Alberta houses a large variety of commercial flooring choices, including laminate, carpet, vinyl, hardwood and more. Whether you’re taking on a small remodelling job or a vast home renovation, our Edmonton store has everything you’ll need. Operational for over 25 years with excellent customer service, visit us online or in store for more information and to start in interior design dreams today!

Top Bathroom Flooring Options

Choosing a new floor for your bathroom renovation is more difficult than choosing new floors for other areas of your home. That’s because you need a floor choice that’s durable, cost-effective and, above all else, water resistant at the very least. Bathroom floors have to deal with standing water more than any other room in the house, except for the basement in some cases. As water is quick to ruin many different flooring options, here are a few that will be able to stand up to the task.

Ceramic Tile

A popular bathroom flooring choice around the world, ceramic tile is waterproof, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours and textures, ceramic tiles will create the customized look you desire. While cold to the touch, radiant floor heating systems can be installed to keep your floors warm. And if you’re worried about slipping, don’t worry. Textured tiles are available to help slippage common with smooth tiles.

Vinyl Flooring

A practical choice that’s also beautiful to look at when installed properly, vinyl floors are a popular choice and have been for decades. It’s the best option if there are often larger amounts of water covering your floors, particularly in a child’s bathroom or pet washing station. You can choose between installing vinyl sheeting, which can produce as little as zero seams, vinyl planks or tiles. This can be a home renovation project you can do yourself if the need arises, but unless you have experience laying vinyl flooring, you’ll likely end up with gaping or other imperfections. With thousands of design options to choose from, can you really go wrong choosing vinyl flooring?

Natural Stone

Real stone tiles are a great, but expensive, choice for a bathroom. Little to no moisture issues are experienced with natural stones like marble, granite and limestone. It’s a hard and durable flooring choice that looks beautiful in any bathroom. When wet, stone floors are often slippery, and are constantly cold to the touch unless there’s a heating system installed underneath. Installing a stone with more texture or grip also works to reduce the risk of slippage.

Engineered Wood

Much better than solid wood options, engineered hardwood has a higher moisture resistance than solid hardwood ever could. It’s perfect if you want a natural wood look in your bathroom without constantly worrying about having to replace them in a year or two. However, as it’s a wooden product of sorts, it’s still vulnerable to experiencing water damage to some degree.

Laminate Flooring

The surface of a laminate plank is composed of a photograph that allows the board to imitate wooden or stone finishes. A strong, clear coat is applied to keep the material durable and water resistant. This is a bathroom flooring option if you make sure the wooden base is protected against moisture. To do this, make sure the seams are as tight as possible during installation to prevent moisture from sinking between gaps. While easy to clean, laminate floors aren’t 100% waterproof.

At Touchtone Canada, we provide residential and commercial flooring options to our Edmonton clients. Our high-quality floor fills a facility that spans 50,000 square feet, with options ranging from carpet and premium rugs to tiles and hardwood. Whether you’re going through simple home renovations or working on new housing construction, we’ll have everything you need when it comes to flooring. Stop by our warehouse or visit our website for more information.

How to Fix Gaps in Your Hardwood Floors

Having hardwood floors in your home is a popular, yet expensive, flooring option. When you’re paying thousands of dollars for solid wood floors, you want to make sure they stay in perfect condition for as long as possible. When a noticeable gap or crack appears, it can be devastating and potentially hazardous, especially if you have kids running around. However, this problem can be easily fixed with this guide and a quick trip to the hardware store.

Why Gaps Form

Hardwood is easily affected by changes in weather conditions, and the temperature in your home is no different. If it’s too hot, the wood will expand. Too cold and the wood shrinks. Humidity also plays a role in the condition of your floors. If your space isn’t humid enough, the solid wood will shrink and start to dry out. As wood naturally dries out over time, increasing the level of humidity in the room by using a humidifier will help to keep them healthy and like new.

Is Wood Filler effective?

Yes, this is an effective method for temporarily dealing with gaps in your floors. However, this isn’t a long-term solution. Your floors will continue to expand and contract due to changing temperatures and humidity levels. Unless you employ the proper humidity maintenance methods, using only wood filler won’t prevent your floors from separating in the future. It’s also only meant to fill in smaller gaps, so you’ll need to find a permanent solution for those bigger ones.

What About Floor Wax?

If you have kids or messy roommates, you might want to consider using a floor wax to seal your hardwood. While not a popular choice due to its need to be resurfaced on a regular basis, floor wax will fill the pores within your hardwood and seal it against moisture. This prevents damage from unexpected spills while also keeping moisture in the boards themselves, preventing them from drying out.

Repairing Cracks

In cases where your hardwood floors are cracked and can’t be repaired by increasing the level of humidity in the room, you’ll need to fill them yourself to prevent further damage. There are many ways you can do this, including applying a flexible gap filler that keeps part of its elasticity after drying, using wood strips of the same species and colour to fill the gap or replacing the entire flooring section altogether.

At Touchtone Canada, we offer residential, commercial and new construction clients with high-quality flooring options. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, our facility spans 50,000 square feet and includes a wide variety of carpeting, laminate, hardwood, tiles, vinyl planks, premium rugs and more. Whether you’re simply redesigning a room or going through large home renovations, our Edmonton store will have everything you need when it comes to flooring. With excellent customer service for over 25 years, visit us in-store or go online for more information.

The Best Basement Flooring Options for Your Home

One of the main things you need to consider when shopping around for basement flooring during a home renovation is whether the material can handle moisture. Basements are damp spaces that are often susceptible to flooding. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, then stick with the original concrete slab you’ll find beneath your existing flooring. However, if you want to add warmth and your own personality to your basement’s interior design, then here are five flooring options to consider.

Carpet

An option that provides warmth and soundproofing, low-pile carpeting shows less wear and tear than shag carpeting and is less expensive. Nylon blends are the most durable material for carpet and the best option for damp basements. Newly installed carpeting for a 600 sq ft basements can cost between $1,200 to $2,400. Are you concerned about moisture, pet accidents and dampness? Have a moisture blocking pad installed underneath the carpeting can prevent moisture from seeping through into the concrete slab.

Vinyl

Durable, moisture resistant and maintenance free, installing vinyl floor sheets is a cost-effective way of adding unique flooring to your basement. A large variety of colours, surface textures and styles available to fit any decor style. Vinyl sheeting usually comes in 12 foot wide roles in order to eliminate seams. The material it self-adhesive, allowing a do-it-yourself option to save some money. The thicker the vinyl, the higher the quality and price. Vinyl can be installed over concrete but must be done as smoothly as possible to prevent imperfections from showing through.

Laminate

Laminate flooring consists of a strong film covered with resin to create the veneer that’s stuck to a plywood backboard. It can imitate the appearance of wood, stone and ceramic tile for a lower price. Some variants of laminate flooring are resistant to moisture, making it perfect for a basement installation. The planks can snap together upon installation, floating over concrete flooring or a foam pad.

Engineered Wood

Much like laminate flooring, engineered hardwood is comprised of a solid wood surface that’s overlaid onto a plywood back. It provides a more stable plank structure while still implementing the look and feel of hardwood. Engineered hardwood can endure harsh temperature changes and moisture without warping or becoming damaged and is low maintenance. During installation, it can be glued down or held together through an interlocking system to create a floating floor.

Ceramic Tile

When properly installed, ceramic tiles can last as long as the house itself. The tiles are installed directly over concrete and come in a wide variety of design choices. If you want ceramic tiles but are worried about slippage due to condensation, apply an anti-slip finish to the surface upon installation. Cost varies greatly depending on the size, shape and tile layout.

At Touchtone Canada, we provide top quality service to our residential, commercial and new construction customers. With flooring selections that span across our 50,000 ft facility, including carpeting, hardwood, laminate, vinyl planks, floor and wall tiles, premium rugs and more, we’re your one-stop flooring shop. With over 25 years of experience and services include the sale and installation of our entire inventory, stop by our Edmonton location for all your flooring needs.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring was rarely used when it was first invented, and now it is considered a staple in many homes. It has improved considerably in performance and looks and is even considered premium flooring in high-end homes. So, what exactly is it? Laminate flooring is a hybrid floor type make of particleboard wood. It is installed like real hardwood is with a tongue and groove style of joining boards, and behaves like vinyl flooring in that it is tightly sealed making it waterproof. It is routinely confused with vinyl flooring, but they are made of entirely different materials. Laminate is made of pressed wood with a picture of wood overtop a durable wear layer.

The basics

The Swedish company Perstorp invented this type of flooring in 1977. The firm used wood waste from other projects combined with high heat, pressure, and binding chemicals to turn it into flooring. Since then several manufacturers like Mannington, Dupont, Shaw, and Armstrong have produced their own laminate flooring.

They do this by taking aggregated wood particles and exposing it to high pressure to form sheets, which have a realistic image of wood or stone put on top. A thin, durable, clear plastic sheet acts as the wear layer to protect from exterior elements such as UV rays, scratches, and moisture.

There are three layers to laminate flooring:

Base (Core)

There is about a half-inch of woodchip composite at the base of the flooring. Woodchips are susceptible to water damage, which is more layers are required to protect it. Laminate flooring can hold up against water to a certain degree, but only if the water is removed quickly.

Image

This layer gives the flooring the look of wood or stone depending on the image that is used. It looks so realistic because of the high-quality of the image.

Wear

The top layer is designed to withstand chairs, high heels, dogs, and other common damaging factors. It is made of two thin sheets of melamine paper.

Installation

Laminate is installed as a floating floor, which means it does not have the same difficulties as installing hardwood or engineered wood. This method involves rolling out an inexpensive foam layer and then laying out laminate planks. The planks are joined piece by piece preventing any slippage. They are either glued or snapped together. The snap method is most commonly used and goes by various names like fold and lock or fold and lay.

Laminate vs. other flooring types

Stone - This material is hard, thick, and stable. Laminate, in comparison, is thin and flexible. Laminate can be made to look similar to stone by using types that have a photorealistic image of stone on top.

Engineered wood - Has a veneer top made from real wood and a plywood base. Laminate does not have a plywood base, and there is no natural wood in it. Both are made of manufactured wood and can look remarkably similar, especially next to premium grade laminates.

Solid hardwood - All of this material is solid wood unlike laminate, which has no solid wood product in it. Hardwood can be sanded down many times while laminate cannot. Both can look alike, especially with modern high-def imaging techniques on laminate.

Vinyl - This product is flexible and completely waterproof. It is also competitively priced like laminate and easy to install. Both look similar to one another.

Now that you know everything you need to about laminate flooring call us to find out how it can benefit your home. Our professionals at Touchtone will make sure it is installed seamlessly so that you can enjoy your new flooring for years to come.

Benefits of Carpets

When you are shopping for new flooring there are so many options out there it can get overwhelming. One option that many people overlook is carpet. Hardwood and the extensive selection of laminate options have taken over public consciousness, but carpet is a reliable, comfortable option that is sure to please. If you are on the fence about what kind of flooring to go with in your living areas, bedrooms, hallways, and dining room, here are our top six reasons why you should consider carpet.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Carpet gets a very bad rap when it comes to allergens and air quality. People think that carpet traps allergens, which keeps them in their home. While carpet does trap allergens, dust, and dirt, it actually helps keep them out of the air and removes them from lungs. Compared to all other types of flooring, carpet also has very low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. Thanks to this, those who suffer from asthma and allergies end up benefiting by switching to carpet from hardwood.

Child-Friendly and Safe

Carpets are great if you have young children. They are soft and comfortable to play on, making any space great for your kids to hang out in, but they also are cushioning in case of slips and falls. The extra cushioning can also save your fragile belongings if they get knocked over or dropped onto the floor.

Noise Reduction

Carpet is a natural noise barrier and can help block the sound of television and footfalls from those under you. This is one reason why carpet on the stairs and down hallways, as is a great option, as it helps mask the sound of people tromping up and down them. If your bedrooms are directly above the central area of your house, it will also help keep the noise down if you have children playing upstairs.

Heating

Carpets can help your home to stay warm, which in colder climates like Canada can help save on your heating bill in the winter. Carpet has thermal resistance and helps to insulate rooms and keeps the air warmer, longer. It is also warmer on bare feet, which is very nice in the winter and fall.

Variety

There is endless variety when it comes to carpeting. Carpet comes in so many colours, styles, and patterns that there is something for everyone. You can build an entire room around a carpet with an interesting pattern and never have to limit yourself to something neutral and plain.

Eco-Friendly Options

Carpet comes in many eco-friendly options, including wool, bamboo, seagrass, and cotton. Carpet can also be made out of recycled materials. Compared to other flooring options it is quite eco-friendly and a great choice if you are trying to do your part regarding your ecological footprint.

Carpet from Touchtone

If you are looking at getting home renovation done in Edmonton but are not sure about every interior design aspect, then come into Touchtone. We offer residential and commercial flooring options for everyone, including luxurious carpet that your whole family will love. Contact us today!

Sturdy, Solid, And Reliable Laminates - Made To Last!

Choosing flooring for your bathroom is much different than choosing flooring for other parts of your house. The major factor being the amount of water this room endures on a regular basis. The wrong type of flooring would be left ruined if installed in this room. Here are some considerations to take into account when choosing flooring for your bathroom.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

Porcelain is the best option for bathroom flooring because it is waterproof, trendy, and cost-effective. It can achieve a rich, textured feel while remaining waterproof and inexpensive. The difference between ceramic and porcelain is the water absorption rate. The Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) certifies types of tile as porcelain if it has a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less.

You could opt for ceramic, which is cheaper than porcelain for a half bathroom or powder room as there are no bathing facilities. There are also so many options to choose from with ceramic tiles, so you can create any look you want. Individual tiles comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, from square to octagonal. To avoid slippage, use smaller tiles that require more grout and acts as a non-skid surface - especially in showers.

Vinyl Sheet or Plank

Vinyl has been a popular choice for bathrooms because of its practicality. Sheet vinyl is ideal for children’s bathrooms or a laundry room where large amounts of water are inevitable. It comes in large sizes, which means it could be possible to install it with no seams in a small bathroom. Our luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in narrow widths and long lengths. Because of how popular vinyl is, it comes in thousands of options. Check out our 45,000 square foot showroom to see all of our options in-person.

Engineered Wood

Better than solid wood in high moisture conditions due to its stability all around. It has a plywood base that holds up well against moisture and has the appearance of authentic wood because the top layer is real wood. Although, no matter how well protected any type of wood product is, it is still vulnerable to damage in bathrooms.

Laminate

Certainly a better choice than solid hardwood, it is still more likely to wear down in a bathroom than vinyl, ceramic, or porcelain. Laminate flooring is essentially resin-paper on top of a wood chip base with a clear coat called the wear layer. It can work in bathrooms if you take extra steps to protect the wood base from moisture. Ensuring tight seams between planks will make it difficult for moisture to work its way in. If the wood base does come in contact with moisture, it will expand and bubble, with tearing it out being the only way to fix it.

Colours

This is the fun part. Once you have selected the material you want to line your floors with, you can select the colour or pattern. This will largely depend on the options available for the type of material you picked, but our showroom should have plenty to choose from regardless.

Small bathrooms

Consider installing light colours like soft pastels and neutrals. These will brighten up a small space, making it appear bigger.

Large bathrooms

You could choose darker, more saturated colours in a large space like navy or deep brown. Consider brighter hues if your bathroom gets a lot of light or is an oversized master bathroom.

Top 5 Spring Trends to Spruce Up Your Home

The months are warmer, the fields are greener, the flowers are in full bloom; what about your home? Is it summer ready to match with the weather? Are your rugs, drapes, and blinds dusted and mended? Is your flooring in good shape? Or is there some fixing to do? Breathe new life into worn-out corners with these evergreen home interior trends.

Bright and Beautiful

Lift tired nooks and corners with bright little accents. Delete the greys and browns of winter. Bring a smile with bright area rugs that bring the room alive. Choose colours that go with your spring mood: red, pink, lime green, orange or yellow. Place them in your living room, dining area, by the bed or at the main door entrance. Go for soft and welcoming textures that match with the season. Get natural fibre carpets for a change or classic oriental rugs that never go out of style. One look at a happy pattern can set the tone for the day.

Refresh and Relax

De-stress by lying back on your favourite sofa that has been a staple for your living room since you moved in. If it is beginning to look worn-out, but you’re not ready to trade it yet, simply change the drapes to change up the scenery. Get sheer ones that move delicately with the summer breeze. They look light, bright, and are easy on the eyes; or get unique fabrics that are available in a variety of ready-to-hang styles. 

Sunshine and Serenity

Are the heavy curtains before your bedroom window getting in the way of the beautiful view outside? Roll them up for airy blinds instead. Blinds, wood shades, and shutters are a beautiful way to let the sunshine stream in without heating up the room on hot days. Relax on your bed with a book in hand and watch the blooms lift your frown. Bring the garden into your room with mirrors on the opposite wall. They will reflect the view and sunlight into every corner of your room.

Expand your Horizons

Why limit greenery to the outdoors?  Line up potted herbs on the window sill in your kitchen or dining area. If you don’t have a green thumb, get leaf printed cushions in different shades of green or a pretty floral print. If that’s wild, here’s a wilder idea for animal lovers. Get cushions or throws in animal print for the kids. Exciting leopard spots or tiger stripes can change the look of furniture in an instant. Pair the animal print throws with cushions in a bold single colour. You don’t want to go overboard on any pattern. Mix and match, play with shades, patterns, and new styles to offset new mosaic floors.

Get Floored by Touchstone Canada in Edmonton

Looking for more bright ideas? Step in to Touchstone Canada - Edmonton’s famed flooring and interiors company that has been serving the region for over 23 years. We have over 3,000,000 square feet of home renovation ideas that will have you floored! Whether you are looking to renovate your home or build your dream business, you will find something of value here. 

Carpet Vs. Hardwood - How To Choose The Flooring That Suits Your Needs

The two most popular, and common, floor solutions are carpet and hardwood. There are pros and cons to both, but no matter which one you pick, they will go along way in making your home more beautiful. There are positives and negatives to having carpet and hardwood in various areas of your home, and both have their uses over the other. Here are the great things and not so great things of both flooring options to help you decide which to put in your home. 

Location, Location, Location

Before we get on to the various attributes of carpet and hardwood, it is important to understand one thing; you need to consider one thing in every room before you lay down a new floor and that is, "what is the chance of flooding?" The kitchen, bathroom, and basement all have a high likelihood of water damage for obvious reasons. For this reason alone it is a bad idea to carpet these areas. Keep these areas hardwood or tile! On the other hand, areas like the living room and the hallway where you want to have some additional comfort are the perfect place for carpet! 

Hardwood

What are the great things about hardwood?
 

1. Easy to Clean

Hardwood is super easy to clean. If you spill liquid on hardwood flooring, you just have to wipe it up, and it's gone! Simply sweeping or vacuuming once a week and running a mop over the area keeps it looking perfect! Carpet, however, cannot withstand spills, which need to be cleaned quickly unless you want permanent stains. 

2. Can Be Refinished

When hardwood is damaged or starts to wear out, you do not need to rip it up and repair it. Instead, you can refinish it. This process is much less expensive than replacing every single piece of hardwood in the area. With carpet, on the other hand, you do not have this luxury. When carpet is damaged, the whole thing has to go and when it wears out there is no refinishing, only replacing. 

3. Eco-Friendly

Wood floors are eco-friendly, while most modern carpets are made from petroleum, which is from a limited resource. Hardwood is attractive to some people for this reason alone. 

Carpet

So what are the great things about carpet?

1. Warmth

Carpet adds so much warmth to a room. It is soft and warm on your feet and helps to actually insulate a room so that heat does not escape through porous floors, such as wood. You can also put a polyurethane pad underneath your carpet which adds an R-value of around 4. 

2. Soundproofing

Unlike hardwood, which sound bounces off, carpet absorbs sound. When installing upstairs, it is wonderful for those living below because you will not hear them stomping around (to the same degree). 

3. Kid Friendly

While less friendly to kids spills, carpet offers a soft surface for children to play on. It also offers more padding if there is a slip and fall, cushioning impact and lessening the chance of sustaining an injury. 

No matter what you choose for the flooring in your house, you will want to come into Touchtone Canada. Our store specializes in commercial flooring in Edmonton. If you are looking for flooring to breathe new life into your home, contact us today!

Perks of Beautiful Vinyl Flooring

Since its advent in 1930, vinyl has been a popular flooring choice among many homeowners. The extremely affordable option beautifully matches and enhances all types of decors while also offering tremendous protection to the interiors. 
The durable and resistant flooring option is formed of multiple layers to create tiles, planks, and sheets. The base layer of vinyl flooring gives support to the top five layers, fibreglass keeps the flooring flat, and the cushion layer adds texture and bounce. The pattern layers encompass great colours and designs, while the wear layer protects the appearance of the flooring. Lastly, the top coat is applied to add sheen and protection. 
Vinyl flooring has tremendously expanded its beneficial properties and designs since gaining prominence in the mid-20th century.  Let’s take a look at all perks beautiful vinyl flooring offers. 

Stain and Water Resistant

As previously mentioned, the wear layer and top coat in vinyl flooring add protection to the surface. The top layers are easy to clean and maintain. An eco-friendly vinyl floor cleaner and mop are the two items needed to clean dirt and stains off of vinyl. 
Additionally, vinyl sheets and tiles that are installed with precision are bound to provide water resistance. No wonder many people opt for vinyl when it comes to picking a flooring option for their washrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and other moist prone areas in the house. 

Affordability and Durability

The range of vinyl flooring from low-end to high-end premium options affect the quality and cost. Higher quality material and design in flooring naturally costs more. However, the expense of all types of vinyl floorings remains lower than traditional surfaces, such as stone. 
The life expectancy of vinyl flooring depends on the materials and methods used in its manufacturing process. Composite vinyl tiles and solid vinyl have high resistance to scratches because the colour used in their manufacturing gets permeated through all the layers. Meanwhile, printed vinyl has to rely on the top wear layer for protection.

Comfort

Vinyl flooring keeps interiors cozy during the winter months by remaining unaffected by chilly temperatures. The padded under-layer in vinyl flooring also makes it incredibly comfortable to walk on.
Vinyl planks and tiles are installed on a completely dry and levelled subfloor. Laying the parts of flooring can be a DIY task for a handy person, but a professional should be contacted to prepare the subfloor. 
 

Buy from Touchtone Canada

Touchtone Canada is a prominent flooring and interior company that boasts 3 million square feet of flooring product in 45 thousand square feet operating space. Situated in Edmonton for over 23 years, we provide diverse flooring options throughout the province. 
Our expert staff is highly skilled in renovations, commercial ventures, and new home constructions. So wait no more! Simply visit www.touchtonecanada.com to view our magnificent gallery. You may also call to speak with us at 780-414-0862. Beautiful and comfortable flooring awaits you. 

3 Affordable Flooring Options for Your Kitchen

It is easy to splurge on home renovations. When you start exploring ideas, expensive options sound more durable and look more aesthetically pleasing. In no time, you might find yourself exceeding your budget. Don’t rush! As the experts in kitchen flooring, Touchtone Canada offers you inexpensive options that look just as good and stay in good condition for years. While price is important, we will advise you to also consider the quality. Your kitchen is the most used part of your home. It needs to wear well against spills, stains, heat, and accidents. It also needs to be easy to clean and maintain, fix, and replace. Have a look at what we have to suggest:

Less expensive kitchen floors are ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, and cork. However, costs do not include underlay, fixing with adhesive or installation supplies.

Vinyl

If you are considering DIY installation, this is a good option. You can install it right over your existing floor so you avoid extra expenses on underlay. Vinyl comes in a wide variety of styles, the cheapest of which is peel and stick tile. There are also peel and stick planks. If you’re looking for a touch of luxury, consider the thicker planks which can be fitted in a click. Vinyl is easy to clean, is resilient, and feels smooth under bare feet, but depending on the quality of the vinyl, it can be more easily scratched or ruined. It can scratch and wear off easily. Make sure the installation has a professional finish.

Laminate

Laminate is inexpensive but by no means can it be called fragile. It has a hard resin surface that is scratch and stain resistant making it perfect for kitchens, but it can get damaged easily with water. Leaks and spills can make laminate planks swells up around the edges. You cannot mop it with water either. It is very important to choose water-resistant flooring for your kitchen, or you will be spending soon on upgrades. Laminate is available in a “water-resistant” variety which prevents water damage for up to 24 hours, but they are priced higher. Regarding aesthetics, they lose out to hardwood. Your guests will notice the difference for sure. Varieties can look like wood, ceramic tile, stone, and other high-quality flooring. The question is, do you really want a kitchen floor that you can’t mop with water?

Tile

Tile is perhaps the best option for inexpensive kitchen flooring. It is tough, easy to clean, can last for decades if installed properly. If you prefer a simple, clean design, tiles will be perfect for you and they are easy to mop. However, tiled floors can crack easily if a hard object is dropped on it. The flooring can feel uncomfortably hard, hot or cold under your feet. With that said, you can opt to add an in-floor heating system that will remove the cold feel of tile.

Cork

Cork is a high-end option among the inexpensive choices. It is comfortable, aesthetic, easy to install and offers soft cushioned comfort under your feet. Cork can last you decades. It is available as planks that can be snapped together but as you can expect, it will cost you more.

Touchtone Canada: Luxurious Flooring Store in Edmonton

Touchtone Canada has been servicing Edmonton for over 23 years. We have over 3,000,000 square feet of flooring products and over 45,000 square feet of operating space offering diverse flooring products at the best prices in the entire province.

Contact our knowledgeable staff for flooring services, home renovations, commercial products, and new home constructions.

Humidity and Hardwood Flooring

Winter has ended, and spring is happy to be here. With warm weather, though, comes humidity, and humidity is not the friend of hardwood floors. Whether you have recently splurged on hardwood floors or have beautiful old hardwood, you want to protect it and keep it in good condition. Wood is naturally porous, and when there is too much moisture in the air, wood will absorb this, causing the wood to expand. When the humidity goes down, which can happen quite quickly in Canada where the weather fluctuates between extremes, moisture escapes the wood. When moisture is absorbed by and then leaches out of wood, it can cause it to warp. Some things can be done to avoid this so that your hardwood floors look brand new for the entirety of their life.

The Ten Percent Margin

When floors warp because of humidity, it is because they undergo huge fluctuations in humidity levels, especially over a short period. 45% humidity to 55% humidity is the best possible range for wood floors to stay between, any fluctuations that happen between these two points is safe. That is not to say that wood floors cannot survive humidity levels dipping below or going above that point. The real issue is to keep humidity from jumping around quickly. It is best, though, to keep humidity within the magic range of 45% and 55%.

Kitchens, Bathrooms, & Basements

Your house may already have hardwood in the kitchen, the bathroom, or the basement. If it does, then there is no reason to rip it out and install tile or laminate. If you are going to be doing renovations, however, it is best to install tile and laminate in these areas. These places, especially the bathroom, are predisposed to have high humidity levels. They also experience fluctuations in humidity. Considering these factors, it is best to use flooring that is not hardwood. Spills and flooding are also more common in the kitchen, bathroom, and basement, which can cause warping and damage to a hardwood floor. It takes very little time for water to damage wood floors; if it does, they may never be returned to their original condition.

Seasonal Changes

In the summer, you have to look out to see if your flooring is bulging. A little bit of bulging is fine, but too much can cause permanent damage, and if it appears to be bulging a lot, then humidity needs to be taken out of the air; and fast. In the winter, there may be gaps between planks on your hardwood. This is typical, and it is not a precursor to damage as long as it is minimal. Larger gaps between floorboards are not normal. If they are present or there are cracked bits of wood and bending, then you have humidity damage. If this is the case your hardwood needs to be fixed or replaced with another product.

Keeping Humidity Out

To keep your hardwood healthy you need to keep humidity out of your house. In the summer, the best way to do this is with air conditioning. You also should reconsider turning off your air conditioner when you leave if the humidity levels outside are extremely high. Dehumidifiers also help and in the winter you can use a humidifier to keep your floor from experiencing too many gaps.

What type of commercial flooring should you pick for your business

If you are remodelling your current office or moving into a new one, choosing the best type of flooring will be a big decision. Certain types of flooring can be very hard to maintain, expensive, and in a lot of cases, just plain drab.

New engineering and design theories are putting an end to these issues. It's now feasible to accomplish a good look, a dependable hard wearing surface, and keep prices in check. A combination of commercial carpets, tiles, top quality floor coverings, and personalized design is drastically boosting the standard of public and corporate spaces.

Flooring designs for offices

The flooring in your office will be used a lot throughout the day, and the prerequisites for durability, plus cost-efficient maintenance and repair are important to consider.

Areas such as airports, libraries, auditoriums, public office buildings, together with other high volume traffic zones have a higher risk of trips and falls if the flooring isn’t safe to walk on. Having a different and fresh approach to your office flooring can end up saving you money on repairs and keep everybody walking on them every day safe.

If your business is located in an area that sees a lot of snow or rain, you should also consider investing in durable rugs which are designed to be simple and economical while keep your floor clean and safe to walk on.

Comfortable carpet flooring

You may have recently seen some ultra contemporary, hard wearing carpet in public places that looked remarkably different than carpet you are used to. This is actually a brand-new category of carpet design, created on a “constructed to last” basis.

These new designs include smooth carpet tile squares with incorporated backing, supplying both cushioning and maintaining cloth integrity. This integrated structure also enhances safety and avoids seam stress fractures that can eventually destroy carpets.

Modular carpet tiles, retail carpet, and commercial carpet squares make upkeep easy and quick. The area can be restored almost immediately, at minimum cost without disrupting how people walk around your office. The design notions are predicated on built-in efficiencies and also realistic approaches to the needs of busy areas. The economics of public places can be managed very well, with regards to product life durability. Inferior quality flooring is less affordable with time, and more of a risk with regards to safety and unexpected maintenance costs.

High-quality materials will prevent wear and tear, are more budget-friendly, and bring you the peace of mind for those accountable for these areas. The best industrial carpet tiles are incredibly durable, and might never need any work done on them at all. Probably the most impressive part of the floor concepts for public places is the capability to custom design these huge spaces. In the past, this could have been nearly impossible except at great expense.

If your office has a big and busy public area, you may want to do your very own custom layout for it, including custom colourization. If you run your company out of Edmonton, Alberta, check out the commercial flooring options we have at TouchTone Canada! Visit our site to see our design options, patterns, and see some current working samples of custom design commercial flooring we are working on. Give us a call at 780-414-0862 or email us at info@touchtonecanada.com today if you have any questions regarding the options for your business’ floor!