Laminate Flooring::  Laminate flooring is versatile, durable and attractive with the appearance of a hardwood floor.  It is typically constructed with a high-density fiberboard core sandwiched between a moisture resistant layer melamine laminate backing and either a high quality photographic paper with the image of wood or a very thin slice of real wood veneer.  At Windsor Plywood we offer a large selection so you can choose the right look for your home.  Many customers prefer laminate flooring because it is easy to install, easy to maintain, and relatively cost effective.  However it is not the most appropriate choice for every room in your house.  Since the core of laminate flooring is MDF, it is not recommended for kitchens, bathrooms or any room that has a high degree of moisture or wetness.  It is nonetheless a great choice for in the living room, bedrooms or hallways, especially for the busy family, on a budget. 

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Hardwood Flooring:  Hardwood flooring is also known as real wood floors and as the name implies are solid wood.  Similar to laminate flooring its benefits are its resilient surface and low-maintenance qualities.  It is important to remember before purchasing that no two trees are the same, and therefore not all floors are created equal.  Depending on the grade, the appearance can vary dramatically.  Typically, wood flooring can be categorized in 5 different grades from the downright luxurious and even colour, to flooring with knots and lots of character suitable for a rustic look in the cottage.  This flooring is warm, beautiful, easy to maintain and lasts close to an eternity.  Many are set back, and in turn settle on laminate due to the price tag attached to real wood flooring.  However, hardwood flooring has the versatility to be installed in any room in your home and will make it worth more.  Additionally it maintains the option of refinishing the floor multiple times.  Should your design or décor change done the road, all you need to do is sand and refinish to suit the new arrangements.

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Engineered Floating Floor:  There is no doubt that many homeowners love the look of hardwood floors but simply can't afford their prices.  Being visually appealing and hygienic engineered floating floors are an option that many do not know is available on the market.  The multi-layered cross-fiber structure of this genuine hardwood floor-covering gives it superior dimensional stability and exceptional resistance; its construction guarantees a superior level of permanence.  These floors can also be installed over concrete, without the inconvenience of having to underlay plywood first, as is often the case in condominium units or basements.  Finally, they can be applied over radiant heated floors, provided the maximum floor (system) temperature does not exceed 28°C.  An advantage of engineered hardwood floor is that it will not shrink over the years in the same fashion real hardwood flooring would.  Again this choice falls between the cheapest option, being laminate flooring, and the more expensive real hardwood. 

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Cork Flooring:  There are few products that are “in a class of their own”.  Cork is one of them.  This natural renewable resource is made from the bark of a particular oak tree and is able to retain heat and absorb sound transmission.  This flooring is durable, comfortable, shock absorbent, 100% natural and will enhance any décor from classic to contemporary.  Since it does not show dents or grooves the same way wood flooring it is a popular choice for high traffic areas where scratches and scuffs are inevitable.  Disadvantages include discoloration or fading when exposed to an excess of direct sunlight as well as its susceptibility to be damaged by strong solvents or abrasive cleaners.

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What About Accessories?

Underlay:  At Windsor Plywood we recommended the very best – Quickstyle’s Quiet Walk.  Not only does it reduce noise, but it has a vapour barrier on one side of the pad for added moisture protection from concrete floors.  Due to the high temperature process the underlayment is sanitized throughout, killing all bacteria and fungus and making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.  This protective covering evens out minor subfloor imperfections and quiets impact sound and noise from the floor to the ceiling.

Floor Maintenance Solutions:  Finitec cleaning kits come in three different formulas – the cleaner, the restorer and the shock treatment.  Specially designed for hardwood and laminate floors will help you enjoy a great looking floor for longer.