8 fixes for cold cottage floors

Nothing’s warmer on the feet than carpeting, but broadloom isn’t usually appropriate for a cottage. Instead, consider area rugs place under seating areas and runners beside the bed.

Cork flooring is durable, but warmer on the feet than tile or hardwood. If you are replacing flooring, consider beefing up the subflooring, taping the seams, and adding a thin layer of rolled foam insulation.

If the problem is isolated to one or two rooms, use portable space heaters or install baseboard heating to take the chill off. Also, leave bedroom doors open at night for better airflow.

If you have ceiling fans at the cottage, set the blades spinning in a clockwise motion on the lowest speed. This helps circulate the warm air that rises to the ceiling.

If your cottage has a crawlspace, make sure the joists beneath the floor are insulated. You can DIY it with ridged foam or batts secured between the joists or call in the pros for an airtight spray foam coating.

Cold air sinks, so any winter breezes that sneak into the cottage will settle in the floor. Light an incense stick and hold it close to windows, doors, and baseboards on a windy day. Use caulking and weatherstripping to seal any gaps you find.

If you’re renovating, consider installing in-floor heating, particularly under tiled floors. To avoid the risk of freezing pipes, opt for electric rather than radiant heating systems.

Not ready to commit to a reno project at this time of year? With the holidays coming, add some slippers or warm, fuzzy socks to the family’s stockings!