Overview
Hardwood flooring remains the gold standard for home flooring in Canada. Available as solid hardwood and engineered hardwood, it offers timeless beauty, long-term durability, and excellent resale value.
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. Popular species in Canada include oak, maple, walnut, and hickory.
Engineered hardwood features a real wood veneer over a plywood or HDF core, offering greater stability against temperature and humidity fluctuations, making it suitable for Canadian climates with wide seasonal changes.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Increases home resale value significantly
- +Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
- +Timeless, natural beauty with unique grain patterns
- +Extremely durable - can last 50+ years
- +Wide variety of species, stains, and finishes
Cons
- -Highest upfront cost among flooring types
- -Susceptible to moisture damage and warping
- -Can scratch and dent (especially softer species)
- -Professional installation recommended
- -Not suitable for basements or bathrooms
Best For
Cost in Canada
Material Cost
$8 - $15
per sqft
Installation Cost
$3 - $5
per sqft
Installation Tips
- 1Acclimate hardwood for 5-7 days in the installation area before starting.
- 2Ensure subfloor moisture levels are within manufacturer specifications.
- 3Nail-down installation is standard for solid hardwood over wood subfloors.
- 4Engineered hardwood can be floated, glued, or nailed depending on the product.
- 5Maintain 50% relative humidity year-round to prevent gaps and cupping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hardwood flooring worth the cost?+
Yes, hardwood flooring adds significant resale value and can last over 50 years with proper maintenance, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Solid vs engineered hardwood - which is better?+
Engineered hardwood offers better stability for Canadian climates with humidity fluctuations. Solid hardwood can be refinished more times but is more sensitive to moisture.
Can hardwood be installed on concrete?+
Engineered hardwood can be installed on concrete subfloors using glue-down or floating methods. Solid hardwood is not recommended over concrete.
How do you maintain hardwood floors?+
Sweep or vacuum regularly, use hardwood floor cleaner, avoid excessive water, and refinish every 7-10 years to maintain appearance.
How This Page Is Prepared
- +Independent third-party research perspective rather than manufacturer or installer sales copy.
- +Flooring pages are organized around room use, moisture risk, budget range, installation scope, and common tradeoffs.
- +National and local planning pages are intended to narrow decisions before homeowners request project-specific quotes.