Solid hardwood
Traditional solid wood can offer substantial refinishing potential where installation conditions and product requirements are appropriate.
Hardwood flooring
Natural character, planned around the room beneath it.
Hardwood and engineered wood flooring bring warmth and long-term visual value when the material, subfloor, layout and transitions suit the property.
Small layout and transition decisions determine how refined a hardwood floor feels.
MaterialsHardwood, vinyl & laminate
PlanningSubfloor, layout & transitions
RegionPickering, Ajax & the GTA
Start below the surface
Solid or engineered? Start with the room.
Both options use real wood, but they respond differently to environment, installation method and future refinishing goals. The right choice depends on the floor assembly, room conditions, selected product and intended use.
Engineered hardwood
A layered core can provide greater dimensional stability while keeping a real wood surface.
Subfloor assessment
Flatness, fastening condition, squeaks, damage and height transitions should be reviewed before installation.
Layout planning
Plank direction, starting lines, focal areas and visible cuts shape how the floor reads across connected rooms.
Doorways & stairs
Transitions, nosings, thresholds and trim details need to be part of the plan, not late-stage fixes.
Care expectations
Finish type, traffic, pets, humidity and cleaning habits all affect how the floor will age.
Installation planning
Let the material, light and room proportions work together.
Board width, colour variation, sheen and direction can make a space feel calmer, wider or more continuous. Samples should be considered in the actual light where the floor will live.
- Confirm installation method and product guidance
- Plan transitions before ordering finish pieces
- Review acclimation and site-condition requirements
- Protect the new floor during remaining renovation work
What the scope should protect
A considered finish, edge to edge.
Material choice is only one part of the result. Preparation, alignment, expansion, thresholds and the order of remaining renovation work all affect the finished space.
Real-wood surface
Choose the natural variation and character of hardwood around the home's design.
Installation planning
Align the product, subfloor, layout and transition method before work begins.
Connected finish
Coordinate the floor with stairs, trim, doors and adjoining materials.
Before you begin
Hardwood flooring questions.
Manufacturer instructions and property conditions matter. These answers are a starting point for a project-specific discussion.
What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is one piece of wood; engineered hardwood uses a real wood layer over a layered core. Site conditions, construction and refinishing goals affect the choice.
Does hardwood need to acclimate?
Many products require site conditioning or acclimation. Follow the specific manufacturer's instructions and confirm environmental conditions before installation.
Can hardwood be installed in a basement?
Product and manufacturer requirements vary. Engineered wood may be considered in some below-grade applications, but moisture conditions and the floor assembly must be assessed.
How do I choose plank direction?
Structure, light, hallway lines, room proportions and transition locations can all influence the layout. The best direction is project-specific.
Tell us about the rooms
Start with the property, current floor and material direction.
Send photos, approximate room sizes, the address or postal code and any product already selected.