Buying Guide: Hardwood Flooring
Buying Guide: Hardwood Flooring
Timeless, durable, and always in style.
These are three words to describe hardwood flooring. It also adds warmth and comfort to any interior, be it Windsor Castle or a cabin deep in the woods.
And guess what?
This natural material also has the ability to naturally increase the value of your property. That’s a LOT of benefits.
So, to help you choose your hardwood floor, we’ll break down the criteria you should consider before shopping for your flooring.
Timeless, durable, and always in style.
These are three words to describe hardwood flooring. It also adds warmth and comfort to any interior, be it Windsor Castle or a cabin deep in the woods.
And guess what?
This natural material also has the ability to naturally increase the value of your property. That’s a LOT of benefits.
So, to help you choose your hardwood floor, we’ll break down the criteria you should consider before shopping for your flooring.
The Different Types of Hardwood Flooring
There are many varieties of wood flooring, and it’s not always easy to understand the differences. So let’s start with a brief overview of the terminology:
Solid Wood and Engineered Wood: Two categories of hardwood flooring, meaning they are entirely made of wood.
Laminate: Two words to describe a single type of flooring. This flooring is a wood imitation, mainly composed of HDF (High Density FiberBoard).
Vinyl: Also a wood imitation, made up of several layers, including PVC and fiberglass.
The Different Types of Hardwood Flooring
There are many varieties of wood flooring, and it’s not always easy to understand the differences. So let’s start with a brief overview of the terminology:
Solid Wood and Engineered Wood: Two categories of hardwood flooring, meaning they are entirely made of wood.
Laminate: Two words to describe a single type of flooring. This flooring is a wood imitation, mainly composed of HDF (High Density FiberBoard).
Vinyl: Also a wood imitation, made up of several layers, including PVC and fiberglass.
👉 As you might have gathered, vinyl and laminate do not belong to the hardwood family. Therefore, we will not be discussing these types of flooring in this guide.
👉 Also, you often hear about floating flooring. This is a type of installation, not a type of flooring itself
To better understand:
To better understand:
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood floors are made of 100% wood. Durable and timeless, their lifespan can span several decades. The natural knots in the wood make each solid hardwood floor unique.
✔ Advantages
- It can be refinished (sanded, stained, then varnished) many times. The number of times it can be sanded depends on the thickness, the type of floor, and how the sanding is done.
- ts installation is straightforward: stapled or nailed (this varies according to the platform and the hardwood floor manufacturers).
〰 Weaknesses
- Solid hardwood flooring is not compatible with underfloor heating systems.
- This type of flooring cannot be installed in a basement or in a condo.
*The platform refers to the way a floor is designed and assembled. Here are some examples of platforms:
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood floors are made of 100% wood. Durable and timeless, their lifespan can span several decades. The natural knots in the wood make each solid hardwood floor unique.
✔ Advantages
- It can be refinished (sanded, stained, then varnished) many times. The number of times it can be sanded depends on the thickness, the type of floor, and how the sanding is done.
- ts installation is straightforward: stapled or nailed (this varies according to the platform and the hardwood floor manufacturers).
〰 Weaknesses
- Solid hardwood flooring is not compatible with underfloor heating systems.
- This type of flooring cannot be installed in a basement or in a condo.
*The platform refers to the way a floor is designed and assembled. Here are some examples of platforms:
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered flooring refers to a layer of hardwood bonded over one or two substrates composed of different materials. The most popular compositions include plywood, softwood slats, or HDF (High Density FiberBoard).
When engineered flooring is made up of 2 layers, it’s called a 2-ply, and if it’s made up of 3 layers, then the floor is called 3-ply or multi-ply.
Thanks to its multiple layers, engineered flooring has better stability against humidity changes. Therefore, it can be installed in conditions where solid wood cannot be laid.
✔ Advantages
- Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood is more stable in the face of humidity and temperature changes.
- Engineered wood can be installed on any level (even in a basement!) and even on wall surfaces.
- This wood flooring is often compatible with an underfloor heating system, under certain conditions, of course! For example, the hickory species is not compatible.
- Engineered wood does not trap dust, pet hair, pollen, or any other allergens.
〰 Weaknesses
- Generally, engineered flooring is more expensive because its design is more complex.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered flooring refers to a layer of hardwood bonded over one or two substrates composed of different materials. The most popular compositions include plywood, softwood slats, or HDF (High Density FiberBoard).
When engineered flooring is made up of 2 layers, it’s called a 2-ply, and if it’s made up of 3 layers, then the floor is called 3-ply or multi-ply.
Thanks to its multiple layers, engineered flooring has better stability against humidity changes. Therefore, it can be installed in conditions where solid wood cannot be laid.
✔ Advantages
- Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood is more stable in the face of humidity and temperature changes.
- Engineered wood can be installed on any level (even in a basement!) and even on wall surfaces.
- This wood flooring is often compatible with an underfloor heating system, under certain conditions, of course! For example, the hickory species is not compatible.
- Engineered wood does not trap dust, pet hair, pollen, or any other allergens.
〰 Weaknesses
- Generally, engineered flooring is more expensive because its design is more complex.
Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood
Let’s delve into more detail. Solid wood and engineered wood are distinguished by several criteria:
SOLID WOOD
ENGINEERED WOOD
Installation options
- Nailed only
- Paperback only
- Nailed + glued (use of 2 techniques together)
- Nailed only
- Stapled only
- Glued only
- ***Floating (or “click” installation)
- Stapled only
- Nailed + glued (use of 2 techniques together)
Composition
100% wood
Composed either of a wood substrate, or of softwood slats or HDF (High Density FiberBoard), on plywood.
Thickness
¾’’
⅝‘’, 7/16’’or ¾ ”
Installation location
In a house:
-Varnished floors: Ground floor and upper levels.
-Oiled floors: Ground floor and upper levels (except for maple).
Not recommended in damp areas such as the basement or bathroom.
In a house or a condo:
Basement, ground floor, and upper levels.
Sanding
The number of times a floor can be sanded depends on several factors: the thickness of the flooring, the quality of the sanding work, the finish, the texture of the floor, etc.
The frequency of sanding varies according to use and individual preferences. Some owners may intentionally leave a floor marked for several years, especially if they have children.
Can be sanded, stained, and oiled.
To be done as needed (varies according to use and individual preferences).
Can be sanded then varnished/oiled.
For engineered wood, the number of times it can be sanded also varies according to the thickness of the hardwood veneer.
Prices
Starting at $4.99 / sq.ft
Starting at $5.69 / sq.ft
Underfloor Heating
Incompatible
Compatible, except with flooring made from the hickory species.
Maintenance
> Read our article for all the details
Vacuum or a microfiber mop.
Never wash with a lot of water.
Never wash with a lot of water.
Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood
Let’s delve into more detail. Solid wood and engineered wood are distinguished by several criteria:
Installation options
Solid Wood
- Nailed only
- Paperback only
- Nailed + glued (use of 2 techniques together)
Engineered Wood
- Nailed only
- Stapled only
- Glued only
- ***Floating (or “click” installation)
- Stapled only
- Nailed + glued (use of 2 techniques together)
Composition
Solid Wood
100% wood
Engineered Wood
Composed either of a wood substrate, or of softwood slats or HDF (High Density FiberBoard), on plywood.
Thickness
Solid Wood
¾’’
Engineered Wood
⅝‘’, 7/16’’or ¾ ”
Installation location
Solid Wood – In a house:
-Varnished floors: Ground floor and upper levels.
-Oiled floors: Ground floor and upper levels (except for maple).
Not recommended in damp areas such as the basement or bathroom.
Engineered Wood – In a house or a condo:
Basement, ground floor, and upper levels.
Sanding
The number of times a floor can be sanded depends on several factors: the thickness of the flooring, the quality of the sanding work, the finish, the texture of the floor, etc.
The frequency of sanding varies according to use and individual preferences. Some owners may intentionally leave a floor marked for several years, especially if they have children.
Solid Wood
Can be sanded, stained, and oiled.
To be done as needed (varies according to use and individual preferences).
Engineered Wood
Can be sanded then varnished/oiled.
For engineered wood, the number of times it can be sanded also varies according to the thickness of the hardwood veneer.
Prices
Solid Wood
Starting at $4.99 / sq.ft
Engineered Wood
Starting at $5.69 / sq.ft
Underfloor Heating
Solid Wood
Incompatible
Engineered Wood
Compatible, except with flooring made from the hickory species.
Maintenance
> Read our article for all the details
Solid Wood
Vacuum or a microfiber mop.
Never wash with a lot of water.
*The types of installation depend on the *platform (put an anchor to refer to the platform explanation) and the supplier:
Installation types
Nailed
Single or double glueing
Floating
Nailed + glued
***For an engineered floor, a floating installation means that the parquet will be impossible to sand. This would greatly reduce its durability.
To find out how to care for your floor covering, read our top tips for cleaning your hardwood floor.
*The types of installation depend on the *platform (put an anchor to refer to the platform explanation) and the supplier:
Installation types
***For an engineered floor, a floating installation means that the parquet will be impossible to sand. This would greatly reduce its durability.
To find out how to care for your floor covering, read our top tips for cleaning your hardwood floor.
The Finish: Oiled or Varnished Wood Flooring?
Did you know that all hardwoods can be pre-varnished or pre-oiled? This gives you plenty of options. We explain the difference to you.
Oiled Wood Flooring: Changes Over Time
Oiled wood stands out for its ability to evolve over time while maintaining its splendor.
You can refurbish your oiled floor and manage its appearance by applying new layers of oil over the years.
You can also easily repair your oiled wood flooring with a small local touch-up. To restore the damaged area, just use some sandpaper and a bit of tinted oil in the right color. Then your floor will regain a uniform appearance, and your scratch will be forgotten (out of sight, out of mind)! Ideal if you have pets and/or a lively family.
Pre-oiled wood is also distinguished by its matte sheen, which highlights the natural nuances of the wood and the details of the grain. As a result, imperfections become less apparent.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that oiled wood requires regular attention. Its maintenance, although simple and accessible to everyone, demands more frequent care than a varnished wood floor. Using the right soap and performing regular maintenance can extend the time between complete oiling of the floor and help maintain a flawless looking floor. Read our best tips for cleaning your hardwood floor.
Adapted to temperature variations, oiled wood flooring also has good resistance to moisture and abrasion, thanks to the oil that penetrates deeply into the wood’s pores.
The Finish: Oiled or Varnished Wood Flooring?
Did you know that all hardwoods can be pre-varnished or pre-oiled? This gives you plenty of options. We explain the difference to you.
Oiled Wood Flooring: Changes Over Time
Oiled wood stands out for its ability to evolve over time while maintaining its splendor.
You can refurbish your oiled floor and manage its appearance by applying new layers of oil over the years.
You can also easily repair your oiled wood flooring with a small local touch-up. To restore the damaged area, just use some sandpaper and a bit of tinted oil in the right color. Then your floor will regain a uniform appearance, and your scratch will be forgotten (out of sight, out of mind)! Ideal if you have pets and/or a lively family.
Pre-oiled wood is also distinguished by its matte sheen, which highlights the natural nuances of the wood and the details of the grain. As a result, imperfections become less apparent.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that oiled wood requires regular attention. Its maintenance, although simple and accessible to everyone, demands more frequent care than a varnished wood floor. Using the right soap and performing regular maintenance can extend the time between complete oiling of the floor and help maintain a flawless looking floor. Read our best tips for cleaning your hardwood floor.
Adapted to temperature variations, oiled wood flooring also has good resistance to moisture and abrasion, thanks to the oil that penetrates deeply into the wood’s pores.
Varnished Wood Flooring: Remains the Same Over the Years
Varnished hardwood flooring is distinguished by its ability to preserve its original appearance over the years. The varnish forms a protective barrier, making maintenance easier and much less frequent than oiled hardwood. Stains are easily wiped away, and the smooth surface of the varnish resists daily wear and tear marks. Wood varnish also offers anti-yellowing and antimicrobial properties to your floors.
Varnished hardwood is durable and has great resistance to wear and abrasion.
On the other hand, varnished hardwood can be prone to scratches and scuffs, requiring extra vigilance in high-traffic areas. Unlike oiled flooring, varnish is difficult to repair, and it’s not possible to varnish just one area (the entire floor needs to be redone). However, it is possible to replace some planks.
Finally, a varnished finish prevents the wood from absorbing and releasing moisture. Therefore, the floor is more likely to crack under certain conditions.
Varnished Wood Flooring: Remains the Same Over the Years
Varnished hardwood flooring is distinguished by its ability to preserve its original appearance over the years. The varnish forms a protective barrier, making maintenance easier and much less frequent than oiled hardwood. Stains are easily wiped away, and the smooth surface of the varnish resists daily wear and tear marks. Wood varnish also offers anti-yellowing and antimicrobial properties to your floors.
Varnished hardwood is durable and has great resistance to wear and abrasion.
On the other hand, varnished hardwood can be prone to scratches and scuffs, requiring extra vigilance in high-traffic areas. Unlike oiled flooring, varnish is difficult to repair, and it’s not possible to varnish just one area (the entire floor needs to be redone). However, it is possible to replace some planks.
Finally, a varnished finish prevents the wood from absorbing and releasing moisture. Therefore, the floor is more likely to crack under certain conditions.
The grade of floorboards
The wood grade is used to classify wood planks based on:
- The variation in their color,
- The presence of knots and/or cracks,
- Or any other character marks the wood may have. The grade refers only to a visual aspect of the wood and is not an indicator of quality.
Choose based on the look you want to give to the room.
There is no universal naming convention. Each supplier uses their own grade names: select, natural, tradition, etc
Our in-store advisors will help you make the right choice.
The grade of floorboards
The wood grade is used to classify wood planks based on:
- The variation in their color,
- The presence of knots and/or cracks,
- Or any other character marks the wood may have. The grade refers only to a visual aspect of the wood and is not an indicator of quality.
Choose based on the look you want to give to the room.
There is no universal naming convention. Each supplier uses their own grade names: select, natural, tradition, etc
Our in-store advisors will help you make the right choice.
The Sheens of Parquet
The sheen refers to the appearance of the finish, reflecting more or less light. The more lustrous it is, the more the floor reflects light. Conversely, the more matte it is, the less bright it appears.
For an oiled floor, the sheen is matte, up to 5% gloss.
For a varnished hardwood floor, you can choose the sheen, which can range from ultra-matte to semi-gloss.
The different sheens available are:
– Oiled: 3% gloss
– Ultra-matte: 10% gloss
– Matte: 20% gloss
– Satin: 30% gloss
– Semi-gloss: 40-50% gloss.
Ask our store experts for advice to help you with your choice.
The Sheens of Parquet
The sheen refers to the appearance of the finish, reflecting more or less light. The more lustrous it is, the more the floor reflects light. Conversely, the more matte it is, the less bright it appears.
For an oiled floor, the sheen is matte, up to 5% gloss.
For a varnished hardwood floor, you can choose the sheen, which can range from ultra-matte to semi-gloss.
The different sheens available are:
– Oiled: 3% gloss
– Ultra-matte: 10% gloss
– Matte: 20% gloss
– Satin: 30% gloss
– Semi-gloss: 40-50% gloss.
Ask our store experts for advice to help you with your choice.
The Types of Wood for Flooring
In Quebec, there is a wide variety of available wood types. The main species are maple, cherry, red oak, white oak, walnut, ash, and hickory.
- Canadian maple, the most sold, is resistant and uniform.
- Cherry, the second most popular wood type, is typically North American.
- Red oak and white oak remain very present in Montreal interiors.
The two elements to consider when choosing the wood type are the desired look and the wood’s resistance. Ask for advice in store to find the flooring of your dreams.
Since our wood suppliers are Quebec-based, choosing this flooring is a rather responsible choice 😉 .
Maple
Cherry
White oak
Red oak
The Types of Wood for Flooring
In Quebec, there is a wide variety of available wood types. The main species are maple, cherry, red oak, white oak, walnut, ash, and hickory.
- Canadian maple, the most sold, is resistant and uniform.
- Cherry, the second most popular wood type, is typically North American.
- Red oak and white oak remain very present in Montreal interiors.
The two elements to consider when choosing the wood type are the desired look and the wood’s resistance. Ask for advice in store to find the flooring of your dreams.
Since our wood suppliers are Quebec-based, choosing this flooring is a rather responsible choice 😉 .
Maple
Cherry
White oak
Red oak
Things to Consider When Buying
A well-maintained hardwood floor can last between 100 and 150 years (once you change yours, you’re set!). To help you make the right choice, here are several questions to ask yourself:
Where do you want to install your hardwood floor? The type of floor to choose depends on the room in which it will be installed.
Do you want to maintain (sand, stain, or varnish) your hardwood floor?
What look are you going for? A uniform floor or one with variations in the wood, dark or light, with wide or narrow planks, etc.
What is your lifestyle like? With or without children, with or without pets, etc.
Things to Consider When Buying
A well-maintained hardwood floor can last between 100 and 150 years (once you change yours, you’re set!). To help you make the right choice, here are several questions to ask yourself:
Where do you want to install your hardwood floor? The type of floor to choose depends on the room in which it will be installed.
Do you want to maintain (sand, stain, or varnish) your hardwood floor?
What look are you going for? A uniform floor or one with variations in the wood, dark or light, with wide or narrow planks, etc.
What is your lifestyle like? With or without children, with or without pets, etc.
Our Best Sellers
We offer an exclusive selection of hundreds of solid and engineered wood coverings from about ten renowned Quebec and European suppliers
Choosing a hardwood floor is a wise decision. However, it’s crucial to select a type of flooring that suits your lifestyle and taste. Visit one of our 8 branches to shop for yours.
Our Best Sellers
We offer an exclusive selection of hundreds of solid and engineered wood coverings from about ten renowned Quebec and European suppliers
Choosing a hardwood floor is a wise decision. However, it’s crucial to select a type of flooring that suits your lifestyle and taste. Visit one of our 8 branches to shop for yours.