Solid Hardwood is the traditional favourite. Time-tested, refinishable, and unmatched for visual appeal — though more costly.
Engineered Hardwood has a plywood or solid core with a real wood veneer top. More stable than solid wood, available in wider planks, and most can be refinished depending on veneer thickness.
Luxury Vinyl is the fastest-growing segment. Easy to install, waterproof, and available in designs that can be nearly indistinguishable from real wood, marble, or slate.
Laminate is the most cost-effective option — easy to install and available in a wide range of colours. Note: MDF/HDF is not inherently waterproof despite manufacturer claims.
Solid hardwood can be refinished many times. Engineered hardwood can be refinished 1–2 times depending on veneer thickness. Vinyl and laminate cannot be refinished.
3/4" is the most common solid/engineered thickness, though 1/2", 5/8", and 9/16" options exist. For vinyl and laminate, thicker material means better underfoot comfort, noise reduction, and durability.
Canadian hardwood typically comes in 2¼", 3", 4", and 4¼" widths. For wide-plank flooring, engineered hardwood is preferred — its plywood base prevents cupping and warping, which is especially important given Canada's large seasonal humidity swings.
For solid and engineered hardwood, standard colours are widely available and we can always custom-match. For vinyl and laminate there are vast colour ranges — though repetition in patterns can sometimes be visible on cheaper products.
Grade refers to the natural visual variation in the wood — the amount of mineral streaks, colour variation, and knots — not structural quality. Every grade is equally durable; it's purely an aesthetic choice. Generally, the cleaner and more uniform the grade, the higher the price.
A note on stain: the darker the stain, the less you'll see of streaks and knots. This is why many darker colours aren't offered in AB grade — it would be more expensive and defeat the purpose.
Most flooring comes in random lengths of 1–6ft per box, which reduces waste and cost. Requesting all-6ft lengths does exist in some cases for a premium look but at higher cost. Patterns like herringbone or chevron require fixed-length boards.
Wood flooring finishes range from matte to high gloss. Matte hides scratches and dust better. High gloss is dramatic but shows wear more easily. Surface texture — smooth, wire-brushed, hand-scraped, or distressed — is equally important. Always see a physical sample before committing.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Solid Hardwood | Engineered | Luxury Vinyl | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refinishable | ✓ Multiple | ✓ 1–2× | ✗ | ✗ |
| Waterproof | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Fully | ~ 48–72 hrs |
| Wide Plank | Limited | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Relative Cost | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Humidity Stability | Fair | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent | Fair |
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Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood throughout. Engineered has a real wood veneer on a plywood or solid core — more dimensionally stable, especially important in Canada's humid summers and dry winters, and available in wider plank sizes.
No — not truly. Laminate is made from MDF or HDF, which absorbs water over time. "Waterproof" claims typically mean it can handle surface moisture for 48–72 hours before damage. If waterproofing is a priority, luxury vinyl might be a better choice.
We are primarily a supply business — we let the installers do their thing so you can choose who you like and trust for that. If you need an installer recommendation in Ontario, get in touch and we may be able to help. If you are making a custom floor that is beyond standard planks and needs special care, then we will likely want to install that in order to ensure everything goes smoothly — but for basic installations, we don't get involved.
Yes. Our global network of manufacturers means we can source or custom-make just about any flooring. Bring us a sample or describe what you're after and we'll find it — or make it locally for you. We work hand in hand with some of the most talented craftspeople in the industry.
Luxury vinyl is the best choice for below-grade spaces — it's fully waterproof and handles moisture well. We generally don't recommend solid or engineered hardwood below grade unless you have a proper subfloor installed, which will offer you more flexibility on the flooring you choose.
Grade refers to visual variation only — not structural quality. A Character grade floor and a Select & Better floor are both high quality. It's purely an aesthetic choice, and typically the more uniform the grade, the higher the price.
Matte finishes hide scratches and dust better. High gloss looks dramatic but shows wear. Finish terms vary between manufacturers — always see a physical sample before committing. Surface texture (smooth, wire-brushed, hand-scraped) is equally important. It really comes down to taste and application. Consider your floor for aesthetics but don't disregard the expected traffic and abuse it will take.
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