Hardwood flooring is a timeless and elegant choice that adds natural warmth and long-lasting value to any home. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your current space, hardwood floors remain one of the most popular flooring options—and for good reason. They’re durable, stylish, and versatile enough to fit almost any interior design.
But buying hardwood flooring isn’t just about picking a colour and calling it a day. There are important decisions to make about wood type, plank size, finish, installation method, and budget. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed hardwood flooring purchase.
1. Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood: What’s the Difference?
Before anything else, you’ll need to choose between solid and engineered hardwood.
Solid Hardwood
- Made from a single piece of solid wood.
- It can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
- Typically nailed or stapled to a wooden subfloor.
- Best for above-grade installations (i.e., not recommended for basements).
- Offers long-term durability but may be more sensitive to humidity changes.
Engineered Hardwood
- Made from several layers of wood (a hardwood veneer on top with plywood layers underneath).
- More stable and moisture-resistant than solid hardwood.
- Can be installed above, on, or below grade, including over concrete.
- It may only be refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness of the top layer.
- Ideal for basements, kitchens, or humid climates.
2. Hardwood Species: Choosing the Right Wood
Different wood species offer different looks and performance. Some of the most common include:
- Oak (red or white): The most popular species; durable, with a prominent grain pattern.
- Maple: Smooth, subtle grain; light in colour and very hard.
- Hickory: Extremely hard and rustic, with bold colour variation.
- Walnut: Dark, rich tones with a smooth grain—perfect for elegant interiors.
- Cherry: Reddish tone that deepens with age; softer than oak or maple.
- Birch and Ash: Affordable alternatives with light colouring.
Each species varies in hardness, colour, grain pattern, and price. Consider your home’s style and the amount of foot traffic the floors will endure.
3. Finish Types: Pre-Finished vs. Site-Finished
You’ll also need to choose between pre-finished and site-finished hardwood.
Pre-Finished Flooring
- Finished at the factory with multiple layers of sealant.
- Easier and quicker to install.
- No dust or odours from on-site sanding and finishing.
- More consistent appearance and stronger factory-applied finishes.
Site-Finished Flooring
- Sanded and finished after installation, offering a seamless look.
- Allows for more customisation (e.g., stain colour, finish sheen).
- Requires a longer installation time and creates dust/odour during the process.
Pre-finished flooring is more common today due to convenience, but site-finished floors are still preferred for certain custom or high-end projects.
4. Plank Widths and Styles
The look of your hardwood floor will also be influenced by plank width and length:
- Narrow strips (2-3 inches) create a traditional, more formal look.
- Wide planks (5+ inches) offer a modern or rustic feel and show off natural wood grain.
- Mixed widths are trending in custom-designed homes for a more eclectic, handcrafted appearance.
Longer planks mean fewer seams and a cleaner, more expansive look, but they may cost more.
5. Colour and Stain Options
Hardwood flooring comes in a wide range of colours and stains, from natural blondes to deep chocolates and even greys or blacks. Consider the lighting, room size, and existing furniture when choosing a colour.
- Light wood makes rooms feel larger and brighter.
- Medium tones offer versatility and warmth.
- Dark wood adds drama and elegance, but may show dust and scratches more easily.
6. Installation Methods
Installation depends on the type of hardwood and the subfloor:
- Nail-down: Common for solid hardwood; requires a wood subfloor.
- Glue-down: Often used for engineered hardwood, especially over concrete.
- Floating: Planks click together and “float” over the subfloor; good for DIYers and engineered products.
Professional installation ensures proper expansion gaps, moisture barriers, and a long-lasting result.
7. Cost and Budgeting
Hardwood flooring prices vary based on species, quality, and finish:
- Solid hardwood:
- Engineered hardwood:
- Installation costs:
Additional costs may include subfloor prep, removal of old flooring, baseboards, and underlayment.
8. Maintenance and Longevity
Hardwood flooring is long-lasting but does require care:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit.
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas.
- Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining or warping.
- Refinish every 7–15 years (solid hardwood) to restore the original appearance.
With proper care, hardwood floors can last 50 years or more—a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
Final Thoughts
Hardwood flooring offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, durability, and long-term value. By understanding the differences between solid and engineered wood, selecting the right species and finish, and budgeting for installation and maintenance, you’ll be well-equipped to make the best choice for your home.
Visit a local flooring store to explore samples, ask questions, and get a feel for the materials in person. With the right product and professional installation, your hardwood floors will look stunning and perform beautifully for decades to come.
