Hardwood provides structure to any space, bringing definition with natural grain, variation and a finish that develops character over time rather than wearing out. It works best in main living areas where consistency and longevity matter.
Solid and engineered constructions each serve a purpose. Engineered hardwood manages movement more effectively across changing conditions, while solid profiles bring a more traditional build where the environment allows. Species such as oak, maple, walnut, cherry and hickory offer different tones and grain patterns, finished in matte, wire-brushed or prefinished coatings.
Timeless elegance for your home.
Real wood character, lasting performance, and natural warmth that ages beautifully.
Genuine hardwood is real wood, through and through. It adds beauty, quality and value to your home.
Ideal Rooms
Family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.
Benefits
- Lasts a lifetime – With proper care, hardwood can last forever. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished numerous times.
- Easy to maintain – Hardwood flooring is easy to clean. Just sweep, vacuum or wipe. Use manufacturer recommended products — that's all you need to keep your floor looking great.
Considerations
- Colour change – All hardwood floors fade, darken or change shades over time.
- Location – You cannot use solid hardwood in a basement. You can, however, use engineered hardwood in this space.
- Humidity – Hardwood flooring in bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms or homes where humidity levels are not controlled is not recommended. Solid hardwood is not recommended for a basement, due to humidity levels that could compromise its stability.
The character of hardwood.
Know the difference.
There are major differences between solid, engineered and hybrid hardwood floors. The main difference is their structural composition which determines where in your home it's best installed.
Regulate temperature and humidity.
It's important to always maintain relative humidity in your home. You can use a hygrometer to monitor moisture levels to ensure your floors won't be affected negatively.
See for yourself.
We encourage you to take hardwood samples home. Seeing a sample in your home setting is vital. View the samples at different times of the day to see how it will look in all lighting.
Solid hardwood is constructed from one solid piece of 100% hardwood. It is known for its durability, authenticity and timelessness. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished numerous times. Not recommended for below grade.
Engineered hardwood is made of layers with 100% natural wood on top, wood on the bottom, and a highly stable core in the middle. The core consists of layers pressed together in a crisscrossed pattern. It's what makes engineered hardwood less likely to shift, expand or contract when exposed to environmental changes in temperature, moisture and humidity. Engineered can be installed on, above or below grade.
Hybrid hardwood is a smart choice for home owners who want the look and feel of natural wood plus peace of mind that their floors will hold up beautifully in high-traffic or high-moisture areas. This flooring comes in a huge variety of hardwood designs, some with visuals and textures so realistic you'll think it's the real thing.
Tips to think about.
Endless choices.
Today's hardwood flooring offers you many choices in species, colour, widths, sheens and patterns. There are four finish sheens to choose from: matte, satin, semi-gloss or glossy. The glossier the floor, the more dust and dirt will show. The less sheen on the hardwood, the less you will notice dings and scratches.
Moisture Levels
Moisture levels on your subfloor/concrete floor will need to be evaluated before a hardwood floor can be installed. With a concrete floor, moisture levels must be within industry standards of the manufacturer's recommendations.
Scratches Show
Hardwood flooring will show wear and tear. By placing rugs at all entrances and throughout the rooms, you will minimize the amount of dirt being tracked into the house. Always use floor protector pads on the bottom of the legs of your furniture. If you have animals, ensure you keep their nails trimmed, keep floors free of fur and dirt and clean up accidents and spills ASAP.
Extra Materials
A waste factor ranging from 5% to 15% is typically used when calculating waste for your job. We will leave the leftover material with you. Please keep the material in a flat, dry area for any future repairs. The leftover material is not returnable.
The Janka hardness scale.
This scale provides a rating determined by the Janka hardness test that measures the force needed to embed a small metal ball into the wood. The higher the number the more resistant the wood.
Installed By Us.
You'll receive your Nufloors pre-installation guide which will outline everything you need to know regarding installation.
Paint
If you are planning to paint, wallpaper, or do any other remodeling in the room, try to do this before your flooring is installed. Keep extra paint to allow for post-installation touchups.
Move Furniture
Who is moving the furniture? Plan this in advance. Ensure to remove all fragile items from the room.
Remove Your Existing Floor
Make sure you know who is removing your existing flooring. Speak with your Nufloors Sales Associate about this.
Check Door Clearances
Measure door clearances before you have your new flooring installed. If the new flooring is thicker than your existing floor, your door bottoms may rub. Plan in advance to have someone shave or saw each door so it does not drag.
Frequently asked questions.
No obligation
Get a free in-home estimate for your hardwood project
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