Flooring Installation

Overview

Flooring installation is one of the most visually transformative home improvement projects. Whether you are replacing worn carpet, updating dated laminate, or installing new hardwood throughout your home, the right flooring sets the tone for every room.

Canadian homeowners have more options than ever. Solid hardwood (oak, maple, and hickory are popular domestic species) remains a premium choice for main living areas. Engineered hardwood offers similar aesthetics with better dimensional stability in homes with radiant heat or below-grade installations. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has become the fastest-growing category, offering water resistance, durability, and realistic wood or stone looks at a lower price point.

The best flooring choice depends on the room's use, moisture exposure, and subfloor conditions. Basements and bathrooms require waterproof options, while main-floor living areas can accommodate a wider range of materials. Climate matters too — Canada's low winter humidity can cause solid hardwood to contract, making proper acclimatization and humidity control important.

What to Expect

• In-home measurement and material estimation
• Material selection and ordering (allow for 10% waste factor)
• Flooring acclimatization in the home for 48 to 72 hours (hardwood and engineered)
• Removal and disposal of old flooring
• Subfloor inspection, repair, and levelling as needed
• Moisture barrier or underlay installation
• Flooring installation with appropriate method (nail-down, glue-down, or floating)
• Transition strips between rooms and flooring types
• Baseboard and trim reinstallation or replacement
• Final cleanup and walk-through
• Timeline of 2 to 5 days for a typical home

Cost Factors

Material choice is the biggest cost driver — solid hardwood runs $6-$12 per square foot installed, engineered hardwood $5-$10, LVP $4-$8, and laminate $3-$6. Subfloor condition matters: levelling a concrete slab with self-levelling compound or repairing a plywood subfloor adds cost. Removing existing flooring, especially glued-down hardwood or multiple layers, is labour-intensive. Room layout complexity, stairs, and custom patterns increase installation time.

How to Save Money

• Choose LVP or engineered hardwood over solid hardwood for comparable looks at lower cost
• Remove old flooring yourself before the installer arrives (confirm with them first)
• Buy flooring material during seasonal sales at Canadian retailers or directly from distributors
• Install the same flooring throughout the home to reduce waste and transition strip costs
• Choose a floating installation method where possible, as it is faster and less expensive than nail-down or glue-down

Hiring Tips

• Hire an installer experienced with your chosen flooring type — hardwood nailing is a different skill than tile setting
• Ask for a quote that separates material, labour, subfloor prep, and trim work
• Verify the installer checks moisture levels in the subfloor before starting
• Confirm who is responsible for moving furniture — some installers include it, others do not
• Request references and check reviews on Google or HomeStars

FAQ

How long does hardwood flooring last?

Solid hardwood floors can last 50 to 100 years with periodic sanding and refinishing. Engineered hardwood with a thick wear layer can be refinished 2 to 3 times and typically lasts 25 to 50 years. LVP lasts 15 to 25 years depending on the wear layer thickness.

Can I install hardwood in a basement?

Solid hardwood is not recommended for below-grade installations due to moisture concerns. Engineered hardwood with a plywood core and luxury vinyl plank are both suitable for basements. A moisture barrier over the concrete slab is essential regardless of the flooring type.

How long should flooring acclimatize before installation?

Hardwood and engineered wood should acclimatize in your home for at least 48 to 72 hours with the HVAC system running at normal settings. LVP and laminate typically require 24 to 48 hours. This is especially important in Canada, where humidity levels vary dramatically between seasons.