By Yaletown Floor · Published September 17, 2026 · 8 min read
Biyork covers three categories with a clear naming system, once you know how to read it: Hydrogen for vinyl, Nouveau for engineered hardwood and Riptide for laminate. This guide decodes the numbers, compares the specs, and shows which line fits which room. Biyork is also one of the brands stocked in Ontario as well as British Columbia, so it works for projects at either end of the country.
1. Hydrogen vinyl: the numbers explained
Biyork's vinyl range is named Hydrogen, and the number tells you where it sits. Higher generally means a wider plank, a thicker wear layer and a longer warranty.
| Collection | Install | Width | Wear layer | Coverage | Residential warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen 5 | Click | 7.5" | 12 mil | 26.43 sq ft | 20 years |
| Hydrogen 6 | Click | 12" | 20 mil | 19.38 sq ft | 30 years |
| Hydrogen 7 | Click, SPC core | 9" | 20 mil | — | 35 years |
| Hydrogen 8 | Click | 9" | 22 mil | 17.67 sq ft | 40 years |
| Hydrogen PRO | Glue down, 2 mm | 7.36" | 12 mil | 59.27 sq ft | 25 years |
| Hydrogen PRO Porcelain | Glue down, 2 mm | 12" tile | 12 mil | 55.78 sq ft | 25 years |
Two details worth knowing. Hydrogen 7 has the UnderTone pad bonded to the plank, so it installs without separate underlay and is quieter underfoot, which matters in condos. Hydrogen PRO is the glue-down option, and the boxes are large at about 59 sq ft, which keeps handling costs down on big commercial jobs. The light commercial warranty runs 5 to 10 years depending on collection.
2. Nouveau engineered hardwood
| Collection | Thickness | Width | Wear layer | Species | Install |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nouveau 6 | 3/4" | 6-1/2" | 1.2 mm | European oak | Tongue & groove |
| Nouveau 7 | 3/4" | 7-1/2" | 2 mm | Hickory | Tongue & groove |
| Nouveau 8 | 3/4" | 8-1/2" | 2 mm | European oak | Tongue & groove |
| Nouveau 7 Prelude | 1/2" | 7-1/2" | 2 mm | European oak | Tongue & groove |
| Nouveau 6 Clic | 1/2" | 6-1/2" | 1.2 mm | European oak | Uniclic, floating |
All Nouveau floors use a multi-ply core with a wire-brushed finish and carry a 30-year residential warranty. Nouveau 7 in hickory is the toughest of the set and hides dents and scratches best; the European oak collections give the calmer, more uniform look. If you are floating a floor over concrete in a condo, Nouveau 6 Clic is the one to look at, and Prelude covers 27.78 sq ft per box, which is generous for a 1/2" board.
3. Riptide waterproof laminate
Riptide is Biyork's 12 mm waterproof laminate, 7-1/2" wide with a click system and 15.39 sq ft per box. It suits kitchens, entries and rentals where you want laminate's hardness and price with more spill tolerance than a standard core. For rooms that see standing water, choose Hydrogen vinyl instead.
4. Which Biyork floor suits your room
- Condo: Hydrogen 7, with the pad already attached and a long residential warranty, or Nouveau 6 Clic if you want real wood floating over concrete.
- Busy family home: Hydrogen 8 at 22 mil, or Nouveau 7 hickory if you want hardwood.
- Basement: any Hydrogen click plank over a dry, flat slab.
- Office, clinic or shop: Hydrogen PRO glue-down, with its large boxes and commercial warranty.
- Feature main floor: Nouveau 8 at 8-1/2" wide in European oak.
- Budget refresh: Hydrogen 5 or Riptide laminate.
Biyork also stocks matching transitions, which is worth ordering at the same time so colours match.
5. Pricing
Biyork is a call-for-pricing brand on our site. Send the collection, colour and square footage, or call 1 (604) 558-2195, and we will quote it with a delivery estimate. Samples ship before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What do the Hydrogen numbers mean?
They track the specification: Hydrogen 5 is a 12 mil, 7.5" click plank with a 20-year warranty, and Hydrogen 8 is a 22 mil, 9" plank with 40 years. Hydrogen 7 adds an attached UnderTone pad on an SPC core.
Which Biyork vinyl is glue-down?
Hydrogen PRO and Hydrogen PRO Porcelain, both 2 mm with a 12 mil wear layer and large boxes for commercial work.
Is Nouveau hardwood refinishable?
The 2 mm collections take a light screen and recoat. At 1.2 mm, Nouveau 6 is built to be lived on rather than sanded.
Can Biyork go in a condo?
Yes. Hydrogen 7 has a pad attached, and any floating floor should be paired with an underlay that meets your building's IIC requirement.
How much does Biyork cost?
Biyork is call-for-pricing. Contact us with the collection and square footage for a quote.
Want a Biyork quote? Tell us the collection, colour and square footage and we will send pricing and samples.
