Yaletown Floor stocks engineered and solid hardwood across Canada — White Oak, Red Oak, Maple, Hickory, Walnut, Ash, and select exotics — from Bjelin, Vidar, Biyork, Pravada, Grandeur, Mannington, Tarkett, Twelve Oaks, and other premium mills. Free samples ship Canada-wide; full-floor orders (1,000+ sq ft) ship free via national freight.
Timeless resale value. Real-wood floors remain the gold standard for residential resale across every Canadian market — appraisers and listing agents both add value for genuine hardwood vs. wood-look alternatives.
Refinishable surface. Solid hardwood and engineered hardwood with a 2mm+ wear layer can be sanded and refinished one or more times — extending floor life to 50–100 years with periodic refresh.
Natural variation. Wood grain, mineral streaks, and color development are unique to each plank — modern luxury vinyl and laminate approximate this, but real wood is still visually distinguishable at close range.
Wide species and finish range. Hardwood spans the widest stylistic range of any flooring category — from minimalist white-washed European oak to richly stained hand-scraped hickory.
Compatibility with radiant heat. Most engineered hardwood is approved for in-floor radiant heat when installed per mill specification — solid hardwood generally is not.
"Engineered or solid?" Engineered hardwood is the dominant choice for new Canadian installs — dimensionally stable across Canadian humidity swings (15% summer / 45% winter indoor RH), works over concrete and radiant heat, available in wider planks. Solid hardwood remains the choice for traditional 2¼" or 3¼" strip flooring above grade.
"How thick should the wear layer be?" 2mm wear layer supports one full sanding refinish; 3mm+ supports two or more. For long-term refinishability, look for 3mm or 4mm wear-layer engineered floors.
"Will it scratch?" Any hardwood will show wear. Hardness (Janka rating), finish technology (aluminum-oxide topcoats, UV-cured matte finishes), and texture (wire-brushed and hand-scraped surfaces hide wear better than smooth) all influence visible scratching. Pets, sand grit, and high heels are the main culprits.
"What plank width?" Standard widths run 3¼", 5", 6", 7½", and 9½"+. Wider planks read as more modern and luxurious but cost more per sq ft and require flatter subfloors. 5"–7½" is the current residential standard.
"Delivery and samples?" Free samples on every hardwood SKU — ship Canada-wide in 2–3 business days. Full-floor orders (1,000+ sq ft) ship free via national freight.
Is engineered hardwood real wood?
Yes — engineered hardwood has a real-wood top layer (the "wear layer") bonded to a plywood or HDF core. The visible surface, including grain, color, and finish, is identical to solid hardwood. Only the substrate differs.
Can hardwood go in a basement?
Engineered hardwood is generally approved for below-grade installation provided humidity is controlled (35–55% RH year-round). Solid hardwood is not approved for basement installation due to moisture sensitivity.
How much does hardwood flooring cost?
Engineered hardwood ranges $4–$14 CAD per sq ft installed. Solid hardwood runs $6–$12. Wide-plank European oak from premium mills sits in the $8–$14 range.
Will it work with my pet?
Pet-resistance comes from finish hardness, not species hardness. UV-cured aluminum-oxide finishes and matte surfaces hide claw marks well. Trimmed nails, entry mats, and quick spill cleanup extend floor life.
Does hardwood flooring need acclimation?
Yes — 3–7 days minimum acclimation to install-space temperature and humidity is required before installation. Skipping this is the leading cause of post-install gapping and cupping.
How do I order a sample?
Free samples on every hardwood SKU — click "Order Sample" on any product page. Ships Canada-wide in 2–3 business days.
