How to Choose Hardwood Flooring: Types, Species and Finishes

Changing your flooring is a significant investment, both in terms of time and budget. Before getting started, consider the material, colour, style, and installation method.

If you opt for hardwood flooring, other factors come into play, including wood species, finish, grade, and flooring type. Carefully considering these factors will help you choose flooring that suits your space, needs and desired result.

How to Choose Hardwood Flooring

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Hardwood flooring can produce beautiful results in virtually any room in the home. Not only is it a natural material that adds character to a space, but hardwood is also relatively low-maintenance.

However, there are many options to consider. The type of hardwood and style, including colour, wood species and sheen, are only the beginning of the decision-making process.

Carefully considering these options will help you make an informed choice and invest in a beautiful, long-lasting floor, whether it is for a bedroom, living room or family room.

What Are the Different Types of Hardwood Flooring?

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The choice of hardwood flooring depends mainly on its construction and installation method. The two main categories are solid hardwood and engineered hardwood, with engineered products available in glued, stapled or floating installations depending on the product.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

With solid hardwood flooring, sanding is typically done post-installation. The same applies to staining and finishing. A finish applied on site may not be as durable as a factory-applied finish because environmental conditions are more difficult to control in a home than in a manufacturing facility. Because the finish is applied inside the home, occupants may also need to avoid the area during application and drying.

Prefinished Solid Hardwood Flooring

Prefinished solid hardwood is sanded, stained and protected at the factory before installation. This provides a consistent finish and eliminates the need for sanding and finishing on site. Durable and available in a wide range of wood species, colours and finishes, it is a practical option for achieving an attractive, long-lasting floor more quickly.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood consists of a thin layer of real hardwood attached to layers of plywood or compressed fibreboard. It is particularly well suited to basements and areas where humidity levels may be higher.

The boards can be glued directly to the floor or stapled to a subfloor and generally offer greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is also a suitable option for condominiums. Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, some engineered hardwood products can be sanded and refinished to extend their lifespan.

Floating Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Floating engineered hardwood is designed to be installed without nails or glue directly over the subfloor, generally using a click-lock system. Its multilayer construction provides good stability when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity. It can therefore be suitable for a range of spaces, including condos and some installations over concrete slabs, provided the manufacturer's recommendations and the building's soundproofing requirements are followed.

Which Wood Species Should You Choose for Hardwood Flooring?

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Some of the best-known and most commonly used hardwood species include oak, maple, and birch. Hardwood species from deciduous trees generally create a more traditional appearance, while softwoods such as fir can provide a more rustic look. Other species commonly used for flooring include yellow birch, cherry, walnut and ash.

For larger budgets, more exotic wood species, such as mahogany, may also be considered. Ultimately, the choice depends largely on the desired appearance.

Bamboo is another option worth considering. Although it is technically a grass rather than a tree, it can offer hardness and durability comparable to certain types of wood flooring.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Hardwood Flooring?

Wood Grade

Hardwood boards are generally categorized by grade. Each species has its own natural colouring, and even when the wood is treated or stained, knots and natural variations may remain visible.

Manufacturers therefore classify wood according to factors such as colour consistency and the presence of knots. Because wood is a natural material, no two boards will be completely identical. These variations can add character and authenticity to the finished floor.

For a more rustic appearance, particularly in a cottage or country-style home, you may prefer boards with a higher concentration of visible knots.

Board Width and Layout

Depending on the dimensions of a room, the direction in which hardwood boards are installed can influence how large or long the space appears. The orientation of the boards should therefore be considered carefully.

For example, in a long, narrow room, installing boards across the width can create a busier appearance. Board width also influences the overall look of a room, as very narrow or very wide boards can significantly change how the proportions of the space are perceived.

If you are unsure, consider asking a flooring specialist for advice. Many retailers offer in-store design and product guidance.

Hardwood Floor Finish

Depending on personal preferences and the amount of traffic in a room, several types of floor finishes can be considered. Choosing the right finish is important because it helps protect the floor and extend its lifespan.

For a highly reflective appearance, a glossy finish can be used. This may work particularly well in rooms with plenty of natural light because the floor will reflect more light. A semi-gloss finish falls between glossy and matte and is commonly found on factory-finished hardwood boards. For high-traffic rooms or homes with children or pets, a matte finish may be preferable. The result is less reflective, and signs of wear and minor scratches are generally less noticeable than on a high-gloss finish.

Which Hardwood Flooring Should You Choose for Each Room and Type of Home?

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Choosing hardwood flooring is not only about appearance. The type of home, the room where the flooring will be installed, humidity levels and the construction of the subfloor can all influence which product is most appropriate.

Type of Subfloor

Before choosing flooring, it is important to identify the type of subfloor. Some products are better suited to concrete slabs, while others can be nailed directly to a plywood subfloor.

Engineered hardwood generally offers more installation flexibility than solid hardwood, particularly when the flooring is being installed over concrete.

In a Detached House

In a detached house, both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood can be suitable for many rooms on the main floor or upper levels. The best option will depend primarily on the subfloor, humidity level and preferred installation method.

Rooms with significant fluctuations in humidity require additional consideration. Solid hardwood reacts more noticeably to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause movement, gaps or warping.

In a Condo

In a condominium, building rules may limit your flooring options. Many condo corporations or strata councils impose specific soundproofing requirements to reduce impact noise transmitted to neighbouring units.

Before installation, check the building's requirements for acoustic underlay, minimum sound ratings and permitted flooring types. Depending on the building's construction, engineered or floating hardwood may be easier to adapt to these requirements.

Can Hardwood Flooring Be Installed in a Basement?

Solid hardwood is generally less suitable for basements because of higher humidity levels and the potential exposure to moisture from a concrete slab. Changes in humidity can cause hardwood boards to swell, shrink or warp.

Engineered hardwood is often a more suitable option for this environment because its construction provides greater dimensional stability. Regardless of the flooring selected, the moisture level of the concrete slab and the manufacturer's installation recommendations should always be checked before installation.

Which Flooring Should You Choose for Each Room?

For living rooms, bedrooms and other living spaces located above grade, both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood are generally suitable options.

In basements, condos and spaces where humidity levels fluctuate more significantly, engineered hardwood may provide greater flexibility.

In all cases, the final choice should take into account the desired appearance, subfloor, ambient humidity, building requirements and installation method.

How to Maintain Hardwood Flooring

Although hardwood flooring can have a very long lifespan, proper maintenance will help keep it looking its best for as long as possible. Ask the manufacturer whether a specific cleaning product is recommended for your flooring. Regular vacuuming is generally sufficient for routine maintenance. Avoid using a mop saturated with water, as excessive moisture can damage hardwood flooring.

How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost in Canada in 2026?

The cost of hardwood flooring varies depending on the wood species, product quality, floor area and complexity of the installation.

In Quebec, traditional hardwood materials generally cost $2 to $17/sq. ft., with installation adding approximately $2.50 to $7/sq. ft. Exotic hardwood materials can cost approximately $7 to $19.50/sq. ft.

Here are some indicative costs to budget for in 2026:

Pricing varies considerably across Canada because of differences in labour rates, product availability and local market conditions. For comparison, typical 2026 hardwood flooring prices, including materials and standard installation, are approximately:

For an existing hardwood floor that is still in good condition, sanding and refinishing may be more economical than replacing it entirely. The final cost will depend on the condition of the wood, the existing finish and any repairs required.

In a condo, the cost of acoustic underlay should also be considered when required by the condo corporation or strata. Removing an existing floor or levelling and repairing the subfloor can also increase the total project budget.

These prices are provided as general planning ranges. To determine the cost of your specific project, based on the floor area, wood species and installation conditions, it is best to compare quotes from qualified flooring contractors.

Hiring a Professional to Install Hardwood Flooring

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Because hardwood flooring represents a significant investment, hiring a flooring professional can help ensure a high-quality result. Flooring is not replaced frequently, so proper installation is important to achieving the appearance and durability expected from hardwood.

Some experienced homeowners may be able to install floating engineered hardwood themselves, as this installation method is generally less complex.

Ultimately, replacing a floor involves several important decisions, from selecting the right type of wood to choosing the person responsible for installing it. Whether dealing with the manufacturer supplying the flooring or the contractor completing the installation, ask about the installation process and applicable warranties.

Before installation, it is also a good idea to inspect boards from several boxes to make sure the colour and appearance are reasonably consistent. This can help prevent unexpected variations once the flooring has been installed.

Would you like more information about the different types of flooring materials? Consult our Flooring Renovation Guide.