Engineered Hardwood Flooring Buying guide

 Engineered Hardwood Flooring Bring beauty, warmth, and real wood texture into your home

Hardwood flooring is a timeless and elegant choice that adds character and value to your home. Whether you’re renovating your entire space or upgrading one room, the right flooring sets the tone for everything else. From classic oak to exotic finishes, hardwood floors offer unmatched warmth, texture, and durability.

At SAMandREZ, we specialize in professional hardwood flooring installation across Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge (KWCG area). In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of hardwood flooring, key factors to consider when buying, and tips for choosing the best wood for your home.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring comes in two main types:

• Solid hardwood: Made from a single piece of natural wood
• Engineered hardwood: Made from a real hardwood veneer over layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard

Each type has unique characteristics, installation options, and maintenance requirements, which we’ll explore in detail below.

Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood

Which one to choose?

• Choose engineered hardwood if you need moisture resistance, want easier installation, or are flooring a basement.
• Choose solid hardwood for longevity, traditional appeal, and the ability to refinish multiple times.

Popular Wood Species for EngineeredHardwood Flooring

The type of wood you choose will affect the look, feel, and durability of your floors.

● Oak

• Versatile and widely available
• Great for both modern and classic interiors
• Red oak has warmer tones; white oak is neutral and slightly harder

● Maple

• Light in colour with a smooth grain
• Perfect for minimalist or contemporary spaces
• Accepts stain well, offering style flexibility

● Hickory

• Very durable and dense
• Features dramatic grain patterns
• Ideal for high-traffic areas or rustic styles

● Walnut

• Dark, rich colour with elegant grain
• Adds warmth and luxury to any space
• Slightly softer than oak or hickory

● Birch

• Stronger than oak, comes in yellow and red tones
• Excellent for medium to heavy traffic areas
• Works well with both traditional and modern aesthetics

● Bamboo (technically grass)

• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Extremely durable (strand-woven bamboo especially)
• A modern alternative with a unique look

Choosing the Right Colour & Texture

The finish, colour, and texture of your hardwood floor make a huge difference in the overall vibe of your space.

Colour Tones:

• Light tones: Brighten up small spaces, great for modern or coastal styles
• Medium tones: Warm, versatile, and works in nearly any setting
• Dark tones: Rich, cozy, and elegant – great for formal or traditional styles

Finish Types:

• Matte: Low-sheen, hides scratches well
• Satin: Balanced shine, suitable for most homes
• Glossy: High-shine, formal look, but shows scratches more easily

Surface Textures:

• Smooth: Sleek and modern
• Wire-brushed: Subtle texture, hides wear
• Hand-scraped: Rustic, artisanal look
• Distressed: Aged and worn for a vintage or reclaimed appearance

Installation Methods

1. Click-Lock (Floating)

• No nails or glue
• Easy to install and replace
• Great for engineered floors over concrete or radiant heating systems

2. Glue-Down

• Provides stability
• Common for engineered hardwood over concrete

3. Nail-Down or Staple

• Ideal for solid hardwood
• Requires a wooden subfloor

Pro Tip: Engineered hardwood is more versatile and can be installed in basements or over radiant floors, while solid hardwood is limited to above-grade areas with wooden subfloors.

Thickness and Width Guide

Plank Thickness:

• Thin (1/4″) – Budget-friendly, less durable
• Medium (1/2″ to 3/4″) – Standard option for most homes
• Thick (Over 3/4″) – Premium, long-lasting, and can be refinished

Plank Width:

• Narrow (<5″) – Traditional, less expensive
• Medium (5″–7″) – Most popular, versatile
• Wide (>7″) – Luxury look, ideal for modern or open-concept spaces

Estimated Cost of EngineeredHardwood Flooring in Ontario

These are general price ranges. Final pricing depends on:

• Floor condition and prep
• Subfloor material
• Staircase or trim work
• Material selected

Need an exact quote? We offer free home measurements and estimates!

Additional Features to Look For

• Scratch-Resistant Finishes
• UV-Resistant Coating
• Waterproof or Water-Resistant Options
• Stainable and Refinishable Surfaces
• Attached Underlayment for Sound and Comfort

Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floors

Keep your floors beautiful for years with these simple tips:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle head
• Clean spills immediately to prevent water damage
• Use microfiber mops and avoid soaking the floor
• Place pads under furniture and rugs in high-traffic areas
• Reapply protective finish as needed (especially for solid hardwood)

Serving Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge

At SAMandREZ, we bring years of craftsmanship and passion to every flooring project. We help you select the right hardwood for your style, lifestyle, and budget—and install it with precision.

We proudly serve homeowners across Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding Ontario communities with full-service flooring and renovation solutions.

Ready to Upgrade Your Floors?

Call SAMandREZ today to schedule your free home measurement appointment.
Let’s bring the natural beauty of hardwood into your home—crafted with care, built to last.EE