Custom Hardwood Flooring in Toronto (The Best Way to Order)

Custom Hardwood Flooring in Toronto (The Best Way to Order)

Purchasing hardwood flooring is a long-term investment in your home because it offers numerous benefits. For starters, it’s suitable for allergy sufferers and helps keep dust mites at bay. Plus, its versatility means it looks great in any style of interior, from industrial and farmhouse to contemporary. It is also extremely durable.

So, how can you improve upon this flooring? Get custom hardwood.

But you need to choose custom hardwood flooring in Toronto that suits your needs and space. Here are some factors that will ensure that you are choosing the perfect custom hardwood flooring for your space.

How to Choose Custom Hardwood Flooring in Toronto  

If you think custom hardwood flooring is the perfect choice for your home, consider the following factors to make an informed investment.

1. Think About Traffic and Lifestyle  

You can choose from a wide variety of custom hardwood flooring options in Toronto, as there are products suitable for every lifestyle and application.

Before settling on any option, consider the wear and tear your flooring will be subject to. Look at different hardwood species and the hardness or density of the planks.

If you have pets and/or children, or a lot of foot traffic from a large family or regular guests, consider distressed or hand-scraped hardwood. These varieties are good at concealing small dents and scratches.

However, if you want a smooth finished floor, pick a harder, denser variety like white oak or Brazilian cherry. Both work well with a matte finish and stand up to heavy use.

2. Know the Material 

Along with understanding the traffic and lifestyle requirements your flooring will have to stand up to, you also need to choose the right wood species. This is what dictates how it will stand up to external stressors like foot traffic, furniture, and daily wear and tear.

Oak is a popular choice as it can be stained in many colours. This is also why it is widely available. On the other hand, if you want something that offers a richer, darker appeal, you may select black walnut. It creates a warm and cozy atmosphere and makes your home more welcoming.

3. Choose the Best Surface Finish

While you don’t have to purchase the same-coloured furniture and flooring, coordinating the finishes will help tie everything together and create a cohesive interior design.

The finish you select depends on the custom hardwood flooring option you choose. For instance, when selecting engineered hardwood flooring, know that these planks are typically finished in the factory with a water-based polyurethane finish. This is a clear finish that creates the look and feel of traditional hardwood.

You can choose from high-gloss, semi-gloss, matte and satin finishes. On the other hand, solid hardwood flooring is finished with oil-based polyurethane on site. It typically lasts longer than water-based finishes and has more depth in terms of shine and colour. Plus, it costs less than water-based varieties.

4. Learn About Maintenance

Custom hardwood floors require more than just the bare minimum when it comes to maintenance. Besides needing to be vacuumed and swept regularly, they need to be cleaned properly once a month. You also have to think about refinishing them every 10 to 12 years to keep them looking their best.

While your custom hardwood flooring in Toronto requires upkeep, using the right methods will extend its life, making it a worthwhile investment.

5. Consider the Subfloor 

Your existing subfloor will help determine which custom hardwood flooring is right for your home.

For instance, if your subfloor is plywood, you can choose solid or engineered hardwood flooring. However, if it is made of particle boards or concrete, it’s best not to choose solid hardwood. Also, concrete floors tend to be more expensive to prepare when it comes to hardwood flooring installation.

Preparing the subfloor is necessary to ensure your custom hardwood flooring’s long-lasting beauty, as it creates a solid foundation and guarantees a successful installation. If not prepared properly, your flooring may buckle, cup or have abnormal gaps.

Settling upon the perfect custom hardwood flooring in Toronto isn’t easy, but doesn’t have to be difficult either. Following these tips will help you make the best decision for your space and add a touch of elegance and class. In the end, good-looking flooring that performs well under external pressures (like foot traffic, spills, and pet nails) will give you immense satisfaction and ensure your hard work pays off.