Hardwood flooring is a timeless classic.
Prized for its rustic chic and unrivalled durability, hardwood has long been a feature of Quebec homes. But why is hardwood so popular?
Alongside the new “synthetic” flooring options, why opt for this natural option?
That’s precisely what Soumissions Plancher explains in detail in the following lines!
See all the benefits, features and prices of hardwood flooring in Quebec, and fill out our form to compare 3 free quotes.
Our partners are happy to provide you with a quote for the installation of your hardwood floor, so what are you waiting for?
Contents
Hardwood flooring, a timeless material!
Hardwood has been installed in Quebec homes for hundreds of years.
But what is the appeal of hardwood for home flooring?
The natural properties of wood, such as its strength, look and malleability, make it a highly prized option. Hardwood flooring can take on a very chic, upscale look, just as it can sport a rather rustic, even country look.
In other words, there’s a hardwood species, model and color to suit every taste. You just have to find the right species, and to do that, you have to compare several models.
Soumissions Plancher helps you compare all the hardwood options hardwood options available on the market.
How much does it cost to install a hardwood floor in Quebec?
Interested in hardwood flooring?
You’ve probably already heard how expensive this option is compared to floating floors and vinyl, right? While it is indeed a quality material, hardwood isn’t nearly as unaffordable as you might think.
Here’s an overview of the cost of hardwood flooring materials in Quebec!
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Traditional hardwood (Oak, maple, ash and cherry) |
4 to $7 / ft2 |
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(cherry, ipe, etc.) |
7 to $10 / ft2 |
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5 to $6 / ft2 |
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6 to $10 / ft2 |
What factors will influence the cost of your hardwood floor?
- Quality of wood species
- Hourly rates for carpenters
- Floor area to be installed
- The condition of the subfloor
- Constraints (e.g. corners, landings, etc.)
Are there other hardwood species for your floor?
That’s right! Traditional hardwood species are the most popular in Quebec, especially since most of them grow in Canadian forests. However, if you are looking for exotic and unique wood species for your floor, you should know that there are several types, such as :
- Jatoba (Brazilian cherry)
- American Walnut
- PEI (from South America, renowned for its hardness)
- The Cumaru
- The Hickory
These exotic woods have unique hues and, generally speaking, a hardness that’s hard to resist. As you can see, however, they come with a hefty price tag.
In both cases, Soumissions Plancher can help you compare rates for the installation of a traditional or exotic hardwood floor.
All the benefits of hardwood flooring!
Hardwood has been part of the décor since the dawn of time, and for good reason. The return on investment is extremely high, thanks to its durability and high strength.
Installing a hardwood floor comes with a host of advantages – here are just a few!
Increasing the value of your home
Hardwood flooring has a direct impact on the value of a Quebec property. A sign of quality construction and great durability, hardwood is a flooring material that makes your home appreciate.
High durability
A hardwood floor can last for decades, some even over a century. The key to durability is timely maintenance and restoration. Most hardwood floors are removed because they are out of fashion, not because they are damaged.
Easy restoration
Restoring a hardwood floor is extremely simple: sand, varnish and you’re done. A thick wood floor can be sanded 2-3 times without any problem, giving it a new lease of life every time.
Timeless, flexible style!
Rustic, ancestral, modern, chic… whatever the style of your new or renovated home, there’s a hardwood species to suit your needs. Another undeniable quality of hardwood!
The main disadvantages of hardwood flooring in Quebec!
Hardwood has been around forever, and with advantages like these, it’s not about to change. However, no option is perfect, so check out the few drawbacks of hardwood before making your choice.
Hardwood is a timeless option, but it does have a few drawbacks!
The high price
With prices ranging from $4 to $10 per square foot, hardwood can’t claim to be an economical option. This is especially true when compared to floating wood or vinyl.
Wood hardness varies
Not all wood species have the same hardness! Some species are therefore more fragile than others, and more prone to scratches and dents.
Not suitable for damp areas!
Hardwood in the bathroom or laundry room? Not a good idea! Hardwood can warp when exposed to water and humidity. Engineered wood is a better option for damp rooms, but ceramic is still the floor covering of choice.
How is a hardwood floor installed?
Installing a hardwood floor requires a certain amount of preparation and a few key steps.
Here’s an overview of the key steps involved in installing a hardwood floor!
1) Preparing the room where the hardwood will be installed
2) Subfloor installation
3) Tracing the guideline
4) Lay the first row of planks
5) Follow with other planks
6) Install baseboards and finish the job!
How to choose the right species of hardwood flooring?
When it comes to hardwood flooring, wood species can make a huge difference, both in terms of hardness and finish. Your choice should revolve around the type of wood, but also the quality of that same wood.
ATTENTION – The grade of hardwood is very important for quality and uniformity!
Quality varies within the same species, but so does finish (clear, knotted, worked, etc.). You’ll need to check whether the grade is Select, Pacific, Traditional, Authentic or Rustic. Each grade influences the clarity and finish of the hardwood!
Hardwood vs. softwood: an essential distinction!
Not all wood is created equal!
Some wood species are much harder than others, so which is the best option?
The answer depends on the type of project you’re planning, and where you want to lay your floor.
HARDWOOD
Deciduous trees produce the hardest woods, and therefore the strongest, most resistant floors in general. These include :
- Maple tree
- Yellow birch
- Red oak
- White oak
- Walnut
- Aspen
- Ash
MOU hardwood
Softwood, on the other hand, comes from resinous and thorny trees such as fir and spruce. Softwoods come from :
- Fir trees
- Spruce
- Pine
- Cedar
- Larch
- Hemlock
Exotic woods are renowned for being extremely hard!
Exotic woods such as EPE, Tigerwood, Jatoba and Hickory, to name but a few, are derived from South American hardwoods and are extremely dense and hard.
Can you install hardwood anywhere in the house?
In the kitchen, it’s best to opt for hardwood!
Wood in the kitchen isn’t necessarily an ideal option in the first place. Because wood reacts to water – and water is present in the kitchen – it could become damaged and “work” over time.
If you’re going to use wood in this room, it’s essential to use hardwood. This will mean greater resistance, and it won’t be as easily damaged if utensils, water or other accessories fall on it.
Avoid hardwood flooring in the bathroom…
In the kitchen, wood is a questionable option. In the bathroom, wood flooring is clearly not recommended, as the presence of water is simply too great. After a while, the wood will be damaged beyond repair.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring!
How often can you sand a hardwood floor?
For solid wood species, a maximum of 3 to 4 sanding operations is required. Each sanding operation removes a certain thickness from the floor, so it’s important to entrust the work to a professional to preserve the life of your floor.
Which expert should you hire to install a hardwood floor?
Flooring contractors and carpenters are the professionals best placed to help you. Hardwood floor installation is expensive, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
How do I maintain my hardwood floor?
Avoid abrasive cleaners that will damage your floor’s finish, use soft-bristled brooms or vacuums, and be careful when moving heavy objects. That’s how you’ll keep your hardwood floor in good condition.
Hardwood floors and pets: how to avoid graffiti?
Pets inevitably scratch floors. To counteract this phenomenon, it’s essential to opt for a very hard floor to avoid deep scratches.
Soumissions Plancher is THE reference for comparing hardwood flooring prices!
Would you like to lay a floor that won’t have to be changed anytime soon? A floor that can be restored and varnished over and over again to its former glory? If so, hardwood flooring is definitely the option you’re looking for.
And if you’d like to compare floor installer rates, we can help.
Fill out our form and we’ll send you 3 free, no-obligation quotes for the installation of your floor – all in just a few clicks!
