Trust us with your
hardwood installation!
Hardwood flooring is more than just flooring. It's an investment that adds beauty and value to your home for many years to come. So, why not trust professionals with your new hardwood installation? Our experts have the skills and the knowledge to get the job done right, and we'll ensure a beautiful installation that exceeds your expectations. Learn more about the Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre's hardwood installation process below!
Preparing for installation
To prepare for the day of your hardwood flooring installation, there are a few steps you'll want to take. First, you'll need to move all furniture out of the room and empty any closets. You should also clear out a space for your hardwood to be delivered, as it will need to acclimate to the temperature and humidity levels within your home for at least 48 hours. Beforehand, contact us for more information on flooring removal and disposal. Once the room is ready, we'll make sure your subfloor is flat and smooth.
During & after installation
A member of your household who is at least 18 or older should be available to greet the professional hardwood installation crew and show them to the work area. For everyone’s safety, keep children and pets away from the work area until the job is done. Feel free to ask your lead installer any questions you might have about the finished product.
After hardwood installation is complete, it's up to you to develop a regular care routine that will keep your hardwood looking and performing well for many years. Follow some simple preventative maintenance tips and learn how to properly clean your flooring.
Keys to Hardwood Installation in Toronto
Toronto's unique climate and diverse housing market can present challenges for new hardwood flooring installation. For successful, long-lasting results, we recommend careful planning and execution with these key considerations:
Toronto's weather swings from humid summers to dry, cold winters cause genuine hardwood to naturally expand and contract. That’s why acclimatization is crucial! Hardwood planks must be stored in the installation area for at least 48-72 hours to adjust to your home's humidity and temperature. Forgetting this step can lead to future problems like warping, cupping, or unsightly gaps between boards. Installing engineered hardwood can also offer greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in Toronto's varying climate. A moisture barrier is also a key component for preventing issues related to humidity, especially when installing over concrete subfloors.
A flawless hardwood floor begins with a sound subfloor. In older Toronto homes, this may require significant preparation, including leveling, repairing cracks, or reinforcing loose boards. Any imperfections in the subfloor will eventually telegraph through your new hardwood, leading to unevenness and premature wear. Ensuring your subfloor is clean, dry, and structurally sound is a critical step that cannot be skipped.
While some may consider a DIY installation approach, we believe the intricacies of hardwood installation in Toronto require a professional. A licensed and insured installer understands local building codes, noise bylaws, and how to navigate common issues in Toronto's housing market. Your installers can also help with proper material selection, waste calculation, and provide a warranty on their work. Investing in this level of expertise ensures a durable, beautiful wood floor that will stand the test of time.
Popular Hardwood Installation Patterns
Selecting the right hardwood installation pattern to complement a Toronto home's unique style:
herringbone and chevron hardwood
For classic and historic homes in areas like The Annex or Cabbagetown, intricate herringbone and chevron hardwood patterns offer a timeless, sophisticated elegance. In addition to lending a sense of movement and luxury, you can add a touch of European flair that works beautifully in traditional, formal spaces.
straight-lay hardwood
For more modern or minimalist Toronto lofts and new builds, the straight-lay hardwood pattern using wide planks is a perfect choice. A simple, clean pattern will make a space feel larger and more open, while wide planks showcase the natural character and grain of the wood. Use this versatile look that's popular in Scandinavian and contemporary design to provide a sleek, understated backdrop for a modern lifestyle.
diagonal hardwood
To make the most of smaller spaces in any style home, a diagonal hardwood pattern uses planks at a 45-degree angle to the wall for confined rooms to appear more expansive. Add this dynamic visual element in entryways or hallways to help guide the eye and create a sense of flow in your home.