ABOUT US
You're on solid ground
Family-run for 40 years in Toronto and the GTA.
We have built a global network of flooring manufacturers and distributors who can supply or custom make just about any kind of flooring you need.
We’re inspired by good design, but we never forget that behind every project there’s a budget, and a customer who deserves to feel relaxed and at home in their space.
SOLID hardwood is the traditional favourite. Its time-tested use is unchallenged for function, durability, refinishing and visual appeal. It's more costly but is long lasting and high quality.
ENGINEERED hardwood has a plywood core with a wood veneer topcoat. It's available in a wide range of styles and is a less expensive alternative to solid hardwood with many added benefits. Most engineered floors can be refinished depending on the thickness of the veneer. The major benefits of engineered hardwood is that it’s more versatile than solid hardwood and it’s available in a wider plank size which is a look many people want these days.
VINYL flooring has come a long way and is now the fastest growing segment in the market. Materials have greatly improved over the years. This is definitely not your grandmother's floor. Installation and repairs are easier, it comes in a vast array of designs, finishes, and formats (e.g., planks, tiles, sheets). The designs can sometimes be nearly indistinguishable from what they're replicating (Wood, Marble, Slate, etc.). The cost ranges based on thickness and finish but it is generally an affordable option. Vinyl has become more popular than laminate as it can have a similar look but it’s more durable and waterproof.
LAMINATE is the most cost-effective option. It is easy to install and comes in a range of colours and patterns. Many companies will claim their laminate is “waterproof”. Please note MDF or HDF which is what laminate floors are made of, is inherently not a waterproof material and if they do get permeated by water, they will swell and be permanently damaged. The term “waterproof” that is being used typically means that it can withstand 48-72 hours before it will become damaged. This is good but the terminology can be misleading.Solid hardwood floors can be refinished several times. Engineered hardwood can also be refinished but less than solid wood, whereas vinyl and laminate cannot be altered.
Three-quarter inch thickness is most common for hardwood and engineered hardwood floors, but some brands come in 1/2”, 5/8”, 9/16” as well.
The thickness of vinyl and laminate floors is especially important because they cushion your feet providing comfort and reducing fatigue. Thicker material is more durable and longer lasting, especially in higher traffic areas. A thicker floor can also reduce noise underfoot as the planks are more stable.
In Canada, hardwood flooring typically comes in four widths: 2 ¼”, 3”, 4”, and 4 ¼”.
For Engineered Hardwood, plank widths are generally wider than with solid wood because the plywood base offers a level of stability that prevents cupping and warping. If your design calls for wide plank flooring, engineered hardwood is preferred. In Canada, we experience large variances in humidity with the change of seasons which is why engineered hardwood has become so popular.
For solid and engineered hardwood, there is a wide range of standard available options, but we can always customize a floor to match any colour you need.
For vinyl and laminate flooring there is a wide variety of colours to choose from to help you achieve the look and feel you are going for.
Wood grade is an indication of how much variation there is in the natural colours and markings found in the lumber. The "Top" grade is called Clear Grade and it's characterized by a more consistent colour, minimal marks and gives you a floor with a beautiful, more uniform appearance.
Wood grades get progressively less "perfect" with more pronounced grain, knots, and natural wood variations.
From Clear, to Select, No.1 Common, No.2 Common, Rustic, Reclaimed/Antique.
Typically, the less natural wood variations the more expensive the grade.
Most manufacturers provide flooring in random lengths of 1ft to 6ft in each box. Random lengths keep the costs of manufacturing down and allow installers to lay planks with less cutting. It saves time and expense with less waste. Many styles are also available in all 6 ft lengths for a richer look but this carries a higher price tag. Some designs, like herringbone or chevron, require fixed-length boards.
Finish can vary from matte to high gloss and everything in between.
Since these terms can vary from company to company, it’s best to see a sample before purchasing.
Flooring can be smooth, wire brushed, hand scraped or distressed. Your choice will come down to the look you are going for in the space you are creating.
Vinyl and laminate flooring will have less colour variance than real wood, and more repetition in the pattern. This is because vinyl and laminate flooring are man made, and the pattern of the floor is an image of what it’s trying to replicate. However, manufacturers have made an effort to reduce repetition on higher end products.
FLOORING CONSIDERATIONS
SOLID hardwood is the traditional favourite. Its time-tested use is unchallenged for function, durability, refinishing and visual appeal. It's more costly but is long lasting and high quality.
ENGINEERED hardwood has a plywood core with a wood veneer topcoat. It's available in a wide range of styles and is a less expensive alternative to solid hardwood with many added benefits. Most engineered floors can be refinished depending on the thickness of the veneer. The major benefits of engineered hardwood is that it’s more versatile than solid hardwood and it’s available in a wider plank size which is a look many people want these days.
VINYL flooring has come a long way and is now the fastest growing segment in the market. Materials have greatly improved over the years - this is definitely not your grandmother's floor. Installation and repairs are easier, it comes in a vast array of designs, finishes, and formats (e.g., planks, tiles, sheets). The designs can sometimes be nearly indistinguishable from what they're replicating (Wood, Marble, Slate, etc.). The cost ranges based on thickness and finish but it is generally an affordable option. Vinyl has become more popular than laminate as it can have a similar look but it’s more durable and waterproof.
LAMINATE is the most cost-effective option. It is easy to install and comes in a range of colours and patterns. Many companies will claim their laminate is “waterproof”. Please note MDF or HDF which is what laminate floors are made of, is inherently not a waterproof material and if they do get permeated by water, they will swell and be permanently damaged. The term “waterproof” that is being used typically means that it can withstand 48-72 hours before it will become damaged. This is good but the terminology can be misleading.Solid hardwood floors can be refinished several times. Engineered hardwood can also be refinished but less than solid wood, whereas vinyl and laminate cannot be altered.
Three-quarter inch thickness is most common for hardwood and engineered hardwood floors, but some brands come in 1/2”, 5/8”, 9/16” as well.
The thickness of vinyl and laminate floors is especially important because they cushion your feet providing comfort and reducing fatigue. Thicker material is more durable and longer lasting, especially in higher traffic areas. A thicker floor can also reduce noise underfoot as the planks are more stable.
In Canada, hardwood flooring typically comes in four widths: 2 ¼”, 3”, 4”, and 4 ¼”.
For Engineered Hardwood, plank widths are generally wider than with solid wood because the plywood base offers a level of stability that prevents cupping and warping. If your design calls for wide plank flooring, engineered hardwood is preferred. In Canada, we experience large variances in humidity with the change of seasons which is why engineered hardwood has become so popular.
For solid and engineered hardwood, there is a wide range of standard available options, but we can always customize a floor to match any colour you need.
For vinyl and laminate flooring there is a wide variety of colours to choose from to help you achieve the look and feel you are going for.
Wood grade is an indication of how much variation there is in the natural colours and markings found in the lumber. The "Top" grade is called Clear Grade and it's characterized by a more consistent colour, minimal marks and gives you a floor with a beautiful, more uniform appearance.
Wood grades get progressively less "perfect" with more pronounced grain, knots, and natural wood variations.
From Clear, to Select, No.1 Common, No.2 Common, Rustic, Reclaimed/Antique.
Typically, the less natural wood variations the more expensive the grade.Most manufacturers provide flooring in random lengths of 1ft to 6ft in each box. Random lengths keep the costs of manufacturing down and allow installers to lay planks with less cutting. It saves time and expense with less waste. Many styles are also available in all 6 ft lengths for a richer look but this carries a higher price tag. Some designs, like herringbone or chevron, require fixed-length boards.
Finish can vary from matte to high gloss and everything in between.
Since these terms can vary from company to company, it’s best to see a sample before purchasing.
Flooring can be smooth, wire brushed, hand scraped or distressed. Your choice will come down to the look you are going for in the space you are creating.
Vinyl and laminate flooring will have less colour variance than real wood, and more repetition in the pattern. This is because vinyl and laminate flooring are man made, and the pattern of the floor is an image of what it’s trying to replicate. However, manufacturers have made an effort to reduce repetition on higher end products.