Every home has a story, and often, the floors are its silent narrators. For a family in a charming Toronto neighbourhood, their main floor told a tale of disconnected spaces and bygone eras. A patchwork of worn carpet, dated tile, and narrow-plank hardwood chopped up the layout, making it feel smaller and less functional. They dreamed of a unified, open space, and the foundation for that dream was a seamless new floor. This project centered on installing beautiful Oakwood engineered flooring to completely transform their home’s flow and feel.
This isn’t just a story about new floors; it’s about how a single, well-executed design choice can redefine a home’s character, enhance its value, and create a cohesive backdrop for family life right here in Toronto.
Project Quick Facts
- Project: Main Floor Unification
- Location: Toronto, ON
- Key Feature: Wide-plank, wire-brushed Oakwood engineered flooring
- Duration: 3-4 weeks
- Scope: Complete removal of existing mixed flooring, comprehensive subfloor inspection and levelling, installation of new engineered hardwood, and finishing with new, modern baseboards.
The Design Vision: From Segmented to Seamless
The “Before” State
The home’s main level was a classic example of a layout that had evolved over time, but not in a cohesive way. The living room featured a tired, beige carpet, the kitchen had cracked ceramic tiles from the early 2000s, and the hallway was lined with a dark, narrow-plank hardwood that had seen better days.
The transitions between these materials were awkward and uneven. Not only did this create a visual disruption, but it also posed a slight tripping hazard. The different flooring types made each area feel like a separate, confined room rather than part of a larger, interconnected living space. The clients felt the floor plan was working against them, and they knew a major change was needed to unlock the home’s true potential.
The Client’s Goal
The vision was clear: create a bright, airy, and unified main floor. They wanted a single flooring material to flow seamlessly from the front door, through the living and dining areas, and into the kitchen. This would create long, clean sightlines, making the entire space feel larger and more intentional. The desired aesthetic was modern yet warm—a durable, family-friendly surface that would serve as a timeless canvas for their decor and daily life.
Our Recommended Solution
After discussing their lifestyle and aesthetic goals, we recommended a wide-plank Oakwood engineered floor. This choice was deliberate for several key reasons:
- Visual Expansion: Wide planks (in this case, 7.5 inches) have fewer seams, which tricks the eye into seeing a larger, more expansive space. This was perfect for visually connecting the different zones of the main floor.
- Climate Stability: In Southern Ontario, we experience significant swings in humidity between our cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers. Engineered hardwood, with its layered construction, is far more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood, making it resistant to the gapping and cupping that can occur with seasonal changes.
- Durability and Warmth: The light, natural oak tone would instantly brighten the home, reflecting natural light more effectively. We selected a product with a tough, matte urethane finish and a wire-brushed texture, which is excellent for busy households as it helps to camouflage minor scratches and wear.
Materials & Specifications: The Building Blocks of Quality
A beautiful floor is only as good as the materials it’s made from and the care taken in its installation. We believe in transparency and using high-quality components from the subfloor up.
- Primary Flooring: Artisan Collection “Nordic Light” Oakwood Engineered Flooring.
- Species: European White Oak
- Dimensions: 7.5-inch width, random lengths up to 7 feet.
- Wear Layer: 4mm solid oak wear layer, allowing for future refinishing if ever needed.
- Core: 7-ply Baltic Birch plywood core for maximum stability.
- Finish: UV-cured matte urethane with a light wire-brushed texture.
- Underlayment: We used a premium 3mm acoustic foam underlayment with an integrated vapour barrier. This is critical in any Ontario home. The acoustic properties help dampen sound transmission—a welcome feature in a two-story home—while the vapour barrier protects the wood from any potential moisture migrating up from the subfloor.
- Subfloor Preparation: The “unseen hero” of this project. We utilized a combination of high-quality plywood sheeting to patch damaged areas and a professional-grade, cement-based self-levelling compound to create a perfectly flat and stable substrate. All squeaks were addressed by screwing down loose sections of the original subfloor.
- Trim and Finishing: The old, decorative baseboards were replaced with modern 5.5-inch squared-off MDF baseboards. They were primed and painted with two coats of Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace” in a satin finish for a crisp, clean line against the new floors.
The Process & Timeline: A 4-Week Transformation
A project of this scale requires careful planning and execution. The 3-4 weeks timeframe was structured to ensure each stage was completed to the highest standard without rushing.
Week 1: Careful Demolition and Discovery
The first week is often the most disruptive, but we take extensive measures to manage it. We sealed off the main floor from the rest of the house with plastic sheeting to contain dust. Our team then began the systematic removal of the old carpet, tile, and hardwood. This phase is crucial for discovery. Once the old floors were gone, we conducted a thorough inspection of the subfloor, identifying areas that were uneven, squeaky, or had minor water damage near the kitchen sink.
Week 2: Building the Perfect Foundation
With a clear view of the subfloor, week two was dedicated entirely to preparation. This is the most critical step for ensuring a long-lasting, flawless installation. Our team worked meticulously to:
- Repair and replace damaged sections of the subfloor plywood.
- Secure the entire subfloor to the joists with over a thousand screws to eliminate any movement and potential for future squeaks.
- Pour self-levelling compound across low spots to achieve a perfectly flat surface, well within the manufacturer’s tolerance specifications. A flat subfloor is non-negotiable for wide-plank flooring, as it prevents planks from flexing and creating gaps over time.
Week 3: The Art of Installation
This is when the vision truly started to come to life. The new Oakwood engineered flooring was delivered and allowed to acclimate inside the home for 72 hours, ensuring the wood adjusted to the home’s specific temperature and humidity levels. Our installers then began laying the planks, starting from the longest, most visible wall and working their way across the entire floor. We used a combination of glue-assist and nailing to create an incredibly solid feel underfoot. Careful attention was paid to staggering the seams for a natural, random appearance.
Week 4: Finishing Touches and Final Reveal
The final week was all about the details that elevate a project from good to great. The new baseboards were installed, corners were mitred perfectly, and all nail holes were filled and sanded. The trim was then caulked and received its final coat of paint. We installed matching wood transition pieces where the new floor met the stairs and the tiled entryway. The project concluded with a professional, thorough cleaning of the entire work area, leaving the family with a stunning, move-in-ready space.
The Final Look: A Home Reimagined
Walking into the home now is a completely different experience. The main floor feels twice as large. The single expanse of light oak flooring creates an undeniable sense of flow and sophistication. Sunlight from the front window now pours across the living room and into the dining area, illuminating the subtle grain and texture of the wood.
The floor is the undisputed star of the show, but its brilliance lies in how it enhances everything else. The family’s furniture looks more grounded and intentional. The walls feel taller, and the entire atmosphere is calmer and more cohesive. The solid, quiet feel underfoot is a constant reminder of the quality and craftsmanship that lies beneath the surface. It’s more than a renovation; it’s a fundamental improvement to their daily quality of life.
Key Design Takeaways
This Toronto flooring project offers several valuable lessons for any homeowner considering a similar upgrade:
- Prioritize Cohesion: If you want to make your home feel larger and more modern, using a single flooring material across an entire level is the single most impactful change you can make.
- Invest in Preparation: The beauty of your floor is temporary if the subfloor isn’t perfect. A professional team will dedicate significant time to levelling and securing the substrate—it’s an investment that pays off for decades.
- Choose Materials for Your Location: Engineered hardwood is a smart, high-performance choice for the climate in Toronto and across Ontario, providing the beauty of real wood with superior stability.
- Details Define the Design: Don’t overlook the finishing touches. Upgrading to taller, simpler baseboards provides a clean, modern frame for your new floors and completes the transformation.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
To keep your new Oakwood engineered flooring looking beautiful for years to come, we recommend a simple care routine:
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Use a soft-bristle attachment to prevent scratching from dirt and grit.
- Clean Spills Immediately: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth. Never let liquid sit on the floor.
- Use the Right Cleaner: Only use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid water-and-vinegar solutions, oil soaps, or steam mops, which can damage the finish.
- Protect from Furniture: Apply felt pads to the legs of all chairs, tables, and sofas.
- Manage Humidity: Try to maintain a consistent indoor humidity level (ideally between 35-55%) year-round to keep the wood stable and prevent gapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is engineered hardwood a good choice for a Toronto home with its humid summers and dry winters?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s often a better choice than solid hardwood for our climate. The cross-ply construction of an engineered plank makes it much more resistant to expanding and contracting with seasonal humidity changes. This stability minimizes the risk of cupping or gapping, ensuring your floors look great year-round.
I live in a condo in downtown Toronto. Are there special considerations for a flooring installation?
Yes, there are several. Most Toronto condo boards have strict requirements regarding sound transmission between units. This means using a high-quality acoustic underlayment is mandatory. We also have to coordinate with building management for booking service elevators, managing debris removal, and adhering to specific work hours. It’s a process we’re very familiar with.
What’s involved in subfloor preparation, and is it really that important?
It is the single most important part of the job. Preparation involves a full inspection after the old floor is removed, screwing down any loose panels to eliminate squeaks, sanding down high spots, and using a self-levelling compound to fill in any low spots. A flat, stable subfloor is essential for a professional result, preventing hollow sounds, bouncing, and premature wear on your new floors.
How much disruption should I expect during a 3-4 week flooring project?
A full main-floor replacement is a significant undertaking. You can expect noise and dust, and the area will be unusable for the duration of the project. However, a professional team’s job is to minimize that disruption. We use extensive dust containment systems, maintain a clean and organized worksite, and provide a clear schedule so you always know what to expect.
Your home’s foundation should be as beautiful as it is strong. If your current floors are holding back your home’s potential, it might be time for a change. Ready to explore how new flooring can transform your space? Contact us today for a free quote and let’s start the conversation.