Hardwood Floors 101: Know Before You Buy

With over 100 years of experience, Smith Bros Floors knows a thing or two about what makes a great hardwood floor. That’s why we knew we needed to speak with Paul Smith about all things hardwood. Whether you’re considering solid or engineered hardwood, the choices can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your home.
This is a summary of a three-part podcast series. If you’d prefer to watch or listen, scroll down to the bottom of this page!
HARDWOOD SPECIES & THE JANKA HARDNESS SCALE
The most common Canadian species of hardwood trees include red oak, white oak, and maple. But not all hardwood is created equal. Some species, like walnut and cherry, are technically hardwood but fall on the softer side of the scale, making them more prone to dents and scratches.
The Janka Hardness Scale measures a wood’s durability by testing how much force it takes to dent the surface. In North America, hickory ranks among the hardest, while oak and maple strike a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.
HARDWOOD FLOORS AND PETS
If your home includes four-legged family members, hardwood can still be an excellent choice. Paul suggests a wood with a strong grain pattern (like oak) to hide scratches and dents. Maple might not be the right fit as it’s a bit softer, smoother and has a light grain pattern.
High-gloss, smooth finishes will show every mark, while matte and wire-brushed finishes are more forgiving. Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed and opting for rugs in high-traffic areas can also help.
SOLID VS. ENGINEERED HARDWOOD: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Solid hardwood is solid wood all the way through. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a long-term investment that can last the life of your home.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, features a thin layer of hardwood on top of a plywood or composite base. This structure makes it more stable and resistant to humidity changes, making it a great option for basements or condos where moisture levels fluctuate. It’s also a good option if you appreciate a wider plank. The stability of engineered hardwood has allowed for a much wider plank.
HARDWOOD FLOORS FINISH OPTIONS
The finish on your solid hardwood floor protects it from stains, moisture, and scratches. There are two main types.
Prefinished
Prefinished solid hardwood flooring is pre-sanded and stained and comes in already cured, low VOC, ready-to-install planks. There is no waiting for the finish to dry, so you can enjoy your floor as soon as its installed. It dries harder than a site-finished floor which can make it stronger, but also prone to scratches. If damaged, often the entire plank needs to be replaced unless you’d like to re-sand your entire floor and lose the beveled edge look.
Site Finished
Site finished solid hardwood floors are installed, sanded, and stained on site. They come in these common finishes.
Urethane Finishes
These create a hard, protective surface that lasts 25-35 years before needing refinishing. Water-based urethane is the most common choice today because it dries quickly, has low VOCs, and provides excellent durability.
Oil Finishes
These penetrate the wood rather than sitting on top, giving the floor a more natural, matte appearance. They require periodic re-oiling but are easier to spot-repair than urethane finishes.
For those who love the look of an oil finish but want the durability of urethane, manufacturers like Bona now offer hybrid options that combine the best of both worlds.
HARDWOOD IN KITCHENS AND BASEMENTS
A common concern is whether hardwood is suitable for kitchens and basements. The short answer? Yes. Open-concept home designs make extending hardwood to the kitchen natural rather than breaking up the floor and sightlines.
Minor spills won’t damage the floor if cleaned up quickly. The real danger of hardwood floors in a kitchen is appliance leaks because they go unnoticed before the damage is done. If you’re replacing or re-installing your dishwasher or fridge, have a skilled appliance technician do the installation and make sure they do leak testing.
Engineered hardwood is the best choice for basements due to its moisture resistance. When installed over concrete, a moisture barrier and proper adhesives ensure longevity. Floating floors, where boards are glued together rather than attached to the subfloor, can be problematic if flooding occurs, or if one plank needs to be replaced.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMIDITY CONTROL
Calgary’s dry winters and fluctuating humidity levels can wreak havoc on hardwood floors. The ideal indoor humidity level for hardwood is around 30%, with a 5% margin either way. Too much moisture can cause cupping (where the edges of the boards lift), while too little can lead to gaps and cracks.
To help homeowners maintain the right conditions, Smith Bros Floors provides a hygrometer with every installation. This simple tool measures humidity levels, so you can adjust as needed to keep your floor in top shape. You can pick one of these up inexpensively.
THINKING LONG-TERM: EXTRA MATERIAL AND FUTURE RENOVATIONS
Keeping extra boxes of flooring on hand (about 10% of the installed square footage) ensures you have matching material for future repairs. If you plan to extend your hardwood into another room down the line, purchasing all the material upfront guarantees a consistent look. Manufacturers change product lines regularly, and exact matches may not be available when you need them later.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hardwood flooring is timeless, durable, and adds warmth to any space. Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, the right species, finish, and installation method can make all the difference. With proper care and planning, your hardwood floors can last for generations—just like the expertise behind them. Paul at Smith Bros Floors would love to help you if you’re looking for hardwood or engineered flooring options. If you need help for your entire renovation, reach out to Krista Hermanson Design.
This is just a tiny summary of a three-part discussion with Paul Smith!
Watch & Listen by heading to our YouTube & Spotify accounts below.