How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost in Toronto?

How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost in Toronto?

Engineered hardwood flooring has become a go-to option for many Toronto homeowners, condo dwellers, and even commercial property managers. Thanks to its durability, versatility, and stylish appearance, it delivers the look of solid hardwood flooring while offering added stability—especially important in environments with fluctuating humidity levels like Toronto.
Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is made with multiple layers, making it more resistant to expansion and contraction. It's also compatible with a variety of subfloors, including concrete, which makes it ideal for condos and basements across the GTA.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Several key factors determine the overall cost of installing engineered hardwood floors in Toronto:

• Material Quality: Prices range based on veneer thickness, brand reputation, and overall construction quality. Higher-quality planks with thicker top layers (ideal for refinishing down the road) will typically cost more.
• Thickness & Finish: Engineered hardwood planks come in different thicknesses, from 3/8" to 3/4". Thicker planks are more durable and usually more expensive.
• Installation Method: Click-lock (floating), glue-down, or double glue-down installation types all come at different price points (more on that below).
• Layout & Room Size: Larger areas may benefit from reduced labour rates per sq. ft., while complicated layouts (e.g., tight corners, stairs, transitions) may increase installation time and cost.
• Design Pattern: Straight lay installs are more affordable. Custom patterns like herringbone flooring or chevron significantly increase labour costs.

Average Material Costs for Engineered Hardwood in Toronto

When shopping for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto, you’ll notice a wide range of prices. This variation is largely due to the brand, thickness, veneer layer, wood species, and country of origin. Here's a general breakdown:

• Entry-Level Options:
  $4.99 – $6.99 per sq. ft.
• Mid-Range Options:
  $7.00 – $9.99 per sq. ft.
• High-End Options:
  $10.00 – $11.99+ per sq. ft.

​
Factors that influence material costs:

• Thickness of the top veneer (a thicker veneer allows for refinishing in the future)
• Wood species (e.g., European White Oak and Hickory typically cost more)
• Country of manufacturing (Canadian-made products are often higher in quality and price)
• Finish and texture (e.g., wire-brushed or matte UV finish)

Average Installation Costs by Method & Style

Installation pricing for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto can vary depending on the method used, the layout complexity, and overall square footage. Here's a breakdown of the most common engineered hardwood flooring installation types:
Straight Lay Installations (Standard Pattern)

• Click Installation
   $1.50 – $2.50 per sq. ft.
  Best suited for floating floors. Cost-effective and fast to install.
• Nail & Glue Assist Installation
  $2.50 – $3.50 per sq. ft.
  A reliable method for added stability—especially ideal for wider or longer planks. Requires a plywood subfloor.
• Glue-Down Hardwood Flooring or Double Glue-Down Hardwood Flooring Installation
   $3.00 – $4.50 per sq. ft.
  Used when soundproofing or added stability is needed. Ideal for condos or concrete subfloors.

Custom Patterns (Herringbone, Chevron, etc.)

• Herringbone or Custom Pattern Installations
  $5.50 – $7.50 per sq. ft.
  Requires precise cuts and layout planning, resulting in higher labor costs.

Additional Material Costs

• Adhesive Costs
  High-quality flooring adhesive typically costs around $170 per pail. The number of pails needed depends on the total square footage and adhesive spread rate.

What Affects Installation Pricing

While square footage plays a major role in estimating costs, several additional factors can significantly impact the final price of your engineered hardwood flooring installation in Toronto:
​
Subfloor Condition
If the subfloor is uneven, damaged, or not suitable for the chosen installation method (e.g., nail-down or glue-down), it will require prep work—such as leveling or installing plywood—which adds to the cost.

Project Layout & Complexity
Rooms with irregular shapes, tight hallways, many doorways, or intricate corners increase labor time. Larger open spaces are generally easier (and cheaper) to work with compared to multiple small rooms.

Pattern & Layout Type

• Straight lay is faster and less costly.
• Diagonal, herringbone, or chevron patterns require precision cuts and more labor, increasing costs significantly.

Condo vs. House

• Condos often require glue-down, double glue-down, or click installation methods due to concrete subfloors and soundproofing requirements.
• Houses with plywood subfloors allow for nail-down or nail and glue assist installations, offering more flexibility and potential savings.

Existing Flooring Removal
Removing and disposing of old flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet, etc.) will add labor and disposal costs. For reference, expect:

• $0.50 – $2.00 per sq. ft., depending on the type of floor being removed.

Job Size
Larger projects tend to receive better per-square-foot rates, as setup and mobilization costs are spread over more area. Very small jobs may have minimum charges or higher per-foot pricing.

Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Worth the Investment in Toronto?

For many Toronto homeowners, engineered hardwood flooring offers a compelling balance between luxury, performance, and practicality. But is it worth the cost? Here's what to consider:

Durability in Varying Climates
Toronto's humid summers and dry winters can cause traditional solid hardwood to expand and contract. Engineered hardwood, with its multi-layered core, is more stable and better suited for our local climate—especially in condos or basements.

Long-Term Value
While more expensive upfront than laminate or vinyl, engineered hardwood boosts property value and appeals to buyers looking for real wood aesthetics. If properly maintained, it can last decades and be refinished (depending on veneer thickness), making it a long-term investment.

Versatility in Installation
Whether you're dealing with concrete slabs in a condo or plywood subfloors in a house, engineered hardwood can be installed using various methods—click, nail-down, glue-down, or even double glue-down—offering flexibility without compromising durability.

Comfort & Acoustics
Unlike harder materials like tile, engineered hardwood provides a warmer, softer underfoot feel and better sound insulation—especially important in multi-level homes and condos.

Minimal Maintenance
​With today’s prefinished and UV-cured surfaces, engineered hardwood resists scratches and stains better than ever. A regular sweep and occasional damp mop keep it looking like new.

FAQs About Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost in Toronto

Q: What is the average cost per square foot for engineered hardwood in Toronto?
A: On average, you can expect to pay between $4.99 to $11.99 per sq ft for materials, depending on the brand, thickness, veneer, and finish. Installation adds $2.50 to $7.50 per sq ft, depending on method and layout complexity.

Q: Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
A: Typically, yes. Engineered hardwood is more cost-effective both in material and installation—especially when using click systems—while still offering the look and feel of real wood.

Q: Does the installation method affect the cost?
A: Absolutely. Click installation is usually the most affordable (approx. $1.50 – $2.50/sq ft), while glue-down or nail & glue assist methods can cost more ($3.00 – $4.50/sq ft or higher), especially in complex layouts like herringbone.

Q: Are there any hidden or additional costs to consider?
A: Yes. Some additional costs may include:

• Adhesive (for glue-down installs): ~$170 per pail
• Leveling or subfloor prep (if needed)
• Old flooring removal
• Transitions, trims, and underlayment (for click installs)

Q: Is herringbone engineered hardwood more expensive to install?
A: Yes. Due to its intricate layout, herringbone or chevron installations typically range between $5.50 – $7.50 per sq ft for labor alone, depending on the scope of the project.

Q: What’s the best value option for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto homes?
A: A click-lock engineered hardwood (12mm+ thick) offers excellent value—easy to install, cost-effective, and durable—especially for condos or finished basements.