Solid hardwood flooring is a single-piece wood board that is nailed or stapled to a plywood subfloor — it cannot be glued or clicked over concrete, and it cannot be installed below grade. This is the original, 100-year-plus flooring that GTA homeowners have trusted in their living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms for generations. At Top Floorings Depot in Toronto, Canadian-made solid hardwood from Appalachian, Lauzon, and MKB starts at $4.99/sqft and is available for pickup or GTA-wide delivery.
Scarborough homeowners love it for its timeless warmth. Richmond Hill contractors specify it for high-end renovations. Vaughan designers use it to anchor open-concept spaces. This guide covers every species, grade, and price point available in Ontario so you can make the right call for your home.
What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring — and Why Ontario Homeowners Choose It
Solid hardwood flooring is exactly what it sounds like: each board is one continuous piece of wood, milled to ¾-inch (19mm) thickness with a tongue-and-groove profile for installation. Unlike engineered hardwood, which layers a wood veneer over a plywood core, solid hardwood is the same material all the way through — which means it can be sanded and refinished more times over its lifespan than any other flooring type.
In Ontario, solid hardwood is almost always made in Canada, from forests in Quebec, Ontario, and the Appalachian region. Canadian manufacturing means shorter supply chains, consistent quality control, and pricing that undercuts comparable American or European products. Top Floorings Depot stocks Appalachian, Lauzon, MKB, Seasons, and Bruce — all available in our showroom at 3781 Victoria Park Avenue.
The main constraint: because it expands and contracts with humidity changes, solid hardwood requires a plywood subfloor above grade. It cannot be installed directly over concrete or in basements. If you have a concrete slab, engineered hardwood or SPC vinyl plank are the practical alternatives for those spaces.
Red Oak, Hard Maple, White Oak — and Beyond: Which Species Is Right for You
The species you choose determines the colour, grain pattern, and hardness of your floor. GTA homeowners have three main options in stock at Top Floorings Depot, plus a few specialty species for specific aesthetics.
Red Oak: The GTA Favourite
Red Oak is the most widely installed hardwood in Toronto homes — and for good reason. Its warm reddish-brown tone suits every style from traditional to contemporary, and its open grain takes stain colours evenly. Janka hardness: approximately 1,290 lbf.
Appalachian Red Oak Prestige Grade (4¼" wide, ¾" thick, 18.9 sqft/box) is $5.69/sqft and comes in twelve colours: Treebark, Honey, Safari, Gunstock, Latte, Jasper, Auburn, Sable, Medici, Natural, and more. The Prestige grade means a clean, consistent appearance with minimal knots — ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and open-concept main floors.
Appalachian Red Oak Excel Grade (4¼" wide, same thickness) is a more budget-friendly option at approximately $5.39/sqft, with a slightly wider range of natural character marks included within each box. It's an excellent choice for homeowners who want the warmth of Red Oak without the Prestige grade price.
Hard Maple: The Hardest Choice for Active Homes
Hard Maple is approximately 1,450 lbf on the Janka scale — about 12 percent harder than Red Oak. That difference is noticeable in real-world use: Hard Maple resists denting from dropped pans, pet claws, and high heels far better than Red Oak. For GTA families with active households, this species is worth the typically modest price premium.
Appalachian Hard Maple Prestige Grade (4¼" wide, ¾" thick) is priced at $5.69/sqft and available in nine colours including Earth, Moka, Rosewood, Walnut, Palazzo, Natural, and Toffee. The natural tones — particularly Earth and Toffee — are consistently popular choices in North York and Thornhill showroom visits.
The harder surface does come with a trade-off: Maple's tighter, less porous grain takes stain less evenly than Red Oak. If you want a very dark stain, Red Oak is the easier canvas. If you prefer the natural light blonde or warm amber tone of the wood as-is, Hard Maple's natural colour is among the most durable and attractive in the category.
White Oak: Underrated and Increasingly Popular
White Oak runs about 1,360 lbf — harder than Red Oak, slightly softer than Hard Maple. Its grain is straighter and more subtle than Red Oak, which makes it particularly well suited to contemporary and Scandinavian interior styles where a quieter, more refined wood tone is desired.
Appalachian White Oak Prestige Grade (4¼" wide, ¾" thick) is available in two colours at $5.69/sqft: Paisley and Poplin. The Poplin tone in particular — a soft, warm grey-brown — has become one of the most asked-about colours in our showroom over the past two years. If you're renovating a modern Vaughan home or a Scarborough condo with white walls and matte fixtures, White Oak is worth a close look.
Specialty Species: Hickory, Acacia, and More
Beyond the big three, Top Floorings Depot carries a rotating selection of specialty species. Bruce Hickory (Front Shadow, 3¼" wide, Character Grade, 22 sqft/box) is made in the USA and offers a dramatic, bold grain that reads differently in every light — a conversation-starting floor for principal living areas. Sunshiny Acacia (4¾" wide, smoked finish, 21.71 sqft/box) is another option for homeowners seeking something visually distinct from the standard Red Oak or Maple palette.
Understanding Hardwood Grades: Prestige, Excel, Advantage, Character — What They Actually Mean
Hardwood grade is not a quality measure — it is a description of how much natural character the board contains. A higher grade is not "better"; it is simply a different aesthetic choice. Understanding grades prevents you from overpaying for a look you don't want, or being surprised by natural variations you weren't expecting.
Prestige Grade (Appalachian): minimal knots, consistent colour from board to board, the cleanest grain. Best for open-concept living rooms, modern renovations, and homeowners who prefer a refined, uniform look.
Excel Grade (Appalachian): some natural character marks — small knots, slight colour variation — within a still-relatively-clean overall appearance. The price difference versus Prestige is typically $0.30–$0.50/sqft. Excel is the most popular grade in our showroom for family homes: it has enough personality to feel authentic without looking rustic.
Character Grade: the full natural range — visible knots, strong colour variation, mineral streaks. This is the choice for cottage-style homes, farmhouse aesthetics, or homeowners who want a floor with visible history. MKB Red Oak Character Grade (Made in Canada) is a strong option in this category at a competitive price point.
When selecting grade, ask yourself honestly: do I want a clean, consistent floor, or do I want to see the natural variation in the wood? Neither answer is wrong — but matching the grade to your aesthetic preference prevents a common post-installation disappointment.
Solid Hardwood Pricing in Ontario: What to Expect at Top Floorings Depot in 2026
Solid hardwood pricing in the GTA in 2026 depends on species, grade, and width. Here is what Top Floorings Depot charges for the most in-demand options:
| Species | Brand / Grade | Width | Price (sqft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | Appalachian Excel | 4¼" | $5.39 |
| Red Oak | Appalachian Prestige | 4¼" | $5.69 |
| Hard Maple | Appalachian Prestige | 4¼" | $5.69 |
| White Oak | Appalachian Prestige | 4¼" | $5.69 |
| Red Oak Character | MKB | 4¼" | Competitive with Excel |
| Hickory | Bruce, Character | 3¼" | $5.29 |
All Canadian-made solid hardwood at Top Floorings Depot is in stock at the Victoria Park showroom. For contractors working on multi-unit GTA renovation projects, trade pricing is available — visit the showroom to set up a contractor account.
The installed cost of solid hardwood — including professional installation at $2.00/sqft — typically runs $7.50–$8.00/sqft total. For a 500 sqft living room, that is approximately $3,750–$4,000 installed. Compare that to engineered hardwood at $5.00–$6.50/sqft installed, or engineered hardwood from our collection for a middle-ground option with concrete subfloor compatibility.
Installation: What GTA Homeowners Need to Know Before Buying
Solid hardwood requires a plywood subfloor — minimum 5/8-inch OSB or plywood — and must be nailed or stapled to that subfloor. It cannot be glued directly to concrete or installed as a floating floor. This has two practical implications for GTA homeowners:
First, if your home has a concrete slab foundation (common in newer Scarborough and Mississauga developments), you will need to install a plywood subfloor layer before the hardwood can go down. The cost of this preparation — materials plus labour — typically adds $1.50–$2.00/sqft on top of the hardwood installation cost. The total installed project cost for a concrete-slab home with a plywood overlay is comparable to installing engineered hardwood directly over the slab.
Second, solid hardwood is not suitable for below-grade installations. If you are finishing a basement in Etobicoke or North York, SPC vinyl plank is the practical waterproof choice. Solid hardwood belongs on the main floor and upper levels — and it performs best in those spaces.
Professional solid hardwood installation at Top Floorings Depot is $2.00/sqft and includes experienced installers who understand GTA climate conditions. Ontario winters are dry; summer humidity is high — a properly acclimated hardwood floor installed by someone who knows the regional moisture dynamics will perform better and for longer than a DIY job where the boards were not properly conditioned before fitting.
Where to Use Solid Hardwood — and Where Not To
Solid hardwood is a main-floor and upper-level floor. It thrives in:
- Living rooms and dining rooms: the classic application. Red Oak or Hard Maple in Prestige or Excel grade anchors these spaces with warmth that never goes out of style.
- Principal bedrooms: the warmth underfoot in the morning, the sound-dampening quality at night — solid hardwood in the bedroom is a choice you appreciate every day. A 4¼" wide plank in Medici Red Oak or Natural Hard Maple is a current showroom favourite for master suites in Markham and Thornhill homes.
- Kitchens: yes — solid hardwood can go in kitchens, with the same reasonable care you would use around any wood floor. Wipe spills promptly. Place a rug at the sink. The difference between hardwood in a kitchen and tile is pronounced — hardwood is warmer, quieter, and, many GTA homeowners say, more livable.
Solid hardwood is not recommended for:
- Basements: below-grade concrete slabs are incompatible with solid hardwood, even with a plywood overlay. See our guide to basement flooring options — SPC vinyl is the practical choice there.
- Full bathrooms: prolonged direct water exposure is hard on any wood floor. If you want warmth in a bathroom, engineered hardwood is a better choice than solid.
- Garages: not rated for cold concrete contact, freeze-thaw cycles, or vehicle traffic.
Our Top Picks at Top Floorings Depot
Based on what GTA homeowners are asking for in our showroom right now — and what our team specifies most often on renovation projects — here are five solid hardwood options worth a close look:
1. Appalachian Treebark Red Oak, Prestige Grade ($5.69/sqft)
4¼" wide, ¾" thick, 18.9 sqft/box. A warm, mid-tone brown that suits traditional and transitional interiors equally well. The Prestige grade means a clean, consistent look across the floor. View this product →
2. Appalachian Earth Hard Maple, Prestige Grade ($5.69/sqft)
4¼" wide, ¾" thick, 18.9 sqft/box. The hardest of the mainstream species, with a warm grey-brown tone that reads almost greige in certain lighting. The hardest-wearing floor in our solid hardwood section — ideal for families with dogs or young children. View this product →
3. Appalachian Medici Red Oak, Excel Grade ($5.39/sqft)
4¼" wide, ¾" thick, 18.9 sqft/box. A medium-brown Red Oak with subtle natural character that sits between Excel and Prestige in appearance — a versatile floor that works across modern and traditional styles. View this product →
4. Appalachian Natural Red Oak, Excel Grade ($5.39/sqft)
4¼" wide, ¾" thick, 18.9 sqft/box. A light, warm neutral that is the showroom's most-requested colour for modern and Scandinavian-style renovations in Toronto and Vaughan. View this product →
5. Seasons Red Oak, Select Grade ($4.99/sqft starting)
3¼" wide, ¾" thick, 20 sqft/box. The most affordable Canadian-made solid hardwood option in our stock. A narrower plank that works well in smaller rooms, townhomes, or any project where the budget per square foot matters. Available in Choco Brown and Natural tones. Browse the full hardwood collection →
Solid Hardwood Care and Maintenance
One of the strongest arguments for solid hardwood over its lifetime is that it can be refinished. When the finish eventually wears — in a busy GTA family home, typically after 15 to 20 years — solid hardwood can be sanded down and a fresh coat of finish applied, effectively resetting the clock on the floor's appearance. Most ¾-inch solid hardwood floors can withstand four to six full sandings before the boards are too thin to work with.
Day-to-day maintenance is straightforward: sweep or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive grit, use a hardwood-safe cleaner for periodic mopping, and wipe spills promptly. Felt pads under furniture legs prevent surface scratches. Area rugs in high-traffic zones — entryways, in front of sofas — extend the time between refinishing cycles.
The return policy at Top Floorings Depot covers factory-sealed, unopened bundles within 30 days — inspect all materials upon delivery or pickup before installation begins. This is standard practice in the industry and worth following even when time pressure pushes you to start laying the floor immediately. Lay a few boards out in the room's natural and artificial lighting before committing to the installation: colour can read very differently under LED showroom lights versus the warm-toned bulbs common in GTA living rooms.
Is Solid Hardwood the Right Choice for Your GTA Home?
Solid hardwood makes the most sense for GTA homeowners who are planning to stay in their home long enough to benefit from its 100-plus-year lifespan and its ability to be refinished multiple times. If you are renovating a North York bungalow, a Scarborough family home, or a Richmond Hill executive property where the floor will see daily wear for decades, the upfront cost difference versus engineered hardwood or laminate is justified by the longevity.
It is less ideal for newer GTA homes with concrete slab foundations, unless you are committed to the plywood-overlay approach — in which case the total installed cost approaches that of engineered hardwood. For basement suites, rental properties, or homes where the renovation budget needs to stretch further, SPC vinyl plank or engineered hardwood offer the right balance of aesthetics and practicality.
The best approach: visit Top Floorings Depot at 3781 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 1, Toronto. Walk the showroom. Put your hands on the Red Oak, the Hard Maple, and the White Oak. Ask our team what they specify most often in homes like yours. That five-minute showroom visit will tell you more than any online guide — and at our prices, Canadian-made solid hardwood is more accessible than most GTA homeowners expect.
Visit Top Floorings Depot
Top Floorings Depot
3781 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 1
Toronto, ON M1W 3K5
www.topfloorings.com
Call: 416-499-0117 | Text: 416-770-8819
Showroom Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sunday Closed
We serve homeowners and contractors across Scarborough, Markham, North York, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, Thornhill, Etobicoke, and beyond. Visit our showroom to see and feel these products in person, or contact us for contractor pricing and bulk orders. GTA-wide delivery available.
Have you purchased solid hardwood from Top Floorings Depot? Leave us a review on Google or tag us on Instagram @topflooringsdepotgta — we love seeing your completed projects.