Hardwood Flooring Pros
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Real, natural beauty
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Long lifespan (30–100+ years)
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Refinishable (depending on product)
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Increases home value
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Unique character
Hardwood Flooring Cons (Let’s Be Honest)
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Higher cost than laminate or vinyl
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Sensitive to moisture
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Requires humidity control
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Can scratch or dent
Hardwood is a commitment.
Worth it.
But still a commitment.
Best Rooms for Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood loves:
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Living rooms
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Dining rooms
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Bedrooms
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Home offices
We generally avoid hardwood in:
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Bathrooms
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Laundry rooms
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Mudrooms
Water + Wood = Drama!
We prefer peace.
Hardwood vs. Vinyl vs. Laminate
Hardwood vs. Vinyl
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Hardwood: real wood, refinishable (depending on the product), higher cost
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Vinyl: waterproof, lower cost, low maintenance
Hardwood vs. Laminate
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Hardwood: a natural material that can be refinished (depending on the product)
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Laminate: extremely scratch-resistant, lower cost
Different tools for different jobs.
Wide Plank vs. Narrow Plank in Alberta Homes
Wide Solid Hardwood Planks look amazing.
But they also show more movement. Expansion and contraction due to dryness or too much humidity.
Engineered Hardwood wide plank = best of both worlds. A Wide Hardwood Plank you can trust.
Narrow planks are more forgiving in solid hardwood.
We’ll help you choose wisely.
Installation Matters More Than Species
Even the best hardwood will fail if:
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Subfloor isn’t level
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Subfloor and Hardwood aren't moisture-tested. For successful hardwood installation, the subfloor moisture content should generally be below 12% (ideally 7%-9% or within 2-4% of the hardwood's moisture content.
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Acclimation isn’t done
Professional installation is non-negotiable for hardwood.
We take this very seriously.
How Long Does Hardwood Flooring Last?
Solid hardwood: 50–100+ years
Engineered hardwood: 25–50 years (depending on wear layer thickness)
That’s generational flooring.
Cost of Hardwood Flooring in Southern Alberta
Ballpark material ranges:
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Engineered hardwood: $5–$10+ per sq ft
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Solid hardwood: $6–$12+ per sq ft
Installation varies based on layout and prep.
We provide detailed quotes so there are no surprises.
Maintenance Tips (Easy Version)
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Sweep or vacuum regularly
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Use a hardwood-approved cleaner
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Wipe spills quickly
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Use felt pads
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Maintain 35–55% indoor humidity
That’s it.
No ceremonies required.
Hardwood Design Trends in Southern Alberta
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White oak
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Natural finishes
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Matte or low-sheen
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Warm neutrals
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Wide planks
Grey is politely exiting.
Warmth is returning.
Pets and Hardwood Flooring
Yes, you can have both.
Choose:
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Harder species
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Matte finishes
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Expect minor character marks
We call it “patina.”
It sounds fancier.
FAQs
Can hardwood be installed over concrete?
Engineered hardwood: yes.
Solid hardwood: generally no.
Can hardwood be used with in-floor heating?
Engineered hardwood: yes (product dependent).
Does hardwood fade?
Minimal with modern UV finishes.
Why Buy Hardwood from Simply Floors?
Because we:
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Understand the Alberta climate
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Carry high-quality products
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Use professional installers
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Offer honest advice
We don’t oversell.
We educate.
Final Thoughts
Hardwood flooring in Southern Alberta is absolutely achievable—and absolutely beautiful—when done right.
It’s classic for a reason.
And honestly?
Some things never go out of style.
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