Welcome to the blog of The Hardwood Flooring Store, your premier destination for quality hardwood, laminate, engineered, and exotic flooring in Markham, just north of Toronto. As a family-owned business serving over 100,000 customers since 1950, we're passionate about helping homeowners and DIY enthusiasts transform their spaces with beautiful, durable floors. Whether you're renovating a cozy Toronto condo or a spacious suburban home in Ontario, hardwood flooring remains a top choice for its elegance and longevity. In this post, we'll explore the benefits, types, latest trends for 2026, maintenance tips, and why our store is the perfect place to start your flooring journey.
Hardwood flooring isn't just a surface—it's an investment that enhances your home's value, aesthetics, and comfort. One of the biggest advantages is its durability; high-quality hardwoods can last decades with proper care, outpacing many alternatives like carpet or vinyl. Unlike softer materials, hardwoods resist stains and spills, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. Simply sweep or wipe away messes for easy cleanup.
Beyond practicality, hardwood adds warmth and natural beauty to any room. It feels inviting underfoot and can increase your property's resale value by creating a premium, timeless look. For eco-conscious homeowners, many options now come from sustainably sourced woods with low-VOC finishes, aligning with modern environmental standards. Plus, in Canada's variable climate, hardwood's stability helps it withstand humidity changes better than some synthetics.
Imagine stepping into a sunlit living room with rich, warm tones underfoot—it's the kind of upgrade that makes your home feel truly yours.
At The Hardwood Flooring Store, we offer a wide range of options to suit every style and budget. Here's a breakdown of the most popular types:
Right now, we're running exceptional specials on premium maple hardwood starting at just $4.29 per square foot—affordable, beautiful, and built to last. Visit our showroom for hands-on samples!
As we head into 2026, flooring trends are all about blending style with functionality, emphasizing warmth, sustainability, and low-maintenance designs. Gone are the cool grays of past years; instead, expect a surge in warm tones like honey, caramel, and deep chestnut to create cozy, earthy vibes.
Matte and satin finishes are dominating, offering a natural, organic feel while hiding scratches and dirt better than glossy options. These can be applied over various materials, including our engineered selections, for an elegant, easy-care surface.
Patterns are making a comeback too—herringbone and parquet layouts add visual interest and a touch of luxury without overwhelming the space. Durability is key, with pet-friendly, waterproof innovations like waterborne finishes lasting over 10 years. And for sustainability, reclaimed or responsibly sourced woods are trending, reducing environmental impact while delivering timeless appeal.
In kitchens, wood is overtaking tile for its warmer feel and renewability, with darker hardwoods creating welcoming atmospheres. At our store, we're stocking these trends from top brands to help you stay ahead.
Take a look at this stunning engineered wood installation that captures the warm, matte trend perfectly:
Proper installation is crucial for longevity. We recommend professional services, especially for solid hardwood, to ensure even placement and avoid warping. Our team offers full installation in the Greater Toronto Area, or we can guide DIYers with tips like acclimating wood to your home's humidity.
Maintenance is straightforward: Regular sweeping prevents grit buildup, and occasional damp mopping with wood-safe cleaners keeps them shining. For deeper care, refinishing every 7-10 years restores the surface. Avoid excess water, and use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches. With these habits, your floors will stay beautiful for generations.
As Canada's go-to source for premium flooring, we pride ourselves on handmade products from the US and Canada, customizable to any color. Our Markham showroom lets you visualize options with our free floor visualizer tool, and we provide design assistance tailored to your needs. Plus, with weekly specials and New Year's deals on Preverco lines, you'll get unbeatable value. Over 100,000 satisfied customers can't be wrong—join them today!
Here's an example of a modern farmhouse-style room elevated by classic hardwood:
And for kitchen inspiration, check out this laminate wood look that's both practical and stylish:
Ready to upgrade? Contact us for a free consultation or visit our Toronto-area showroom. Let's make your 2026 flooring dreams a reality!