Flooring is an expensive decision in any renovation or new build. It’s good to have all your homework done, so here are a very few quick tips.

Solid hardwood floors are generally three-quarters of an inch of thick-cut solid wood. Wood naturally contracts and expands, so a solid wood floor must be nailed or screwed down to a plywood subfloor. It can be resanded and stained many times over its lifetime and you can expect your hardwood floor to last 40 years or more.

Engineered floors are made from layered wood, typically about one-quarter of an inch thick laminated to a plywood sub base. It is a very stable construction which won’t expand and contract. The great thing about engineered floors is they can be glued down, so they can go in basements or condos, basically installed over cement. They too, can be resanded and stained a few times, based on their wood thickness.

The Finishing Store at 780 Topaz Ave., has a fabulous selection of hardwood and engineered flooring. They have a huge selection of Canadian manufactured woods, which of course is always my first choice. You can see different installation displays and choose from a huge variety of species and stain colours. Their staff specializes in wood, so you can get trusted answers to your questions.

Edgar and Miner at 2508 Bridge St., is a 40 year old Victoria business which also has a good size display of wood floor products. They are a full service flooring store, carrying lines from Canada as well as Canadian companies that manufacture overseas to keep costs in check. Many of their staff have more than 25 years in the flooring business, so they too, have a wealth of knowledge to draw from.

Remember, you’re always best to visit a flooring professional to get all the important information needed before making a decision.

Sheri Peterson has been an interior designer for 22 years in Victoria. She designs for commercial, residential and hospitality clients.