Flooring 101

Choosing a floor is a big decision, Darmaga is here to make that process easier for you. From our expert sales team and our website resources, we want you to make the most informed decision possible.

Engineered Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a versatile and durable alternative to traditional hardwood flooring, designed to mimic the natural beauty of solid wood while offering enhanced stability and cost-effectiveness. Unlike solid hardwood, which is made entirely from a single piece of wood, engineered wood flooring features a thin veneer of real hardwood on the surface, which gives it its authentic appearance. Beneath this top layer lies a core typically constructed from multiple layers of plywood, oriented in different directions to increase strength and reduce the risk of warping or swelling due to moisture. This multi-layered construction not only makes engineered wood flooring more resistant to environmental changes but also allows for a more sustainable use of timber resources. Ideal for areas with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, engineered wood flooring combines aesthetic appeal with practical benefits, making it a popular choice for modern homes. Engineered Flooring is a solid core of premium, constructed with stable plywood and a thin veneer of hardwood on top. The veneer can range in thickness from 0.5mm to 4.5mm. Engineered wood flooring is a durable alternative to solid hardwood flooring, featuring a real wood surface later and engineered core. Engineered wood floors are real wood floors manufactured to be installed on top of subfloor.

Solid Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is a popular choice for its timeless beauty and durability. Each plank is crafted from a single piece of wood, allowing the natural grain and texture to shine through. This uniform construction means that the core and the surface are identical, providing consistent strength and stability. To enhance its appearance and protect it from wear, tongues and grooves are milled into the edges of the planks, ensuring a snug and seamless fit when installed. Additionally, various stains and sealers can be applied to the surface, offering a range of color options and finishes while safeguarding the wood from moisture and damage. Solid hardwood flooring not only adds elegance to any space but also increases the value of a home, making it a worthwhile investment. Hardwood flooring, also referred to as solid wood flooring, is often made of a hardwood species. Popular species include maple, ash, oak and red oak/white oak. Solid flooring comes from a solid piece of milled wood, hence the name. Installation involves nailing the wood planks to the subfloor, a project that requires some skills. Because it is solid wood, it can easily be sanded and refinished several times over its lifespan to maintain its appearance.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an innovative and cost-effective option for homeowners seeking a stylish and durable flooring solution. It consists of multiple layers, starting with a sturdy fiberboard core that forms the base. Often, an additional backing layer or underlayment is included to enhance protection and provide better insulation. The core layer is topped with an image layer, which features a high-resolution print of natural materials like wood or stone, giving it an authentic appearance. To safeguard the design and ensure longevity, a thin, transparent wear layer made of plastic is applied, protecting against scratches, spills, and general wear and tear. Together, these layers create a resilient and visually appealing flooring option that is easy to install and maintain. Laminate floors are typically installed as a floating floor, meaning it consists of interlocking planks that are laid across the existing sub-floor. No adhesive, nails or staples are necessary. This makes floor installation a very easy project.

Vinyl – SPC – Flooring

Vinyl flooring, a synthetic material known for its durability and functionality, has surged in popularity in recent years. One of its standout features is its exceptional resistance to moisture, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to spills or humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. In addition to its practical benefits, vinyl flooring offers a versatile range of appearances, mimicking the look of natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramic tiles. This versatility allows homeowners and designers to achieve the desired aesthetic without compromising on durability or ease of maintenance. Moreover, advancements in manufacturing have made vinyl flooring more comfortable underfoot and easier to install, further cementing its status as a go-to flooring option for modern interiors.

Reviews

4.5 Over 141 Reviews

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Sanjay Ramasamy 1 month ago

The worst hardwood flooring company in the gta. Do not trust them. The GM Dave Henry is horrendous, and I've been told his employees do not like him, nor respect him. Please look elsewhere for your Hardwood Flooring needs.

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Alan McKim 1 month ago

Great support, prices and product. Recommendation by Paul to take samples home was definitely worth the effort. Amazing company to work with.

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Lee Ellis 2 months ago

Store closed down without notifying paying customers. Purchased thousands of dollars in flooring and transition pieces December 2025. Received and installed the flooring and was informed the transition pieces were on backorder, however, we would be notified when they arrived.

Once tried to contact the locations to follow up on the transition pieces, we found out all locations had been shut down/out of business! Reached out to the manufacturer and was informed Darmaga received the shipment, so we could not receive the product as it was already accounted for! Hundreds of dollars gone! Theivery!! It's sad as we initially had great service from their salesman Brent Chater.

Emails bounce back, calls go straight to voicemail and the stores gutted/empty with the lights turned off and locked doors!

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Gary MacLean 2 months ago

Over a several year period I bought and Installed Superior Prefinished Red Oak throughout our home. (Approx. 2,500 sq ft of hardwood.) I also arranged through the retailer to have a contractor install circular stairs, and raise the base of our upper floor railings to match the height of the new floor. I'm very happy with the quality of the oak boards. Many were significantly longer than other brands I've seen, and all the edges were precisely finished, with almost zero boards with any warping or rough-finished edges. The flooring shows little wear of the finish after several year's use. Excellent quality control. As long as you buy the proper tools, use standard installation methods, and take your time, anyone with basic handyman skills should be able to do an excellent install. All our floors were flat and level, so there were no challenges to the install.
The only 'challenge' I had was the distributor: - Darmaga Hardwood Flooring in Richmond Hill, ON. They previously had this particular flooring as a stock item, as it was popular and used regularly for both new installs, and retrofits. However, the last room I needed flooring for had to be ordered in from the manufacturer, so the sales rep (Mr. Mike Holmes) recommended I order a little extra, in case my calculations were off, so I ordered an extra box. As it turned out I had one complete and unopened box left, and asked to return it for credit. I got a song and dance from Mr. Holmes, and in spite of the many hundreds of sq. ft. of flooring I bought previously, he was unwilling to give me a credit for one box return... He promised to allow me to return the box when they got another order, but that offer never happened, in spite of several months passing, and my phone calls to Mr. Holmes. I've previously recommended Darmaga Flooring to several of my friends and family. I had good service from their previous sales rep, but Mr. Mike Holmes was not one to instill return business or loyalty.

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Ben Barazesh 4 months ago

Great company with great service which out company deal with then for many years, Paul is great and knowledgeable person in there.

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Sam Vise 5 months ago

We had a fantastic experience working with Paul at Darmaga Hardwood Flooring Ltd. The service was excellent from start to finish, and having the option to take samples home before purchasing made the process so much easier. Our order arrived earlier than expected, and the quality of the finished product exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend Darmaga and Paul for anyone looking for beautiful flooring and great customer service!

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