How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost in Vancouver? (2026 Guide)

The Short Answer

For a typical Vancouver-area home, expect to pay $8–$18 CAD per square foot installed for engineered hardwood, and $12–$22 per square foot for solid hardwood. That covers supply and labour. On a 1,000 sq ft main floor, you're looking at a total of roughly $8,000–$22,000 depending on the wood species, finish, and subfloor condition.

Those are wide ranges for a reason — hardwood pricing in BC is genuinely variable. The species you choose, whether the floor is pre-finished or site-finished, the condition of your subfloor, and the complexity of the layout all move the number significantly.

What Drives the Price

Wood species is the biggest variable. White oak — the most popular choice in Vancouver right now — runs $5–$9 per sq ft for material alone. Maple and birch are cheaper at $4–$7. Walnut and exotic species can hit $12–$18 per sq ft just for the wood.

Pre-finished vs site-finished is the second big factor. Pre-finished hardwood is faster (1–2 days less on site) and dust-free, making it ideal for occupied homes. Site-finished gives you a flatter surface and unlimited stain options, but adds 3–4 days for drying time between coats — and that time costs money.

• Subfloor prep: if your subfloor has high spots or soft areas, add $2–$4 per sq ft for grinding or patching
• Stair work: stair treads and nosings are priced separately, typically $80–$150 per step installed
• Furniture moving: most contractors charge $100–$300 extra, or you move it yourself
• Removal of existing flooring: $1–$3 per sq ft for carpet or tile removal and disposal

Engineered vs Solid: Which is Worth It in BC?

In Metro Vancouver's damp climate, engineered hardwood is often the smarter buy — even if it costs slightly less per square foot. Engineered wood is dimensionally stable across BC's humidity swings (wet winters, dry summers with air conditioning). Solid hardwood can gap or cup if the moisture conditions aren't right.

For concrete subfloors — common in condos and basement suites — engineered is the only real option. Solid hardwood needs a plywood base and doesn't tolerate the moisture that concrete can release.

Getting an Accurate Quote

Any quote that doesn't include a site visit should be taken with a grain of salt. Subfloor condition, room shape, existing flooring removal, and stair complexity all affect the final number — and none of that can be assessed from a phone call.

At A&A Flooring, we do free site visits throughout Coquitlam, Burnaby, Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities. We measure, assess the subfloor, and give you a written quote that covers everything — supply, labour, prep, and trim. No surprises at the end.