Wide plank white oak flooring has become a hallmark of refined Toronto interiors. Its broad boards highlight the natural beauty of the wood, allowing the soft grain and warm undertones to shape a room’s entire character.

Whether used in a contemporary condo or a classic family home, its visual depth and enduring strength create an atmosphere of understated luxury.

For homeowners considering this upgrade, the main question is cost—and the answer is shaped by more than just the wood itself.

Factors such as plank width, grade, finish type, and installation method all influence the total investment.

Related Article: The Pros and Cons of Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring

Average Cost in Toronto

In Toronto, the average cost for wide plank white oak flooring ranges from $8 to $16 per square foot for materials. When you include professional installation, total costs typically land between $13 and $25 per square foot.

This range covers both engineered and solid hardwood options. Engineered hardwood floors tend to cost less upfront, while solid white oak provides greater long-term value since it can be refinished many times.

Why Wide Planks Cost More

Wide planks (usually 5 to 10 inches) use larger cuts of lumber. This increases the price but also produces a seamless, luxurious effect that narrow boards can’t match. Each plank covers more surface area, reducing joints and giving rooms a cleaner, more open appearance.

The higher cost reflects the rarity of these large cuts and the precision required for proper fitting. LV Flooring ensures moisture control, correct spacing, and professional acclimation before installation to prevent gapping or warping.

Key Factors That Affect Price

Each home and project is unique. These are the main variables that influence cost.

• Wood Grade

• Clear Grade: Minimal knots and a consistent tone. Highest cost but most refined look.
• Select & Better: Balanced appearance with light variation.
• Character Grade: Natural knots and colour shifts at a lower price point.
• Plank Width and Thickness
  Wider and thicker planks (over 6 inches wide or ¾ inch thick) are more expensive because they come from older trees and require precision milling.
• Solid vs Engineered Construction

• Solid White Oak: Single-piece boards ideal for main floors and living areas. It can be refinished many times.
• Engineered White Oak: A hardwood veneer over a stable plywood core, suitable for basements, condos, and radiant-heated spaces.
• Finishes and Treatments
   Pre-finished floors cost more upfront but save labour. Popular options include:
• Matte Urethane: Modern and low-maintenance.
• Oil Finish: Natural feel but needs periodic reapplication.
• Wire-Brushed: Textured for visual depth and scratch resistance.

Related article: Trending Plank Finishes: Matte, Gloss or Textured?

• Installation Type
  
• Nail-Down or Glue-Down: Best for solid wood; labour-intensive but permanent.
• Floating: Common for engineered floors; quicker, lower labour cost.
• Subfloor and Site Preparation
  Uneven subfloors, concrete bases, or moisture issues can add preparation costs between $1 and $3 per square foot. LV Flooring always inspects and prepares surfaces properly before starting.

Cost Comparison: Engineered vs Solid

Type	Material Cost (per sq ft)	Installed Cost (per sq ft)	Refinishable	Ideal For
Engineered	$8–$12	$13–$18	1–2 times	Basements, condos
Solid	$12–$16	$18–$25	4–6 times	Main floors, family areas

Engineered options offer better moisture stability and slightly lower installation costs, while solid floors deliver maximum lifespan and authenticity.

Design Versatility

White oak’s neutral tone complements nearly every interior style. Its grain pattern is smoother than red oak hardwood and adapts well to various stains—from natural beige to deep espresso. Homeowners often choose wide planks in lighter shades to make rooms feel brighter and more spacious.

LV Flooring showcases multiple finishes in its North York showroom, allowing clients to compare how different textures and stains respond to light and décor.

Long-Term Value

While white oak flooring costs more upfront than laminate or vinyl, it offers unmatched longevity. Properly maintained, solid white oak floors can last 50–100 years. Even engineered versions can last 25–40 years, making them a wise investment.

Hardwood floors also add measurable resale value. In Toronto’s competitive housing market, homes with real white oak floors often sell faster and at higher prices.

Installation and Craftsmanship

LV Flooring’s professional installers ensure every project meets industry standards for alignment, humidity control, and underlayment. Their process includes:

• Moisture Testing: Prevents future cupping or gapping.
• Subfloor Inspection: Ensures a level, secure base.
• Acclimation Period: Allows planks to adjust to the home’s humidity.
• Precision Cutting: Matches joints and transitions seamlessly.
• Finishing and Cleanup: Leaves floors ready for use immediately.

This level of detail ensures that your flooring maintains structural stability and beauty for decades.

Related Article: When Is the Best Time of Year to Install New Flooring in Canada?

Maintenance and Care Tips

To protect your investment:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit.
• Use a damp (not wet) mop for cleaning.
• Place mats near entryways.
• Keep humidity between 35% and 55%.
• Use felt pads under furniture.

For refinishing, LV Flooring provides sanding and recoating services to refresh your floors without full replacement.

Related Article: Why Humidity Matters When Installing Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Environmental Benefits

White oak flooring is an environmentally responsible choice for homeowners who value sustainability as much as design. Because it’s a natural, renewable resource, every plank comes from managed North American forests where replanting practices maintain long-term tree health and biodiversity. This responsible sourcing means fewer environmental disruptions compared with materials that rely on synthetic production or petroleum-based components.

Hardwood also stores carbon throughout its lifespan, helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike vinyl or laminate flooring, which require energy-intensive manufacturing and often end up in landfills, white oak can be refinished multiple times, reducing waste and extending its usable life for decades.

LV Flooring partners with certified suppliers who follow sustainable forestry standards such as the Forest Stewardship Council. These partnerships ensure each board is traceable and harvested in a way that supports forest renewal and ecological balance.

Why Choose LV Flooring

LV Flooring has built its reputation on expertise and precision. Based in North York, they offer an extensive selection of hardwood, engineered, vinyl, and laminate flooring options. Every client receives tailored advice based on space size, lighting, and lifestyle.

Our showroom allows homeowners to view samples under natural light and compare finishes side by side. We also provide professional installation and post-care guidance, ensuring your white oak flooring performs beautifully for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do wide plank white oak floors last?

Solid white oak can last up to 100 years with proper care. Engineered versions typically last 25–40 years.

2. Do wide planks make a room look bigger?

Yes. Fewer seams create an open, continuous appearance that visually enlarges the space.

3. Can I install white oak flooring over concrete?

Yes, engineered white oak can be installed over concrete with the correct underlayment and moisture barrier.

4. What finish hides scratches best?

Matte and wire-brushed finishes disguise wear better than glossy surfaces.

5. Is white oak better than red oak?

White oak is denser, more water-resistant, and has a smoother grain pattern, making it a preferred choice for modern interiors.

6. How soon can I walk on new floors after installation?

Pre-finished floors can be used immediately. Site-finished floors may need 24–48 hours of curing time.

7. Can wide planks expand or contract with humidity?

Yes, but proper acclimation and professional installation minimize movement.

8. Does white oak flooring increase home value?

It’s seen as a premium upgrade that appeals strongly to buyers in the Toronto market.

Final Insight

Wide plank white oak flooring combines timeless design with strength that lasts generations. Expect to spend between $13 and $25 per square foot installed, depending on grade, width, and finish. The result is an elegant, durable surface that elevates your home’s value and comfort. With LV Flooring, you gain more than new floors; you gain craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

Ready to transform your home with wide plank white oak flooring? Get a free quote today and expert advice from our team.