Are you dreaming of hardwood flooring in your home in Brossard, Longueuil, or Saint-Lambert, but unsure what budget to expect? This is the question our clients ask us most often before stepping into our showroom. And it’s completely normal: the price of hardwood flooring varies depending on several factors, and it is difficult to find accurate and up-to-date figures for the Quebec market.
In this article, the L’Artisan Espace Design team presents realistic price ranges for purchasing and installing hardwood flooring on the South Shore in 2026, along with all the factors that affect the final cost. The goal: for you to arrive at your consultation with a clear idea of what to expect.
Price Ranges in 2026: What You Can Realistically Expect
For hardwood flooring installed by a professional team on the South Shore in 2026, you should generally expect between $8 and $20 per square foot, materials and installation included. This wide range is explained by the great variety of species, thicknesses, and finish levels available on the market.
Here is a reference table according to wood type and grade level:
| Flooring type | Material ($/sq ft) | Installation ($/sq ft) | Estimated Total ($/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid hardwood — entry level (maple, oak) | $4 to $6 | $3 to $5 | $7 to $11 |
| Solid hardwood — mid-range (white oak, hickory) | $6 to $9 | $3.50 to $5.50 | $9.50 to $14.50 |
| Engineered hardwood — mid-range | $5 to $8 | $3 to $4.50 | $8 to $12.50 |
| Exotic hardwood — high-end (walnut, cherry) | $9 to $15 | $4.50 to $6 | $13.50 to $21 |
Note: these prices are estimates based on Quebec market conditions in 2026. QST and GST are added to these amounts. A free quote from L’Artisan Espace Design will provide you with an accurate price tailored to your project.
The 6 Factors That Influence the Final Price
1. The Wood Species Chosen
The species is undoubtedly the most determining factor in the price of the material. Local woods such as sugar maple or red oak are generally more affordable than exotic or imported woods. White oak, very popular for its warm tones and great durability, falls in the mid-range. Black walnut and American cherry, rarer and more refined, command significantly higher prices.
2. Plank Width
Narrow planks (2″ to 3″ wide) are generally less expensive than wide planks (4″ to 6″ and wider). The latter offer a contemporary and airy look highly sought after in modern South Shore homes, but their material cost is higher, and their installation sometimes requires more care to avoid warping issues.
3. Thickness and Type: Solid or Engineered
Solid hardwood (standard 3/4″ thickness) can be sanded and refinished multiple times over the decades. Engineered wood, composed of a natural wood veneer on cross-laminated plywood layers, offers better dimensional stability against humidity variations in Quebec’s climate. It is perfectly suited for homes with radiant floor heating or rooms with variable humidity levels.
4. The area to be covered
As in most construction trades, the price per square foot decreases with surface area. A 200 sq ft project in a single bedroom will be proportionally more expensive than a 1,200 sq ft project covering the entire ground floor. Fixed costs for travel, setup, and finishing are spread over a larger area.
5. Subfloor Condition and Preparation
A subfloor in good condition, level and solid, greatly facilitates installation and helps reduce costs. On the other hand, if the subfloor has significant irregularities, areas of rot, or requires partial replacement, preparatory work will be added to the bill. In some cases, applying a self-leveling compound is necessary before floor finishing—a step that represents an additional cost of $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
6. Installation Complexity
A straight and simple installation will cost less than a diagonal, herringbone, or brickwork pattern installation. These layouts require more cuts, more labor time, and generate more material waste. If you have numerous doors, complex transitions, or stairs to integrate, the installation cost will increase accordingly.
Additional Costs Not to Forget
- Transition hardware (thresholds, reducers) between rooms or with other types of flooring: $15 to $45 per unit.
- Sanding and finishing if you choose unfinished wood: $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
- Removal and disposal of old flooring: $1 to $2 per square foot.
- Baseboards and finishing moldings: $1.50 to $4 per linear foot, depending on profile and species.
- Acoustic or insulating underlayment, if required: $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
Hardwood Flooring vs. SPC Vinyl: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?
This question often comes up during consultations at AED. SPC vinyl (Stone Plastic Composite) is indeed less expensive per square foot—often between $4 and $9 materials and installation included—but hardwood flooring offers several advantages that justify the investment for many South Shore homeowners.
First, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, giving it a lifespan of 50, 60 years or more with proper maintenance. Authentic wood also adds perceived value to your property upon resale—a compelling argument in the Brossard and Longueuil real estate market. Finally, hardwood flooring offers a warm and natural appearance difficult to match with synthetic products, even the best ones.
FAQ — Hardwood Flooring Prices on the South Shore
What is the average price per square foot for hardwood flooring installed in Brossard in 2026?
For quality hardwood flooring installed by professionals in Brossard, expect on average between $10 and $15 per square foot, materials and labor included. Entry-level projects can go down to around $7 to $9 per sq ft, while high-end choices (exotic woods, wide planks) can exceed $18 to $20 per sq ft.
Does the installation price include subfloor preparation?
Not always, and this is an important point to clarify with your contractor. Some installation packages include basic preparation, but more extensive work such as applying self-leveling compound or replacing a large section of subfloor is generally billed separately. At AED, our quote details each cost item so there are no surprises.
Does pre-finished hardwood cost more than unfinished wood?
Pre-finished wood generally costs more to purchase, but it eliminates the cost of on-site sanding and finishing, which represents an additional $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot. In the end, both options are often comparable in terms of total cost. Pre-finished wood has the advantage of a uniform finish and quick installation.
How much should I budget for hardwood flooring in a 250 sq ft living room in Longueuil?
For a 250 sq ft living room in Longueuil with mid-range hardwood flooring (white oak, 3.25″ plank), expect approximately $2,500 to $3,750, materials and installation included, before taxes. Adding transitions, baseboards, and minor contingencies, a total budget of $3,000 to $4,500 is prudent for this type of project.
Has the price of hardwood flooring changed compared to 2024 and 2025?
In 2026, prices for common species such as oak and maple have relatively stabilized after increases related to supply chain disruptions. That said, skilled labor costs continue to increase gradually in the South Shore region. It is therefore advisable to obtain an up-to-date quote rather than relying on figures from two or three years ago.
How much does sanding and refinishing existing hardwood flooring cost on the South Shore?
Sanding and refinishing existing flooring generally costs between $2.50 and $4.50 per square foot on the South Shore. This is often a very economical option compared to complete replacement, especially for solid hardwood flooring in good structural condition. L’Artisan Espace Design offers this sanding service throughout the South Shore.
Have a project on the South Shore? Request a free quote from the L’Artisan Espace Design team.
