Can we still get real hardwood flooring in a downtown Ottawa highrise if our condo board requires floating floors?

Yes, you can absolutely get real hardwood flooring in your downtown Ottawa highrise with a floating floor requirement. Engineered hardwood is your best option - it's real wood with a solid hardwood top layer that can be installed as a floating floor.

Engineered hardwood floating installation uses a click-lock or tongue-and-groove system where planks connect to each other rather than being nailed to the subfloor. This method significantly reduces sound transmission to units below, which is why most Ottawa condo boards require it. The planks "float" over an acoustic underlayment that further dampens sound and provides moisture protection - crucial in high-rise buildings where concrete slabs can have moisture issues.

For downtown Ottawa condos, engineered hardwood offers several advantages over solid hardwood. It's more dimensionally stable in the controlled climate of high-rise buildings, handles minor moisture fluctuations better, and the floating installation won't void your building's structural warranties. You'll get the same authentic wood appearance, grain patterns, and even the ability to refinish the surface 1-2 times depending on the wear layer thickness.

Quality engineered hardwood options include 3/4" thick planks with 4-6mm wear layers that look and feel identical to solid hardwood. Popular species like oak, maple, and walnut are readily available, and you can choose from various widths and finishes. The acoustic underlayment required by most condo boards actually improves the feel underfoot compared to direct-glue installations.

Installation in Ottawa high-rises typically costs $8-15 per square foot for engineered hardwood with proper acoustic underlayment. Make sure your contractor is familiar with condo board requirements and uses appropriate moisture barriers over concrete subfloors. For a free estimate on engineered hardwood installation that meets your condo board's floating floor requirements, request a quote from Ottawa Floor Install.

---

Find a Flooring Contractor

Ottawa Floor Install connects you with experienced contractors through the https://justynrookcontracting.com:

• Keanu Karpentry ✓
• PMC renovations and construction services ✓
• Floor-2-Wall Inc ✓