Rich by Design Inc.
Rich by Design Inc. provides professional flooring installation and refinishing services to our clients in Etobicoke. With over 15 years of experience serving Etobicoke homeowners, our local team handles everything from new hardwood installation to complete floor refinishing, delivering end-to-end high quality results.
Our flooring services include new floor installation, hardwood refinishing and resanding, subfloor preparation and repair, flooring removal and disposal, and moisture barrier installation for basements. Every project receives the same attention to detail, whether it's a condo apartment or a multi-level home renovation.
Whether you're updating a single room or renovating your entire home, our team manages projects from initial consultation through final installation. We serve homeowners throughout Etobicoke and surrounding communities.
From waterfront condos to heritage homes, we install and refinish all major flooring types across Etobicoke neighborhoods.
Etobicoke homeowners choose solid hardwood for its timeless appeal and exceptional durability. Whether installing new oak, maple, or exotic hardwood floors in your Kingsway heritage home or Lakeshore property, we deliver craftsmanship that lasts decades. Already have hardwood that's seen better days? Our refinishing services restore original beauty through expert sanding, staining, and protective finishing.
Get the beauty of real hardwood with added stability and moisture protection. Engineered hardwood's layered construction makes it the smart choice for Etobicoke condos, basement renovations, and homes with in-floor heating. From Mimico highrises to Rexdale finished basements, we install engineered hardwood where solid wood simply won't perform reliably.
Laminate flooring delivers durability and realistic wood or stone looks at accessible price points. Perfect for busy Etobicoke families with kids and pets, laminate stands up to heavy traffic while staying budget-friendly. Quick installation over existing subfloors means minimal disruption, and daily maintenance is as simple as sweeping and occasional damp mopping.
Luxury vinyl plank dominates Etobicoke renovations and for good reason. Complete waterproof protection, exceptional durability, and authentic wood-look finishes make LVP ideal for basement apartments, Lakeshore condos, kitchens, and bathrooms. Unlike hardwood or laminate, LVP handles moisture without warping, making it perfect for Etobicoke's humid summers and below-grade spaces throughout Mimico, Alderwood, and Rexdale neighborhoods.
Porcelain and ceramic tile excel in Etobicoke bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and mudrooms where water resistance matters most. We install tile in numerous sizes, patterns, and finishes—always with proper waterproofing beneath and appropriate slope for drainage. Natural stone choices including marble, travertine, and slate bring elegance to powder rooms, feature entries, and luxury bathroom renovations.
Rich by Design Inc. provides free, no-obligation estimates for all flooring projects in Etobicoke. Call 1-416-565-1945 to discuss your project, or complete our online contact form for a prompt response.
Serving Mimico, Long Branch, The Kingsway, Islington, Rexdale, and all Etobicoke areas, plus Mississauga and the broader GTA.
Flooring cost in Etobicoke
Flooring costs in Etobicoke depend on material selection, square footage, subfloor condition, and project complexity. We provide upfront, transparent pricing so you can budget accurately. Every estimate includes materials, labor, subfloor prep work, and old flooring removal when required.
Each room has different moisture, traffic, and durability requirements. Here's what works best for kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and living spaces in Etobicoke homes.
Kitchen floors face constant challenges, spills, heavy traffic, dropped cookware, and moisture exposure. Luxury vinyl plank leads our Etobicoke kitchen recommendations for its complete waterproof protection, durability, and comfort underfoot. Porcelain tile delivers classic appeal with virtually indestructible performance. Engineered hardwood can work in kitchens if you’re diligent about wiping up spills immediately. We steer clients away from laminate due to moisture vulnerability. Every kitchen installation includes meticulous sealing around appliances, islands, and cabinetry.
Learn more about our complete kitchen renovation services →
Etobicoke basements demand moisture-resistant flooring-concrete subfloors and below-grade humidity make this non-negotiable. Luxury vinyl plank dominates our basement installations because it handles moisture naturally, installs directly over concrete, and stays comfortable underfoot. Engineered hardwood works in finished, climate-controlled basements when we install proper vapor barriers. Solid hardwood and standard laminate fail in below-grade environments. We moisture-test every Etobicoke basement before installation and select underlayment specifically designed to prevent future moisture problems.
Bathrooms demand waterproof flooring that tolerates high humidity. Porcelain or ceramic tile remains the traditional choice, offering complete water resistance and easy maintenance. Luxury vinyl plank has become increasingly popular in bathrooms for its waterproof properties and warmer feel compared to tile. We ensure proper waterproofing beneath all bathroom flooring and careful sealing around toilets, vanities, and tubs. Small bathroom projects typically complete in one day.
Main living spaces showcase your flooring choice and experience the most daily traffic. Hardwood flooring, solid or engineered, adds value and timeless appeal to living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. These spaces tolerate the investment in premium materials since moisture isn’t a primary concern. Alternatively, quality laminate or luxury vinyl plank provides wood aesthetics at lower price points with excellent durability for families with children or pets.
Etobicoke condos present unique flooring requirements. Buildings along the Lakeshore in Mimico and Humber Bay Shores, highrise developments near Islington Station, and converted apartments throughout central Etobicoke all mandate minimum sound ratings of STC/IIC 50 or higher for flooring installations, requiring acoustic underlayment beneath hard surface floors. You’ll need condo board approval before starting work, and we handle this documentation process. Installation timing must comply with building noise bylaws, typically limiting loud work to weekdays between 9am-5pm. Concrete subfloors are standard in condos, which actually simplifies installation for engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl. Elevator reservations and building access coordination add slight complexity but we manage these logistics routinely.
Etobicoke houses provide installation freedom, no board approvals, no noise bylaws, complete material choice flexibility. The tradeoff? Older homes throughout The Kingsway, Mimico, and central Etobicoke frequently hide subfloor problems requiring repair, whereas condos offer level concrete slabs. Houses accommodate solid hardwood in any dry space; condos typically mandate acoustic underlayment and sometimes restrict certain materials entirely. Scheduling flexibility runs higher in houses, evening and weekend work causes no issues. Your flooring decisions depend solely on room function and personal preference, not building regulations.
Rich by Design Inc. is your local Etobicoke flooring contractor, providing professional installation and refinishing services throughout all Etobicoke neighborhoods. Our deep knowledge of Etobicoke's diverse housing stock, from century homes in The Kingsway to modern condos in Humber Bay Shores, ensures we understand the unique requirements of your property.
Etobicoke Neighborhoods We Serve:
We complete flooring projects throughout Etobicoke, including:
South Etobicoke: Mimico, New Toronto, Long Branch, Humber Bay Shores, Park Lawn, Lakeshore
Central Etobicoke: The Kingsway, Islington, Bloor West Village (Etobicoke portion), Princess Gardens, Edenbridge-Humber Valley, Markland Wood
North Etobicoke: Rexdale, Thistletown, Kipling Heights, Smithfield, Elms-Old Rexdale, West Humber-Clairville
East Etobicoke: Baby Point, Humber Valley Village, Beech Avenue, Stonegate-Queensway
West Etobicoke: Alderwood, Cloverdale, Burnhamthorpe, Richview, Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview
Etobicoke-Adjacent Areas: We also serve neighboring communities including Mississauga (adjacent to Etobicoke), Toronto West York, and the western portions of North York.
Etobicoke’s housing is incredibly diverse. Post-war bungalows in areas like Markland Wood present different flooring challenges than century homes in The Kingsway, waterfront condos in Mimico and Humber Bay Shores, or 1960s-70s apartment conversions throughout central Etobicoke. We understand these distinctions and adjust our installation methods accordingly.
As a local Etobicoke contractor, we know:
Whether you’re renovating a heritage home in Baby Point, updating a condo along the Lakeshore, finishing a basement in Rexdale, or modernizing a bungalow in Alderwood, our team brings consistent quality and local Etobicoke expertise to every project.
Concerned about condo approvals, subfloor damage, or heritage home restrictions? We've solved these challenges hundreds of times across Etobicoke.
Etobicoke condo buildings, from Humber Bay Shores highrises to Mimico waterfront developments, require board approval before flooring work begins. We handle this documentation routinely: product specifications, acoustic rating certifications (STC/IIC compliance), contractor insurance proof, and project timelines. The approval process typically runs 1-2 weeks, and we walk you through every submission step. Most buildings along the Lakeshore and near Islington Station mandate sound-dampening underlayment beneath hard flooring, we know each building's specific requirements and ensure full compliance.
Etobicoke's housing includes numerous homes built decades before current standards. Century properties in The Kingsway and Baby Point, plus post-war builds throughout Alderwood and Markland Wood, frequently reveal subfloor challenges, uneven joists, gaps in original floorboards, settling over time, and insufficient structural support. We evaluate these conditions transparently during initial consultations and recommend practical fixes: plywood overlayment, joist reinforcement, leveling compounds, or structural repairs. Addressing subfloor problems upfront prevents squeaks, flex, and early flooring breakdown.
Etobicoke's noise bylaws restrict construction activities to specific hours, typically 7am-7pm on weekdays and 9am-7pm on weekends (exact times vary by area). Condo buildings often impose stricter rules, many limit noisy work to weekdays between 9am-5pm only. We schedule installations in compliance with these regulations and coordinate with building management for condos. Floor refinishing involves particularly loud sanding equipment, so we plan these projects carefully to minimize disruption while respecting noise restrictions.
Designated heritage properties in Etobicoke require special care during renovations. Neighborhoods like The Kingsway, Baby Point, and historic areas of Mimico contain heritage-designated homes where certain flooring changes may need Heritage Permit approval. We've worked on heritage properties and understand when permits are necessary. Often, refinishing original hardwood is the preferred approach for heritage homes rather than replacement. We respect the historical character while delivering results.
Etobicoke's climate challenges flooring materials year-round. Summer humidity makes wood swell; winter heating dries it out and causes contraction. Basement concrete retains moisture and risks water intrusion during heavy rain. We plan installations around these realities, selecting appropriate materials, allowing wood products to acclimate properly, building in expansion gaps, and installing moisture barriers in vulnerable areas. Floors installed without accounting for Etobicoke's seasonal extremes frequently develop gaps in winter, cupping in summer, or buckling when moisture penetrates.
Etobicoke's waterfront highrises and buildings near Kipling and Islington stations require logistical choreography, elevator reservations, loading area coordination, occasional after-hours material delivery. We've done this hundreds of times and factor everything into scheduling. Walk-up buildings bring manual labor challenges: carrying flooring materials up cramped staircases slows the process and affects project duration. Tight street parking throughout Etobicoke's established neighborhoods means we coordinate delivery windows carefully to avoid parking complications.
Get answers to common questions about flooring installation and refinishing in Etobicoke. From timelines and costs to material selection and condo requirements, we've covered the most frequent concerns from Etobicoke homeowners.
Installation timelines depend on project size and flooring type. A single room (200-300 sq ft) typically takes one day for most materials. Whole-home installations range from 2-5 days depending on square footage and complexity. Hardwood refinishing requires 3-5 days including sanding, staining, and finish coat drying time between applications. Tile installations take longer due to mortar and grout curing requirements. We provide specific timelines during your free consultation based on your exact project scope.
Sometimes. Luxury vinyl plank and laminate can often install over existing flooring if the surface is level, stable, and in good condition. We can install new hardwood over old hardwood if the subfloor beneath is sound. However, tile, heavily damaged floors, or uneven surfaces require removal first. Leaving old flooring saves money and time, but only when it won’t compromise the new installation. We assess this during our initial visit and recommend the best approach for your situation.
Yes, rooms must be empty before we begin. Most homeowners move furniture themselves or into adjacent rooms during installation. We can recommend professional moving services if needed for large or heavy items. Alternatively, we can work room-by-room, allowing you to shift furniture between spaces as we progress. Kitchen installations require appliances to be disconnected and moved—we can handle this or coordinate with appliance technicians if preferred.
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4 inch thick. It can be refinished multiple times over its lifetime but shouldn’t be installed in basements or directly on concrete. Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer bonded to plywood layers beneath, offering better moisture resistance and dimensional stability. It installs over concrete, works with radiant heat, and suits condos well. Both look identical once installed—the choice depends on your subfloor type and installation location.
Hardwood refinishing costs $3-$6 per square foot in Etobicoke. Most Etobicoke homes with original hardwood, particularly in neighborhoods like The Kingsway, Baby Point, and older Mimico areas, can be refinished multiple times. Refinishing makes sense when your hardwood structure is solid but the surface shows scratches, wear, or outdated staining. It costs significantly less than replacement while delivering a like-new appearance. Most Etobicoke homes with original hardwood can be refinished multiple times throughout the floor’s life.
Luxury vinyl plank is our top recommendation for Etobicoke basements. It’s completely waterproof, installs directly over concrete, stays comfortable underfoot, and handles temperature fluctuations well. Engineered hardwood works in climate-controlled basements with proper moisture barriers. We avoid solid hardwood and traditional laminate below grade due to moisture concerns. Every basement installation includes moisture testing, Etobicoke’s concrete slabs can retain moisture even in finished basements, so proper material selection matters.
Yes. Most Etobicoke condos mandate minimum sound ratings (STC/IIC 50+) for hard surface flooring, requiring acoustic underlayment. Waterfront buildings in Mimico and Humber Bay Shores, developments near Kipling and Islington stations, and highrise buildings throughout Etobicoke all have specific requirements. You’ll need condo board approval before starting, which we help facilitate with proper documentation. Installation must comply with building noise bylaws, typically weekdays 9am-5pm only. Concrete subfloors are standard in condos, which actually benefits certain installations. We’re experienced with condo requirements and handle the approval process routinely.
Matching existing flooring can be challenging, especially with discontinued products or aged wood that has developed patina. We’ll attempt to source matching materials or find the closest alternatives available. For hardwood, refinishing both old and new sections simultaneously ensures color consistency. Sometimes a deliberate transition between rooms looks better than an imperfect match. We discuss options honestly during consultation and show you what’s realistically achievable.
We assess subfloor conditions before providing estimates and include repair costs when obvious damage exists. Sometimes hidden issues only become apparent after removing old flooring—we address these transparently and get approval before proceeding with repairs. Common Toronto subfloor problems include water damage, rot in older homes, uneven joists, and inadequate support. Proper subfloor repair prevents future problems and ensures your new flooring performs correctly. We provide written documentation of any additional work needed.
Project timelines depend on current scheduling and material availability. Standard materials usually stock locally, allowing starts within 1-2 weeks after approval. Custom or specialty materials may require 2-4 weeks for delivery. For condo projects, add time for board approval before we can schedule installation. We provide realistic timelines during consultation and keep you informed if anything changes. Contact us for current availability—we’ll work to accommodate your preferred timeline whenever possible.
Here’s what to expect when you hire us as your flooring project in Etobicoke
Rich by Design installed engineered hardwood throughout our Lakeshore West home. The team they brought in to do the job was experienced and efficient. No subcontractors meant consistent quality. Very pleased with our new floors.
We needed tile flooring in our Etobicoke bathroom and kitchen. Rich by Design’s attention to detail was impressive, perfect grout lines and waterproofing. Very satisfied with the results.
Rich by Design refinished our original hardwood in High Park. The floors look brand new after 90 years of wear. Professional team, contained the dust well, finished on schedule.
My century home on Dundas West had serious subfloor issues. I called Kevin and explained everything clearly, made necessary repairs, and installed freakin awesome hardwood. Honest contractor who does the excellent work!
Engineered hardwood on main floor, luxury vinyl in basement. Fair pricing, quality work, handled subfloor issues we didn’t know existed. Highly recommend.
They handled our King West condo board approvals and installed luxury vinyl perfectly. Clean work, completed in two days, looks like real hardwood. Excellent experience.
Get in touch
Contact Rich by Design Inc. for a free flooring consultation and estimate. Our local based Etobicoke team will assess your space, discuss material options, and provide transparent pricing for your Etobicoke flooring project.
Call 1-416-565-1945We serve homeowners throughout Etobicoke and surrounding areas. Whether you're installing new floors or refinishing existing hardwood, our experienced in-house team delivers quality results on time and on budget.
