How to Choose a Flooring Contractor in Toronto: 9 Questions to Ask (2026)

To choose a flooring contractor in Toronto, get at least two written, itemized quotes and ask each contractor nine questions: are you insured, who does the work, what exactly is included, how will you handle the subfloor, what does the warranty cover, what's the timeline, what's the payment schedule, can I see recent work, and who do I call if something goes wrong. Good answers are specific and in writing. Vague answers, cash-only pricing and no contract are the red flags.

Here's what to listen for on each question.

What 9 questions should you ask a flooring contractor?

1. Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage?

Ask for a certificate of liability insurance, and for a WSIB clearance certificate where it applies. In Ontario, a clearance certificate shows the business is registered and in good standing with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. A legitimate contractor can send both by email the same day.

2. Who will actually install my floor?

Some companies use in-house crews; others subcontract. Either can work, but you should know who will be in your home, who supervises them, and whether the insurance covers them.

3. Can I get a written, itemized quote?

An estimate is a ballpark. A quote is a priced scope you can hold someone to. Ask for material, labour, removal and disposal, subfloor prep, transitions, stairs and trim as separate lines. Our Toronto hardwood flooring cost guide shows what each line typically costs.

4. How will you check and prepare the subfloor?

This is where cheap quotes hide problems. A careful contractor checks flatness and, on concrete, moisture before quoting, and tells you whether levelling or repairs ($1–3 per sq ft) are included or extra.

5. What does your warranty cover, and for how long?

There are two warranties: the manufacturer's (the product and its finish) and the contractor's workmanship warranty (the installation). Get the workmanship terms in writing, including what's excluded.

6. What's the timeline, and what do I need to do before you start?

Ask about acclimation, moving furniture, protecting other rooms and, in condos, elevator bookings and board approvals. See our condo flooring guide for what buildings usually require.

7. What's the payment schedule?

A deposit to order material is normal. The balance should be tied to progress or completion. Be wary of anyone who wants most of the job paid before work starts.

8. Can I see recent work and reviews?

Look for photos of their own jobs, not stock images, and recent reviews from real clients. If your project includes herringbone or stairs, ask for examples of exactly that work.

9. Who's my point of contact if something goes wrong?

Problems happen on renovations. What matters is whether there's a named person who answers the phone and a clear process for fixing issues after the crew leaves.

What are the red flags when hiring a flooring contractor?

• Cash-only pricing with no invoice or receipt
• No written contract or scope of work
• A price far below everyone else with no explanation of what's different
• Won't discuss the subfloor until after the old floor is up
• A large upfront payment before any work or material delivery
• Pressure to sign today to keep a "special" price
• No verifiable address, reviews or portfolio

How do you compare two flooring quotes?

Lay them side by side and check that they're quoting the same job:

• Same measured square footage, and a sensible waste allowance: 5–7% for straight lay, 10–15% for herringbone (see herringbone installation cost)
• Same material: brand, plank width and wear-layer thickness
• Subfloor prep included or excluded
• Stairs priced per step ($150–350) and trim per linear foot ($2–5); see stair renovation cost and baseboard installation cost
• Removal, disposal and transitions accounted for

The lowest quote is usually the one missing a line, not the cheapest job.

Does a flooring contractor's online presence matter?

More than you'd think. A professional website with real project photos, a consistent address and phone number, honest pricing information and genuine reviews tells you a business expects to be around next year. It's not proof of good workmanship on its own, but it's a strong signal of how the company operates. A contractor who invests in a professional web presence usually runs the rest of the business the same way. Our own site was built by BuildSites, a Toronto web studio for service businesses.

If you'd like to put us through these nine questions, get in touch. We'll answer every one in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Do flooring contractors need a licence in Ontario?

Floor covering installer is a voluntary trade in Ontario, so a provincial trade certificate isn't mandatory. Focus on liability insurance, a WSIB clearance certificate where it applies, a written contract and verifiable past work.

How many flooring quotes should I get?

Two or three written, itemized quotes is enough to spot outliers. Compare them line by line: square footage, material, waste allowance, prep, stairs and trim.

What's the difference between an estimate and a quote?

An estimate is an approximate price, often given before measuring. A quote is a priced, written scope based on a site visit, which you can hold the contractor to.

How much deposit should a flooring contractor ask for?

A deposit that covers ordering material is normal, with the balance tied to progress or completion. Be cautious if a contractor asks for most of the price before work begins.

What warranty should a flooring installation come with?

You should get the manufacturer's product warranty plus a written workmanship warranty from the installer. Ask how long it lasts, what it covers, and what voids it.