Flooring Contractor in Ottawa
Professional flooring installation across Ottawa — vinyl plank, hardwood, tile, and heated floors. Joseph Leger, owner, on every job.
Get a Free QuoteOrleans Flooring Co. operates across Ottawa, bringing the same owner-operated approach to every neighbourhood — from Barrhaven in the southwest to Cumberland in the east, from Kanata down to Nepean. Joseph Leger founded Orleans Flooring Co. because he saw a gap in the Ottawa market: homeowners were repeatedly disappointed by large flooring companies that dispatched inexperienced crews and cut corners on subfloor preparation. At Orleans Flooring Co., Joseph handles every job personally. There is no delegation to subcontractors and no variation in quality from one project to the next.
Ottawa's housing stock presents specific flooring challenges. Older homes in Vanier, Gloucester, and central Ottawa often have original subfloors that need careful evaluation — squeaks, soft spots, and uneven surfaces are common and must be addressed before new flooring goes down. Newer subdivisions in Kanata, Barrhaven, and Nepean tend to have cleaner subfloors, but OSB decking still needs to be checked for flatness and any truss uplift or minor deflection corrected at transitions. In basement installations across Ottawa, moisture conditions are always assessed before selecting a product and installation method.
Whether you're renovating a century home in Old Ottawa South or updating a new build in Barrhaven, Orleans Flooring Co. brings the same level of technical preparation and attention to detail. Call Joseph directly at 613-981-8903 to schedule a free on-site quote anywhere in Ottawa.
The Technical Approach
Every flooring installation at Orleans Flooring Co. follows a consistent technical process regardless of the Ottawa neighbourhood or the product being installed. The process starts on the subfloor and works up.
Subfloor assessment: Flatness is measured with a long straightedge. High spots are marked and ground down with a diamond-cup grinder. Low spots are filled with Portland cement-based floor leveling compound, applied in thin lifts and feathered smooth. The goal is a surface flat enough to meet the tolerance requirements of the specific flooring product being installed — no exceptions.
Moisture control: Ottawa basements and slab-on-grade areas are particularly susceptible to moisture-related flooring failures. A moisture meter or calcium chloride test is used before any hardwood, engineered wood, or glue-down product is installed. Where moisture levels are elevated, appropriate barriers or product substitutions are recommended.
Layout planning: Before the first plank or tile is set, the layout is planned from the room's visual center or the most prominent sight line — typically from the main entry or primary doorway. This planning step prevents awkward narrow cuts at walls and ensures the finished floor is visually balanced.
Installation and detail work: Expansion gaps are maintained at all perimeter walls and fixed vertical objects. Transitions between flooring surfaces are properly profiled and mechanically fastened. Grout joints are consistently spaced and sealed where required.
What's Included
- Free on-site measurement and assessment anywhere in Ottawa
- Written quote with itemized labour and scope
- Subfloor flatness correction (grinding and leveling)
- Moisture testing where applicable
- Layout planning and dry-fit before installation
- Full product installation with proper expansion gaps
- Transition strips at all floor-to-floor changes and doorways
- Reinstallation of baseboards or installation of quarter-round
- Old flooring demolition and disposal (when in scope)
- Thorough site cleanup and final walkthrough
Prep Process for Ottawa Homes
Ottawa's climate creates specific conditions for flooring. Interior humidity swings significantly between winter (often below 30% RH) and summer (above 60% RH), which affects wood and wood-based flooring products considerably. Solid hardwood is particularly sensitive to Ottawa's humidity range — proper acclimation and an appropriate species selection matter more here than in more moderate climates.
For basements in Ottawa — whether poured concrete or block foundation — a moisture assessment is non-negotiable before selecting a flooring product. Floating LVP is generally the most moisture-tolerant option for below-grade applications. Where homeowners specifically want the look of hardwood below grade, engineered hardwood with a proper vapour barrier is the appropriate recommendation.
For main floors in older Ottawa homes, subfloor condition varies dramatically. If the existing subfloor is below the minimum thickness for the chosen product, an additional layer of plywood may need to be added. All of this is assessed and scoped during the initial visit — no surprises during the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve all of Ottawa?
Yes. Orleans Flooring Co. serves the full Ottawa area including Orléans, Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, Vanier, Gloucester, Beacon Hill, Blackburn Hamlet, Cumberland, Rockland, and all areas in between. The base is in the east end (Orléans), but projects across Ottawa are taken regularly. Call 613-981-8903 to confirm availability for your neighbourhood.
What does flooring installation cost in Ottawa?
Labour costs in Ottawa for flooring installation generally fall in the range of $4–$7 per square foot for LVP, $5–$9 per square foot for hardwood depending on installation method, and $8–$14 per square foot for tile depending on format and prep complexity. These are labour-only figures — material costs are separate. Every project gets a detailed written quote after a free site visit so you know exactly what you're paying for before anything starts.
How long does an Ottawa flooring project take?
A full main-floor LVP installation in a typical Ottawa home (700–1,000 sq ft) takes one to two days. A tiled bathroom takes two to three days to allow for proper mortar and grout cure times. Hardwood installation timelines vary by method and square footage. Larger or more complex projects — multiple floors, heated systems, extensive subfloor prep — are scoped individually with a realistic completion estimate provided upfront.
Should I choose hardwood or LVP for my Ottawa home?
Both are excellent choices, and the right answer depends on where the floor is going and how the space is used. LVP wins on waterproofing, durability in high-traffic zones, and suitability for basements and below-grade areas. Hardwood — solid or engineered — offers a timeless appearance, can be sanded and refinished, and generally adds more perceived resale value. For above-grade living areas in Ottawa, both are strong options. For kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, LVP is the more practical recommendation. Joseph can walk you through both options in detail at the quote visit.
Do you level floors before installation?
Yes — subfloor leveling is part of the standard preparation process and is included in the quote when it's needed. Flatness is checked with a long straightedge during the site assessment. High spots are ground down and low spots are filled with floor leveling compound. This step is not optional: skipping it leads to floating floors that flex and click, tile that cracks at grout joints, and LVP with visible humps and dips. It's done correctly on every job.
Get a Free Flooring Quote in Ottawa
Call Joseph directly or fill out the quote form — straightforward pricing, no pressure, same-day response.