Since you guys have been such a helpful bunch thought I'd throw this question out there.

I can definitely search google or cl however want to get some personal recommendations to put my mind at ease.

I'm not completely sure on laminate, bambo or hardwood but most likely laminate as it'll be for my condo and I entertain and spillage is common unfortunately.

Most importantly looking for a great installer, hopefully one that can do everything, pick up product, prep and install.

I was looking at www.imagefloor.ca

Thanks!!

 

honestly man, it's not that bad to lay yourself. if you get the stuff that links together nicely you don't need to do much prep at all.
it's a good idea to lay a sub floor on the cement.
after that just make sure the rows are staggared.
hardest part is making the corner cuts around door jambs and what not. I did my room -which is about the same size as my garage you saw - and it took me a day and a half which included taking everything out and putting it back in.
however you WILL need a chop saw especially if you're in an apartment. my table saw was the best thing for me

 

Well, I actually have done quite a bit of contracting myself. I've done all types of flooring other than carpet and if you're able to work on a car, you're able to lay a laminate floor. It really simple, make sure to get 10mm or thicker so it will withstand traffic/spillage quite well! Basically its tongue and groove, it snaps together, very simple. All you will need is a rubber mallet, measuring tape, chop saw as Troy mentioned, table saw is very handy as well. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM and I can give you some ideas/tips/info!

 

When I was selling my previous house, I wanted to put some hardwood in the main area. I found these guys in Mississauga, price was very reasonable, very nice guys and the installation was perfect.

http://www.superchoicecarpet.ca/

 

I'm not the best DIY'er as Troy knows lol....

If I do do decided to take on the project, where do you guys get your stuff from, just Home Depot?

 

Depends on where you can get the best deal. One thing I find helpful is if you go to the contractors desk and talk to someone and approach them with "I'm looking to do quite a bit of renovations to my house and was wondering if I was to buy all my products could you give me contractor pricing or something equivalent." I did this for my home at Home hardware and they were more than willing to do this. A good subfloor is KEY to having a well finished laminate/hardwood floor, just another thing to keep in mind.

 

"brampton hardwood", obviously in brampton, has the best prices for laminates/hardwood. They do have installers at around $1.50/sq.ft

"rex lumber" in etobicoke/mississauga is the best price for stairs, railings, risers, veneers.

"heritage woodmoulding" is the best price for doors, frames, basebords, shoemoulds, etc.

I have an installer but he sticks to west end (from etobicoke, mississauga, brampton, oakville milton, etc.)
let me know if you're on the west end, i can link you his #, awesome guy, great job.

yes i've been involved in many renos.

 

This dude on rfd created a pretty extensive thread on hardwood, might go with him but he might be pricey i think...... he was saying brampton doesn't use good quality stuff however could be biased....... hmmm

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/8277955-post1380/