A practical guide for Canadian homeowners who can’t visit a showroom.
Choosing hardwood online can feel overwhelming, especially when you're investing in your whole home without seeing it in person. From my experience working with homeowners across Canada, I can assure you:
You can confidently pick the right floor from the comfort of your own home if you test your samples correctly.
You can confidently pick the right floor from the comfort of your own home if you test your samples correctly.
This step-by-step guide will help you evaluate your samples like a designer and make a confident purchase without second-guessing.
We’ll use real examples from the Oak Family Boutique hardwood collection:
European White Oak 7.5" (Banff, Yukon, Clear, Lagos, Barrossa)
American White Oak 6" & 7" (Naked Oak, Maccaroon, Toffee Crunch, Honey Wheat)
European White Oak 7.5" (Banff, Yukon, Clear, Lagos, Barrossa)
American White Oak 6" & 7" (Naked Oak, Maccaroon, Toffee Crunch, Honey Wheat)
🪵 Step 1: Check Samples in Natural Daylight (Morning + Evening)
Lighting changes everything.
Place your samples:
- Near the largest window
- On the actual floor (not table)
- In both sunny and cloudy conditions
- Check both morning and evening light.
Why this matters in Canada:
Our light changes dramatically between seasons and even throughout the day.
Our light changes dramatically between seasons and even throughout the day.
Example:
- Banff & Yukon (European White Oak) → look warmer in evening light.
- Clear & Lagos → appear brighter and cleaner in strong daylight.
- Honey Wheat & Toffee Crunch → glow beautifully in warm sunset light.
✨ Tip: Always judge colour in natural light first — showroom lighting is misleading.
🏡 Step 2: Test Samples Next to Cabinets, Walls & Furniture
Your floor doesn’t exist alone.
It must work with what’s already in your home.
It must work with what’s already in your home.
Place samples beside:
- Kitchen cabinets
- Sofa or dining table
- Baseboards
- Paint colours
Look for undertones:
- Warm (yellow, honey, red)
- Neutral
- Cool (grey, taupe)
Examples:
- Naked Oak & Clear → best for modern, neutral homes
- Barrossa & Maccaroon → ideal for warmer interiors
- Banff & Lagos → perfect for modern farmhouse/coastal
- Toffee Crunch & Honey Wheat → cozy family-home feeling
Ask yourself:
“Does this floor calm the space or fight with it?”
“Does this floor calm the space or fight with it?”
You want harmony — not contrast overload.
📏 Step 3: Lay Multiple Samples Together to See Flow
Never judge from one small piece.
Place 3–5 planks side by side on the floor to:
- See the plank width properly.
- Understand variation
- Visualize a full-room look.
Why width matters:
- 7.5” European White Oak → luxury, open-concept homes
- 6” American White Oak → classic & versatile
- 7” American White Oak → modern but still cozy
Wide planks, such as those found in Banff, Yukon, and Lagos, make spaces look larger and more calming.
Narrower planks feel more traditional and busy.
Narrower planks feel more traditional and busy.
🐾 Step 4: Test for Real-Life Living (Kids, Pets, Daily Use)
This is the step most homeowners skip — but it’s critical.
Put samples where real life happens:
- Entryway
- Kitchen
- Hallway
- Living room
Walk on them barefoot and with shoes.
Look at them with lights ON at night.
Drop a little water and wipe it.
Look at them with lights ON at night.
Drop a little water and wipe it.
Ask:
- Do I see too many marks?
- Does it feel warm or cold?
- Will this hide dust and pet hair?
For busy homes:
- Yukon, Barrossa, and Maccaroon hide wear beautifully.
- Clear & Naked Oak give clean, modern look, but shows more dust.
- Honey Wheat & Toffee Crunch are very family-friendly visually.
🎨 Step 5: Choose the One That Feels Calm — Not Just Pretty
This is the designer's secret.
The right floor won’t scream for attention.
It will make the whole home feel balanced.
It will make the whole home feel balanced.
Stand back and ask:
“Which one makes my home feel more peaceful?”
Not:
- trendiest
- lightest
- darkest
But most natural in your space.
Homeowners across Canada almost always choose:
- Banff or Yukon for modern luxury
- Clear or Naked Oak for minimal homes
- Honey Wheat or Toffee Crunch for warm family spaces
- Barrossa or Lagos for statement interiors
🛒 Ready to Order Without a Showroom Visit?
If you’ve tested your samples using these 5 steps, you already know your winner.
Most clients who follow this process order confidently without needing to see a showroom — and they’re happy they trusted their space and lighting instead.
👉 Explore the full Oak Family hardwood collection here:
https://oakfamilyboutique.com/collections/hardwood
https://oakfamilyboutique.com/collections/hardwood
💬 Need a Quick Second Opinion?
If you're deciding between 2–3 colours, you can simply message:
- Your top choices
- Room photo
- Province/city (for shipping timing)
- Approx. square footage
We’ll help you confirm the best option quickly so you can order with confidence and avoid delays before renovation.
Because choosing flooring should feel exciting — not stressful.