#3. The Chain Reaction
Flooring and Baseboards
Every renovation has its surprises, and ours was no exception. What began as a simple fireplace update quickly snowballed into a complete overhaul of our floors and baseboards. It’s funny how one small change can turn into a fullblown project, isn’t it? This blog explores how that one change sparked a chain reaction of upgrades throughout our home, creating a space that feels fresh,
cohesive, and uniquely ours.
Before – Rustic Fireplace with Mantel
Stetson – The Young Golden
Before – Tile Floors & Grout
The Fireplace Spark
Updating our fireplace set off a chain reaction. While the new look was perfect and added a modern statement, the old flooring suddenly felt out of place, like it belonged to another era. We realized we couldn’t stop at just the fireplace—if we wanted the room to feel complete, we had to rethink the entire space. It was like trying on a new outfit only to realize your shoes don’t match!
We considered several flooring options, each with its pros and cons:
- Hardwood was a natural choice for its classic and timeless appeal. However, with pets, the potential for scratches and wear made us hesitant to commit fully.
- Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) caught our attention as an affordable, durable, and pet-friendly option. LVP mimics the appearance of hardwood, offers excellent durability, and is waterproof—ideal for homes with pets and children. Additionally, it can be installed over existing tile floors, saving both time and money. However, while it had the warmth we liked, the flat, clicking sound of the dogs walking on it seemed like it would quickly become irritating.
- Laminate was another option we explored, known for its affordability and versatility. It offers a wood-like appearance with many stylish options However, we had concerns about its water resistance after testing a piece by soaking it in water, which raised concerns about its durability with pets, spills, and rain.
- Tile was considered for its durability and water resistance, available in a wide range of designs and styles. However, the frequent cleaning required, particularly the grout lines, combined with its hard and cold feel underfoot, didn’t align with the comfortable, modern home feel we wanted to create.
Flooring Samples: We carefully considered various options, from classic
hardwood to modern LVP and versatile laminate, each with its pros and cons.
The Dusty, Grueling Tile Demolition
Ah, the glamorous life of home renovation—except when it comes to demo of the tile floors. Let me tell you, this process is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard, it’s time-consuming, and the amount of dust generated is nothing short of a nightmare. Imagine a sandstorm in your living room, but instead of sand, it’s fine, powdery dust that infiltrates every nook and cranny. You’ll find it in places you didn’t even know existed. Protecting your furniture, lights, and rooms is an absolute must because if there’s an opening, the dust will find it. And don’t think your pets will escape unscathed—our poor pups, who weren’t even in the house during the demo, ended up covered in dust just from walking through afterward! It was straight to the groomer for them. Also, have plenty of air filters on hand because, trust me, they’ll be working overtime. It’s one of those experiences that makes you question all your life choices up to that point. But, hey, once the floors were finally out and the dust settled (literally), we knew we were one step
closer to our dream home.
“Hey mom, someone stole the floors!”
Plastic covering everything
Decision Made: Engineered Hardwood
After a long process of elimination, we decided on engineered hardwood. It offered the perfect balance of appearance, comfort,
and durability. The natural beauty, warmth, and elegance of hardwood were undeniable, and the engineered version with a urethane cover layer promised to hold up well against the wear and tear from our dogs. Bonus! We were fortunate to get a great deal on the flooring, making it even more affordable than the LVP I was considering. Hardwood flooring not only enhances the home’s aesthetic with its beautiful, natural wood appearance but also feels great underfoot and is easier on the back. Minimal maintenance is required—just a quick dust mop to manage dog hair in-between your routine damp mopping.
The Baseboards and Contractor Expertise
Choosing simple, 5½ inch baseboards and hiring a skilled flooring contractor were crucial to achieving the cohesive, high-end look we desired. However, the unsung hero of the project was our flooring subcontractor. His role went beyond just laying down the boards—his keen eye for selecting the right pieces was essential to ensuring a seamless and beautiful finish. Each board was carefully chosen and placed to create a harmonious flow, blending the natural variations in wood grain and color. These small, meticulous details made all the difference, transforming our space into a true masterpiece
After – Floors and Baseboards
Conclusion
Our flooring and baseboard makeover is a prime example of how one change can lead to a series of upgrades, significantly enhancing the overall look and feel of your home. With all honesty, I love the floors. We got the look, the feel, they are much easier to keep clean, and they are proving to stand up to our hyper dogs! Who wouldn’t want a floor that look amazing with little maintenance?