We installed new engineered hardwood flooring in our mid-century modern home built on a concrete foundation in 1968. We are very happy with the decision, even though it took months to reach the decision to go with hardwood. In addition, while we prepared for the moving, it was more work than we expected. Here is a glimpse of the decision-making process, preparation, demolition, installation, and before and after pictures.
New Hardwood Floors Discussion
After 22 years in our home, the question was posed, “Do we need new flooring?” We had a mixture of laminate and carpeting. That started a discussion, and the inevitable arguments, over whether we needed to replace the floors, what type of flooring, and if such a large costly project fit into our budget.
Part of the reason for variety of flooring products in the house came down to money when we first bought the house in 2003. There were some issues with the concrete slab foundation, poured in 1968, that required either extensive grinding or the addition of cement to make the floor level in order to lay a laminate floor. Consequently, we chose carpeting in certain rooms, breaking up the visual flow of the house.
Once we had reached an agreement that a new flooring would be a nice idea, we then had to decide on the type of flooring material. Neither partner wanted to go back with carpeting. Partner 1 leaned toward laminate or vinyl planks. Partner 2 had become enthusiastic about engineered hardwood. Partner 1 thought it was too expensive and too hard to maintain.
In addition to general research on the various product types, we acquired samples of laminate, vinyl plank, and hardwood. While the samples are small, when put side by side, we could note the differences in appearance, quality, and height. We also put the samples through stress tests by letting coffee, water, vinegar, wine, and oil puddle sit on the samples overnight. Plus, we dropped forks, knives, and hammers on the products to see how they reacted.
Perhaps the most surprising observation to both partners was the visual appeal of engineered hardwood. It was clear that hardwood throughout the house would create a different atmosphere of warmth and calmness. While the hardwood resisted all the liquid tests, for durability the laminate and vinyl plank are superior.
Engineered hardwood is the most expensive flooring product we considered. Surprisingly, grades of laminate and vinyl plank flooring were not significantly less expensive. That triggered another extended period of discussion and arguments
In terms of cost, when we looked at the quotes, the product comprised less than half the cost of quote. In other words, regardless of the flooring product we were to select, over half the cost of the installation would be attributed to demolition, concrete slab prepartion, and time to install the final product. This realization reduced the budgetary hesitancy to select an engineered hardwood product that in our dreamworld we we were favoring.
To put it another way, if we went with the more expensive engineered hardwood, compared to laminate or vinyl plank, the overall increase in cost was 10 to 15 percent higher. This translated into an additional cost of $4,000 to $5,000.
The final discussion concerning the type of flooring product focused on our household. We are only two people who live a pretty quiet life. We have no big dogs whose claws might scratch hardwood. We have a regular cleaning routine and are conscientious of removing our shoes before we enter the house. Finally, we are not planning to move where a large investment in new floors would not be returned in a sales price.
Once we considered all options and issues, we decided to go with engineered hardwood floors. Our house is approximately 1,750 square feet. The floor project would apply to the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, dinning room, long hall, and my office. This space amounted to about 1,300 square feet.
The final selection was engineered hardwood from Hallmark Floors, Serenity collection, color Bliss. At the time it was priced at $9.10 per square foot from our local Granite Bay flooring retailer.
Preparation
The preparation was more work than we anticipated. We began weeks in advance of the installation date. We had to get the rooms ready to move into other spaces, outside, or into a portable storage space we ordered. The hardwood arrive a couple of weeks before the installation in order to get acclimated to our house’s temperature and humidity. The weekend before the install date we moved all contents from all the rooms.
Demolition
Demolition started Monday morning and was done within a day. Then the grinding of the concrete began and was super loud and dusty. The contractor also puddled the thin-set cement into the large depression in the primary bedroom. The concrete would take 3 days to dry before they laid down the flooring.
Installation
While the concrete was drying, the crew started laying the hardwood. A layer of wood urethane adhesive was placed on the concrete with a trowel. The installers then placed, tapped, and set the wood together. For such a methodical process, it went quickly, at least it seemed that way to me when I would occasionally come out of my temporary office in one of the other rooms. On Thursday, they started laying the wood in the primary bedroom and installing the baseboard. By Friday afternoon, the installation was complete.
Hardwood flooring vs. Original Carpet and Laminate.
After a quick video I took of the finished interior right after the crew left, it was time to start moving the furniture back into the house. Because we want to protect our new flooring investment, any time a piece of furniture is heavy or would bear significant weight on the floor like a sofa, felt pads or felt coasters are applied. This is my least favorite aspect of hardwood flooring. The sticky back of the felt pads is just a dust and cat hair magnet. Speaking of dust, I spent a solid hour vacuuming all the dust from the installation that settled on top of cabinets and other surfaces.
Once we started living in the space with the newly installed engineered hardwood we became very pleased with the decision. The hardwood is less glossy and reflective than laminate or vinyl planks. The atmosphere is decidedly different. The hardwood flooring is quieter than the laminate we had. Just walking on the hardwood, as opposed to the carpet or laminate, is a more pleasant experience.
Overall, we would both select engineered hardwood again even with the marginally higher cost. No blog post or video can capture the work that you must do to prepare for the new flooring or the subsequent return of all the furniture into the residence. Similarly, it is hard to capture the entire installation process and how it will disrupt your life. In light of all the work, disruption, and cost, I would recommend selecting a flooring product that you really want, making few to no comprises. Remember, this is an investment you will be living with for years to come.
YouTube link on the whole process Hardwood Floors from Discussion to Installation
