I’ve always believed in making the most of what you already have before replacing it. I’m never in a rush to tear something out if there’s a budget-friendly way to make it work. That’s exactly what I did with our floors.
When we moved into our home, the main floor had two completely different flooring materials. The living room and dining room had 2.5-inch solid honey oak hardwood, while the kitchen and front entryway were covered in dated ceramic tile. Not only was the tile a style that wasn’t my taste, but it had also been installed poorly. Many of the tiles weren’t level, so you could actually feel the unevenness as you walked across the floor.
The Temporary Fix That Lasted Longer Than I Expected
Replacing all of the flooring wasn’t in our budget when we first moved in, especially with so many other renovation projects on the list. Instead, I decided to paint the tile.
I know painted floors can be controversial, but honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by how well they held up. The painted tile completely transformed the look of the kitchen and entryway for a fraction of the cost, and it gave me a much brighter, more cohesive space while we saved for a permanent solution.
For everyday family life, it worked incredibly well for about a year. Everything changed once I started our budget kitchen makeover.
During the renovation, the kitchen became a construction zone. I was constantly dragging lumber across the floor, moving heavy tools, sliding ladders around, and moving cabinetry. The painted tile took a beating.
The finish started chipping in several places, which wasn’t surprising considering everything it had endured. It had done exactly what I needed it to do: buy us time until we were ready to invest in something more permanent.
Because we saved so much money by renovating our kitchen instead of replacing it, we were able to put that savings toward new flooring for the entire main floor.
Why We Didn’t Refinish the Existing Hardwood
You might be wondering why we didn’t simply sand and refinish the original hardwood downstairs. The answer actually comes from a project we completed upstairs the year before.
Our entire home flooring is solid red oak. Last year, we had the upstairs professionally sanded and stained. Before choosing a stain, I tested what felt like every option imaginable. We ended up testing 10 different stain samples, trying to achieve the warm, natural mid-tone wood colour I had envisioned.
Here’s what I learned: Red oak has naturally pink and red undertones. No matter how much stain testing we did, those undertones always influenced the final colour.
While I’m happy with how the upstairs turned out, it’s still not exactly the colour I would have chosen if I had been starting from scratch. Read more about that process here
I learned a valuable lesson for when I would refinish my main level floor. Even if we refinished the existing hardwood downstairs, we’d still have the problem of the kitchen tile interrupting the flow of the home. I wanted one continuous floor throughout the entire main level.
Choosing the Right Engineered Hardwood
Once we decided to replace the flooring, the next challenge was choosing the right product.
Since we had refinished our upstairs floors the year before, I still had one of the stain samples the flooring company had made for us. I brought that sample with me to the flooring store so I could compare different engineered hardwood options and make sure whatever I chose would be a close match between the two levels of our home.
I actually brought home several flooring samples and lived with them for a few days. I looked at them in different lighting, compared them beside our newly renovated kitchen, the upstairs levels and in other rooms.
After a lot of comparing, I finally found the perfect match. I chose Lauzon European White Oak Engineered Hardwood in Montauk, Select Grade.
Why I Chose Lauzon European White Oak Engineered Flooring
Durability
With 3 kids, durability was one of my biggest priorities. European white oak is one of the hardest and most durable hardwood species commonly used in homes. While no hardwood is completely scratch-proof, choosing a harder species gives you a much better starting point for everyday family life.
Wide Planks Make a Home Feel Bigger
One of my favourite design decisions was choosing wider planks. Wide plank flooring instantly makes a room feel larger because there are fewer seams running across the floor. Instead of your eye stopping at lots of narrow boards, the flooring feels calmer, cleaner, and much more spacious.
One tip my installers gave me was to use the longest planks in the largest, most open areas of the house. They installed the longest boards through our entryway and dining room, and it makes such a beautiful first impression when you walk through the front door. The box also came with 2ft boards that they used in the den, or close to the garage entryway.
Select Grade vs. Character Grade
Another decision I spent a lot of time thinking about was the wood grade. I chose Select Grade, which has fewer knots and colour variations.
For my home, I wanted a timeless look that wouldn’t compete with the cabinetry, lighting, furniture, and other finishes.
Character Grade is absolutely beautiful, but because it contains more knots and natural variation, it creates a more rustic aesthetic. If you’re designing a farmhouse or cabin-inspired home, it could be the perfect choice.
The Installation Process
Installing hardwood throughout the main floor was definitely a larger project than I expected. Before the installers arrived, we packed up almost everything on the main level. We moved smaller furniture and décor into the basement, upstairs bedrooms, and even the garage.
The first step was removing the existing flooring. They removed the shoe moulding first, then pulled up the original hardwood and tile. The hardwood came out surprisingly quickly.
The tile was another story. Removing the tile itself wasn’t too bad, but grinding away all of the old mortar underneath took almost two full days. It was incredibly dusty.
The installers sealed the kitchen cabinets and upstairs area with plastic sheeting, but the dust particles were so fine that they still found their way into other parts of the house. If you’re planning this type of renovation, be prepared for a thorough cleaning afterward, including the ducts.
Once the subfloor was completely smooth, the new flooring could finally be installed!
The installers were fantastic about carefully moving the larger furniture pieces around as they worked.
Because these were wide planks, they were installed using both adhesive and nails. The full glue-down installation helps prevent movement, reduces creaking, and creates a much more solid feel underfoot. Once everything was installed, the shoe moulding was reinstalled, giving the entire space a clean, finished look. I WAS IN LOVE!!
And don’t forget the small details like the vent covers! We had the installers use the same wood floor to make the vent covers
Updating the Classic Staircase
Since the new flooring would be visible from almost every room on the main floor, it only made sense to update the staircase too.
One of the biggest changes we made had nothing to do with the flooring itself. Our staircase originally had a rounded bottom step. While rounded staircases can be a beautiful architectural feature, ours sits right beside our dining area and takes up valuable space. Since it’s located in the middle of the house, I wanted to simplify the design and make the dining room feel a little more open, so I asked the installers to squared it off (make sure you ask before the floors are installed so the flooring can be seamless!)
I have to admit, there was one unexpected reaction. My son absolutely loved the curved staircase and was genuinely disappointed that we changed it. Unfortunately for him, by the time he shared his opinion, it had already been cut off!
I also had the wood railing and post replaced with rod iron pickets and a more updated post. There were so many options to chose from, but I went with a softer profile
Looking back, though, I’m really happy with the decision. The straighter lines fit the style of our home much better and make the dining area feel much more open. Now my chair doesn’t bump into the steps all the time!
Custom Stair Treads
Instead of sanding and staining the existing stairs, and trying to stain them to match, I had the flooring installers custom-build each stair tread using the same Lauzon engineered hardwood flooring.
This option costs a little more and takes extra time because every tread has to be fabricated individually, but the end result is a perfect match. The colour, grain, and finish flow seamlessly from the main floor onto the staircase.
I also chose to paint the stair risers white instead of covering them in hardwood. The white risers brighten the staircase and add a little contrast, which was important because our upstairs tends to feel a bit darker.
To finish everything off, the stair railing was sanded and refinished to coordinate with the new flooring.
Why I Chose Lauzon Flooring
After comparing several flooring brands and bringing samples home, I kept coming back to Lauzon.
One of the biggest reasons was that it’s a Canadian company.
I really liked knowing that everything from the forests and milling to the manufacturing and distribution is based in Canada. Having that level of control over the entire production process gave me confidence in the quality of the flooring, and I also loved supporting a Canadian manufacturer.
Another feature that really stood out to me was Lauzon’s Pure Genius® technology.
The flooring’s finish contains embedded titanium particles that are activated by natural or artificial light. These particles help break down certain indoor airborne contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), converting them into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide.
Unlike an air purifier that requires filters or maintenance, this technology continues working without any ongoing effort.
With three kids, including children with seasonal allergies, I loved the idea of choosing a flooring that could contribute to healthier indoor air quality.
What is the cost of replacing hardwood floors?
One of the most common questions I received after sharing our flooring renovation was: “How much does it cost to replace your hardwood floors?”
The honest answer is that it depends on so many different factors, but there are two main components that make up the cost:
- The flooring itself
- The installation
The Cost of the Flooring
The flooring itself can vary quite a bit. As a general range, engineered hardwood can cost anywhere from around $6 per square foot to $20+ per square foot depending on the product you choose.
Some of the biggest factors that impact the price are:
Where the flooring is manufactured
The country and manufacturing process can affect the cost. Some brands invest more into their materials, finishes, and manufacturing processes, which can increase the price.
Solid hardwood vs. engineered hardwood
Solid hardwood and engineered hardwood are priced differently. Engineered hardwood can be a great option because it gives you the look and feel of real wood while offering additional stability, especially with wider planks.
The width of the planks
One thing I didn’t realize before starting this project was that wider planks typically cost more. The reason is simple: wider boards require more material and a more specialized manufacturing process. However, for me, the investment was worth it because I love the way wider planks make a home feel larger and more elevated.
The flooring pattern
The installation pattern you choose can also impact the cost. For example, a herringbone pattern is beautiful, but it typically costs more because the installation is more complex and there is additional material waste from cutting the boards into smaller pieces.
The Cost of Installation
The second major cost is installation, and this is where pricing can vary significantly.
Most installers charge by the square foot, and when I first started planning this project, I estimated that installation would be around $3 per square foot. However, my final installation cost was closer to $7 per square foot.
The reason was my choice to use wider planks. With wider engineered hardwood planks, the flooring requires a full glue-down installation in addition to nailing. This process is more labour-intensive because the installer isn’t simply securing the boards with nails. The adhesive helps prevent movement, shifting, and potential creaking over time.
Narrower planks may be able to use a simpler installation method, but the wider boards require additional time and labour.
Additional Costs to Consider
There were also several extra costs that I didn’t initially think about when budgeting for this project.
Removing and replacing trim: The existing shoe moulding had to be removed during installation and then reinstalled afterward. Depending on the condition of your trim, you may also choose to replace it completely.
Moving furniture: Some companies charge for furniture removal or moving services, so it’s worth asking about this ahead of time.
Disposal fees: One unexpected cost was the disposal of the old flooring materials. Because we removed both hardwood and tile, we needed a waste disposal bin placed in our driveway. This added an additional cost of around $900.
The Cost of Updating the Stairs
The staircase was another investment. Instead of installing separate stair treads and trying to match the colour, I chose to have the installers create custom stair treads using the same Lauzon engineered hardwood as the rest of the main floor.
This was more expensive and more time-consuming, but achieving that perfect match was important to me. Another option would have been to install new stair treads and stain them to coordinate with the flooring. Based on my experience trying to match stains with our upstairs red oak floors, I knew getting an exact match could be difficult.
I also looked into sanding and refinishing the existing stairs, and that option would have saved approximately $1,500. However, for me, the seamless look of having the exact same flooring continue from the main floor onto the stairs was worth the additional investment.
My Biggest Budgeting Advice
If you’re planning a flooring renovation, I would recommend budgeting for more than just the cost of the flooring.
When I first started researching, I was mostly focused on the price per square foot of the actual product. But the installation, preparation, disposal, trim work, and finishing details can add up quickly. The flooring itself is only one piece of the puzzle.
Taking the time to understand the full scope of the project helped me make better decisions and avoid surprises along the way. Get quotes from a few different recommended companies. While pricing was an important factor, I didn’t go with the cheapest option because I liked how highly my installer was recommended and that he prioritized me. I used the same company Brar Stairs for the restaining of my upper level and new hardwood floors and stairs on the main level.
Living Through a Flooring Renovation with Kids
One question I get asked all the time is whether you can actually live in your home while having all of your flooring replaced. The short answer is yes… but I won’t pretend it’s easy.
We decided to stay in our house throughout the renovation. The main floor installation took about six days, and the staircase took another four days, so altogether we were living through construction for roughly two weeks.
The biggest surprise for me was the noise. At first, my husband and I both planned to work from home while the installers were here. We quickly realized that wasn’t going to happen. Between removing the old flooring, grinding down the tile mortar, cutting planks, and installing the new floors, it was incredibly loud. Even upstairs with the bedroom door closed, it was difficult to concentrate.
There were quite a few days when we simply packed up our laptops and left the house. Thankfully, my mom lives just around the corner, so we spent a lot of time working from her house. Having somewhere nearby to escape during the noisiest parts of the renovation made a huge difference.
The other thing I completely underestimated was how difficult it would be not having access to my kitchen. Before the renovation started, I moved my coffee machine and air fryer into the basement, and I thought I’d be prepared enough to get by. I wasn’t.
What I didn’t think about was stocking our basement mini fridge or creating a proper temporary kitchen. Making breakfast every morning and packing school lunches for three kids without a functional kitchen turned out to be much harder than I expected.
Looking back, I would absolutely spend a little more time planning that setup. I would stock the mini fridge with milk, yogurt, cheese, fruit, sandwich ingredients, and easy grab-and-go snacks so everything I needed was in one place. It would have made those two weeks so much less stressful.
Fortunately, my mom invited us over for dinner every evening, which was such a huge help. Without that, we probably would have been ordering takeout far more often than I would have liked.
Even though we stayed in the house the entire time and could still access our bedrooms and bathrooms, it definitely wasn’t a relaxing couple of weeks. By the end of the project, I was more than ready to have my home back.
That said, our installers were fantastic. They worked efficiently, kept us informed throughout the process, and did everything they could to minimize the disruption. Renovations are simply messy and inconvenient by nature. I used Brar Stairs.
Would I live through it again? Yes.
Would I prepare a much better temporary kitchen first? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts
Replacing every floor on our main level was one of the biggest investments we’ve made in our home, but it’s also one of my favourite. Having one continuous floor throughout the main level completely transformed the house. It feels larger, brighter, and so much more cohesive than it ever did before.
The updated staircase ties everything together beautifully, the wide planks make every room feel more spacious, and for the first time, I have the exact wood colour I had envisioned from the beginning.
Looking back, I’m actually glad we waited. Painting the tile bought us the time we needed to save for the right flooring, and because we chose to renovate our kitchen on a budget, we were able to invest in something that will add beauty and value to our home for years to come.
For me, replacing the flooring completely changed the feel of our home, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision.
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