Floor Renovation: What You Need to Know Before Starting
When you start a floor renovation, the process of replacing or repairing the surface layer of a room’s floor for improved function, appearance, or value. Also known as flooring replacement, it’s one of the most visible upgrades you can make to a home. It’s not just about picking a new look—it’s about understanding how your floor fits into the whole house. A bad floor job can lead to water damage, uneven surfaces, or even structural issues down the line. And if you’re doing it during a larger renovation, timing matters. Most pros agree: walls go up before floors go in, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is a concern.
What you choose for your floor affects everything else. hardwood floors, solid or engineered wood planks installed over a subfloor, often favored for durability and timeless appeal are popular for living rooms and bedrooms—think warm white oak with a matte finish, like what Joanna Gaines uses in her renovations. But in wet areas like bathrooms, bathroom tiling, ceramic or porcelain tiles laid in patterns to create a waterproof, easy-to-clean surface is the only smart choice. Laminate and glossy finishes might look nice in photos, but they wear poorly under real-life use. You don’t want to replace your floor again in five years because you picked something that scratches easily or traps moisture.
There’s also the question of cost versus value. A full floor renovation isn’t just about the material—it’s about labor, subfloor prep, removal of old flooring, and even moving furniture. In New Zealand, a $10,000 bathroom remodel can include new tile, but only if you’re smart about where you spend. The same goes for kitchens and living areas. You don’t need the most expensive wood or the trendiest pattern. You need something that lasts, fits your lifestyle, and doesn’t ruin your budget. And if your house is older, settlement can still happen after 20 years—so make sure your subfloor is level and stable before you lay anything down.
What you’ll find below are real examples from actual renovations. From the exact type of oak Joanna Gaines picks for her farmhouse homes, to why you should never install flooring before walls in a bathroom, to how to tell if your foundation is affecting your floor’s flatness. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re lessons learned from jobs done, mistakes made, and fixes that actually worked. Whether you’re planning a full home overhaul or just replacing a worn-out kitchen floor, this collection gives you the clear, no-fluff facts you need to get it right the first time.
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