floor options new condo

3 years ago

Spouse and I are buying a new condo. See layout below. I HATE the current floor color of the wood floor. I prefer a light color. This flooring is throughout the entire house.

My wife and I are in our 70s. We have neither children nor pets in the house. We have a sunny southwest view.

We have decided to replace the flooring in the two bedrooms with carpet. That leaves the space in grey. Due to budgetary concerns I cannot just rip it out and replace it with another wood floor. What are our options?

We want something that can just be laid over the current floor. Thickness of the combined “floor” is a primary concern.

Our goal for this house is too as long as possible in it. Once we are unable to live there, we will turn it over to our daughter to manage and rent out. (She would inherit anyway.)

All I can come up with is sheet vinyl. Everything else has backing of some sort which increases the overall depth of the floor

I would greatly appreciate some suggestions.

Featured Answer

Jennifer Hogan

3 years ago

When I was a kid I took lessons for 3 gate/ 5 gate/ dressage, joined the equestrian team as a freshman in college and got introduced to hunter jumper. Never made it past a 2' jump, but it was fun. I got a job as an RA when I was a sophomore, so I couldn't travel on weekends, so I got a job at the local riding stable as a trail guide and started riding western. As the trail guide you got to ride the green broke horses till they were dead broke and you could have others ride them. Unrealized benefit of this job - I couldn't go out and party on weekends - had to be at the barn at 6 am to get the horses fed, groomed and tacked before our first riders arrived.

I had to give up riding for a few years after college - I was poor. I started dressage lessons again when I could afford them.

Then I changed careers and my new career was in the humane industry. I was around animal people and made friends who had horses and once again was able to ride more frequently.

I met my best friend at Escondido Humane - she bought horses at the feed lot and fattened them up, trained them and sold them to earn extra money. She was a better horsewoman than anyone I had ever met. She got horses who were abused and ruined and earned their trust.

She bought an beautiful foundation bred QH stallion and wanted to start a breeding program. I went with her to look at some fillies that were for sale and one them chose me. This sweet palomino started following me around the arena, pushing the other horses away. She laid her head on my shoulder and whispered "take me home momma". I left the sale with my first horse. She was easy - wanted nothing more than to be with me and make me happy, but I learned to earn her trust and learned how to communicate what I wanted her to do. Training a horse that had never been ridden was a whole new experience. I became one with my girl. Learned to communicate with a glance. I would look at her hip and she moved it away. It was the most rewarding experience of my life. I learned patience and learned that everything that went wrong was my fault. I obviously didn't communicate clearly, because this girl wanted nothing more than to please me.

Being full of myself, I bought my second horse site unseen. She was an amazing foundation bred gruella QH filly from top cutting lines. She came off the trailer with her ears pinned and charged me. Whoa! This girl was all spit and vinegar. Everything I had learned with Sunny had to be relearned and intensified. I spent days just sitting near her corral, getting closer each day - she would charge the rail when you went to feed her. It took months to gain her trust, but she eventually came around. She was stubborn and difficult to train and tested me every day. I thought my legs would fall off trying to get her to walk forward the first time under saddle. She planted her feet like they were in cement. When she finally decided to move she went backwards. Toni taught me what it was to be a true horseperson. Gaining her trust and cooperation took my skills to a new level. By the time she was 4 both my girls were amazing. They had fantastic ground manners and would do anything I asked. I could let little kids ride them without a worry. Toni still gave adults a run for their money, spinning and turning on a dime if you gave any pressure at all, but she took care of the kids.

By this time I was in my early 40s and figured I would spend the rest of my life with my two girls. Statistically our lives would end about the same time.

Then my life changed. I got cancer, couldn't ride for a year, When I was able to ride again I was in heaven. Went out, saddled up, rode around the arena for a bit and then hit the trail. Walking was fine, but when I started a jog something went wrong. My back hurt. We went back to walking, We got to the point in the trail where we always galloped. I was concentrating on the pain and not thinking about where we were or what my horse was doing and my horse bolted. The pain in my back shot threw me like a knife. I grabbed the horn and sat back to slow her down and we walked the rest of the way to the barn. That is when I found out that my bones were impacted by the loss of the GI tract. I had fractured 4 vertebrae.

I not only had to accept that my riding days were over, I had to do what was right for my girls. They weren't meant to be pasture ornaments. I had never in my life owned an animal that I didn't keep until the day they died. God intervened and made my task easier. The ranch where I was boarding my girls was sold. The new owners had 3 little kids that fell in love with my two girls. The father's lifelong dream was to own a horse ranch. Instead of signing a new boarding agreement I gave him my girls, all the tack, grooming equipment, blankets . . .

The last time I went to visit my girls ran up to me and nuzzled me until the kids came down, both girls turned and went over to the kids. I knew I had done the right thing. They were happy.

Writing this has brought me to tears, Growing old sucks. But I know my girls are happy and well cared for and I now have a spoiled rotten German Shorthaired Pointer who keeps me moving and is my constant companion and helps me renovate my home, stealing paint brushes and running off to jump on the bed or pulling on the flooring while I try to lock the pieces in place . . . couldn't get a more willing helper!

Sorry for the dissertation, but thank you for asking. I can't even imagine who I would be had not been for the years I spent with horses and the life lessons I learned from horses.

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Comments (38)

jck910
3 years ago
Why not refinish it to your liking?
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JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I would not carpet over a wood floor, even in a bedroom.. Get an area rug sized appropriately to each bedroom, leave minimal exposed perimeters of wood. You can custom any BROADLOOM to the inch and bind.

Look into refinishing the floor.

I wouldn't "go over" it with anything, Rip, or refinish. At least let us know what species, color the wood IS. and WHAT it is, Assume a pre finished or engineered.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
I have to agree refinishing seems to be the logical answer. I also agree with no wall to wall carpet even in bedrooms. Maybe even think about a change in direction for decor I am 74 yrs old and honestly I love contemporary design with a more simple less cluttered look than traditional. Maybe post some pics of your home now and we can see if the floors can work without all the expense. The proble with any flooring layed on top is that the wood floor could possibly be ruined or too many things will need adjustmnet . Even with loose lay vinyl plank it still is quite thick and requires a really flat subfloor. I agree we need to know what kind of wood and if solid or engineered for sure. I would suggest you talk to a flooring refinisher to see what your options are.
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CDR Design, LLC
3 years ago
Hi. Refinishing sounds like your best option. However, are you sure the floors are hardwood. Newer products lookin amazingly real, so check that first.

Also, are you already in the house? What does your furniture look like? What do you hate about the flooring? Could be that, once the furniture is in, it could look gorgeous.

Finally, you mention it is "new". Are there options with the builder to switch out the flooring?
kempek01
3 years ago
Not to hijack the thread, but this is a perfect example of gray being on the way out (maybe literally in this case). The new owner wants to rip it out!

I don't have anything to add about the flooring, but it looks like a nice floor plan.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
IMO gray is neither in or out so much depends on what color palette you gravitate towards I do not like warm colors so grays for me will always be my go to. I do agree it would be good to make sure this is actually wood.
SJ McCarthy
3 years ago
To be clear, sheet vinyl or sheet linoleum should not go over FINISHED hardwood. They can go over wood that is UNFINISHED. If this is a wood floor you will have to remove the finish (sanding) to put any 'sheet product' over it. Carpet is possible but you may have mobility issues which you need to keep in mind.
Jennifer Hogan
3 years ago
I am replacing my carpet with LVT and where I have replaced it the carpet is actually a hair higher than the LVT with the backing because of the pad. LVT or LVP may give you the look you want without having a trip hazard between the carpet and hard surface flooring. If you are worried about the height and baseboards they can be pulled off and put back on after the LVT/LVP is installed.

I am putting LVT everywhere, but both of my sisters have carpet and LVT in different rooms. My BIL has Parkinson's and has fallen and it is always easier to get him up from the carpeted flooring where there is enough traction for him to help. He has not gotten injured on either the LVT or carpet, but has gotten hurt in when he fell on the tile floor in the bathroom and when he fell in the concrete garage.

They have no area carpets due to the trip hazards they create.
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MDLN
3 years ago
Would NOT recommend area rugs for people in their 70's. Safety is a priority, sorry.
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JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Exactly how does one declare "seventies" over an area rug HILL? I'm pushing it, and I will drop to the floor and give you twenty five no knees man push ups, and 100 sit ups so fast it will make your head spin. Seriously...........many of my peers can run a circle around the over fed, pre diabetic twenty somethings that waddle past us at the mall. Barely capable of a two mile slow walk around the perimeter...... jeesh. Drives me nuts.

If your balance and eye sight are failing? Have NO rug, and no thresholds and one unified flooring. Hardwood is best for that.
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JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
ALL of which is based on data collected from the oh so many who have spent ages in front of tv's , at desks, ......with no effort whatsoever made, to develop or maintain core strength. Minus a core, balance becomes an iffier proposition by far.

I accept brain shrink, senior moments, arthritis, and God know what else as we all have mirrors. But I will go defiantly UN accepting of the" Bob Eubanks 60 plus" assumption of aging. My ninety two year old buddy from dinner just last night, is still doing water aerobics, has a brain as vibrant as those thirty years her junior, and don't get into a drinking contest with her, either. You shall flunk.

If sitting is the new smoking? It's also the fastest route to old age, and the emergency room. Instead of buying carpet? Buy a good trainer and some 10, 12, 15, 20 lb weights to go with.

Nothing is more freeing than the enjoyment of your own body strength. Its capacity for improvement is astounding at any age.
Jennifer Hogan
3 years ago
Jan, I am so happy that this has worked for you. be thankful, and maybe a little less judgmental.
Not everyone is blessed with good genetics and sometimes all the effort in the world doesn't help. I lived an active lifestyle, owned, trained and rode horses, swam, hiked and did palates. I had great core strength, low blood pressure and exceptionally low cholesterol. At age 55 I got lymphoma in my gastrointestinal tract, at 56 I fractured 4 vertebrae (apparently the area of the GI tract that they had to remove is where you absorb calcium and other vitamins and minerals) and at 57 I had a 99% block in the widow maker At 59 I am happy that I wake up in the morning not pushing up dirt.
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JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
NO DENYING LUCK! I wish you the best in what is often an unfair world. I give thanks every single day for my own good fortune.........have know too many , and far too young, whose luck unfairly ran out. Best to you: ) and Happy Holidays
Kathy Furt
3 years ago
Jennifer: what kind of horses, riding did you do? We had show jumpers, did Pony Club, eventing, loved my horse years!!!
Kathy Furt
3 years ago
Omg tears. Have you ever read Chosen by a Horse? Our first horse was a neglected appendix with Three Bars and his great grand sire!! So we learned a lot from him! Bought some OTTB’s too. Last 2 were full leased so they could be returned. As you know can be hard to find good homes for them, but sounds like you did a great job!! I hope you’re feeling better! Thank you so much for sharing!
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JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
For mdin above and everyone else : a laugh.

In a "no good deed goes unpunished" event Sunday. Following a huge win by the Buffalo Bills, and having picked up three Buffalo newspapers day after ....and yup, dropping one to a clients grand daughter at her home.

Jan pulsl into driveway.

Jan grabs paper,, phone is ringing in cross body bag, a bit tangled around the gear shift

Jan is already 3/4 or even 80% out of car, driver door wide open, left hand on driver door handle, right hand on LEFT side of steering wheel.

ONE PROBLEM HERE _ Jan has failed to put car in park

SHE IS NOW..........left knee and foreleg dragging the driveway, right leg/foot is caught under gas pedal, she is heading for the garage door. Clunk!

JAN PUTS REALLY NICE CREASE in garage door, picks herself up, brushes off snow and NO BIG DEAL. Other than the crease........UGH.

Goes to grocery, does errands and lugs a bunch of stuff in on return, up two flights of stair.

AND THEN........... ooooohhhhh not as good as I thought. Spends remainder of day doing the RICE cure. Stiff as a board , swollen ankle Monday am despite "cure"

HOWEVER!!! A trip to CVS, an ankle wrap snugly containing and she was off to the gym. So comfortable, she dons heeled boots and troops off to dinner out same day.

Happy to report, good as new today. I thank all the workouts prior. ...............and the decent health that afforded THOSE.

Most expensive newspaper ever, but no big thing, The house is coming down for a total redo in a great locale. Whew!

Lesson: Stay focused. ......bad stuff happens when you are not.........focused on task at hand : )
thinkdesignlive
3 years ago
Flooring in a condo is tricky - I’d say post more photos of the spaces in order for us to comment more accurately. The floor that was put in may tie in well with the overall hard finishes (cabinets, counters, etc) and could create a domino effect of needed renovations once the floor is changed. Or the floor was/is a design miss and should go - but hard to say without more photos.
njmomma
3 years ago
Wow! What a day!
You had me laughing the whole read, picturing the event, big belly laugh. Even my husband got hear this one lol
Glad your okay :-)
PRO
JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Could have run myself over, and had I parked in front? Next stop is a CREEK. No..not kidding. lol

Kinda frigid for a "dip'
SJ McCarthy
3 years ago
Oh Jan! It's so painful to learn the 'She-who-believes-herself-to-be-Wonder-Woman' finds out she ain't! I've had those days! I'm SOOOOO with you on this one! It is painful to realize you can run out of talent before you run out of driveway. I've learned it and lived to tell the tale.

I'm so glad you are OK. The GOOD NEWS: it makes for one HELL of a good "Wine O'clock" story!

Smile and wave baby! Smile and wave!
Carolyn Oliver
3 years ago
Jan that story reminds my of a time I was in my car waiting for my hubby to come out of M&Ms meat shop.....out of no where I felt the car moving- I looked over the car next to me to gettin further and further away...... I FREAK OUT- slammed on the breaks as hard as I could pull the emergency break- phewf car is stopped. I look at the dash to see what the F**k happened- my car is in park and the car next to me just drove forward leaving it’s parking stop. 🤦‍♀️
PRO
JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
hahahahahahahahahhaah THAT IS LIKE A BAD DREAM. The one that you awake ---- pounding your mattress !! Too darn funny wtf wtf wtf ......
decoenthusiaste
3 years ago
I've done that one Carolyn! Really feels stupid, huh?Your senses can really fool you!
signatuur
3 years ago
To get back to your question Lawrence, if you would like to have something new and timeless, something natural and warm, something without pattern and soundproof, something of minimum height, almost no maintainance and easy to lay over the wooden flooring....... you might consider CORK. Even throughout your whole condo. Cork is available in natural and even in patterns.
nolanirvana
3 years ago
I agree with previous comments- I would not carpet or put any other flooring over a wood floor. Look into having the wood floors refinished with a different stain.
Kate
3 years ago
Keep the floor and get some great area rugs that tie it in with your furnishings.
woondogger
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I had the opportunity of viewing the marketing video for one of the condos in your high rise. Questions for you: what color is your kitchen cabinetry, are there wood wall accents anywhere in the condo, what color are baseboards, what color bath tile, what color pallet is your furniture, art, etc? All of this matters when planning a total living space floor re-do.
geryyearout
3 years ago
Great that you are thinking ahead.....My advice since I worked in multiple settings serving seniors, is talk to the flooring experts specializing in senior facilities like nursing homes. They know exactly the best options..........we replaced many floors....vinyls, carpet squares, low= nap carpet......they have it all.
LJ thanked geryyearout
Archinut
3 years ago
most definitely refinish the floor, if it’s the kind of wood floor that can be refinished.
Archinut
3 years ago
I know the horse thing was off topic but Jennifer you could just change your name to mine in your story and it would be my story! I now have some kind of inflammatory condition so can’t get into the saddle but my last two horses are in retirement, happy pasture ponies that occasional give lessons to little kids. Thanks for the “memories.”
Archinut
3 years ago
lorisonfeier
3 years ago
Funny I can't wait to take out our old carpet/tile in our condo and install LVP in gray tones! To each his own I guess!
Judith Bondus
3 years ago
Hi, no advice but comments re laying new floor over old: We added wood floor to house (was 1" thick milled from trees felled on site): it made the toekicks in the kitchen 1" shorter which meant roomba didn't clean under them anymore. Some furniture needed to be cut down to fit shorter ceiling. Doors and base moldings needed adjustment where carpet had been removed. Maybe not an issue for you.
Becca Love
3 years ago
Is this a new build or a renovation project?

If a new build best bet is to speak to your builder/design team. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to help you with any needs. I see the address for the builder is in Denver. Most Coloradans know that hardwood isn’t always the best option up here.

As far as sheet vinyl goes, you’re not limited for that I don’t think. There are so many engineered flooring options these days and they look great.
HU-229103058
3 years ago
🤣🤣🤣 Some of you old people are funny drop and give me a 100 how about you go two stories high and I start throwing 3/4inch plywood at your head and see if you catch it. 🤣🤣🤣 But, seriously vinyl sheeting or snap and flooring is good so you can slide your walker across the floor easily or wheel chair.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
3 years ago
They no longer list "B9" on website, but do list amenities as "high quality hardwood". Looks like Lawrence is thinking on all of the comments.
Kathy Furt
3 years ago
Good one Jan!! You’re lucky you’re ok. I broke my ankle at 61 not fun at all...

floor options new condo

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