We’ve been showing off our new floors but haven’t properly shared the story of how they came to be. Here’s the full account of our kitchen floor search, selection, and installation—what we learned, what surprised us, and why we’re so happy with the result.
Our kitchen designer recommended hardwood over ceramic tile, explaining that wood tends to warm up a space and complements white cabinets better than cold tile. We began the usual hunt at big-box stores. Both Lowe’s and Home Depot carried a reasonable selection of engineered hardwood priced around $4.00 per square foot. For our roughly 370 square feet, that would have added up to nearly $1,500 just for materials.
We were also wary of engineered hardwood because many types are quite thin, commonly around 1/4 inch, which limits how many times the surface can be sanded and refinished. That was a concern: we plan to live in this home for years and anticipate wear from kids and a dog, so durability and the ability to refinish mattered to us.
On a hunch we decided to visit a specialty hardwood retailer and ended up at Lumber Liquidators, where we found exactly what we wanted: a mocha oak solid hardwood floor. The color was rich and inviting, and the product was 3/4 inch solid hardwood rather than the thinner engineered boards. At $2.79 per square foot, the price was far lower than what we had seen at the big-box stores. With the sale running for only a few days, we moved quickly to lock in the material and the price.
Buying real solid hardwood felt like an investment in the long-term life of our kitchen floor. Solid 3/4-inch boards can typically be sanded and refinished multiple times over the years, which gives us confidence that the floor will stay beautiful through years of normal family wear and tear. That durability was a decisive factor for us given our lifestyle.
Lumber Liquidators does not handle installation directly, but they provide a list of recommended installers. We picked one from that list, and they came out promptly, measured the space carefully, and placed the order for the flooring within 24 hours. The installer we chose happened to be associated with the store salesperson, which can happen when local vendors work closely with retailers. In our case the installer’s team was professional and efficient.
I’m glad we didn’t attempt a DIY installation. The crew used a variety of specialized tools and faced several unexpected challenges that extended the job to three days. Without the right equipment and experience, we likely would have struggled or taken much longer. For anyone curious about installing hardwood themselves, there are comprehensive tutorials and guides available that make the process look achievable for experienced DIYers—but it’s important to be realistic about the time, tools, and potential pitfalls involved.
After installation, the transformation was immediately noticeable. The mocha oak boards brought warmth and character to the kitchen, and the overall look ties in beautifully with our white cabinetry. The floor feels sturdy underfoot and already shows a bit of the lived-in charm we hoped for. Our dog, Burger, seems to approve as well—he loves the new surface as his play area.
Choosing the right hardwood involves balancing cost, long-term durability, and aesthetic preferences. For us, the 3/4-inch solid oak offered better longevity and refinishing potential than the thinner engineered options we first considered, and finding it on sale made the decision easier. If you’re renovating a kitchen, consider factors like refinishability, color and tone, and the advantages of professional installation versus DIY.
Image courtesy of Lumber Liquidators