7:30pm, Monday-
SHERRY: The floors are looking fantastic so far, don’t you think?
JOHN: Absolutely. Right, Burger?
(Burger stands in silent agreement)
SHERRY: Do you find it odd that there’s no baseboard against the brick wall here?
JOHN: I don’t think so. It actually looks fine.
SHERRY: Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s fine.
11:00pm, Monday-
SHERRY: I’ve been thinking about that, and it really does look strange without a baseboard.
JOHN: What? No, it looks fi—
SHERRY: TOTALLY weird.
JOHN: Okay. So what do you want to do about it?
SHERRY: Get a baseboard and have the flooring crew install it.
JOHN: But the floor crew’s last day is tomorrow, and Lowe’s is already closed. We can’t buy baseboards tonight.
SHERRY: Can you stop by in the morning before work?
JOHN: Do they even make that style of baseboard anymore?
SHERRY: You’re right—I should come with you. But we’ll have to be back before the installers arrive at 7:30.
(Cue the famous last words.)
JOHN: Well, Lowe’s does open at 6am…
And that’s how we found ourselves standing in the wood cutting department at 6:21 this morning, bleary-eyed but determined to finish the flooring details we’d noticed the night before. When you’re deep into a home improvement project, small details like trim and baseboard can suddenly feel like make-or-break elements. For us, that unsightly gap between the new hardwood floor and the exposed brick became a focal point—something we couldn’t ignore.
We had already spent a lot of time planning this flooring job. Choosing the right hardwood, choosing the finish, coordinating with the installers—each step mattered for both appearance and durability. But the moment the installers began smoothing the last boards into place, the absence of baseboard made the entire corner look unfinished. One minute it was fine; the next it nagged at us until we couldn’t sleep.
So we set the alarm and made the trip in the early morning light. The wood cutting department at Lowe’s was quiet then, soft hums from the machinery the only sound besides our footsteps. Buying and cutting baseboard first thing in the morning meant we could get exactly the profile and length we needed and have it ready for the crew when they arrived. It also gave us a chance to make any last-minute adjustments and avoid the panic of a missed opportunity while the installers were on the clock.
There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing a project resolved by simply taking that extra step. Picking out the right trim, confirming measurements, and watching the saw make clean, precise cuts—those are the kinds of moments that turn a half-finished house into a home. By the time we returned, coffee in hand and a fresh strip of baseboard in the back of the car, the installers had arrived and were getting set up. The morning trip prevented awkward decisions later and kept the schedule on track.
For anyone tackling flooring near brick or other uneven surfaces, consider these quick tips based on our experience: double-check the edge details before the crew leaves for the day; bring accurate measurements to the store; and if you can, accompany your partner to pick out matching trim so you both agree on style and finish. Small investments of time can save headaches—and money—later.
In the end, what began as a tiny design doubt turned into a productive early-morning errand that kept the project moving smoothly. It’s a reminder that in home renovations, patience and a willingness to act early often make the difference between a good outcome and a great one. And yes—Burger approved of the finished look, once everything was in place.