Cleaning & Care,  Durability & Flooring,  The Build Journal,  The Dream Build

Floors, Trim, and Doors: Our Luxury Vinyl Plank Reveal (And Why We Chose LVP)

Introduction: The Concrete Grind

Before the first plank of flooring could go down, the crew had to do the unglamorous prep work: grinding down the high spots and leveling out the low spots in the concrete. It’s tedious work, but it’s the secret to making sure your floors don’t squeak or buckle down the road.

When the actual installation day arrived, we were pretty shocked to look over and see only one person walking in to lay flooring for the entire house! But let me tell you, that man was an absolute machine. He made quick work of the whole project and had the entire house laid in just two days.

Why We Chose Shaw COREtec Springfield Oak

We opted for Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, and it was an easy choice for us. With small indoor pets and energetic young grandbabies running around, we needed something ultra-durable, waterproof, and easy to clean.

We went with Shaw COREtec Runner Up in Springfield Oak. It’s a gorgeous, light floor with warm brown and beige undertones. It ties our creamy beige perimeter cabinets and the rest of the neutral Alabaster walls together perfectly, while also serving as a wonderful, neutral backdrop for the antique furniture pieces I’ve been collecting.

Creating a Light & Cozy Vibe

The overall aesthetic we’re going for is light, bright, and homey. We want every single person who walks through our front door to feel welcomed, cozy, and comfortable. I am so excited to mix our new build with amazing antique finds I’ve hunted down on Facebook Marketplace and in local antique shops. To pull it all together, I’ll be layering in various rugs throughout the rooms to add soft pops of color.

Quick side note: Since these floors are an investment, I’m currently researching the best cleaning tools to maximize their longevity. I’m still hunting for the ultimate vacuum and mopping system, so if you have a favorite that’s safe for LVP, let me know in the comments!

Protection Mode: Doors & Trim

Right after the floors went down, they were immediately covered up to protect them from all the heavy foot traffic and trades still coming through—especially the painters!

Speaking of progress, our doors and trim finally arrived (minus the closet doors, which are still playing hide-and-seek!). The installers made quick work of putting up wider baseboards, shoe molding, and clean trim around all the doors and windows.

Next Up: The Painters Return

Next on the schedule, the painters are coming back to caulk, fill nail holes, and finish up that color drenching method we talked about earlier. As soon as that’s all done, I can’t wait to show you how it turns out and give you my 100% honest opinion on how it feels in person. We are moving right along!

Shop the Build: Flooring Care & Home Details

Protecting your floors and styling a new build takes the right tools. Here are a few things we’re looking at to keep our LVP looking brand new.

SuperSliders Gorilla Glue Self-Adhesive Fe…

Super Sliders with Gorilla Glue 1-1/2″ brown round felt pads. Protects hard surfaces fr… [More]

The gentle, no-residue way to clean luxury vinyl planks without ruining the finish.

Rubbermaid Light Spray Mop, 18 in. x 52 in.

The Rubbermaid Light Spray Mop is perfect for professional home cleaners and small busi… [More]

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