The Anderson family had lived in their Sherman Oaks home for over 25 years. While the house retained its classic mid-century architectural charm, the flooring had not aged as gracefully. Worn carpet in the bedrooms and scratched hardwood in the living spaces had begun to detract from the overall beauty of the home.
They wanted a flooring solution that combined durability, elegance, and warmth while respecting the home’s original design. After researching several flooring contractors, they chose Skyline Flooring for our reputation for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to work seamlessly in older homes.
Initial Consultation
The first step was a detailed consultation. Our project manager visited the home to assess the existing floors, measure each room, and discuss the family’s goals. The Andersons were particularly interested in hardwood species that complemented the home’s mid-century style — warm tones with visible grain patterns and a natural finish.
Key priorities discussed during the consultation:
Aesthetic Harmony: Choose a wood species and finish that matched the mid-century character.
Durability: Floors needed to withstand daily family use, including pets.
Sustainability: The family preferred responsibly sourced materials.
Installation Timeline: Work needed to fit within their schedule without disrupting daily life.
Challenges
Older homes often present unique flooring challenges. In this Sherman Oaks property, we encountered:
Uneven Subflooring: Sections of the living room and hallway had minor dips and slopes from decades of use.
Complex Layout: Mid-century homes often feature non-standard room dimensions and transitions between living areas.
Minimal Disruption: The family requested work to be completed without significant interruption to their daily routines, including keeping the kitchen accessible.
Solutions & Installation Process
1. Subfloor Preparation
Our team carefully leveled the subfloor using self-leveling compounds and floor-jacking techniques where necessary. This ensured a stable, flat foundation, critical for long-lasting hardwood installation.
2. Acclimation
Before installation, the hardwood planks were acclimated to the home’s environment for several days. This step prevented expansion or contraction after installation — a common issue in California’s varying climates.
3. Installation
Using a combination of nail-down and glue-down techniques, the team installed the hardwood with precision. Special attention was given to:
Transitioning between rooms seamlessly
Aligning planks to enhance natural light flow
Maintaining consistent spacing and alignment with baseboards and existing trim
[Project Photo: Hardwood Installation in Progress]
4. Finishing
Once installed, the floors were lightly sanded to remove minor imperfections, followed by a matte polyurethane finish. This finish provided durability against foot traffic, scratches, and household spills while retaining the wood’s natural beauty.
5. Cleanup & Walkthrough
After completion, the team conducted a thorough cleaning and a walkthrough with the Andersons. Minor adjustments were made to ensure perfection, including baseboard touch-ups and final dust removal.
“Skyline Flooring treated our home as if it were their own. They were professional, punctual, and meticulous. The floors look stunning, and the entire process was seamless.”
Conclusion
Transforming the Andersons’ mid-century Sherman Oaks home demonstrates Skyline Flooring’s commitment to craftsmanship, design, and client satisfaction. By addressing unique challenges, recommending suitable materials, and executing a precise installation, we were able to deliver a flooring solution that not only met but exceeded expectations.
For homeowners across California looking to enhance their living spaces with durable, elegant hardwood, this project illustrates the difference a skilled flooring team can make turning outdated or worn floors into the centerpiece of a beautiful home.
