Transforming Mid-Century Modern Dreams: A Maple Floor Renovation in Stevens Point
Posted by Aaron Schaalma
For this hardwood floor renovation, we worked with Blenker Construction out of Amherst, Wisconsin. The homeowners had a vision for a project in Stevens Point that went far beyond simple floor repairs. They wanted to transform this space into the mid-century modern haven they'd always dreamed of.
The challenge? Their existing 10-15 year old maple flooring had a cherry-toned finish that clashed with their design goals, and the remodeling process had left gaps and patches that needed expert attention.
This project perfectly showcases why hardwood flooring is the right flooring and can change the look and feel of an entire room or even your entire house. As NWFA-certified craftsmen, we understand that transforming a space requires more than just technical skill—it demands artistry and a deep understanding of how flooring integrates with overall design.
The Challenge: Piecing Together a Vision
Blenker had made significant changes to this home, removing some walls and repositioning others to create a more open, flowing layout that embodied mid-century modern principles. However, these changes left the maple flooring with several challenges:
Color mismatch: The existing cherry-toned finish was too warm and traditional for their mid-century modern aesthetic.
Gaps and patches: Wall removal had created sections where flooring needed to be seamlessly integrated.
Transition issues: New doorway positions and removed walls required professional nosing installation.
Electrical modifications: Floor-mounted electrical covers needed to be incorporated without disrupting the overall design.
Working with Blenker, we developed a comprehensive plan to address each of these issues while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship that our NWFA certification demands.
The Signature Custom Flooring Approach: Meticulous Planning and Execution
Phase 1: Repairs and Integration
The first phase involved extensive repair work to create a unified maple surface. Despite the flooring being relatively young at 10-15 years old, there were noticeable color variations between the existing floor and the new pieces we needed to install. This is where site-finished flooring creates an advantage. Rather than trying to match discontinued factory finishes, we could control the entire color process.
Our repair process included:
Lacing in new maple planks where walls had been removed
Installing custom nosing at new transition points
Seamless integration around relocated doorways
Professional installation of electrical floor covers
Each repair was executed with the precision that comes from experience and NWFA certification. NWFA Certification requires years to qualify for, and we had to pass written and hands-on tests to get it, ensuring every aspect of the work meets the industry's highest standards.
Here’s a video walk-through of the repair process for this home: https://youtu.be/1zLncOjmpHs
Phase 2: Complete Floor Refinishing
Once all repairs were complete, we began the comprehensive refinishing process. This involved sanding the entire floor down to bare wood and creating a uniform surface that would accept stain evenly. Our dustless sanding system, which was a significant investment in state-of-the-art equipment, ensures a clean work environment while protecting the rest of the home during the renovation process.
The sanding process was crucial for achieving professional results. By taking the maple back to its natural state, we eliminated all color variations and created the perfect canvas for the new finish.
Phase 3: Color Selection and Staining
Working closely with both the homeowners and the designer from Blenker, we created color samples to help visualize the final result. This collaborative approach ensured that the flooring perfectly complements the overall design vision.
The staining process required both technical expertise and artistic sensibility. Mid-century modern design typically calls for cleaner, more neutral tones that complement the style's emphasis on natural materials and streamlined aesthetics. We selected a stain that would provide the perfect backdrop for their furniture, cabinetry, and trim work while maintaining the natural beauty of the maple grain.
The Two-Coat Finish Process: Timing and Protection
Understanding that home renovations involve multiple trades working in sequence, we applied our finish in two carefully timed stages:
Initial Protective Coat
After staining, we applied the first coat of our premium water-based finish. This provided immediate protection while other contractors completed their trim work and interior finishing touches. The homeowners covered the floor during this phase to protect our work while maintaining access for the final construction activities.
Final Finish Application
Once all other work was complete, we returned for the final phase. This involved:
Light sanding with 180-grit paper to ensure optimal adhesion, which is required for water-based finishes after 24 hours
Thorough cleaning and preparation of the entire surface
Application of the final protective coat for durability and beauty
Water-based finishes require this intermediate sanding for proper bonding between coats, a technical detail that demonstrates the importance of working with certified professionals who understand the chemistry and timing of modern flooring systems.
The Result: Mid-Century Modern Perfection
The transformation was remarkable. The new stain tone perfectly complemented the cabinetry, trim, and doors, creating the cohesive mid-century modern aesthetic the homeowners envisioned. The seamless integration of repaired areas and the uniform color throughout the space demonstrated the superior results possible with site-finished hardwood flooring.
Why Site-Finished Hardwood Offers Superior Flexibility
This project highlights one of the key advantages of choosing site-finished hardwood flooring over prefinished alternatives:
Color Control: With site finishing, we can create any color tone and perfectly match existing floors, regardless of age or previous finish.
Seamless Repairs: Damaged or missing sections can be perfectly integrated without worrying about discontinued product lines.
Customization: Each project can be tailored to the specific design requirements and aesthetic goals.
Longevity: Unlike luxury vinyl or other alternatives, hardwood can be refinished multiple times, adapting to changing design preferences over decades.
Remodeling Considerations: Planning for Flooring Success
For homeowners considering renovation projects, this Stevens Point transformation offers valuable insights:
Coordinate with contractors early in the planning process to ensure optimal timing and results.
Consider the flexibility of site-finished hardwood when making structural changes.
Work with certified professionals who understand both the technical and aesthetic aspects of flooring.
Plan for the process by understanding timing requirements for multi-coat finishes.
Experience the Signature Custom Flooring Difference
At Signature Custom Flooring, wood flooring is our art, and your floor is our canvas. This Stevens Point project exemplifies our commitment to transforming spaces through expert craftsmanship and personalized service. Our NWFA certification ensures that every project meets the industry's highest standards, while our artistic approach ensures results that perfectly complement your vision.
Whether you're planning a complete renovation or simply looking to refresh your existing hardwood floors, the possibilities are limitless with professional site-finished flooring. From color changes to seamless repairs, we have the expertise and equipment to bring your flooring dreams to reality.
Ready to transform your space? Contact Signature Custom Flooring to discuss your project and discover how we can help you achieve beautiful, durable hardwood floors that perfectly complement your home's unique style and character.
