Capitol Hill Flooring Project: Why We Chose Engineered Wood for an Older Home

We recently wrapped up a project on 15th Ave in Capitol Hill that helps illustrate a very common issue in Seattle: great location, terrible floors.

The homeowners loved their house, but the floors were driving them crazy. They were old, they were uneven, and every time someone walked across the living room, it squeaked. They called us wanting a fresh look, but they were worried about what we might find once we started tearing things up.

Here is what happened, and what you can learn from it for your own remodel.

The Surprise Under the Carpet

In neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, houses settle over time. It’s normal. But it means the subfloor (the layer underneath your visible floor) is rarely flat.

When we pulled up the old flooring, the subfloor looked like rolling hills. If we had just slapped new wood on top of that, the new planks would have started creaking and separating within six months.

The Insight for Homeowners: Never trust a quote that doesn't mention "subfloor prep." If a contractor gives you a price without checking how level your floor is, they are likely going to hit you with a surprise bill later, or install a floor that fails. At Kolmo, we factor this possibility into our digital estimates from the start so you aren't blindsided.

Why We Picked Engineered Hardwood

The client originally asked for solid hardwood, but we actually steered them toward Engineered White Oak. Here is why that matters for Seattle homes:

• Moisture Resistance: Seattle is damp. Solid wood expands and contracts a lot with humidity changes, which leads to gaps. Engineered wood is built in layers, making it much more stable in our climate.
• Installation Speed: Because engineered wood comes pre-finished, we didn't have to sand or stain inside the house. This saved the homeowners 3 days of dust and strong chemical smells.

The Finished Product

We spent the first day just leveling the floor with a special compound to make it perfectly flat. Once that was cured, the installation flew by.

The result is a floor that feels solid under your feet—no bounces, no squeaks—and looks modern while fitting right in with the older style of the home.

Thinking about new floors?

If you live in an older Seattle neighborhood, here is my advice:

1. Check your levels: Put a marble on your floor. If it rolls fast, you need leveling work.
2. Pick the right material: Don't just look at color; look at durability and moisture handling.
3. Get a clear price: Use our Cost Calculator to see what a project like this actually costs, including the prep work.