Preserving Sugar House Charm

Craftsmanship for the Arts District

Sugar House is unique. Its tree-lined streets, brick cottages, and "shop local" attitude demand a specific type of contractor. You can't just slap a grey floating floor over a 100-year-old uneven subfloor and hope for the best. The homes here have character, quirks, and stories.

At South Valley Flooring, we specialize in the "Sugar House Remodel." We understand that you want to open up the kitchen (knocking down that wall between the dining room) but keep the original oak floors. We know how to bridge that gap.

The Art of "Lacing In"

When you remove a wall in a bungalow, you are left with a 6-inch gap of bare subfloor. Many contractors will tell you: "We have to rip it all out and start over." We disagree.

We are experts at lacing in. We carefully pry up the surrounding boards in a staggered pattern (to avoid a straight line). We source new oak that matches the species and cut of your 1920s floor using reclaimed or specialty mills. We weave the new wood in. Then, we sand the entire floor flat and stain it together. The result? A continuous floor that honors the home's history while accommodating your modern layout.

Eco-Friendly & Period Correct

Sugar House homeowners are conscious of their environmental footprint. We offer a full line of sustainable options:

• Marmoleum (Natural Linoleum): Made from linseed oil and jute, this is 100% natural and biodegradable. It was the standard kitchen floor in the 1920s and is making a huge comeback for its retro style and durability.
• Cork: Harvested from the bark of the cork oak (the tree is not cut down), cork is soft, warm, and distinctive. Perfect for kitchens where you stand for long periods.
• Water-Based Finishes: We use Bona Traffic HD. It has ultra-low VOCs, meaning no toxic fumes for your family or pets, and it cures in hours, not days.

Basement Dig-Outs & ADUs

As many residents dig out basements to gain height or build ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in the alley, we provide flooring solutions that handle moisture and traffic. Basements in Sugar House often have moisture vapor coming through the slab.

For these spaces, we recommend Engineered Hardwood or premium LVP. We always test the slab moisture first. If it's high, we apply a roll-on epoxy vapor barrier before installation. This ensures your beautiful new floor doesn't buckle or grow mold from underneath.