Laminate flooring

When Marcus and Leah bought their mid-century ranch home in Sacramento, they were charmed by the bones—clean lines, large windows, a perfect open layout. But the floors? Let’s just say time had not been kind.

Faded carpet in the living room, chipped tile in the kitchen, and a Frankenstein-style patchwork in the hallway. It was clear: they needed something modern, durable, and budget-conscious.

The answer? Laminate flooring in Sacramento, CA—specifically, a warm-toned, wood-look plank that brought continuity and character to the space.

Here’s how they pulled off the transformation in just one week.

Step 1: Choose the Right Look

Marcus and Leah headed to a few local flooring showrooms, looking for options that felt both current and timeless. They found the best laminate floors were textured, with beveled edges and subtle variation in tone—perfect for hiding dust and everyday wear.

They landed on a modern European oak look with wide planks and a matte finish that fit their modern design vision to a T.

Step 2: Prep the Subfloor

Before any installation began, they pulled out the old flooring and had a professional check the subfloor. It needed some light leveling and a moisture barrier, since Sacramento’s seasonal shifts can impact flooring performance.

Lesson learned: a solid foundation makes all the difference.

Step 3: Pick the Right Underlayment

They chose a high-quality foam underlayment that offered sound absorption and extra cushion underfoot. Bonus—it helped with minor imperfections in the slab.

Step 4: Lay It Down

Using a click-lock system, Marcus took the lead on installation, while Leah handled layout and spacing. They staggered the seams, used spacers at the walls, and left room for expansion.

A few YouTube tutorials later and their living room, hallway, and kitchen were transformed.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

They added clean white baseboards and new black vent covers for contrast. The result? Sleek, seamless flooring that instantly made their home feel brighter, bigger, and more intentional.

Final Word

For Marcus and Leah, choosing laminate flooring in Sacramento, CA wasn’t a shortcut—it was the smartest way to modernize with style. With the right materials and a step-by-step approach, even a once-forgotten floor can become the foundation of something amazing.