Laminate Flooring Installation in Historic Gratz Park Condo

Our crew recently completed a detailed laminate flooring installation in a two-bedroom condo located in the Gratz Park historic district of Lexington, KY. While most homes in Gratz Park are large historic houses, this particular unit was part of a converted 19th century building. The homeowner wanted a modern, low-maintenance flooring solution that would still fit the character of the building. Laminate flooring was the ideal choice, offering the look of hardwood with improved durability and easier care.

Customer Challenge

The floors in the unit were a patchwork of old materials. Some rooms had original hardwood that was too damaged to save, while others had outdated vinyl tiles. The owner wanted a single, cohesive flooring style throughout the condo to make the space feel more open and unified.

There were a few complications typical of historic buildings. The subfloor was uneven in some areas, sound could easily travel between units, and the homeowner wanted to avoid interfering with original trim or doors. True hardwood would have required more prep work, added weight, and possibly created issues with temperature-driven expansion. They needed something that looked high-end but worked better for the unique conditions of the space.

Our Solution

We chose a premium laminate flooring with a rich walnut finish to complement the building’s traditional architecture. The planks featured detailed texture and variation to mimic natural wood while offering superior dimensional stability.

Before installing, we reinforced and leveled the subfloor as needed using compound in low areas. In spots where sound insulation was a concern, we doubled up underlayment to minimize noise, especially in the living room, which sat above another unit. The flooring was installed as a floating system, allowing it to adjust slightly to minor imperfections without requiring nails or glue. This approach preserved the historic subfloor.

To avoid damaging original door casings, we undercut them so the planks could slide underneath without affecting the doors or trim. Quarter-round molding, stained to match the flooring, was installed to cover expansion gaps while preserving the original baseboards above. The result was a tight, clean fit that looked natural and respected the building’s historical character.

Results

Laminate flooring upgrade in a Gratz Park condo, replacing outdated materials with seamless walnut-finish planks for a historic yet modern feel.

The new flooring gives the condo a unified, polished look. The warm walnut tone fits perfectly with the rest of the historic interior and helps the space feel more open. It is easy to clean, quiet underfoot, and provides a finished look that elevates the overall value of the unit.

Best of all, the installation did not disturb any of the original architectural features. The project successfully delivered a modern update that looks authentic in the historic setting. The homeowner now enjoys the beauty of wood-look floors without the maintenance or structural concerns that real hardwood might have introduced.

This project shows how laminate flooring can be carefully integrated into a historic space. It offers modern comfort while honoring the building’s timeless appeal. It is a great example of practical remodeling in a sensitive, historic environment.