Discover the ultimate guide to revamping your kitchen floor with durable, stylish Stoneform flooring! From preparation to installation tips, make your kitchen upgrade a success with our step-by-step guide. Perfect for a timeless, high-quality finish.
When we first decided to renovate our kitchen, one of the major tasks was tackling the old tile floor. While removing the tile wasn’t the most enjoyable part of the project, it was necessary to achieve the look we wanted. If you’re thinking about removing tile yourself, be prepared for a bit of a challenge, but trust me, it’s worth it. You can check out the full tile floor demo process here: Tile Floor Demo.
Stoneform Flooring Installation
As with many renovation projects, there were some surprises along the way. Initially, we thought we’d be able to keep the existing subfloor. However, during the demo, we discovered some old water damage lurking underneath the cabinets, which left parts of the subfloor warped. We ended up replacing sections of the subfloor to make sure it was level with the existing cement board.
In hindsight, it probably would have been easier to replace the entire subfloor from the start, as getting everything completely level in certain areas was tricky. Lesson learned!
Choosing the Right Flooring: Stoneform Flooring from Hewn
After removing the old tile and repairing the subfloor, it was time to choose our new kitchen floor. We wanted something that looked great but was also durable enough to handle the daily wear and tear of a busy kitchen. I had had my eye on Stoneform from Hewn Floor for a few years and knew it was what I wanted to use.
Stoneform is similar to luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring but with a twist—it’s made from 70% limestone. This gives it the appearance of wood, while making it incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof. We chose the Elite line in Mendocino, a mid-tone wood color that complements our kitchen beautifully. The long, wide planks add a modern, timeless look that we absolutely love. You can explore the different colors and options for Stoneform here: Stoneform from Hewn Floor.
Installing the Stoneform Flooring
One thing to keep in mind with Stoneform (or any flooring, really) is that it needs to acclimate before installation. We brought the planks inside and let them sit for 48 hours to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.
Here’s a quick overview of the installation process:
- Level the floor: Make sure your subfloor is level before starting.
- Floating floor installation: Since Stoneform is a floating floor, it needs to be installed around cabinets—not underneath them.
- Tongue and groove system: Stoneform planks come with a built-in underlayment, so they’re installed directly over the subfloor. The planks use a tongue and groove system. You fit the end of one plank into the end of the previous one, then lock them together lengthwise. It takes some practice, but once you’ve locked the planks, they’ll lay flat.
- Tools of the trade: We used a tapping block and a mallet to ensure each joint was tight. For more intricate cuts, like around vents or cabinets, we used a jigsaw to make sure everything fit perfectly. Otherwise, planks can be cut with a score and snap method using a utility knife. You can use an LVP cutter. Or you can also use any saw; we used a combination of our miter saw, table saw, and jigsaw.
- Leave a gap: Be sure to leave a quarter-inch gap around the edges for expansion. This will later be covered by baseboards or quarter-round trim.
For anyone installing Hewn Stoneform themselves, I recommend checking out their installation videos on the Hewn website. They provide great visuals that are super helpful!
Final Thoughts on Our New Kitchen Floor
Now that the floor is finished, I’m beyond happy with how it turned out. The look of wood brings warmth and timeless elegance to the space, while the durability of the stone-based material ensures it will hold up to everything life throws at it—spills, messes, and all. Plus, it’s easy to clean, which is always a bonus in a kitchen!
If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen floor, Stoneform is a fantastic option to consider. Whether you’re drawn to its durability, its wood-like appearance, or the ease of installation, it’s a choice that’s both practical and beautiful.
