Restoring 1904 Fir Floors in Sugarhouse: A Walk Through Time

There’s something special about bringing old floors back to life, especially when they’ve been holding history underfoot for over a century. That’s exactly what we had the chance to do with this 1904 original fir flooring in the Sugarhouse neighborhood of Salt Lake City.

When we first arrived, the floors told a story: decades of wear, layers of darkened finish, water damage, and remnants of patch jobs past. Some areas had clearly seen better days.

But beneath all that? Tight-grained, vertical grain Douglas fir with loads of character just waiting to be revealed.

We sanded everything down carefully to preserve as much of the original material as possible. This species is soft and unforgiving if you’re not paying attention, but when done right, it rewards you with glowing amber tones and bold grain contrast. You can still see traces of the home’s history in the subtle patina, nail holes, and occasional scars, but that’s what makes these floors feel authentic, not factory made.

In rooms that were previously dull and lifeless, the restored fir now gives off warmth and depth. The sunlight dances across the boards, highlighting their natural movement and variation.

This is why we love what we do. Flooring isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about preserving stories and craftsmanship that deserve to be seen and appreciated for generations to come.

If you’ve got original floors hiding under carpet or finish that’s seen better days, don’t assume they’re too far gone. Sometimes, all they need is the right team to help them shine again.