Fall in Love With Your Floors: Get Your Minnesota Home Ready for Fall
In Minnesota, there are a few unmistakable signs that summer is winding down. The days are getting a little shorter, kids are heading back to school, and the Minnesota State Fair is about to open its gates.
In fact, the Great Minnesota Get-Together opens August 27 this year and runs through Labor Day, September 7. Around here, that might be as close as we get to an official transition from summer to fall.
As we squeeze in those last lake days and start thinking about sweaters, football, and changing leaves, our attention also begins shifting back indoors. If you've spent all summer noticing worn carpet, scratched flooring, or that tile project you've been meaning to tackle, early fall is a great time to finally do something about it.
Here are a few ways to fall in love with your floors and get your Minnesota home ready for the cozier months ahead.
Bring Warmth Into Your Home With Hardwood
There's a reason hardwood flooring never really goes out of style. Its natural tones and textures add warmth and character that work particularly well with the cozy feeling many Minnesota homeowners want during fall and winter.
Hardwood can also be a great fit for the older Craftsman, bungalow, and traditional homes found throughout St. Paul, White Bear Lake, and other established Twin Cities neighborhoods.
Keep in mind that Minnesota's changing humidity can cause hardwood to expand and contract slightly throughout the year. Proper installation and maintaining reasonable indoor humidity levels can help minimize seasonal movement.
Consider Luxury Vinyl for Busy Minnesota Families
Fall gets busy quickly. School starts, activities pick back up, and suddenly everyone seems to be coming through the front door at once.
Luxury vinyl flooring is a practical option for families who want the appearance of wood with excellent durability and easy maintenance.
It's particularly useful in kitchens, basements, mudrooms, and other high-traffic spaces. When those colorful fall leaves eventually turn into November slush, you'll also appreciate having flooring that's easy to clean.
Get the Mudroom Ready Before the Snow Flies
We don't need to talk about snow quite yet. The State Fair hasn't even started.
But every Minnesotan knows what's eventually coming.
Entryways and mudrooms take an incredible amount of abuse once winter arrives. Snow, road salt, sand, wet boots, and muddy paws all get tracked inside.
If your entryway flooring already needs attention, fall is the perfect time to address it.
Tile and luxury vinyl are both excellent options for Minnesota mudrooms because they're durable, moisture resistant, and relatively easy to clean.
A little planning now can make January much easier.
Add Heated Tile Before the Cold Arrives
If you're considering new tile for a bathroom, entryway, or sunroom, radiant floor heating is an upgrade worth considering.
There's something particularly satisfying about stepping onto a warm tile floor when it's 10 degrees outside.
Heated flooring systems can be installed beneath compatible tile as part of a renovation. Planning the system and tile installation together helps ensure everything is installed correctly from the beginning.
Refresh Your Bathroom Before Holiday Guests Arrive
Fall has a way of disappearing quickly.
One minute you're eating something on a stick at the State Fair and the next you're figuring out where everyone is going to sit for Thanksgiving.
If you're hosting family or friends this year, updating bathroom tile is one way to give your home a fresh look before the holidays.
A new tile floor, shower surround, or backsplash can completely change the feel of a bathroom without necessarily requiring a full remodel.
Give Your Floors a Fall Checkup
Even if replacement isn't on your list this year, fall is a good opportunity to give your existing flooring some attention.
Take a walk through your home and look for:
Cracked or loose tiles
Damaged grout
Scratches or excessive wear on hardwood
Carpet that's pulling away or becoming worn in high-traffic areas
Damaged transitions between flooring materials
Signs of moisture around entryways, bathrooms, or other wet areas
Catching small problems now may prevent them from becoming larger repairs later.
It's also a good time to stock up on quality entry mats. You'll want them once boot season arrives.
A cracked tile floor is easy to overlook.
Fall in Love With Your Home Again
New flooring can dramatically change how a home feels without changing its entire layout.
At Kolden Renovations, we help homeowners throughout Lino Lakes, White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, and the Twin Cities find flooring and tile solutions that fit both their homes and the realities of Minnesota living.
With more than 25 years of experience, Matt Johnson brings a strong focus on communication, cleanliness, quality, and reliability to every project. Whether you're considering hardwood, luxury vinyl, laminate, carpet, tile flooring, bathroom tile, or a new backsplash, we'll help you create a finished space you'll enjoy through fall, winter, and many Minnesota seasons to come.
Ready to fall in love with your floors? Contact Kolden Renovations to request a bid for your next flooring or tile project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fall a good time to install new flooring in Minnesota?
Yes. Flooring can be installed throughout the year, and late summer and fall can be a convenient time to complete indoor projects before the holidays and winter weather arrive. The specific installation requirements will depend on the flooring material you choose.
What's the best flooring for a Minnesota mudroom?
Tile and luxury vinyl are both excellent options. Minnesota mudrooms have to handle snow, water, road salt, sand, and plenty of foot traffic, so moisture resistance and easy cleaning are particularly important.
Can I install heated floors underneath tile?
Yes. Many radiant floor heating systems are specifically designed to be installed underneath tile. They're especially popular in Minnesota bathrooms, entryways, and other areas where cold tile can be uncomfortable during the winter.
What flooring is best for homes with kids and pets?
Luxury vinyl, laminate, tile, and certain carpets can all work well for active households. The best option depends on the room, your family's lifestyle, moisture exposure, and the type of wear the floor is likely to experience.
Should I replace my floors before the holidays?
If you've already been planning a flooring project, completing it during late summer or fall means you can enjoy the finished space during holiday gatherings and throughout the winter. Just remember that contractor schedules can fill up, so it's smart to start planning early.
Does Minnesota's changing humidity affect flooring?
It can, particularly with natural hardwood. Wood expands and contracts as moisture levels change, which is why you may notice small seasonal gaps during Minnesota's dry winters. Proper installation and maintaining appropriate indoor humidity can help manage this natural movement.