The Perfect Transition: Matching Existing Hardwood Flooring to New Wood-Look Flooring
One of the most common design challenges we face at Flooring 101—whether we are working in a historic home in Ventura or a modern estate in Thousand Oaks—is the “addition” project.
Perhaps you have beautiful original oak floors in your entryway, but you’re ready to update your kitchen or bedrooms with something more waterproof or durable. The goal is to create a seamless flow so your home doesn’t look like a “patchwork quilt” of different decades.
Matching new Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), laminate, or even new hardwood to an existing floor is both a science and an art. With over 50 years of experience on the Central Coast, our team has mastered the techniques required to bridge the gap between old and new.
The Strategy of “Complement over Contrast”
The first rule of matching is recognizing that an exact 100% match is often impossible, especially with natural materials that have aged and changed color over time.
Embrace the Complement
Instead of trying to find an identical twin—which can often look like a “near miss”—our designers often suggest a complementary look. For example, if you have honey-toned 2-inch oak planks, we might suggest a wider 7-inch plank in a slightly darker or lighter shade. This makes the transition look intentional rather than an accidental mismatch.
The “Transition Strip” Secret
In Goleta and Santa Maria, many homes feature open-concept floor plans. Using a T-molding or a custom-stained transition strip at doorways can provide a visual “break” that allows the eye to accept a slight variation in the flooring types.
Matching Hardwood to Hardwood: The Refinish Route
If you are sticking with real wood, the best way to achieve a perfect match is to install “unfinished” hardwood in the new area.
The Process
We install the raw wood, then sand both the old and new floors simultaneously. Our master finishers then apply a custom stain across the entire surface. This is the only way to ensure the grain and the hue are perfectly synchronized.
The Species Factor
It is vital to identify the species. Red Oak and White Oak may look similar to the untrained eye, but they take stain very differently. Our experts in Simi Valley can help identify your existing species to ensure compatibility.
Bridging the Gap with LVP and Laminate
Many homeowners want to transition from old hardwood to modern, waterproof LVP or Laminate in kitchens and bathrooms.
Texture Mapping
In 2026, Luxury Vinyl technology allows for Embossed-in-Register (EIR) textures. This means if your existing hardwood has a heavy grain, we can find an LVP that mimics that specific tactile feel, helping the two surfaces “vibe” together.
Color Temperature
The most important factor is the “undertone.” If your old wood has a warm red undertone, your new laminate should stay in the warm family. Mixing a “cool gray” LVP with “warm gold” hardwood is a recipe for a design clash.
FAQ: Matching Floors
Q: Can I match a floor that was installed 10 years ago?
A: Flooring manufacturers often retire “collections” every few years. If your floor is discontinued, our NFA-exclusive database can help us find the closest modern equivalent in terms of thickness and color profile.
Q: Will the new floor eventually fade to match the old one?
A: Yes, to an extent. All floors undergo a “mellowing” period when exposed to the California sun. We factor this in when selecting your stain or plank color.
Glossary of Transition Terms
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Flush Mount: A transition that sits at the same height as both floors, offering a seamless look.
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Undertone: The subtle color (yellow, red, or blue) that sits “underneath” the primary color of the wood.
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Species Identification: The process of determining the botanical origin of the wood (e.g., Maple vs. Oak).
Your Home, Harmonized
Don’t let the fear of a mismatch stop you from upgrading your space. At Flooring 101, we treat every home like a puzzle that needs the perfect piece. From Bakersfield to Oxnard, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners achieve a cohesive, high-end look that adds real value to their property.
Confused about how to match your old floors? Take a photo of your existing flooring and bring it into any of our 7 Southern California locations for a free expert consultation!