What would you say are the most heavily-trafficked rooms in your home? The majority of you would probably agree that it’s the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. These rooms are the troopers. They handle the dirty work, so it’s important that they have a flooring that can stand up to spilled food, overflowing bath tubs, pet messes, and dirt and grime. Today, we’re going to take a look at the best flooring choices for these rooms. 

​Tile

Both porcelain and ceramic tile are resilient and long-lasting when they’re installed and cleaned properly. Tile won’t expand and contract with changing temperatures, and it’s impervious to moisture and stains when properly sealed. Food, dirt, water, and pet messes clean up easily, and many grouts are now stain-resistant. Tile is also green and promotes good air quality because it contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And yet another reason to love tile is that design innovations allow tile to mimic just about any surface, whether it’s wood, marble, or slate. So, you can create whatever look you desire. There are also plenty of decorative tiles with patterns and shapes ranging from retro to modern to help you really personalize your space.

​Waterproof Flooring (WPC)

The WPC (wood-plastic composite) flooring category is the hottest thing in the market today. WPC is luxury vinyl tile (LVT) taken to the next level. WPC flooring has all the beautiful looks, durability, and ease of installation of LVT, but with a secret weapon: a waterproof core. YES, it’s completely waterproof! It will not buckle, bow, mold, or split from water damage. The layers of WPC are what make it so effective. In addition to its waterproof core, WPC has a “printed layer.” This is the pretty part. WPC is known for its realistic wood, tile, and stone looks. All of these layers are protected by a wear layer that prevents scratches, dents, and beatings. WPC is also very low-maintenance. 

​Sheet Vinyl

​Sheet vinyl is also low-maintenance and water-resistant. If installed correctly, vinyl is one of the most durable flooring materials. It is scratch and stain resistant due to a clear wear layer. This wear layer allows vinyl to be more flexible and softer underfoot. Keep in mind not all vinyl is created equal and some brands will be more susceptible to scratches and stains than others. Vinyl has almost every style in wood, tile, and stone you can think of. Vinyl is also easy on the wallet, generally costing considerably less than other options.

So many designs, looks, and patterns are at your fingertips to make your home your own. Come by our showroom or visit online at shopfloorstogo.com. 

​2018 was quite a year! From hardwood and tile; to carpet, laminate, and vinyl; and all the way to waterproof flooring and countertops, we installed it all! Bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, hallways, laundry rooms, and bedrooms galore! Here’s a look back at some of our projects from 2018. 
If 2019 is the year to get your project going, give us a call at 256.231.5600 for a free estimate, or check out more projects and products online at shopfloorstogo.com.

When it comes to wood-look floors, LVT and WPC have changed the market. The flooring category continues to improve on visuals and durability. LVT and WPC offer realistic wood and tile looks but with easier maintenance and installation. Today we’re going to look at one flooring in particular: Market Place’s Rigid Plus Flooring (RPF).

​Market Place engineered vinyl flooring is designed for use in commercial and residential spaces. For residential applications, Market Place Flooring supplies a lifetime warranty for residential floors and a 15-year warranty for commercial. RPF’s durability makes these excellent warranties possible. Each plank is topped with a UV-cured ceramic finish which permits maximum durability without the use of floor finish. The top layer is made of PVC, and the extruded core is made up of 85% PVC and 15% limestone. RPF therefore has maximum resistance to chipping, scratching, and dents. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also waterproof, making it great for basements, bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere else in your home or office space.

​Market Place’s RPF doesn't just have high function, it also has high design. RPF comes in eight different unique wood-looks. Our personal favorites are Catawba, Southport, and Whispering Pine. Catawba and Whispering Pine are both variation wood-looks that make the appearance of reclaimed wood with different plank sizes. Southport has the color of white oak reclaimed wood with a wide plank look.
 
These are just a few of the wood-looks Market Place offers in their RPF series of flooring. RPF flooring comes in unique and realistic wood-looks and is also very durable, even 100% waterproof. If you'd like to see more of this flooring, click here, or stop by our showroom.

There are many great options to choose from when it comes to wood-look flooring. Today we want to introduce you to AtroGuard. AtroGuard was specifically developed to combine the natural wood elements and rigidity of laminate flooring with the water resistance of luxury vinyl flooring.
 
AtroGuard is a multi-functional, 100% natural wood fiber flooring with no plastic elements. Unlike regular laminate flooring, AtroGuard can be wet-mopped and installed in kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Its “2 pass power sealing process” and extra tight lock-click installation system give it the ultimate protection from humidity. This flooring also features “SureCore” technology which means it can be installed without transition moldings, up to 4,000 sq. ft, creating a clean style especially good for open floor plans. In addition, AtroGuard flooring stands up to stains, cigarette burns, and scratches with ease. It’s also Greenguard certified to ensure there are no unhealthy emissions in your home.
 
In addition to being a champion in its technical aspects, AtroGuard is quite the contender in style. It offers up to 32 unique, textured planks within one style for an authentic wood look and feel. A favorite of ours is Misty Hollow, a beautiful blend of grey wood tones. The River Crossing line embodies subtle tan notes overlaid with dark brown and black grooves, perfect for traditional and classic designs. For a lighter wood look that encompasses many styles, Sunkissed Acre is an excellent choice.
 
AtroGuard offers many more unique styles with brushed, hand-scraped, and embossed details, making it difficult to tell it’s not hardwood. It’s easy to install, durable, and resistant to scratches, stains and water. Stop by our showroom to see our selection, or learn more at atroguard.com. 

​Dark colors often get a bad rep, mainly due to the fact that dark colors used incorrectly can cause a space to feel small. However, dark colors can also be used to add depth, richness, and a certain amount of coziness to a space. Let's look at some ways to embrace the dark side and add enjoy the richness and beauty it can bring to your home.
 
When you think of dark colors, you might just think of blacks and grays, but don't limit yourself. There are unending palettes of dark beauty in green, red, and blue shades. Don't underestimate how beautiful your space can look using a dark color as your primary wall color. It's a popular belief that dark colors can make a space feel small and gloomy, but this is not always the case. If used correctly, dark colors can be stunning and make your space rich and warm. If you’re not ready to take the full plunge, dark colors can be incorporated as an accent wall coupled with lighter, neutral walls to add a stunning contrast.
 
Balance is the key to using a dark color pallet. If your primary wall colors are dark, bring out the contrast with a light neutral for trims and furnishings. Don't over-use textures and patterns because your dark colors are already your contrast. Too many textures or patterns can overwhelm the space. An excellent source of textures is wood, used through wood furnishings and especially hardwood or wood-look floors. Your floors can help balance a dark color scheme by choosing a light, neutral wood or wood-look.  
 
Maybe you’re thinking about neutral walls with deep, dark floors, or maybe you’re bold enough to couple dark walls and floors. Either way, there are so many gorgeous options in dark hardwood and wood-look flooring in vinyl and WPC. Shades range from traditional browns to blacks and ebony. How dark you go really depends on your personal taste. Also consider lighting, both artificial and natural. Lots of light will keep the space from feeling too closed in. Lighter accent pieces and furniture add contrast as well.
 
Don’t be afraid of stepping over to the dark side. The key is balancing deep hues with light, neutral floors, trims, furnishings and accent pieces. Embrace the beauty you can achieve with deep dark colors.

Vinyl is loved for its durability, look, and low maintenance, thus it continues to grow in popularity. Vinyl comes in several different forms like sheet vinyl and LVT (luxury vinyl tile or plank), and now there's a new vinyl on the scene, WPC. Let's look at what WPC is and why it's so popular.

WPC is LVT taken to the next level. WPC vinyl flooring has all the beautiful looks, durability, and ease of installation of LVT, but with a secret weapon: a waterproof core. While LVT is water resistant, WPC is completely waterproof. The layers of WPC are what make it so effective. WPC is typically comprised of 4 layers:

• Backing layer: the backbone of your plank.
• WPC core: the main attraction. WPC like Mohawk's SolidTech contains a solid, waterproof core made of a material like that of a PVC pipe. It won't ripple, swell, or peel no matter how much moisture or water damage it is subjected to. Some WPC flooring, like COREtec contains a cork/wood polymer core.
• Printed vinyl layer: the look. This is where your wood, tile, or stone looks come from. WPC is known for having some of the most realistic looks in flooring. Most have a hard time telling the difference.
• Wear layer: the bodyguard. This layer acts as a shield to protect your floors from scratches, dents and beatings. WPC has some of the most heavy duty wear layers in the flooring industry.

WPC has been routinely put to the test against other flooring like laminate and engineered hardwood. In the following video, all three flooring types were soaked in red wine for 24 hours. The results were amazing! WPC came out with no water damage or staining; can't say the same about the laminate or engineered hardwood! Check it out HERE.

​For even more on WPC, check out our own video series on what happened when we had a water leak under the WPC on our offices. 

​As you can see, not all vinyl is created equal. WPC is quickly becoming one of the most popular flooring choices on the market. One reason for this is the fact that it’s waterproof. Want to know more about WPC? Come by, and our sales representatives would be happy to show you everything WPC has to offer.

​Enclosed porches are comfortable spaces perfect for drinking your coffee and taking in the outdoors while, basements make great game rooms or even guest rooms. Enclosed porches and basements are very different spaces, but when it comes to flooring, one thing they have in common is that these spaces need durable flooring. Let's take a look at some options for both.
 
Enclosed porches are comfortable spaces that bring the outdoors in. Depending on how exposed your porch is, it could contend with intense sunlight, moisture from rain, and even freeze-thaw cycles. Porcelain tile will stand up to most of the abuse the outdoor elements can dish out. Porcelain tile comes in many sizes and styles like wood looks, stone, and even hand- made ceramic looks. Keep in mind if your porch isn't fully heated and protected from the elements, you need to choose a tile that is rated for outdoor use in your climate.
 
Another choice for the enclosed porch is engineered wood. Engineered wood does not have the cold-to-the-touch feel of tile and adds the appeal of real wood that many love. Engineered wood can usually be installed over a concrete subfloor, but your porch should be weatherproofed and heated. Keep in mind how “enclosed” your porch really is before choosing engineered wood. Engineered wood requires a more controlled environment than porcelain tile.
 
The basement is used for many different things: game rooms, man caves, guest rooms, or even apartments. However you use this space, all basements are exposed to moisture. Concrete subfloors, especially below grade, might be damp constantly, and these spaces may be subject to flooding.  Because of the moisture issues basements often have, vinyl and WPC are excellent flooring options. Sheet vinyl, vinyl tile, and WPC come in almost any look you can think of: wood, stone, slate, ceramic tile and many more. What makes vinyl and WPC great for the basement is that they’re made mostly of plastic, making it very water resistant.
 
A runner-up to vinyl and WPC for the basement is laminate. Laminate is dense fiberboard topped with an image sealed under clear plastic. Many of today's laminates are also water resistant, but keep in mind that laminate, because of its fiber board material, is not as water resistant as vinyl and WPC. Laminate has beautiful wood looks and plank sizes for an authentic wood look. Laminate is also a very affordable choice.
 
Every room in your home deserves beautiful, functional flooring that’s just right for your space. Make sure to consider the amount of exposure to the elements and moisture your porch or basement will have and choose accordingly. Porcelain tile and engineered wood are excellent for enclosed porches, while vinyl and WPC products are great for basements exposed to a lot of moisture. 

This is the first blog in our series on "Top Flooring Choices for Every Room." Today's post is all about bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, and laundry rooms.

Every room in your home has different needs and functions depending on the traffic and use of the space. For instance, carpet isn’t the best choice for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms or high-traffic areas like mudrooms and laundry rooms that are often subject to outdoor elements. All of these spaces endure a lot of wear, moisture, and scratches. Two of the best-suited flooring options for these areas are porcelain tile and vinyl.
 
Why porcelain tile? Porcelain tile is denser, less porous, harder, and more stain and water-resistant than ceramics or stone. In addition to being very water-resistant, porcelain tile outperforms other flooring materials in its resistance to scratching and denting. Whether it’s stomping muddy boots, dropping dishes, or spilling liquids, porcelain tile stands up to the beatings. It also comes in so many styles and sizes! Porcelain tile can mimic natural stones like granite, limestone, and slate and is also available in stunning wood looks. Newer designs draw inspiration from exotic locales and fashion runways, with surfaces that evoke leather, fabric, even animal print. Another perk is that porcelain tile is low maintenance, only requiring sweeping and a damp mopping.
 
Why vinyl? Today's vinyl continues to evolve in trends and technology. It’s water resistant, scratch resistant, and easy to maintain—requiring only sweeping or vacuuming and the occasional damp/dry mopping. Vinyl comes in several forms like vinyl plank, vinyl tile, and sheet vinyl. Vinyl plank and tile are available in beautiful wood and stone looks, but if you’re wanting a less “traditional” look, sheet vinyl has endless styles and patterns. In addition to wood and stone looks, sheet vinyl beautifully displays patterns and vintage tile looks making it easy to use your floor as your “canvas” to express your unique style.
 
Don’t forget: flooring functionality and durability are just as important as style when it comes to kitchens, mudrooms, bathrooms and laundry rooms. You can get the best of both worlds with porcelain tile and vinyl. Both flooring options offer stylish looks and durability that stands up to the challenges of everyday life in your home.

The great outdoors is amazing, especially when you have your own little piece of the outdoors at home. Maybe it's sitting on the patio or balcony reading, fun times by the pool, or a welcoming walkway in a garden or court yard. Either way, it's these outdoor spaces that really bring something extra to our homes. Let's take a look at how to make a welcoming outdoor space and the flooring you can use to do this.
 
One of the most popular outdoor spaces is the patio. These usually consist of a concrete slab off the house, sometimes with a roof to provide shade. A sliding glass door connecting your living space with your patio will make your living space feel open and add lots of natural light. You can take your patio to another level by continuing your flooring in the home out onto the patio. To do this, though, you will have to choose a floor covering that is suitable to be outdoors.
 
Floor coverings like hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tile, and carpet are not ideal for outdoor use or in any areas that are not regulated. (Some hard wood can be used outside but requires an extensive of amount of maintenance). If planning on using these kinds of floor coverings, keep in mind they are susceptible to moisture damage and not recommended for outdoor use. Still want to carry your wood or tile flooring outside? Well not to worry. There are several options available.
 
The WPC flooring category offers wood and stone looks that are perfect for indoor or outdoor spaces, allowing you to continue your look from the inside out. You may love sipping drinks and relaxing on your porch but hate the maintenance that comes with wood. The porch is a prime example of an area WPC wood-look flooring can bring a new look and more comfort to your outdoor space with less maintenance.
 
Tile is beautiful outdoors, whether it's on a patio, porch, walkway, or poolside. When opting for tile outdoors, stone or ceramics are not ideal because they absorb too much moisture. Stone and ceramic tile is also susceptible to cracking and breaking when the temperatures rise and fall. However, slip-resistant porcelain tile that is rated for outdoor use is perfect. Slate is also a great choice for outdoor spaces. When properly sealed, this natural stone is a champion of beauty and durability. Keep in mind that using larger-sized tiles can make your space feel bigger, and wood-look tile will add texture and warmth.
 
So, when looking to expand your home to the outdoors, remember to keep the space open to allow the outdoors in. Think outside the box when it comes to the walkways and floors. Remember the maintenance that will be needed for the flooring you choose and be sure to pick a floor covering that is not only beautiful but durable and meets your needs.