Sometimes at the end of a long day, there’s nothing more relaxing than a good soak in the tub or a long, hot shower. Is your bathroom a place of rest, renewal, and relaxation? If not, it should be! In this blog we will explore some ideas and tips to turn your bathroom into an oasis.
 
When it comes to comfort, functionality, and style, custom, walk-in showers are the way to go. Many people choose to lose the tub and opt for a walk-in shower only, featuring glass doors, wall to wall tile, built-in benches, niches or shelves for toiletries, and even multiple shower heads and massaging jets. If you’re not ready to trash your tub though, another popular design is a walk-in shower/bathtub combo. Sometimes you may need pulsating jets on your skin, but other times all you need is a long, hot soak. A shower/tub combo is the perfect mix. If you really want to make a statement, try a freestanding tub in the center of the room. While this option is better suited to larger bathrooms, it really adds an elegant, contemporary look and is perfect to showcase a beautiful bathtub.
 
Of course, if we’re talking about bathrooms, we have to talk tile and accents. For the nature-lover, a look that incorporates natural stone or wood-look tile along with organic colors like greens, browns, and blues provides calming, earthy vibes of the great outdoors. If you prefer a more industrial style, consider brick or concrete-look tiles for the walls and shower with a free-standing metallic bathtub. Large format tiles are also well-suited for a contemporary or industrial look. In addition, shapes like hexagons, chevrons, and fish scales are re-emerging not only in floor tiles but also as intriguing accent walls and backsplashes that can really give your bathroom a personal touch.
 
A custom bathroom can really add to the design elements and value of a home. It’s a place to relax and offers much to express your personal style. Of course, the best way to get the bathroom of your dreams and keep it looking beautiful is to have it professionally installed and waterproofed with the Schluter Shower System. The Schluter System has multiple drainage options, and they also offer radiant heat flooring systems to keep your toes toasty! Call us today for your free estimate and professional installation! 256.231.5600.

In today’s home buying market, the biggest selling points are often kitchens and bathrooms! Whether you’re buying a home or looking to upgrade your own, installing granite countertops in these spaces is one of the best ways to add beauty and long-term value to your investment. Let’s look at what makes granite so desirable.

Granite is a natural stone available in an extremely wide variety of patterns, shapes, and tones. Each slab of granite is unique, ranging from soft and neutral to dark and dramatic. Some slabs feature subtle flecks of color. Others features large, dramatic veins or designs throughout the slab. Variation can also occur in the same slab, such as one end may have more color, pattern, or design than the other. Some people prefer uniformity in the countertops, but others like a statement piece. With granite, there’s something for everyone!

Granite is also extremely tough. Typically, the only thing that can scratch it is another piece of granite or rock. It’s so tough, in fact, that using a cutting board in the kitchen is recommended to protect your knives. If you slice food directly on the surface, you run the risk of dulling your knives. Granite is also tough against heat. It won’t bubble or blister if a hot pan or pot is placed on it.

To take care of your granite, first and foremost, make sure it’s professionally sealed when installed. Granite is porous, so it must be sealed to keep liquids from seeping in and staining or harboring bacteria. Once sealed, granite can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water. Glass cleaners, bleach, and abrasive pads and cleaners are not recommended as they may cause the sealant to weaken. It’s also a good idea to have your countertops professionally sealed every two to four years to keep them in top shape.

​So, are you ready to get going with granite? At Floors to Go, we offer a wide selection. Don’t see what you want in our store? We can even take you to our supplier to help you pick out your own slab. Stop by our showroom today, and let’s get started! shopfloorstogo.com

In this blog we will examine a flooring type that many have seen before but might not be very familiar with: parquet. Parquet flooring was very popular in the 60’s and 70’s, and it has started to make a comeback. Let’s look at what parquet flooring really is and its appealing features.
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Parquet flooring is made from wooden blocks or strips forming a geometric pattern, often triangles or squares. One particular pattern that has become very popular and fits a range of décor styles is herringbone. Herringbone is made up of a broken zig-zag pattern of planks, whereas a chevron pattern is continuous with planks coming together at a sharp point. These parquet flooring patterns have been around since the 1700’s and are a trade mark of grand European homes and buildings. Today, you can bring these grand patterns into your home through options such as engineered hardwood, tile, and even wood alternatives like vinyl, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, and waterproof plank flooring.
 
Over the years, parquet flooring has taken on new looks, giving it a more flexible and modern range of styles. The most common parquet styles that we tend to deem as old fashioned are oak and cherry wood in a square pattern. Lighter and gray toned woods along with chevron or herringbone parquet patterns are popular now. These parquet styles give a unique patterned look that also allows for more flow in your home. Design opportunities are limitless with parquet patterns and different flooring options. The only limit is really your imagination.

Many of us are feeling the effects of Tropical Storm Alberto in our area. Powerful rains such as these can often cause serious damage to our homes, especially our floors. In this blog we will discuss some maintenance and easy ways to help prevent water damage to our floors and also offer a few options in water-resistant flooring.
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Our homes already endure many spills and liquid-related accidents, especially if there are kids or pets in the home. With these accidents, generally just being attentive to spills is all you need, but with these rain storms you may have an abundance of water finding its way to your floors. Your entry way may be taking the most damage from family and friends coming in from the outdoors and tracking water and mud all through the house. Having super absorbent mats near entry ways and a space for visitors to remove their shoes at the door is a big step in the right direction for preventing water damage. When using absorbent mats, be sure to not let the mat hold too much water as you could be redistributing your water problem under the mat.
 
Another simple tip that is especially helpful if you have wood floors is air flow. This can help keep moisture build up from the atmosphere at bay. Another important maintenance tip is to watch for roof leaks in your home. If you see cracks, sagging, or discoloration in your ceiling, you may need to check your roof for damage.
 
If you’re tired of having to worry so much about water damage to floors, there are some good water-resistant and waterproof flooring options to consider. One of the best options is ceramic tile. We use it in our kitchens and bath rooms for a reason: it’s very water-resistant. But, you don’t have to limit yourself. Ceramic tile is perfect for any room in the house with endless styles available, including wood-look planks. The next option might surprise you: laminate now has some very water-resistant options, such as Mannington’s SpillShield technology that allows it to be used in any room of the house. The final flooring option is WPC which is a vinyl plank product that is completely waterproof. Many manufacturers like Mohawk now offer this flooring in a wide variety of wood and tile looks.
 
The first step in water-damage prevention is to make sure there isn’t a structural problem like the roof or leaks allowing moisture in the home. If your problem results from normal every-day traffic bringing in water, liquids, and mud, a waterproof or water-resistant flooring may be just for you! Call us today for a free estimate! 256.231.5600

When people are shopping for floors for their homes, they most often browse hard surfaces like laminate, vinyl tile, wood, tile, or carpet. While these flooring options come in a wide variety of styles and are made from many different materials, most share a common factor: they all have seams, grout lines, and other design details that add texture, depth, and interest. If you’re looking for something more streamlined or that mimics these floorings at a fraction of the cost, sheet vinyl may be for you.
 
 When we talk sheet vinyl, we’re not talking about that avocado green and yellow paisley or white and blue diamond pattern you grew up with. We’re talking gorgeous solids and patterns that can give your space a unique look not easily achieved with other products. Maybe you need a simple floor to keep your space feeling open, or maybe you want a patterned floor that is stylish and highly durable. Flexitec sheet vinyl has some great options. Flexitec’s Vanderbilt Muse lines are two sheet vinyl looks that have no seams or high patterns but mimic the look of fabric. For a modern look, the Previa line comes in four colors and looks like stained concrete.
 
If you’re looking for something with more visual interest, sheet vinyl also offers unique patterns. Patterned flooring can be a fun twist in design. Flexitec’s Sadako, Polygon, and Raeburn lines are all different patterned floors that can add flare to the right space. If you’re still interested in a wood grain but would like something unique, Flexitec’s Bamboo and Dulcinea offer just that.
 
When shopping for flooring, today’s looks in vinyl might lead you to think outside the box. Streamlined or low patterned vinyl can help make a space feel more open and is well-suited for modern décor. For something more interesting, patterned vinyl can add a unique look and flare to your space. Sheet vinyl has come a long way in both looks and durability making it a perfect option for almost any space.

It’s that time of year again! Time to work in our yards and gardens and freshen up our outdoor spaces. Whether you’re building a palatial patio, outdoor kitchen, or a gathering spot around a firepit, the right tile will help turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis.
 
Maybe you never thought about using tile outdoors; it can add beautiful, eye catching features to your home. Opting for slip-resistant tile around your pool area instead of concrete really adds polish to a design. The tile surrounding your pool can carry over into an outdoor fireplace or kitchen and patio area. If you really want to get fancy, you can use tile to surround your outdoor fireplace or as an accent wall in your outdoor grilling space.
 
Whatever space you design, the type of tile you choose is important. Natural stone tiles like slate are often used outdoors, but natural stone does require more maintenance and can be susceptible to discoloration overtime. Porcelain tiles are one of the most durable and well-suited tiles for outdoor use. If you’re set on a natural stone look but don’t want to deal with the upkeep, you can find porcelain tiles that emulate natural stones like slate and travertine.
 
Outdoor tile tips:

• Think outside the box. Tile can be used almost anywhere outside.
• Porcelain and slate tiles are best suited for outdoor use (porcelain is the ideal choice for its durability and longevity).
• Every tile has a rated grade. Make sure the tile you select is rated for outdoor use.

Color is often used to express our personal style and feelings, whether it be through art, home décor, accessories, or clothing. When it comes to home décor, color is all about the mood you want to set in your home. Do you want your space to be bright, vibrant, and energetic, or cool, calm, and collected? Today on the blog we’ll examine two different color schemes in regard to home décor: earth tones vs. bright colors.
 
Earth tones are just what their name implies: a color scheme made up of natural colors found in nature. This color scheme is particularly popular in many homes and businesses because these colors are neutral, calming, and flow well with a variety of styles and spaces. When you think of earth tones, you might generally think of colors like tan, beige, gray etc., but earth tones also encompass so much more. In nature, there is a wide variety of colors and earth tones that include muted greens, oranges, reds, blues, and yellows.
 
Bright colors on the other hand, are not as commonly found in nature. Bright colors consist of primary colors (along with their bolder and brighter variations) and are known for conveying a sense of energy throughout a space. Vibrant hues are most commonly used in contrast to neutrals for an eye-catching contrast. There are many fun ways to use bright colors in a space, and while flooring is mostly in neutral colors, there are some fun options in tile that can be used for floors, showers, walls and backsplashes. Carpets and rugs are also an area you can be creative with your bright colors. Keep in mind that bright colors can be used to add a stunning pop or focal point but can become overbearing if used too much.

When it comes to home projects or repairs, there are those people that would never even consider a DIY project, but then there are those that love the satisfaction of finishing a project with their own two hands. If you fall into that second category, this blog is for you! Today we’ll discuss a couple of different flooring options that make for easy DIY installation.
 
The first option for ease of installation is laminate. Not all laminate is created equal, but brands like Mohawk, Quick-Step, Mannington, and Armstrong are all reliable brands with good quality. Laminate is easy to install because it can be installed as a floating floor. This means it can be installed without adhesives or nails due to its click-together locking system. The planks are constructed so that they fit together and lock in place to form a solid surface floor.
 
Other flooring options that install similarly to laminate are LVT (luxury vinyl tile) and WPC (wood plastic/polymer composite). These are also rigid plank flooring options equipped with click-together locking systems. LVT and WPC can be installed as floating floors over plywood or concrete subfloors, or even right over previous flooring like tile or sheet vinyl. LVT and WPC do have an advantage over laminate in that they have very low maintenance requirements and are either waterproof or highly water-resistant, depending on which brand you choose.
 
If you enjoy a good project, we would be happy to supply you with what you need to get the job done right. Look for our regular specials and pricing on “U-haul” products. Also check out our closeout and clearance sections for fabulous deals for the do-it-yourselfer!

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.

Slate is a natural stone made by the compression of certain minerals and has been making its way into home for centuries. Slates has been used for roof tiles, fireplaces, walls, showers and floors. Let's look at were slate comes from and some of its qualities as flooring.
 
Like mentioned above, slate is a natural stone made from the crust of the earth. As is the case with most natural products, not all slate is created equal; the deeper the slate is in the ground, the better the quality. This is due to how our earth makes slate. The earth’s natural elements compact and compress the minerals that make slate, so the deeper the slate, the denser and more compact the slate will be. Higher quality slate is more expensive than slate mined closer to the surface because of the cost to harvest it. Slate in general is a high-quality stone with good durability.
 
Since slate is a natural product, its colors will vary, and no tile will be exactly the same. Slate does not come in as wide of variety as manmade products like porcelain and ceramic tile. Cleaning and maintenance for slate is pretty easy. It requires general sweeping and mopping (*note do not use harsh cleaners or vinegar to clean natural stone) and periodic sealing with a stone sealer.