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Archive for the ‘Specialty Flooring’ Category

The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to upgrade and redefine your home. Flooring, often seen as a functional component, has emerged as a key design element capable of transforming your space. The right flooring not only adds aesthetic value but also enhances comfort, durability, and practicality.

As 2025 begins, new flooring trends are blending timeless appeal with innovative solutions. Whether you’re drawn to cozy textures, resilient materials, or statement-making designs, there’s an option for everyone. Let’s explore the possibilities for reimagining your home with the year’s top flooring ideas.


1. The Cozy Comeback of Carpeting

Once overlooked in favor of hardwood or vinyl options, carpeting is experiencing a resurgence. Today’s carpets are designed with a focus on sustainability, luxury, and practical benefits. Soft textures and soothing colors are key trends for 2025, making carpet an inviting choice for bedrooms, family rooms, and other cozy spaces.

Carpet is also favored for its insulating properties, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature during colder months and reducing noise in high-traffic areas. Advances in carpet fibers and treatments mean modern carpets are more durable and stain-resistant than ever.

What’s Trending:

  • High-pile and plush textures that create a warm, luxurious feel underfoot.
  • Neutral and earthy tones such as stone gray, soft beige, and pale taupe.
  • Sustainable materials like wool or recycled fibers to align with eco-friendly lifestyles.

Practical Considerations: In addition to its aesthetic appeal, carpet is an excellent choice for homes with young children or seniors, as it provides a softer, safer surface for falls.

Design Tip: To elevate your space, layer area rugs over carpets. Opt for contrasting colors or bold patterns to create visual interest without overwhelming the room.


2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Beauty Meets Durability

Luxury Vinyl Plank continues to dominate the flooring market in 2025. Its incredible versatility allows homeowners to enjoy the look of hardwood or stone without the maintenance challenges these materials can bring. LVP’s resistance to scratches, moisture, and everyday wear makes it an ideal solution for families with children, pets, or high-traffic households.

One of LVP’s standout features is its ability to mimic natural materials so convincingly that it’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Homeowners love its combination of practicality and aesthetics.

Why Choose LVP:

  • Perfect for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
  • Available in a wide variety of finishes, including distressed wood, matte stone, and high-gloss looks.
  • Durable enough for commercial use, making it a smart investment for long-term wear.

Creative Application: LVP can be combined with area rugs to define living spaces in open-concept homes. This pairing creates cozy zones while maintaining the visual flow of the flooring.

Styling Insight: Use LVP throughout an open-concept floor plan to create a cohesive look. For a unique touch, consider laying the planks in herringbone or diagonal patterns.


3. Engineered Hardwood: Timeless with a Modern Twist

For those who love the classic look of hardwood but need a more durable and versatile option, engineered hardwood is the answer. This flooring type features a top layer of natural wood over a multi-layered core, which provides greater stability in areas with fluctuating temperatures or humidity.

In 2025, lighter wood tones such as white oak, ash, and light maple are highly sought after. These finishes give spaces an airy, modern feel while maintaining the timeless beauty of natural wood.

Key Benefits of Engineered Hardwood:

  • Resistant to warping and shrinking, making it suitable for basements and kitchens.
  • Compatible with underfloor heating systems for added warmth and comfort.
  • Easier to install than solid hardwood, often allowing for floating floor installations.

Where to Use It: Engineered hardwood is versatile enough for nearly every room in the house, from living rooms to hallways. Its durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

Pro Tip: Pair light-toned engineered hardwood with darker furnishings to create an elegant contrast, or keep it minimal with neutral décor for a Scandinavian-inspired look.


4. Bold and Beautiful Tiles for Every Room

Tiles are no longer confined to kitchens and bathrooms. In 2025, homeowners are using tiles as a bold design statement in nearly every room of the house. From colorful geometric patterns to textured natural stone finishes, the possibilities are endless.

Tiles are particularly popular for their durability and ease of maintenance. They’re an excellent choice for entryways, mudrooms, and even living rooms when paired with radiant floor heating.

Trending Tile Styles:

  • Geometric Patterns: Create a dynamic, modern vibe with hexagons, chevrons, or intricate mosaics.
  • Large-Format Tiles: Oversized tiles are perfect for achieving a clean, seamless look in open spaces.
  • Natural Stone Looks: Porcelain tiles that mimic marble or slate add luxury without the upkeep of real stone.

Creative Application Ideas:

  • Use textured tiles to create a feature wall in a bathroom or living area.
  • Incorporate colorful tiles into a backsplash to add personality to your kitchen.
  • Choose matte-finish tiles for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

5. Nature-Inspired Flooring: A Connection to the Outdoors

Flooring that brings the beauty of nature indoors is a major trend for 2025. Whether through wood-look planks, stone-inspired tiles, or earthy color palettes, this style emphasizes tranquility and connection.

Nature-inspired flooring works particularly well in spaces designed for relaxation, such as bedrooms and living rooms. It pairs beautifully with other natural elements like houseplants, wicker furniture, and soft textiles.

Top Choices:

  • Wide-plank wood flooring with natural knots and grain for a rustic touch.
  • Porcelain tiles in slate or travertine finishes for durability and elegance.

Design Tip: Combine nature-inspired flooring with large windows or skylights to maximize natural light and enhance the organic feel.


6. Area Rugs: A Layer of Comfort and Style

Area rugs are an essential design element for 2025, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. They’re ideal for defining spaces in open-concept homes, adding warmth to hard flooring, or introducing bold patterns and colors.

Where to Use Area Rugs:

  • Anchor your living room seating area with a large, plush rug.
  • Place a runner in a hallway or entryway to protect floors and add a welcoming touch.
  • Use an area rug under your dining table to delineate the space and protect your floors.

Pro Tip: Experiment with layering rugs of different textures, such as a jute rug paired with a soft, patterned overlay.


7. Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Floors

No matter which flooring type you choose, proper care is essential to keep it looking its best. Routine maintenance can help prevent wear and extend the lifespan of your investment.

General Care Tips:

  • Vacuum carpets regularly to remove dirt and allergens.
  • Use pH-neutral cleaners on hardwood and LVP to prevent damage to finishes.
  • Seal tile grout periodically to maintain its appearance and durability.

Seasonal Advice: In winter, place mats at entryways to catch snow and debris. For added protection, use boot trays to contain wet shoes and boots.


Transform Your Space in 2025

Your flooring is more than just a surface—it’s the foundation of your home’s design. Whether you’re drawn to the cozy appeal of carpet, the durability of luxury vinyl, or the timeless beauty of hardwood, the right flooring can elevate your space and reflect your personal style.

Visit our showroom to explore these trends and discover the perfect flooring for your home. Our experts are ready to help you create a space that’s stylish, functional, and uniquely yours.s it is beautiful, setting the stage for a home you’ll love in 2025.

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When designing or renovating your home or commercial space, flooring decisions carry significant weight, particularly in high-traffic areas. Whether it’s a busy kitchen, a bustling hallway, or an office lobby, choosing the right flooring for these areas is essential to ensure longevity, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Flooring in high-traffic zones must be durable enough to handle the wear and tear that comes with regular foot traffic while still offering comfort and style.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best flooring options for high-traffic areas and discuss important factors like durability, comfort, water resistance, and ease of cleaning. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various flooring materials, you can make an informed decision that suits both your design preferences and practical needs.

What Qualifies as a High-Traffic Area?

Before diving into specific flooring types, it’s essential to define what we mean by “high-traffic areas.” These are spaces in your home or business where people frequently walk, stand, or move items. As a result, these areas experience more wear, dirt buildup, and the occasional scuff or spill. Common high-traffic areas include:

  • Entryways and Foyers: The entrance to your home or office sees a lot of foot traffic and often bears the brunt of outdoor dirt and moisture.
  • Hallways: Hallways are frequently used passageways, especially in homes with multiple rooms or in office buildings. Their narrow design can lead to concentrated wear in specific spots.
  • Kitchens: The heart of many homes, kitchens are high-traffic due to meal preparation and family gatherings, not to mention the likelihood of spills.
  • Living Rooms and Family Rooms: As spaces for relaxation and entertainment, living rooms see constant use, whether from family members or visitors.
  • Commercial Spaces: In offices, retail stores, or restaurants, flooring must handle heavy daily traffic, as well as the movement of furniture or equipment.

These spaces demand flooring solutions that are not only attractive but can withstand the heavy wear and tear that comes with frequent use.

Key Considerations for High-Traffic Flooring

When choosing flooring for high-traffic areas, it’s not just about looks. You’ll need to consider various practical factors to ensure your choice can withstand the demands of the space. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

  1. Durability: The flooring material needs to be tough enough to resist scratches, dents, and general wear. High-traffic areas are subject to more damage than low-traffic rooms, so it’s crucial to choose a material that can handle frequent use.
  2. Ease of Cleaning: In areas where dirt, dust, and spills are common, easy maintenance is essential. Look for flooring that can be quickly swept, vacuumed, or mopped without special treatments.
  3. Moisture and Stain Resistance: Spills, water, and mud are common in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms. Choosing flooring materials that are moisture-resistant and less prone to staining will extend their lifespan.
  4. Comfort: Some areas, such as kitchens and living rooms, are spaces where people stand or walk frequently. In these rooms, consider choosing flooring that offers comfort underfoot, whether through the material itself or by using a cushioned underlayment.
  5. Style: High-traffic areas often serve as transition zones between rooms, so it’s important to select flooring that complements your overall interior design. The right flooring should enhance the aesthetic while maintaining practicality.
  6. Cost: Durability and longevity often come at a price, but budget is always an important consideration. Some options like vinyl or laminate may offer a good balance of affordability, durability, and style, while other materials like hardwood may require a more significant investment.

The Best Flooring Options for High-Traffic Areas

With the basics covered, let’s dive into the best types of flooring for high-traffic zones. These materials have proven their resilience in busy households and commercial spaces.

1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury vinyl is a standout option for high-traffic areas due to its impressive durability, affordability, and style flexibility. LVP and LVT come in plank and tile forms, respectively, and offer realistic designs that mimic natural materials like wood and stone.

  • Durability: Made from multiple layers, luxury vinyl is built to resist wear and tear. It has a protective top layer that defends against scratches, scuffs, and dents, making it perfect for spaces like kitchens, hallways, and entryways.
  • Water and Stain Resistance: LVP and LVT are waterproof, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms. Unlike natural wood, vinyl won’t warp or stain when exposed to water or spills.
  • Maintenance: Luxury vinyl is easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep. Regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping are all it takes to keep it looking new.
  • Aesthetics: Modern luxury vinyl comes in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing homeowners to achieve the look of hardwood, stone, or tile without the cost or maintenance issues associated with natural materials.
  • Cost: Compared to other durable options, luxury vinyl is a more budget-friendly choice, offering a great combination of resilience, style, and affordability.

2. Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are renowned for their hardness and durability, making them excellent choices for areas that experience heavy traffic, moisture, and frequent cleaning.

  • Durability: Porcelain tile is known for being harder and denser than ceramic, which makes it more resistant to wear and moisture. Both tile options are tough enough to withstand high foot traffic without showing signs of wear, and they are highly resistant to scratching.
  • Water Resistance: Tile is inherently water-resistant, making it ideal for entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens. Porcelain, in particular, has a very low water absorption rate, making it the best choice for areas that may see frequent spills or moisture.
  • Maintenance: Tile flooring is very easy to maintain, as it can be swept, vacuumed, or mopped with minimal effort. Grout lines, however, may require periodic deep cleaning or sealing to prevent discoloration or mold buildup.
  • Aesthetics: Tile comes in a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you endless design options. You can create everything from classic to contemporary looks with tile, and it can even mimic natural materials like wood and stone.
  • Cost: While the initial cost of porcelain or ceramic tile can be higher than some other flooring types, its durability and low maintenance make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

3. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring brings timeless elegance and natural beauty to any space, making it a highly sought-after choice for homeowners. While it’s durable enough for high-traffic areas, it does require a bit more maintenance than some other options.

  • Durability: Solid hardwood can handle heavy foot traffic if properly maintained. However, it is more susceptible to scratches and dents, particularly in homes with pets or children. Engineered hardwood, which consists of a solid wood veneer over a plywood base, offers a bit more durability and is less prone to moisture-related issues.
  • Maintenance: Hardwood floors need regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp cloth. You may need to refinish hardwood floors every few years to restore their appearance and address surface damage like scratches or fading.
  • Aesthetics: Hardwood floors are unmatched in terms of natural beauty and warmth. They come in a wide range of wood species, colors, and finishes, allowing for flexibility in design. Hardwood can elevate the look of both traditional and modern spaces.
  • Cost: Hardwood is more expensive than other flooring options, both in terms of upfront costs and long-term maintenance. However, it adds significant value to a home, and its timeless appeal makes it a worthwhile investment.

4. Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood that still offers durability and style. Modern laminate flooring closely mimics the appearance of real wood or stone, giving homeowners the opportunity to achieve the look they want at a lower cost.

  • Durability: Laminate flooring is constructed to withstand heavy use. It has a tough top layer that resists scratches, dents, and fading, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
  • Maintenance: Laminate floors are easy to maintain with regular sweeping or vacuuming. Spills should be cleaned up quickly to prevent damage, but overall, laminate requires less upkeep compared to hardwood.
  • Aesthetics: Laminate flooring has come a long way in recent years. High-quality laminate closely resembles natural wood, stone, or tile, offering a stylish look without the high price or maintenance associated with those materials.
  • Cost: Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option that still delivers durability and a polished look, making it an excellent choice for those seeking value.

Choosing the right flooring for high-traffic areas requires a careful balance of durability, style, and maintenance. Whether you opt for luxury vinyl, tile, hardwood, or laminate, each material has its strengths that make it well-suited for busy spaces. By assessing your specific needs, budget, and design preferences, you can find the perfect flooring option that not only holds up to heavy use but also enhances the overall look and feel of your home or business. With the right flooring, your high-traffic areas can remain functional, stylish, and easy to maintain for years to come.

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If you are here to learn more about flooring, you came to the right place. To help buyers become more aware of the products within our market, we have created a quick and easy guide. This guide covers the basic types of flooring that consumers are eagerly buying. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading!

Popular Types of Flooring:

Hardwood.

One of the most classic and timeless choices for homeowners is hardwood floors. Their natural beauty and classic look create for a stunning home. Hardwood can be a breathtaking addition to any home, and it is offered in a wide selection of sizes, styles, and colors to meet your style preferences.

  • Best Rooms for Hardwood: Living Room, Dining Room, and/or Bedroom(s).

Carpet.

The other most traditional flooring option is carpet. Carpet adds instant coziness and texture to any space. Carpet can also be an excellent choice for families because of its add plushness and added protection.

  • Best Rooms for Carpet: Family Room and/or Bedroom(s).

Laminate.

Laminate takes on the look of popular flooring finishes like stone, wood, tile, and even concrete. Laminate flooring can be installed over top of your existing floors without the need to use nails/glue.

  • Best Rooms for Laminate: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Ceramic Tile.

Ceramic tile can be one of the most personalized choices for homeowners. From your kitchen backsplash to bathroom floors, ceramic tile can be a beautiful addition in your space. Plus, it comes in an array of colors, shapes, sizes, and even textures for your personal preferences.

  • Best Rooms for Ceramic Tile: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Natural Stone.

Natural stone withstands moisture and creates a stunning finish inside of any room. With its polished look, you can create a luxurious space in no time. Plus, stone can be used outside; making it the perfect option for outdoor patios.

  • Best Rooms for Stone: Kitchens, Bathroom and/or Outdoors.

Vinyl.

Vinyl can be an extraordinary flooring option for homeowners who want a resilient and versatile flooring option. Vinyl flooring has exceptionally low-maintenance and high durability for homeowners who need a little wiggle room in their flooring. With its gorgeous array of choices, you can complete the look of your dreams for less.

  • Best Rooms for Vinyl: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Are you interested in learning more about a particular product? We would love to help you. Contact us today or visit one of our locations to learn more. Thanks for reading!

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Nov-13-2015

The At-A-Glance Guide to Home Flooring Options

Posted by Carpets N More under Specialty Flooring

If you’re in the early phases of remodeling or building a home, the endless options on your mind can be quite overwhelming. In hopes of making those first steps a little easier we’ve created a simple, basic guide to the different types of flooring. Use it to select a few that initially appeal to you and then visit with us to further explore the options.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

Squares crafted of porcelain or ceramic and glazed. These have been used for centuries because they are easy to clean, hygienic, and durable. This functionality combined with how aesthetically pleasing they are has made them immensely popular. Especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

Carpet

Available in both natural and synthetic varieties, this reliable flooring option can be made of wool, polyester, nylon, or polypropylene. Carpet is available in thousands of colors and patterns so those who like options will appreciate it versatility. It’s best suited to dry environments.

Engineered Wood

This product employs a veneer of hardwood over top of layers of wood underneath. It is also known as composite wood. It is often pre-laminated. Finishing techniques include either processed or machined.

Cork

A flooring derivative made of bark from the cork oak.  It’s exceptionally sustainable and therefore a very popular choice among environmentally minded home owners. It’s also ideal for rooms where a natural, earthy vibe is desired.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a polymer flooring option that is 100% synthetic. It includes pigmentation and it is thus available in many colors. It’s also non-porous and flexible which makes it ideal for tricky rooms that aren’t well suited to less flexible and higher maintenance options.

Stone

Stone flooring makes use of various types of natural rock. It is initially carved out of a quarry and then sized and cut for use as flooring. Well loved stones include marble, slate, limestone, and granite. Quartz has recently risen in popularity as well.   

Bamboo

Application involves installing bamboo reeds over sub-flooring. Bamboo is exceptionally durable and it is a great natural option if you are avoiding synthetics in your home design. It’s very renewable and eco-friendly as well.

Hardwood

Hardwood is a flooring option that is milled from a single piece of timber. It’s very durable. It tends to always be in demand because it’s a valuable flooring upgrade that instantly raises the bar in terms of style and luxury. Common types of hardwood for floors include oak, maple, hickory, and walnut.


Apr-21-2010

Luxury Vinyl Tile

Posted by Carpets N More under Specialty Flooring

resilwhy03If your memory of vinyl flooring is that of industrial style vinyl tiles underfoot at the old supermarket, memorize this: today’s vinyl tile has gone beautiful. That’s one reason it’s called Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).

LVT is illusional. LVT features printed designs that mimic hardwoods, stone, ceramic tile, metal flooring, bamboo, marble — you name it. It simulates these materials so well that most people can’t tell the difference between the real and LVT. (We dare you to try!)

LVT is luxury without the price tag. We know you’re not made of money and neither is LVT. It’s beautifully affordable, and that’s no illusion.

LVT is tough. It offers you the look of ceramic tile or stone without the cold bare feet. (brrr!) It’s stable, quiet underfoot, stands up to wear and tear and won’t splinter, chip, crack or need waxing.

LVT celebrates versatility and flexibility. Practical in any room in your home, LVT comes in countless styles and patterns, colors galore and sizes from 4”, 6” and 8” planks to 12”, 16” and 18” tiles.

LVT is, BTW, ideal for DIY. Easier to install than ceramic tile or stone, LTV is a favorite project for weekend handymen and even handier women.

Note: “peel and stick” vinyl tile is not the same as LVT and can fail over time, creating loose tiles. Ask us for guidance.

Feel free to call us for more information or to ask a question. And don’t hesitate to leave a comment here – we’d love to hear from you!