From the Floors Up

Why Buy Flooring from a Local Business

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In today’s globalized marketplace, it’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of large retailers or online giants when considering home improvement projects. However, when it comes to flooring, there’s something uniquely beneficial about turning to your local businesses. Here’s why choosing a local flooring store might be the best decision you can make for your home and your community.

  1. Personalized Service: When you walk into a local flooring store, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by someone who truly understands the product and the needs of the local community. They can offer personalized advice tailored to your situation, whether you’re looking for something that can withstand heavy foot traffic, a pet-friendly option, or just something that fits the local climate.
  2. Quality Assurance: Local businesses often rely heavily on word-of-mouth and local reputation. This means they have a vested interest in ensuring that the products they sell are of high quality and that their installation services meet or exceed expectations.
  3. Supporting the Local Economy: Buying from a local flooring store ensures that your money stays within the community. This has a multiplier effect; local businesses often source goods and services locally, meaning your purchase can help boost other local enterprises as well.
  4. Unique and Diverse Options: Unlike large chains, which might stock the same products country-wide, local stores often carry unique or region-specific flooring options. This gives you a chance to find something different and perhaps better suited to your particular needs or aesthetic desires.
  5. Expert Installations: Many local flooring stores also offer installation services. By leveraging these services, you’re getting experts who are familiar with the products they sell and can ensure a perfect fit for your home.
  6. Building Community Relationships: Building a relationship with local businesses fosters a sense of community. Over time, the business will remember your preferences, offering a more personalized shopping experience with each subsequent visit.
  7. Responsive Customer Service: If there’s ever an issue with your flooring, having bought it from a local store makes resolutions quicker and more straightforward. Instead of calling a national hotline and navigating through automated prompts, you can often speak directly to someone you’ve met and who understands your purchase history.
  8. Local Knowledge: The climate, popular home designs, and common issues faced by homeowners might be specific to a region. Local flooring stores will have a deep understanding of these nuances and can guide you accordingly.
  9. Strengthening the Fabric of the Community: When local businesses thrive, they contribute to local events, sports teams, charities, and schools. By supporting them, you’re indirectly helping to enrich the fabric of your community.

While it’s tempting to gravitate towards the sometimes lower prices or vast selection of big-box retailers, the value offered by local flooring businesses is truly unparalleled. From expert advice to strengthening your local economy, the benefits are both tangible and deeply fulfilling. So, the next time you consider redoing your floors, remember the local businesses that might just offer everything you didn’t know you needed.

Important Considerations for Choosing Your Ideal Kitchen Flooring

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The kitchen is undeniably the heart of any home – a place where meals are prepared, conversations shared, and memories created. The choice of your kitchen flooring is a significant part of creating this lively space, as it needs to be both durable and stylish to meet the functional demands and aesthetic preferences.

But how do you choose the perfect kitchen flooring that is both practical and eye-catching? This post explores essential considerations that can guide your decision-making process.

1. Durability:

The kitchen is often the most frequented area in your home, so your flooring needs to withstand high foot traffic, spills, stains, and even the occasional dropped dish. While all flooring options have their pros and cons, some materials are known for their exceptional durability. For instance, ceramic tiles, natural stone, and hardwood are all tough choices.

2. Maintenance:

Maintenance is another crucial factor. How much effort are you willing to put into preserving your kitchen flooring’s appearance and longevity? Vinyl, for instance, is low maintenance and easy to clean, but it may not offer the same luxurious look as other materials. On the other hand, natural stone tiles are visually stunning but require more care to avoid stains and chips.

3. Comfort and Safety:

Given the amount of time you might spend standing in the kitchen, comfort should not be overlooked. Some flooring options, like cork, are more comfortable underfoot and offer a non-slip surface—a significant consideration if you have kids or seniors at home. But remember, these softer materials may not be as durable or easy to maintain.

4. Aesthetics:

Style and personal taste are vital when choosing your kitchen floor. The flooring plays a significant role in defining your kitchen’s overall look, setting the mood, and complementing your home decor. From the natural beauty of wood and stone to the diverse design options provided by tiles and luxury vinyl, there are plenty of choices to match your style.

5. Budget:

Ultimately, your budget will significantly influence your kitchen flooring choice. Options such as natural stone and hardwood tend to be on the pricier side, while vinyl and laminate can provide an affordable yet stylish alternative. Remember to factor in not just the cost of materials, but also the installation and future maintenance costs.

6. Sustainability:

If you’re environmentally conscious, consider the sustainability of your kitchen flooring. Bamboo and cork are both renewable resources that offer stylish and durable flooring options. Reclaimed hardwood is another excellent choice for an eco-friendly kitchen floor.

7. Underfloor Heating:

Finally, if you plan to install underfloor heating in your kitchen, this decision will affect your choice of flooring. Some materials, like porcelain and ceramic tiles, are excellent heat conductors, making them ideal for underfloor heating.

Selecting the right kitchen flooring involves a careful balance of practicality, style, and budget. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, so your decision ultimately boils down to what aspects are most important to you. By considering these seven factors, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a kitchen floor that not only meets your needs but also transforms your kitchen into a place you love.

Walking Through History: A Deep Dive into the Evolution of Flooring

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Mosaic tile floor in ancient Romain villa of Villasse Roman ruins, Vaison la Romaine, France

From the earliest times, flooring has been a vital component of human living spaces. It has served as more than just the foundation of our dwellings; it has been a canvas of art, a reflection of cultural sophistication, and a testimony to technological advancement. In this blog post, we journey through time, exploring the fascinating evolution of flooring – from the dirt floors of ancient civilizations to the high-tech smart floors of today.

Dirt and Stone: The Dawn of Flooring (Prehistoric Era to 3000 BC)

In the humble beginnings of human civilization, our ancestors primarily used dirt as the main flooring material. It was readily available and required minimal effort to flatten for use. However, as humanity evolved, so did their needs and techniques. Archaeological studies suggest the earliest use of stone flooring can be traced back to the Neolithic period. Particularly, in the Orkney Islands off Scotland, the inhabitants of Skara Brae used flat stones to create flooring and the walls of their homes.

Mosaics and Marble: The Classical Era (3000 BC to 500 AD)

The Bronze Age and Iron Age brought about advancements in architectural techniques. The Greeks and Romans, renowned for their architectural prowess, introduced mosaics – beautiful and intricate designs made from small pieces of colored stone or glass. These ornate floorings were a sign of wealth and status.

Simultaneously, marble started to gain popularity, especially among the Romans. The Pantheon’s marble floor, with its alternating patterns of circles and squares, is a classic example of its timeless appeal.

Tiles and Parquetry: The Middle Ages to Early Modern Period (500 AD to 1800 AD)

As we move into the Middle Ages, tile flooring became more prevalent. Ceramic tiles were common in the Mediterranean region, while the Dutch and English often used baked clay tiles.

By the Renaissance and through the Baroque period, parquet flooring started to come into play. Versailles’s Hall of Mirrors, with its geometric patterns of wooden tiles, showcases this technique’s elegance and sophistication.

Carpeting and Linoleum: The Industrial Revolution (1800 AD to 1900 AD)

The Industrial Revolution brought sweeping changes in flooring options. Mechanized looms allowed for the mass production of carpets, making them more accessible to middle-class households. Oriental rugs were particularly popular in Victorian homes, where they were seen as symbols of luxury and refinement.

The late 19th century also saw the invention of linoleum by Frederick Walton. This durable and easy-to-clean material quickly became a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.

Hardwood and Vinyl: The 20th Century

The 20th century introduced a variety of flooring materials, but the two that stood out were hardwood and vinyl. Hardwood flooring, long adored for its natural beauty and durability, became increasingly popular due to improved milling techniques and the trend towards open, airy interiors.

Simultaneously, vinyl flooring, first introduced in the 1930s, found its way into homes post-World War II, thanks to its affordability, resilience, and wide range of designs.

Smart and Sustainable: The 21st Century

As we step into the 21st century, the flooring industry is embracing both technology and sustainability. Technological advancements have led to the development of smart floors, capable of everything from generating electricity to monitoring health.

Sustainability is also playing a significant role. Eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood are becoming more popular. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve the sustainability of traditional materials, such as carpet recycling programs and sustainably-sourced hardwood.

From dirt and stone to smart and sustainable, the history of flooring is a captivating testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. As we continue to innovate, the future of flooring looks bright, promising a synthesis of form, function, and environmental stewardship.

Useful Tips for a Mudroom

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Choose Appropriate Flooring

The first useful tip for mudrooms is selecting the most appropriate flooring option. Ask us about the best flooring choice for your lifestyle. More than likely, the answer will be luxury vinyl, laminate, tile or stone, but it’s important to know how you live before choosing the right floors for your space.

Consolidate The Mud + Dirt

The best way to keep dirt and mud out of the rest of your home is by consolidating it to one central location. When using your mudroom, you want to make sure you take advantage of a wet shoe bin. Whether your shoes are covered in sand, mud or snow, the bin will collect the unwanted dirt and debris. This way you and your family do not track any excess dirt into the rest of your home.

A Place to Tie Your Shoes

It is always a good idea to have a place to sit down inside of a mudroom. You can add a pair of chairs or even incorporate a bench. Once you add a seating area, it will give you a place to tie your shoes and even take off your shoes.

Get Hooked

Hooks are a mudroom’s best friend. They can be used as wall decor as well as a functional staple piece. Be sure to add hooks to your walls for extra storage. Hang purses, backpacks, grocery bags or anything you use often on the way out the door.

Minimize On-Display Items

Speaking of hooks, we want to be sure that we do not overload the walls with coats and purses. You don’t have to hang everything in every category. Instead, we recommend only having a light selection of outwear and handbags out in the mudroom. Store all of your other jackets and bags inside of your mudroom or coat closet.

Store Seasonal Items

Seasonal items can be stored away until they are needed. Whether it is winter or summer, you can store the out-of-season items in a hall closet or basement until the weather changes.

Gate The Entrance

If you have a furry friend that tends to get muddy when they go outside, we recommend installing a gate at the entrance of your mudroom. This way, when your dog comes in from outside, they will be stopped at the gate until you have the chance to wipe their feet.

Wipe Your Feet

Not only is wiping your pet’s feet important, but it is essential that you and your family also have a place to wipe your feet. Be sure to place a doormat outside of your mudroom’s front entrance to avoid tracking dirt inside. Tracking dirt and debris into your home can damage your floors.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Shower Tile

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When renovating a bathroom or building a new one, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right shower tile. The shower tile you choose will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing shower tile:

  1. Material: Shower tiles come in various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most common and affordable options, while natural stone tiles like marble and granite tend to be more expensive. Glass tiles are also becoming increasingly popular for their unique appearance and easy-to-clean surface.
  2. Size and shape: The size and shape of your shower tile can also affect the overall look of your bathroom. Larger tiles tend to make a small bathroom look more spacious, while smaller tiles can add texture and dimension. Rectangular tiles are popular for their modern and clean look, while hexagonal and subway tiles can add a vintage touch.
  3. Color and pattern: Your shower tile’s color and pattern will set the tone for your bathroom’s overall design. Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray are timeless and versatile, while bold colors like blue and green can add a pop of color to your space. Patterns like stripes, geometric shapes, and floral designs can add visual interest and personality to your shower tile.
  4. Slip resistance: Safety should always be a top priority when selecting shower tile. Look for tiles with a slip-resistant surface to reduce the risk of falls and accidents, especially if you have children or elderly family members in your home.
  5. Maintenance: Some shower tiles require more maintenance than others. Natural stone tiles, for example, may require regular sealing and cleaning to maintain their appearance. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally easy to maintain and clean.

Selecting the right shower tile requires careful consideration of material, size and shape, color and pattern, slip resistance, and maintenance requirements. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a shower tile that meets your design preferences and practical needs.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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