Tag: Flooring

Hardwood Flooring Trends in 2019

     GC Flooring Pros

 

Hardwood flooring is trending to be the most popular style of flooring that homeowners choose. There are several key benefits and characteristics of real wood floors: it’s timeless, comfortable, warm and attractive.

Real wood flooring makes a house a home. Homeowners choose hardwood flooring for their resilience, character and the increased value it brings to their home as floors provide a stunning backdrop to your space. If your home is on the market, the beautiful, stand out hardwood floors have a way of impressing prospective buyers.

Because hardwood flooring is a prominent feature of your home, we’ve listed a few trends that we’re seeing in 2019 that have longevity:

  • Cooler, Darker Colors: There’s a definite move away from warm tones (reds, yellow and red/brown undertones). Grey is the new, versatile “it” color and it shows no signs of slowing down. It’s neutral tones open up the many possibilities of working palettes around it and pairing its hardwood color with other elements of the room can really bring the whole look of your space together. The new “Greige” (grey+beige) color is in demand and creates a minimalist feel with the warmth of beige.
  • Elongated Tiles, Wider Planks: Planks that are 6-8” wide and 24’-48” long. This size lends to a comfortable, casual aesthetic. The wider planks also make older homes look more rustic and lend to the farmhouse appeal. In modern homes, the wide planks give it an elevated, contemporary feel.
  • White Oak – Oak accounts for approximately 80% of hardwood flooring in the USA. White Oak is a perfect choice for those wanting a minimalistic, modern look but still retaining character and beauty. Another benefit is that White Oak is easy to maintain and more water resistant than its counterpart, red oak.
  • Hardwood Cuts – More and more customers are seeing the value in rifted or quarter-sawn wood. Its linear pattern immediately draws you in and rifted hardwood expands more and contracts less, making it a great choice for those highly traffic areas such as the kitchen and living room.

If you’re looking to add or upgrade your Hardwood flooring in your home, contact GC Flooring Pros for a free in-home consultation. Click here to get started today, on elevating your home.

Vinyl Flooring…What’s the Draw?

 

luxury vinyl plank flooring in hand-scraped wood style

Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) has quickly become one of the most popular flooring choices for homeowners seeking durability, beauty, and long-term value. With its realistic wood textures, waterproof construction, and budget-friendly pricing, LVP is ideal for any room—from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and basements.

If you love the look of hardwood but want something more resistant to moisture, pets, and daily wear, luxury vinyl plank flooring is an excellent option. Below, we break down what makes this product so appealing and how GC Flooring Pros can help you choose the perfect style for your home.

What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an engineered flooring material designed to mimic the appearance and texture of real hardwood. Each plank includes multiple layers for stability, waterproofing, and comfort underfoot.

  • High-resolution wood-look visuals
  • Scratch-resistant wear layer
  • Rigid or flexible core (depending on product line)
  • Waterproof or highly water-resistant construction
  • Comfortable, quiet underfoot feel

Because it delivers the charm of wood without the maintenance headaches, LVP flooring is perfect for North Texas homeowners who want style + practicality.

Why Homeowners Love Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

✔ Waterproof & Pet-Friendly

LVP is fully waterproof (or highly water-resistant depending on brand), making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and homes with pets.

✔ Extremely Durable

The thick wear layer protects against scratches, dents, spills, and heavy foot traffic—perfect for families with kids or active lifestyles.

✔ Looks Just Like Real Wood

Thanks to modern printing technology, luxury vinyl plank flooring offers incredibly realistic wood textures including hand-scraped, wire-brushed, and matte finishes.

✔ Comfortable & Quiet

LVP often includes an attached pad or underlayment, offering a softer and quieter step compared to traditional wood or tile.

✔ Budget-Friendly Installation

LVP is more affordable than hardwood and can often be installed faster with click-lock or glue-down systems. It provides a custom designer look without the designer price.

Hand-Scraped Look in Luxury Vinyl Plank

If you love the rustic, textured feel of hand scraped hardwood, many LVP collections feature this same character—with lower cost and less maintenance. You can enjoy:

  • Soft ridges and realistic grain
  • Warm, organic texture
  • Rich tones and handcrafted appearance

These collections bring depth and personality to any room without the worry of scratches, moisture damage, or refinishing.

Luxury Vinyl Plank vs. Hardwood

While hardwood delivers unmatched natural beauty, luxury vinyl plank flooring offers advantages that matter to many modern homeowners:

  • LVP: Waterproof, scratch-resistant, affordable, easy to maintain
  • Hardwood: Natural beauty, long-term refinishing, higher cost

Choosing the right flooring depends on your lifestyle, budget, and the rooms you’re updating.

A Stylish & Practical Upgrade for Every Home

Whether you love farmhouse, modern, transitional, or rustic designs, luxury vinyl plank flooring offers endless options in color, texture, and pattern. It’s one of the most flexible flooring solutions available today.

Professional Help Choosing & Installing LVP Flooring

At GC Flooring Pros, we help you compare luxury vinyl plank flooring styles, understand durability ratings, and explore waterproof options. Our team manages every detail—from selection to professional installation.

We’ll help you find the perfect LVP floor that matches your home’s style, your lifestyle needs, and your budget.

Schedule your free in-home estimate and discover the best luxury vinyl plank flooring options for your home today!

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Choosing The Right Floor For Your Home

Home Flooring: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Floor for Your Home

Choosing the perfect home flooring is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. Your floors influence the look, feel, comfort, and long-term value of your home. From durability and maintenance to style and budget, several factors play a role in determining which flooring type is best for your lifestyle.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to consider when selecting new home flooring—whether you’re renovating, building, or simply updating a single room. Our goal is to help you make a confident, informed choice that supports both your design vision and daily needs.

Start With Lifestyle Needs and Daily Habits

Before choosing any material, take a step back and evaluate how you use your home. Your flooring must support the way you live, not the other way around. Here are key questions to guide you:

  • How much traffic will the space get? Entryways, hallways, kitchens, and living rooms need more durable flooring.
  • Do you have children? If you have younger kids, look for resistant, easy-clean options like LVP or laminate.
  • Do you have pets? Claw marks, water bowls, and shedding can affect flooring choices.
  • Will the floors frequently get wet? Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens need waterproof or highly water-resistant options.
  • How much maintenance are you willing to do? Some floors require refinishing, polishing, or frequent cleaning.
  • What’s your design style? Modern, rustic, classic, or transitional styles pair better with different flooring types.
  • What’s your overall budget? Consider materials, installation, disposal, trims, transitions, and floor preparation.

Understanding the daily realities of your household will help narrow down the most suitable home flooring materials early in the process.

Comparing Popular Home Flooring Options

There is no single “best” flooring that works for every home. Each flooring type offers unique strengths and limitations. Below is a breakdown of the most popular home flooring choices and who they’re best suited for.

1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

One of today’s top flooring trends, LVP mimics the look of hardwood while offering exceptional durability. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and ideal for busy homes with kids or pets.

Best For:

  • High-traffic areas
  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • Pet-friendly homes
  • Low-maintenance lifestyles

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring combines eye-catching style with affordability. Modern laminate options are durable, stain-resistant, and come in realistic wood visuals.

Best For:

  • Budget-conscious homeowners
  • Living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways
  • Homes wanting a wood look without the high price tag

3. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood remains one of the most desirable home flooring options for its timeless appearance and long-term durability. It adds value, elegance, and warmth to your home.

Best For:

  • Open-concept spaces
  • Living rooms and bedrooms
  • Homes seeking high resale value

If you’re considering hardwood, the National Wood Flooring Association provides excellent information on care, installation, and species selection.

4. Tile Flooring

Tile is one of the most durable and waterproof home flooring choices. It withstands heavy use and comes in countless styles, including stone, porcelain, and ceramic.

Best For:

  • Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms
  • Hot climates
  • Homes needing long-term durability

5. Carpet

Carpet remains a comfortable and cozy option for bedrooms and family spaces. It provides warmth, noise reduction, and comfort underfoot.

Best For:

  • Bedrooms
  • Home offices
  • Playrooms and movie rooms

Important Factors to Consider When Selecting Home Flooring

Now that you’ve explored the main flooring types, here are key factors that influence which option will work best in your home.

Durability

Durability is essential, especially in busy homes. Harder woods like hickory and oak perform better than softer pine. LVP and tile are ideal when maximum durability is needed.

Water Resistance

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to flooring. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms require water-resistant or waterproof materials such as tile or LVP.

Comfort and Noise

If comfort is a priority, carpet and cork offer soft, quiet surfaces. Harder surfaces like tile and hardwood can be paired with rugs for added comfort.

Maintenance

Consider how much effort you want to put into maintenance. Hardwood may require refinishing, while LVP and laminate only need light cleaning.

Budget

Your budget should include more than materials. Consider:

  • Subfloor preparation (leveling, moisture testing)
  • Trim and baseboard replacement
  • Furniture moving
  • Demolition and disposal
  • Installation labor

A comprehensive estimate helps avoid surprises later.

Design Tips When Choosing Home Flooring

Flooring plays a major role in the overall design of your home. Consider these style tips:

  • Color: Mid-tone flooring hides dust and pet hair better than very light or dark colors.
  • Texture: Wire-brushed and matte finishes hide scratches more effectively.
  • Plank width: Wide planks make rooms feel larger and more modern.
  • Consistency: Use similar flooring in connected spaces to create visual flow.
  • Pattern: Herringbone or chevron add elegance in entryways or dining areas.

Where to Get Help Choosing Home Flooring

If you’re unsure which direction to go, don’t worry—professional guidance can help simplify the process. For expert recommendations, material comparisons, and installation support, visit GC Flooring Pros.

Our trained team can walk you through samples, durability ratings, water-resistance levels, and design options to help you choose the right floor for your home.

FAQ: Choosing the Right Home Flooring

What is the most durable home flooring?

LVP and tile are the most durable options for busy households. For hardwood lovers, hickory and oak offer excellent strength.

Which flooring is easiest to maintain?

LVP and laminate require the least maintenance. Hardwood needs more care but offers a long lifespan.

What is the best flooring for homes with pets?

LVP is the top choice for pet-friendly homes due to its scratch resistance and waterproof nature.

Can I mix flooring types in my home?

Yes, but keeping similar colors and styles creates a cohesive look. Use transitions to unify spaces.

Choosing the right home flooring is about balancing beauty, durability, and functionality. With the right guidance—and a clear understanding of your lifestyle—you can select flooring that elevates your home for years to come.