Are you a shoes-on or shoes-off household? While most fall firmly in one camp or the other, it doesn’t change the fact that your floors are one of the hardest-working surfaces in your home. Not only do they set the tone for every room, but they have to stand up to kids racing in with muddy boots, pets trying to bury treats in the living room carpet, spilled coffee, and just… everyday life.
The best flooring strikes a balance between beauty and durability, complementing your home's style while fitting the way you live. But where to start?
“The first step in choosing flooring is identifying your goals,” says Pat Fabish, owner of Sage Flooring. “Are you focused on longevity and durability? Are you planning to sell your home, or are you remodeling because you want to love where you live? Those answers help determine which flooring makes the most sense.
“Right now, luxury vinyl plank is incredibly popular. It’s great for most rooms, including kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms. This type of flooring is really nice because of its durability, long lifespan, and cost-effectiveness compared to hardwood. And if you have kids and pets, a luxury vinyl plank is a great choice. It can definitely take a beating and wear and tear. Mopping and cleaning it is easy, and you don’t have to worry about scratching up the finish from dog paws or if kids come running in with a rock in their shoe.”
Along with luxury vinyl plank, Pat is seeing natural white oak hardwood flooring coming into popularity. “Wider, 5-7 inch white oak is definitely trending right now. I’m also seeing more sculpted pattern carpets versus plush, solid-colored carpeting. Of course, you’ll always have your tried-and-true solid oak stained hardwood floors.
“Before, we were doing more greyish stains for hardwood. However, that trend has gone by the wayside, and instead, we’re doing more warm tones like light browns with a little grey tint in it,” says Pat.
While those are the trending flooring styles at the moment, Pat says your personal design style and lifestyle matter most. “A past client of ours requested bright red carpet alongside blue-painted walls because she loves the Twins. Another wanted dark, black carpeting for their kid’s room because that was their kid’s favorite.
“However, if you’re not sure what style fits best, that’s where we come in,” says Pat. “The biggest regret I see homeowners have is not consulting an expert or professional. They go into a big box store where the staff may not have the experience or knowledge; for example, they may not know the difference between polyester and nylon carpeting and why you would want to choose one or the other. Remodeling your flooring is a big investment, and you want to have an expert — and expert installer — who does it right the first time.”
Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, Pat and his team at Sage Flooring have decades of expertise and experience under their belt, helping homeowners create spaces they love. “We’re one of the last trades to come in on a project,” says Pat. “Usually everything else is done except the flooring. And when we’re done, the flooring truly brings the project together. Seeing everything come together for the homeowner is my favorite part of the job because once the flooring is in, it looks finished, it’s cozy, and it becomes a home.”
The right flooring is about finding the perfect balance between your personal style and the way you live. Because the best floors aren't meant to be tiptoed around. They're meant to be lived on. So bring on the muddy boots, playful pets, and everything in between.