Choosing the right flooring can be overwhelming—especially if you have kids and/or pets at home and you want flooring that both lasts and is easy to maintain.
We checked in with flooring expert Michelle Hunt, the owner of the family-owned AZ Flooring And Finishes, for help. While she can advise on all types of flooring and finishes, here, she shares advice—as well as her top four flooring recommendations—for those situations.
“Homeowners should take into account their lifestyle, and whether that includes kids or pets,” she advises, saying that for those who do, “tile is the best. Laminate and vinyl plank both come in second. Also, aside from tile, all flooring needs to be in a climatic house.”
Hunt opened AZ Flooring And Finishes in 2023, after working for small, family-owned stores. She had the desire to open a store of her own and share her knowledge and experience.
AZ Flooring And Finishes specializes in all types of top-quality flooring, including tile, luxury vinyl, hardwood, carpet, carpet tiles, natural stone, glass tiles, cork, countertops, area rugs, window coverings, and more. Free in-home estimates and next-day installations are available.
Hunt’s background in interior design, customer service and her industry knowledge ensure that clients can receive expert advice on the perfect finishes for their home, ensuring their long-term happiness with both the look and performance of their final product choices.
Monterrey Tile Company “Spirit” Sober Chestnut 8” x 40”
“This tile is the perfect medium-toned tile that looks like real wood and hides messes until you can clean them up.”
Endura Plus “Tawny Oak”
“This luxury vinyl plank is 100% waterproof and provides great ‘cleanability.’ It has a wide range of colors, such as red, golds, browns, and grays.”
“The Area Rug”
Pet owners know area rugs are our best friend's favorite. It makes the room cozy and our furry friends love to lay on them. For those looking for a little carpet, this one has a soft back, made with Shaw's lifeguard technology, that is great for pets, keeping liquids from going down to the padding or hardwood floor. It comes in a low pile that won’t show traffic."
“Shaw’s Castlewood Hardwood”
Castlewood's stunning character is visually rich with the beautiful knots, mineral streaks, and natural splits seen in heirloom hardwood. Heightening its appeal is a low-gloss finish, which calls to vintage European oil-rubbed floors. The clean look and understated finish lets the beauty of the wood shine for a timeless look that ages gracefully. While our pets can scratch it, a handy furniture pen will help hide it or add character to this beautifully natural product."
“Homeowners should take into account their lifestyle, and whether that includes kids or pets. Tile is the best. Laminate and vinyl plank both come in second. Also, aside from tile, all flooring needs to be in a climatic house.”