Time to replace your flooring?
Today's options transcend Berber carpet and linoleum.
In fact, creative flooring is one of the hottest trends in home improvement and a key attraction at this year's Deseret News Home Improvement, Remodeling and Decorating Show.
The event will feature numerous companies offering the latest in hardwood floors, tile and stone and carpet. Reel Flooring Inc. will debut its signature product also called 'Reel Flooring.'
Portable flooring
Reel Flooring is a roll-up portable flooring with multiple uses. It can cover cracked concrete or worn wood on patios, decks and garage floors. Reel Flooring's roll-up feature allows it to be easily moved and used for outdoor events that require flooring.
"Outdoor usage is great because of the good drainage," says Blair Velo of Reel Flooring. "Reel Flooring is a plastic material that can be customized to any size. It's a nice alternative that will give a finished look."
Hardwood floors
For those who have always wanted hardwood flooring but didn't want to spend the money, representatives from the Wood Flooring Warehouse encourage people to install their own hardwood floors.
Randy McCullough of Wood Flooring Warehouse is a third-generation member in the wood-flooring business. His father and grandfather installed traditional hardwood flooring, but McCullough had a different idea for the business.
"I teach free classes on how to install a hardwood floor and sell all of the supplies and rent all of the tools that would be needed," says McCullough. "It saves the customer about 50 percent to install it themselves."
Hardwood floors have made a big comeback in the minds of today's homeowners. The reason, says McCullough, is that the new products are stronger and require less maintenance. Because of this, he is seeing a lot of new-home construction and remodeling being done with hardwood floors.
Ceramic and stone tile
"Natural stone is taking off," says Brandon Egan of Arizona Tile, one of the largest independent tile companies in Utah. "The common places for tile are in the kitchen, bathroom and entryways."
It is, in fact, becoming a trend for homeowners to place tile or stone in the entryways.
Arizona Tile will have samples of granite and marble slabs on display.
Some people would like to have natural stone but find the cost too high. According to Egan, there is now a porcelain product that mimics natural stone but costs less.
"It's warm, won't break, is easy to clean and looks just like a tile floor," says Bill Thomas, the manager.
New carpeting
Mill Direct Carpets will also be displaying the latest in carpet trends.
This will include things such as carpet that feels like "rabbit's fur," carpet with a waterproof cushion that keeps spills from soaking into the pad, and carpet with a soft back that won't scratch the walls and wrinkle upon installation. This carpet also acts as an insulator to keep the floor warmer, especially on those cold wintry days.