​If you own rental homes or apartments, you likely understand the struggle of maintaining these properties. Apartments and rentals often take a lot of abuse, so how can you make your property both durable and appealing? In this blog we will discuss some flooring options that are durable, appealing, easy to install and maintain, and cost effective.
 
We realize these apartments or rental houses are your income, so the main goal is for them to make money and to be cost effective. The most widely used flooring for rentals is basic carpet and VCT (vinyl composition tile). Both a basic carpet and VCT is easy to install and easy to replace (as well as cost-effective) when damaged. Something to keep in mind, though, is that although these flooring options may be more affordable, they often have to be replaced frequently and are not always visually appealing to most renters.
 
When you pick a lower quality flooring, you will likely have to replace it every time a renter moves out or even more often than that, which means more money and more work. In the long run, the flooring that will save you more money, time, and get you better renters is flooring that is both durable and appealing.
 
Here are some flooring options that are cost effective, durable and stylish:

• Sheet Vinyl
• Luxury Vinyl Tile
• Laminate
• WPC (or waterproof plank flooring)

 
The above flooring options will bring style and lasting quality to your rentals. They are available in many modern wood and tile looks and are easy to install and replace. 

​Cabinets, counter tops, light fixtures etc. When you’re renovating your kitchen, there are many features to choose to update. One relatively small area in the kitchen is the backsplash. Even though the backsplash is often just a small part of the kitchen, it can add eye- catching appeal and make a statement that ties your whole look together.
 
There are so many options in tile. How can you decide what tile combinations to use? For starters, get inspired. Look for pictures and others forms of inspiration to help you get an idea of what you like. Keep in mind your color scheme and the style you’re trying to achieve. Do you like bright colors or neutrals? Glass or stone? Metallics or mattes? Are you traditional or trendy? There’s a tile for all of these! Today we’re going to look at three different backsplash options including classic, modern, and vintages styles.
 


​A classic style encompasses neutral colors along with fewer patterns. Textures also often play a part in the depth of the classic look. Below is a combination of Tesoro Glass Lux and Crema tile that offer a stone look in a neutral color.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life, so making sure you've found the right home for you is important. Many people buy homes that need either a lot or a least a little renovating. Often the main areas that need improvement and that can increase your investment value are flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms.
 
​Good floors and subfloors provide safety, style, and durability to a home. Some homes may have outdated or worn flooring that is no longer functional or appealing to the eye. In kitchens and bathrooms, it’s important to check for water damage and make any repairs or renovations promptly. The same goes for the rest of the house. Make sure you have solid subfloors as the foundation for your renovation projects. Consider whether carpet needs to be replaced or cleaned. Also inspect your hard surfaces for any repairs if you’re keeping them or evaluate what will go into replacing them. (Don’t forget we offer free estimates!)
 
Kitchens and bathrooms are also big selling points for homes. Maybe you found a home that’s move-in ready, but a lot of us look for that diamond in the rough that we can make our own. Updating tile, redesigning a kitchen or bathroom, adding granite countertops and blacksplashes; these are all custom touches that make your home reflect your style and increase its value.
 
Remember that flooring provides the foundation not just for the style of your home but for the memories you and your family will make there. They say the kitchen is the “heart of the home,” so make it a fun and functional space the whole family can enjoy. After a long day, you deserve a bathroom that gives your family a place not just to get clean, but to unwind. By putting your personal touches on your new home, it will soon become your dream home.

It’s getting closer to summertime, and many of us are dreaming of blue oceans and sandy beaches. While we can’t always make it to the beach, we can bring summery, coastal vibes into our homes by incorporating an Old World, Mediterranean style.

Mediterranean décor consists of bright colors mixed with Old World elements. It’s basically the opposite of modern, with lots of textures, colors, and curved shapes. The general color scheme for this look utilizes Terra cotta, turquoise, rust, and yellow all contrasted by bright, clean whites. You can find many elements of Mediterranean décor in tiles like terra cotta, hand-painted, aged, and Moroccan tile. While some may think these materials can be expensive and hard to find, we have several products that offer the perfect match.
 
Tesoro’s Grunge Oxid, Cuba mix, and Havana series of tile make a great combo for backsplashes or even accent walls that exude Old World charm. In addition, Mannington’s Deco Steel luxury vinyl is a beautiful option for kitchen or bathroom floors to give a space the look of unique, hand-painted tiles at a fraction of the cost. Aged or distressed wood also plays a part in Mediterranean design. A flooring like All South Floor’s Gulf Coast Driftwood is an excellent option for an aged wood-look to give your space an open flow and balance out high-patterned tiles. Finish off your look with European style accessories, and don’t forget to throw in some wrought iron.

These floorings and tile offer just one example of how to achieve a Mediterranean look in your home. Keeping these design principles in mind, you can explore other options in our showroom or on our website at shopabbey.com that work together to achieve your desired look.

At Ted’s Abbey Carpet & Floor, we’re more than just floors. In addition to building and installing showers, backsplashes, and tubs, we also install granite countertops. Just like new flooring and tile, granite countertops are a great investment that adds value to your home. Granite is a beautiful and strong natural stone that’s popular in areas like kitchens, baths, bars, etc. We offer a good selection of top quality granite, installed by professionals.
 
Today we have the privilege of talking with long-time customer, Sherry Ward, about her experience with granite countertops from Abbey.
 
What did you think of the selection of granite countertops at Ted’s Abbey Carpet & Floor?
 
"They had just what I needed. I love the granite I picked, and my sales person even helped me to match it to my décor in the kitchen.”
 
Was your installation timely and professional?
 
“Yes, the installers were great, and they finished my very large kitchen in less than a day.”
 
Would you choose Ted’s Abbey Carpet & Floor again for counter tops or other home projects?
 
“Yes, I’ve been very impressed and happy with all the work I’ve had done by them.”
 
At Ted’s Abbey Carpet and Floor, we treat our customers like family and want you to trust us for your next project. Whether it’s floors, baths, kitchens, etc., stop by to see how we can help you, or call us today to schedule a free estimate. 256.231.0008. 

Open floor plans continue to remain a popular interior design element. They allow for a seamless flow throughout a home and lend themselves well to a feeling of unity, conversation, and fellowship with family and friends. Whether you have a home with a large, open space or a smaller home that is cozier, the right use of flooring can open up your design.
 
One way to achieve this is by installing the same flooring throughout your space. For some, this may seem unusual because we are often accustomed to tile in the kitchen and bath, hardwood in the living room and hall, and carpet in the bedrooms. Good flooring choices to take throughout the whole house are LVT (luxury vinyl tile or plank), WPC (wood polymer composite), and sheet vinyl. These flooring choices, depending on brand, are either waterproof or water resistant and very durable, making it possible for them to be installed anywhere in the home. Each of these products are also able to be installed without transitions, thus creating a continuous flow. In addition, these products all come in wood or tile looks, perfect for whatever design you’re going for.
 
Tile is also an excellent flooring choice that can literally be installed anywhere in your home. Today’s gorgeous, stylish wood-look varieties go with any décor from rustic to modern. The options are pretty much endless with tile, whether you’re looking for a natural stone look, classic design, or something sleek and bold. Tile is easy to clean and maintain, no matter where it’s installed.
 
Laminate and hardwood also lend themselves well to open, common areas of the home, with certain considerations. Engineered hardwood is a better choice than solid if being installed in potential wet areas like kitchens. Any spills or leaks should be cleaned up quickly, and you should only use a damp mop when cleaning. Many types of laminate now come with water resistant properties, but care should also be taken in not exposing laminate to large amounts of liquid. We do not recommend laminate or hardwood for bathrooms, but they’re great for the main living areas of a home.
 
So, our takeaway tips are:

• Try the same kind of flooring throughout the home for a streamlined flow.
• Flooring such as WPC, LVT, and sheet vinyl can be installed without transitions which creates a continuous feel room to room.
• Tile can be installed anywhere.
• Take precautions against moisture when installing hardwood or laminate.

​There are many different kinds of carpet made up of different fibers and materials, and each has varying pros, cons, and qualities. Most people are used to hearing about polyester or nylon when shopping for carpet. Today we’re going to look at a revolutionary fiber you may have never heard of: Mohawk’s Triexta. On March 20, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially announced a new fiber for carpet. They named it Triexta, and it is similar to polyester. Triexta was invented by DuPont, and is produced under the brand name Sorona.
 
While Triexta is similar to polyester, there are some differences. Unlike polyester, Triexta fibers are not made with large amounts of petroleum. Triexta is made with rapidly renewable corn glucose in place of petroleum (up to 37%). This means less gas-offing of VACs from your carpet, making it better for your home. While polyester tends to have more of a sheen, Triexta, like  nylon, has more of a matte finish. Triexta is also highly stain resistant and does not absorb moisture. In fact, it is often used in clothing labeled as “dry fit.” In addition, Triexta resists color fading and exhibits superior softness. Triexta has thus found its way into the flooring marketplace most prominently with Mohawk’s SmartStrand carpet, making it one of the most durable, luxurious, and stain-resistant carpets on the market.
 
You may not be used to hearing the term “Triexta,” but now you know it’s a very renewable high-performance carpet fiber. Triexta is used in one of the best carpets on the market: Mohawk’s SmartStrand. To see all the options SmartStrand has to offer, click here, or stop by our showroom.

​People love natural stone for bathrooms because it’s perfect for flooring, wall Mosaics, vanity tops, and tub surrounds. One natural stone that is particularly popular for bathrooms is travertine. Many home owners choose travertine for its visual features, but it's also popular for its low maintenance and durability. Today we’ll be looking at the design options of DW Tile’s travertine line.
 
When you think of travertine, your first thoughts might be of the typical beige color scheme, but this natural stone comes in more colors and variations than you may realize. DW Tile’s travertine comes in colors like Walnut, a neutral beige and tan colored travertine similar to distressed wood, and a silver, gray-toned travertine perfectly colored for today's modern gray trend in home décor.
 
DW’s Leonardo travertine is one of our favorites. Its slight orange, beige, and even gray variations make quite a visual statement. DW Tile has these and several more travertine styles and options perfect for any décor. All DW’s travertine tile comes in a variety of sizes and finishes for tile used anywhere from showers to vanities. DW Tile also offers beautiful vessel, deep-v, and drop-in sinks, not to mention finishing touches like ledger stone and other beautiful travertine trims.
 
Natural stone continues to be a favorite in homes for its beauty, value, and durability, and DW Tile has a excellent variety of travertine for any project. We also carry many other lines of natural stone and tile to customize your design. Our professional installers can help you build your dream bathroom, including personalized walk-in showers. Call us today to schedule a free measurement and estimate for your renovation. 256.231.0008

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular floor coverings on the market. The classic wood look has always been a buyer’s favorite, and now there’s more than one way to get that wood look in your home.
Laminate, sheet vinyl, LVT, WPC and even tile are all stepping up their games in wood-look styles and durability. With these new players out there, why does real hardwood remain on top?
 
One reason real wood remains popular is aesthetics. Many floorings come very close to duplicating the textures, stains, and characteristics of real hardwood, but they’re still not the real deal. Home owners know this and often lean toward hardwood for their home because of the beauty and resale value it adds.
 
As far as your options with hardwood, there are solid and engineered planks. Plank sizes can range from 2-1/4 inch to 6-inch planks giving you a variety of looks, including the popular random-width category which mixes plank sizes. Solid hardwood can be stained and refinished many times, while with engineered hardwood, you may only be able to refinish it once. Also depending on your climate, you may need to take into consideration the size of your planks and which hardwood type is less or more susceptible to swelling and shrinking. To learn more about hardwood types, including climate effects, check out this post.
 
These are just a few reasons why hardwood floors remain a very popular and sought-after flooring. So, if your considering hardwood floors or maybe have discovered your home has been hiding them under some other flooring, consider the benefits of wood floors and the beauty and value they bring.

Modern Industrial design encompasses the feel of the city and is often made up of a clean-lined design with brick, metal, and wood textures. Do you have to be in an old brick building in the city to achieve this look? No, let's take a look at how you can use flooring and other fun accessories to turn any space into a city escape.
 
As mentioned, the main components of modern industrial style are brick, metal, and wood textures. All of these textures can be achieved with tile. Specifically, we’re going to look at Daltile's 2”x8” Brickwork Terrace tile and Yorkwood Manor 6”x36” Pecan tile. Brickwork Terrace offers a distressed brick look often seen in traditional metropolitan architecture like factories and lofts. It’s an ideal tile for accent walls and backsplashes. Yorkwood Manor Pecan tile comes in large planks and is most often used on floors for a distressed, reclaimed wood look; however, it can also be applied to walls to really make a statement. Both of these tiles come in various shades and color combinations to suit whatever design you’re going for.