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The Material Guide

Know your surface.

An honest guide to the floors beneath your feet — what works, what lasts, and what's worth the investment.

Wide plank white oak hardwood flooring in a living room

Solid Hardwood

The gold standard. Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of timber — white oak, walnut, hickory, maple, and more. It brings an irreplaceable warmth and character that no engineered product can fully replicate. Best in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Sensitive to moisture, but can be refinished for decades — a floor that literally outlasts the house.

DurabilityVery High
Best RoomsLiving, Dining, Bedrooms
MaintenanceMedium
Lifespan75–100+ years
Price Range$$$$
RefinishableYes — many times

Best for homeowners who want timeless beauty and are willing to invest in a floor that will be there for generations.

Engineered Hardwood

Real wood veneer over a dimensionally stable plywood core. Engineered hardwood handles humidity and temperature swings better than solid, works over concrete and with radiant heat, and is nearly indistinguishable from solid hardwood once installed. The smart choice for most Nashville homes.

DurabilityHigh
Best RoomsAny above-grade room
MaintenanceLow–Medium
Lifespan30–50 years
Price Range$$$
Refinishable1–3 times

Best for homeowners who love the look and feel of real wood but need more flexibility with installation and environment.

Dark walnut engineered hardwood in a dining room
Terracotta style tile flooring in a warm kitchen

Porcelain & Ceramic Tile

Dense, durable, and nearly indestructible. Porcelain tile is fired at extreme temperatures, creating a surface that resists moisture, stains, scratches, and heavy traffic. Available in marble-look, wood-look, concrete-look, and endless patterns. Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and outdoor spaces. Cold underfoot without radiant heat — but practically maintenance-free.

DurabilityExceptional
Best RoomsBath, Kitchen, Entry
MaintenanceVery Low
Lifespan50–75+ years
Price Range$$–$$$$
MoistureFully waterproof
Macro detail of tile pattern and grout lines
Luxury vinyl plank flooring in a kitchen

Luxury Vinyl Plank

The New Standard in Durability

Modern LVP has transformed the flooring industry. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and incredibly realistic — today's premium vinyl plank is nearly indistinguishable from real hardwood or stone, at a fraction of the cost. A rigid core and wear layer protect against dents, scratches, and moisture. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets and kids.

DurabilityHigh
Best RoomsAny room
MaintenanceVery Low
Lifespan15–25 years
Price Range$$
Moisture100% waterproof

Best for families, pet owners, and budget-conscious homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the maintenance.

Plush carpet in a master bedroom

Carpet

Warmth, comfort, and sound absorption. Modern carpet has come a long way — stain-resistant nylon and polyester fibers, luxurious cut-pile and textured loop options, and styles that complement any interior. Nothing else feels as warm underfoot on a cold morning. Best in bedrooms, playrooms, and basement family rooms.

DurabilityMedium
Best RoomsBedrooms, Playrooms
MaintenanceMedium
Lifespan8–15 years
Price Range$–$$
ComfortUnmatched

Specialty Surfaces

Beyond the classics. Polished concrete brings an industrial-modern edge to lofts and open-concept spaces — seamless, durable, and striking. Cork and bamboo offer sustainable alternatives with natural warmth. Terrazzo makes a comeback in high-design homes. For the homeowner who wants to make a statement.

DurabilityHigh–Very High
Best RoomsLofts, Open Concept
MaintenanceVaries
Lifespan25–50+ years
Price Range$$$–$$$$
StyleModern & Bold
Polished concrete flooring in a modern loft

Compare at a Glance

Every material has strengths. The right one depends on your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Durability
Moisture
Maintenance
Lifespan
Price
Best For
Solid Hardwood
Very High
Low
Medium
75–100+ yr
$$$$
Living, Dining
Engineered
High
Medium
Low
30–50 yr
$$$
Whole Home
Porcelain Tile
Exceptional
Waterproof
Very Low
50–75+ yr
$$–$$$$
Bath, Kitchen
LVP
High
Waterproof
Very Low
15–25 yr
$$
Any Room
Carpet
Medium
Low
Medium
8–15 yr
$–$$
Bedrooms
Specialty
High
Varies
Varies
25–50+ yr
$$$+
Modern Spaces

Not sure which material is right?

Visit our showroom to see and feel every material in person, or book a free consultation and we'll help you choose.

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