For almost three decades, the Taylor Flooring name has been synonymous with quality flooring products in Nova Scotia. Now the company is taking that same commitment to quality and customer service into other facets of home improvement.
“We’re moving towards one-stop shopping,” explains Patrick Wood, Sales Manager with Taylor Flooring. “Customers will be able to come in and get most of their renovation shopping and installation done in one place.”
Taylor Flooring is introducing kitchen cabinetry, lighting, customized stairs and millwork at its retail locations. The company has experienced a great deal of growth in recent years, launching its own millwork division, creating its own lighting division and purchasing the Ontario kitchen and cabinet company, AyA Kitchens.
“We don’t want to be a big-box store,” Wood points out. “We still want to be specialized, with a focus on customer experience.”
There will be specialized personnel on hand to work with clients to make sure their needs are met, he adds.
“Our people will have the specific knowledge to be able to go deeper into those projects, and make sure our clients are getting the right products.”
In a rapidly changing marketplace, Taylor Flooring is making the decision to add more offerings to clients to ensure future competitiveness.
“We realized we had to continue to evolve,” Wood says. “We want to be able to provide more services to our clients, and this is the way to do that.”
Taylor Flooring was launched in 1993 by entrepreneur Robert Taylor, and the company’s mandate from the beginning was to supply and install quality flooring finishes to both the residential and commercial market. In 2009, the company amalgamated with Creative Flooring.
“The advantages of amalgamation include larger warehouse space and the buying power of a larger company,” says Wood. “But it’s still run independently. The brand is very well known, and we have a great client base.”
Taylor Flooring has retail outlets in Dartmouth, Halifax, Bridgewater and Sydney, along with a 120,000 sq. ft. warehouse on Thornhill Drive in Burnside Industrial Park.
New products are constantly being introduced into the flooring market, and one of the most popular trends right now is luxury vinyl planks.
“It started about 10 years ago, but the imagery has really improved and the quality and durability are top-notch,” Wood says.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is designed for high performance in active households. Featuring the beautiful, natural look of hardwood, luxury vinyl plank flooring provides 100 percent waterproof protection against spills and stains. The product is also resistant to scratches, scuffs and dents.
Its waterproof features make it an ideal option for bathrooms, kitchens and basements, and also provide peace of mind against flooding, weather-related events and all of the other unpredictable moments in life.
Carpet
Carpet still provides a huge comfort factor, as the feeling of sinking your feet into a soft pile remains popular with consumers of all ages.
“For kids’ rooms and rec rooms, people still like to have something soft and warm on the floor,” Wood says. “Sometimes people will do their entire house in hardwood, and then later they decide they want area rugs for most of the rooms.”
Ultimately the decision about which soft carpet is best for your home comes down to a balance of softness versus durability, clean-ability and budget.
Tile
Homeowners appreciate the value of a special, customized room — and tile flooring offers endless possibilities to achieve that unique finish.
Tile manufacturers have responded to the demand for coordinated tile options, creating collections with various sizes of field tile, mosaics and edging tile that can be combined in remarkable ways. Collections can be mixed and matched for an even more customized look. Combining a stone collection with a textile collection, for example, can introduce additional colour and texture to a project.
Wood
Wood floors add warm, rustic charm and natural beauty wherever they are installed. There are many options on the market, and consumers should understand the differing features of solid hardwood and engineered hardwood.
Both are made from 100 percent real wood, and both deliver a beautiful visual impact. There are differences, however, in construction, stability, installation and cost.
Solid hardwood planks are created from a single, thick piece of solid wood. It is inherently durable, but must be permanently nailed or glued to the subfloor. Engineered floors can have greater dimensional stability in extreme temperatures, which provides slightly more resistance to buckling and rippling.
Laminate
There have never been more styles of laminate available than there are right now. Homeowners can opt for a vintage look with a textured plank, or for the sleek modernism of smooth laminate. It’s easy to install, affordable, strong, durable and easy to clean. In fact, laminate is expanding beyond the floors of the home, and is becoming a popular feature on walls.
“If you have a busy house with kids and animals, then laminate might be the best product for you,” Wood says. “It’s going to look new for a longer period, and you will get more life out of it.”
Whether in its traditional flooring products or its expanded line of services, customers can expect specialized knowledge and commitment to customer service at Taylor Flooring.
“This is how we differentiate ourselves from the larger stores,” Wood says. “When you come here, you’re going to get our expertise.”
Community involvement has been part of Taylor Flooring’s mission since the company was launched. Every year the company and its employees take part in the Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal — Atlantic Canada’s largest cycling fundraising event, raising funds to transform cancer care in our region. Each year, Taylor Flooring matches the donations raised by participating employees.
“We also support the Epilepsy Society and other groups,” Wood says. “We will look at every request that comes in. We’re always looking for more ways to get involved with the community.”ν
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