Smart flooring choices for every room, style and budget.
Kitchen Designs Group provides end-to-end flooring services so your project moves from confident material choices to a flawless installed floor. We combine design guidance, rigorous site preparation and expert installation so your floors look beautiful and perform for years.
Hardwood
What it is
Solid or engineered wood flooring made from species like oak, maple, hickory and walnut. Hardwood is available in a range of board widths, finishes and installation methods (nailed, glued, or floating for engineered products). Southern Interiors and partner showrooms present hard-surface choices for traditional through contemporary designs.
Why people choose hardwood
- Timeless warmth & natural beauty. Real wood adds warmth and resale value and can be finished in many colors and sheens.
- Refinishable. Solid hardwood (and some engineered boards with thick wear layers) can be sanded and refinished — a long-term advantage.
- Comfort & acoustics. Wood feels warmer and more comfortable underfoot than stone or tile.
Popular formats & finishes
- Solid planks (nailed or glued to the subfloor)
- Engineered planks (stable in humid environments; often installed as floating floors)
- Wide-plank or narrow strip; rustic hand-scraped to smooth factory finishes
Installation notes
- Hardwood requires a level, dry subfloor and professional installation. Depending on the product, installation methods include nailed, glued or floating systems — each has different subfloor and moisture requirements. Professional installers check subfloor flatness, acclimate wood to the home, and follow manufacturer installation instructions.
Care & maintenance
- Sweep or vacuum regularly, wipe with a damp cloth and use manufacturer-approved cleaners. Protect from direct sun to minimize fading and use felt pads under furniture. Refinish schedules depend on wear and board thickness.
Where hardwood excels
- Living rooms, dining rooms, studies and primary bedrooms where a warm, classic look and long-term value are priorities.
Laminate & Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
What they are
- Laminate: A multi-layer, synthetic product that replicates wood or stone visuals using a photographic layer under a clear wear layer.
- LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): A resilient vinyl product that mimics wood plank format with high-performance wear layers and waterproof cores available for wet areas.
Why people choose laminate & LVP
- Cost-effective style. Both provide convincing wood looks at a fraction of hardwood cost (laminate) or with the additional install and waterproof benefits of LVP.
- Durability & easy care. LVP is typically waterproof and very forgiving around kitchens and baths; modern laminates are more scratch- and moisture-resistant than older generations.
- Fast installation & subfloor tolerance. Floating installations and click-lock systems speed installation and reduce labor time. Southern Interiors documents highlight professional-level installation for laminate and LVP to ensure proper subfloor prep and fit.
Formats & technical notes
- LVP comes in rigid core (WPC/Rigid Core or SPC) and flexible constructions; many LVPs have embossed or textured surfaces to match real wood grain.
- Laminate varies by AC rating and thickness — higher AC ratings indicate better abrasion resistance.
Installation notes
- Installers inspect and level the subfloor, control moisture and use recommended underlayments — professional installation improves longevity and reduces issues in odd-shaped areas. Southern Interiors emphasizes thorough subfloor inspection and accurate cutting for installation quality.
Care & maintenance
- Sweep or vacuum debris; clean with manufacturer-recommended cleaners. Avoid steam cleaners on laminate; LVP is commonly safe for damp mopping and is an excellent candidate for homes with pets or high moisture.
Where laminate & LVP excel
- Kitchens, basements (especially with LVP), rental units, high-traffic family spaces and projects where budget, durability and quick installation are priorities.
Porcelain, Ceramic & Mosaic Tiles
What they are
- Porcelain / Ceramic tiles: Kiln-fired ceramic products; porcelain is denser and less porous than standard ceramic and is widely used for floors and walls.
- Mosaic tiles: Small-format tiles (glass, ceramic, stone or porcelain) mounted on mesh for decorative patterns, backsplashes and shower floors.
Why people choose tile
- Extreme durability. Porcelain resists heavy wear, moisture and staining, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic zones.
- Design versatility. Large-format porcelain, patterned ceramic, natural stone-look tiles and mosaics deliver virtually unlimited looks.
- Outdoor & wet-area suitability. Many porcelain tiles are frost- and UV-resistant for exteriors; mosaics provide slip-resistant grout lines in wet areas.
Formats & finishes
- Large-format rectified porcelain planks and slabs for near-seamless looks.
- Textured, matte, polished finishes and mosaic sheets for decorative application. Southern Interiors recommends tiles for high-traffic and moisture-prone zones and offers a broad selection from small mosaics to large-format porcelain.
Installation notes
- Tile installation requires a properly prepared subfloor or mud bed, correct underlayment, and precise grout and sealing practices for natural stone. Proper layout, grout selection and expansion joint planning are critical to prevent cracking and discoloration. Professional tile installers ensure flatness, correct adhesive usage and consistent grout lines.
Care & maintenance
- Porcelain/ceramic: very low maintenance — sweep and damp mop; grout may require periodic cleaning and sealing depending on product and usage.
- Mosaic: grout lines will require attention; for natural-stone mosaics, sealing may be recommended.
Where tile excels
- Bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, entryways, outdoor patios and commercial spaces where durability, water resistance and design flexibility are priorities.
Quick Product Comparison
| Material | Look / Character | Durability | Water Resistance | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | Natural warmth; refinishable | High (varies by species) | Low (solid hardwood not for wet areas) | Living spaces, bedrooms, dining |
| Laminate | Wood-look, cost-effective | Good (varies by AC rating) | Moderate (some water-resistant lines) | Budget-conscious installs, living rooms |
| LVP | Realistic wood visuals; waterproof | Very good | Excellent (many waterproof) | Kitchens, baths, basements, rentals |
| Porcelain / Ceramic | Wide styles; can mimic stone | Excellent | Excellent (porcelain) | Bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor patios |
| Mosaic | Decorative patterns & mixes | Good (depends on material) | Good (with proper grout & seal) | Backsplashes, shower floors, accents |
Selection & Planning Tips
- Match material to room function. Use waterproof LVP or porcelain in kitchens and baths; choose hardwood for dry living areas.
- Budget vs. lifecycle. Factor long-term value (hardwood refinishability, tile longevity) not just purchase price.
- Inspect samples at home. Bring samples into your space to check color and grain under your lighting.
- Subfloor & moisture first. Always assess moisture levels and subfloor flatness before selecting plank or tile — installers will check and advise. We advise careful subfloor prep and inspection prior to installation.
- Professional installation matters. For hardwood, LVP and tile, professional installers ensure level subfloors, correct adhesives, and warranty-compliant installations.
Areas We Serve
Kitchen Designs Group is proud to serve homeowners throughout the Southeastern United States, with many cabinetry projects in:
- Marietta, Georgia and the greater Atlanta Metro
- Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
- Panama City Beach, Florida
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Augusta, Georgia
- Dallas, Texas
- Austin, Texas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Alabama
If you’re outside those areas, reach out—we may still be able to help or refer you to trusted partners.
Book a Flooring Consult
See samples & book a flooring consult. Book an in-showroom or virtual appointment with our flooring specialists. We’ll bring samples, recommend materials based on your lifestyle and prepare an installation and budget plan.