Date Archives: February 2022

Nothing perks up a home like great flooring. Whether it's in the bathroom, kitchen, living room, or bedroom, the right flooring pulls the rest of your decorating or renovation efforts together and makes your home into a showpiece.

If you're ready for new flooring in the home you chose among Tuscaloosa homes for sale, you may find all the many choices to be bewildering. Let's take a look at some types of flooring you might be considering.

Hardwood

Hardwood remains the most popular choice among most homeowners, with nearly half of those surveyed in a recent poll by the flooring company 50Floor choosing hardwood as the top material for their floors. It's not hard to guess why. Hardwood, which encompasses such species as oak, map, hickory, and walnut, is beautiful, durable, and warm. It holds up to heavy use and can be maintained by removing and replacing damaged boards. It's also easy to coordinate with various color schemes and themes. It fits well with a wide range of accessories and decor. Hardwood's versatility is easily demonstrated by the various colors, textures, and designs available.

There are a few drawbacks. Being a natural material, hardwood can be subject to staining, warping, and scuffing. Hardwood also requires maintenance for a long life.

Hardwood is recommended for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.

Engineered wood flooring is an alternative way to get the look of hardwood but with more versatility and less maintenance. Engineered wood consists of two layers, one a thin veneer of wood, and underneath, a thicker layer of high-density fiberboard or plywood.

Laminate

Coming in way behind hardwood as a second popular choice is laminate (at about 17 percent in the 50Floor survey).

Laminate, which is more durable than engineered wood, has a photo layer that looks like wood (or possibly stone or tile). Beneath the veneer there is a layer of rigid fiberboard. On top is a transparent plasticate layer that defends against wear and fading. Laminates are known for their durability and ability to take some punishment. It's a great choice for those with kids and dogs. It's also much less expensive than hardwood.

The disadvantage is that, although resistant to humidity and moisture, it is not waterproof. Further, you might not like the slippery, plastic-y feel of it. It also can't be repaired when chipped.

Vinyl Plank/Vinyl Tile

Made of  PVC, vinyl plank has several layers, with the design layer mimicking wood, metal, or stone. It's easily installed: you can glue it down, click-lock it as "floating flooring" or loose lay it, relying on friction and weight. Some types can be applied as peel-and-stick. Vinyl plant is inexpensive, comfortable to the feet, and can look like whatever material you like, plus it's waterproof. You can use it anywhere in the house.

The downside is it gives off VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The less expensive products also may look suspiciously not like wood, stone, or whatever.

There's also vinyl sheet flooring, inexpensive and highly recommended for bathrooms and laundry rooms because it's waterproof. It's made from PVC, so mind the VOCs.

Tile

Types of tile flooring include stone, ceramic, porcelain, and cement. Porcelain and ceramic can be glazed or unglazed. One great new option in the tile world is wood-look tile, which mimics wood grain. Use it in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms with no fears. Tile is easy to clean, lasts forever, and looks beautiful. But tile can also crack or chip and may stain.

Our real estate agents have great tips for your Tuscaloosa home renovation. Contact us today.

Valentine's Day, the day for celebrating love, has long been associated with sweet things — chocolate, in particular. Heart-shaped bonbons and heart-shaped boxes full of sweet treats all bespeak the association of love with sweets. But how did we get from celebrating Valentine's Day to sweet treats?

Valentine's Day began when a Roman bishop by that name defied a ban and secretly granted marriages to soldiers and their sweethearts. Valentine was imprisoned and was said to have sent a letter to the daughter of his jailer, signing it "Your Valentine."

A few centuries later, the tradition of sending love letters called valentines emerged, followed a few hundred years later with the beginning of sending sweets to one's beloved. Chocolate, which was a gift from the Aztecs to the rest of the world, was originally consumed as a drink. Europeans turned it into candy, and then the English turned these into a Valentine's Day tradition.

History aside, there are lots of ways to celebrate the sweetest Valentine's Day ever here in Tuscaloosa, and most of these venues are close to Tuscaloosa homes for sale. Shop for the perfect Valentine's Day gift, or celebrate your love by trying out something new and offbeat in the world of sweets.

Sweet Treat Venues in Tuscaloosa

1. Peterbrooke Chocolates. 1530 Mcfarland Blvd N C, Tuscaloosa.
   Nothing says love like scrumptious, handmade chocolate. Besides individual chocolates (check out the heart-shaped red ones), Peterbrooke Chocolates also offers chocolate-covered popcorn, gift baskets (try the Lover's Gift Basket for Valentine's Day), and more.
   
   
2. Babe's Doughnuts. 500 Greensboro Ave., Tuscaloosa. 
   What could be less pretentious than the great American donut (or doughnut)? If your sweetheart is the down-to-earth type, who likes his/her sweets with a downhome flavor, then look no further than Babe's Doughnuts. Also known for their coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches, Babe's shows it's not just about taste but also eye appeal with its versatile doughnut decorations.
   
   
3. Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe. 1800 McFarland Blvd E. Tuscaloosa.
   In the mood for something with an international flair? How about taking your loved one out for a fabulous Mediterranean dinner at Tazikis? Sample one of the delicious gyros or maybe one of the trademark entrees, such as kebabs, pork loin, grilled salmon or a vegetarian feast. Declare your love after they take away the dishes — just as they bring the toothsome baklava or chocolate chip cookies.
   
   
4. Edgar's Bakery. 1653 Mcfarland Blvd N, in the Tuscaloosa Galleria.
   It can be a challenge to find a place to dine out on Valentine's evening, but you can do a light lunch at Edgar's Bakery, then celebrate at home with a glass of wine and a slice of cake, some pretty petits fours, or other glorious pastries.
   
   
5. Nothing Bundt Cakes. 1393 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa.
   Nothing Bundt Cakes is a franchise, but this bakery has held onto the things that have made it a national success: fresh ingredients. So if you're looking for a great cake as the centerpiece of your intimate Valentine's Day celebration, just call up Nothing Bundt Cakes. Take your pick from Snickerdoodle, Confetti, White Chocolate Raspberry, Pecan Praline, Marble, and so much more.
   
   
6. The Wine Market.
   Love wine? We do, especially for Valentine's Day. Make your way to The Wine Market and try red or rose, or something with bubbles for extra sparkle — just right for Valentine's Day. Pair it with small plates, then follow up with a smooth and creamy French Silk Pie.

Our real estate agents know the Tuscaloosa neighborhood. Ask for recommendations, or let us help you sell your home, or find a new one. Contact us today.