Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
3 tips Birmingham homeowners should know before renovating their floors + how to make it easy
Reading time: 5 minutes
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On a day-to-day basis you probably don’t give much thought to the floor beneath your feet, but when it’s time for a refresh, it’s hard not to notice. A fresh new floor can bring exciting design opportunities and increase the value of your Birmingham home.
To help you understand what flooring options locals are choosing and what goes into those choices, we talked to a local professional who knows the trends and conditions influencing homeowners in your neighborhood.
Read on for some valuable tips that will help you make the right design decision + learn who to contact in Birmingham to make the process as easy as possible.
3 things you need to know before choosing a new floor in Birmingham

Whether you’re keeping up with the trends or looking for something timeless, Floor Coverings International (FCI) of Birmingham has some advice to help you make the right choice.
Here are some helpful tips to know when choosing a new floor:
1. Find out what material works best for your home
- Function over form:
- Your first step is choosing the type of flooring that is best suited for your home based on your family, lifestyle + home characteristics. For example, a family with kids or dogs needs flooring that is durable + scratch resistant, like luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Only once you’ve chosen the best type of flooring should you move on to style preferences.
- Be consistent:
- Avoid using LVP right next to real hardwood floors. LVP is meant to mimic the look of real hardwood but when installed right next to it, the difference is noticeable.
2. Learn how to make the right aesthetic choice for your home
- Plank width matters:
- When choosing a hardwood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP), the size of the space should influence the width of the planks. Wider planks are better suited for larger rooms because the visual seams of smaller planks can be overwhelming on the eyes. Conversely, smaller rooms benefit from narrower planks so the floor doesn’t look too big for the space.
- Contrast is your friend:
- When deciding on color, look for something that contrasts with your existing furniture, decor + wall color. Dark furniture pops on a lighter floor, while a darker floor grounds light walls + decor.
Bonus: Every home’s lighting, wall color + furniture is different. Book an in-home consultation with FCI of Birmingham and they will bring their Mobile Flooring Showroom to you, letting you see how a floor will fit in with your home’s lighting and decor.
3. Get help to make your new floors last
- Avoid “stacking” floors:
- While it may save you money on the front end, installing new flooring on top of your current floor increases the likelihood of problems in the future. Best practice is to always remove any existing flooring before installing the new stuff.
- Find a reliable contractor:
- To make the process as easy as possible, you’ll want to work with local experts who are invested in Birmingham homeowners. FCI of Birmingham will help with every step of the process + follow up with you after you’ve had some time to put your new floor to the test to make sure you’re happy with their work.
These tips apply whether you’re looking to renovate your home or you’re a business owner trying to give your commercial space some TLC.
FCI’s work goes beyond Birmingham’s homes

From comfortable homes to high-traffic commercial spaces, Floor Coverings International of Birmingham covers it all, and for Conner Parsons, the owner of FCI of Birmingham, that’s the best part of the job.
Parsons says FCI’s recent work for the YMCA branches of Greater Birmingham is some of his favorite work to date because he enjoys seeing how his work positively affects his community.
“I’m a branch board member for the Mountain Brook Y and a huge fan of their mission, so it’s very gratifying to contribute to the facilities that are pillars of the local communities around Birmingham.”
Conner Parsons, owner of FCI of Birmingham
In high-traffic communal spaces such as the YMCA, durability is not optional. FCI’s expertise and investment in community satisfaction make a huge difference, giving the Y and its members peace of mind for years to come.
How you can get reliable help with your flooring renovation

Working with FCI of Birmingham takes the stress and uncertainty off of your plate so you can focus on the excitement of a refreshed home. From cozy carpets to sturdy tile, timeless hardwood or luxury vinyl, FCI will make sure you get the best fit for your aesthetic and maintenance preferences.
Here’s how to contact FCI today to give your home the refresh it deserves:
Ready to schedule your in-home consultation with Floor Coverings International of Birmingham? Fill out an online inquiry form or call (205) 775-8953 to get started.
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