**Our History**

**Show Flooring: Delivering Quality and Affordability Since 2014**  

Show Flooring was founded in 2014 by Cole McNabb, who brought extensive industry experience gained from working at his grandfather’s flooring company. During this time, Cole mastered the installation of various flooring materials, including carpet, hardwood, vinyl plank, porcelain tile, and the essential preparation work required for professional flooring installations.

Recognizing a significant gap in the Chicago market for a flooring store that combined affordable pricing with high-quality installation services, Cole seized the opportunity. Leveraging his family’s deep-rooted connections in the flooring industry, he sourced exceptional deals on discontinued, liquidated, and surplus flooring products from top manufacturers.

In 2014, Show Flooring opened its first warehouse in Franklin Park, serving the Chicagoland area. The response was immediate. Flooring installers, general contractors, property managers, apartment complexes, and DIY customers quickly turned to Show Flooring for its unbeatable prices and vast in-stock selection ideal for large projects.

As demand grew, Show Flooring expanded rapidly. By 2015, a second warehouse was added to accommodate increasing inventory, providing customers with a broader selection of flooring options.  

In 2019, both warehouses were consolidated into a single, 35,000-square-foot facility in Northlake, Illinois. This significant milestone allowed Show Flooring to house over one million square feet of flooring under one roof, further enhancing inventory variety and availability. The same year, Show Flooring began importing its own flooring products, giving the company greater control over cost and quality—outpacing competitors by offering superior products at lower prices.  

To meet growing national demand, Show Flooring launched an upgraded e-commerce platform in 2020, enabling customers across the United States to purchase flooring online. In 2021, the product range expanded to include kitchen cabinets, offered at the same affordable prices and high quality customers had come to expect.

Continuing its trajectory of growth, Show Flooring introduced a truckload program in 2022, catering to large-scale projects and supplying other flooring retailers.  

In 2024, a major milestone was reached when Show Flooring purchased its own warehouse in Chicago, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of affordable, high-quality flooring and cabinetry solutions in the region and beyond.  

**Today, Show Flooring remains committed to offering unmatched value, superior customer service, and an extensive selection of flooring and cabinetry solutions for every project—big or small.**

Choosing the right flooring depends on several factors, including the room’s function, your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best flooring:

1. Determine the Room’s Purpose

• High-Traffic Areas (e.g., hallways, living rooms): Durable options like hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl.
• Moisture-Prone Areas (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms): Water-resistant materials like ceramic tile, vinyl, or engineered wood.
• Comfortable & Cozy Spaces (e.g., bedrooms): Carpet or cork for a soft underfoot feel.

2. Assess Your Lifestyle

• Pets & Kids: Scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean floors like luxury vinyl, laminate, or tile.
• Allergies: Hard surfaces like hardwood or tile are easier to keep free of allergens compared to carpet.
• Maintenance: Choose low-maintenance options like vinyl or laminate if you prefer less upkeep.

3. Consider Aesthetics & Style

• Match flooring to your home’s style:
  • Modern: Polished concrete, large-format tiles, or sleek hardwood.
  • Rustic: Wide-plank hardwood, reclaimed wood, or natural stone.
  • Traditional: Classic hardwood or patterned tiles.

4. Factor in Durability & Longevity

• Hardwood: Long-lasting and can be refinished but prone to scratches.
• Tile: Extremely durable and water-resistant but can be cold underfoot.
• Laminate: Durable and budget-friendly but may not be as long-lasting as hardwood.
• Vinyl: Water-proof, budget-friendly, and durable, with a variety of design options.

5. Set a Budget

• Low Budget: Sheet vinyl, laminate, or carpet.
• Mid-Range: Engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl planks, or ceramic tile.
• High-End: Solid hardwood, natural stone, or premium tiles.

6. Evaluate Comfort & Insulation

• Warm & Soft: Carpet or cork flooring.
• Cool & Hard: Tile or stone, ideal for warm climates.
• Underfloor Heating: Consider tile or engineered wood compatible with radiant heating systems.

7. Test Samples at Home

Lighting and space can affect how flooring looks. Get samples and view them in your home’s natural lighting before making a final decision.

8. Think About Installation

• DIY-Friendly: Laminate, vinyl planks, or click-lock engineered wood.
• Professional Installation: Solid hardwood, tile, and wall-to-wall carpet often require experts.

9. Eco-Friendly Choices

• Bamboo: Renewable and durable.
• Cork: Sustainable and comfortable.
• Reclaimed Wood: Environmentally friendly and unique.

10. Warranties & Guarantees

Check for product warranties, especially for high-traffic areas, to ensure long-term satisfaction with your choice.

✅ Key Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Waterproof (perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, basements)
• Scratch and dent-resistant
• DIY-friendly installation
• Budget-friendly alternative to hardwood
• Available in a wide range of designs and textures

⚠️ Potential Drawbacks

• Not as valuable as real hardwood for resale
• Can fade with excessive sunlight exposure
• Less eco-friendly than natural materials

💡 Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, durable, and water-resistant flooring option that still gives you the look of hardwood, vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice. Compared to laminate, it’s better in moisture-prone areas, and compared to hardwood, it’s far more affordable and low-maintenance.

Would you like recommendations on top brands or installation tips? 😊

Installing vinyl click flooring is a relatively easy DIY project that can transform your space with a durable and stylish finish. Follow these steps to install vinyl click flooring properly:

Tools & Materials Needed

• Vinyl click flooring planks
• Underlayment (if required)
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or flooring cutter
• Spacers
• Tapping block and rubber mallet
• Pry bar
• Pencil and straightedge
• Vacuum or broom

Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor

1. Clean the Subfloor

   • Remove any debris, dust, or old flooring material.
   • Ensure the subfloor is dry, level, and smooth.

2. Check for Leveling

   • Use a level to check for any uneven spots.
   • Fill low spots with a self-leveling compound and sand down high spots.

3. Install Underlayment (If Needed)

   • Some vinyl planks come with a pre-attached underlayment.
   • If your flooring requires it, roll out the underlayment and trim it to fit.

Step 2: Plan the Layout

1. Measure Your Room

   • Measure the length and width of the room to determine how many planks you need.
   • Plan the layout so the final row isn’t too narrow (less than half a plank wide).

2. Acclimate the Flooring

   • Let the planks sit in the room for at least 24-48 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity.

Step 3: Install the Vinyl Click Flooring

1. Start in a Corner

   • Begin on the longest wall with the tongue side facing the wall.
   • Use spacers to leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap along the walls.

2. Click the Planks Together

   • Insert the tongue of one plank into the groove of the previous plank at a slight angle.
   • Press down to lock it into place.

3. Continue Laying Rows

   • Stagger the joints (like brickwork) by cutting the first plank of every new row to at least 6 inches.
   • Use a tapping block and rubber mallet if necessary to ensure tight seams.

4. Cut Planks to Fit

   • Use a utility knife and straightedge to score and snap the planks for end cuts.

Step 4: Finish the Installation

1. Install the Final Row

   • Trim the last row of planks to fit, leaving the expansion gap.

2. Remove Spacers & Install Trim

   • Take out the spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover expansion gaps.

3. Clean Up

   • Vacuum or sweep up any dust and debris.
   • Wipe down the floor with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Enjoy Your New Floor!

• Allow at least 24 hours before placing heavy furniture.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
• Maintain by sweeping and using a damp mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner.

By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking vinyl click flooring installation! Let me know if you need further guidance.

To measure how much flooring you need, follow these steps:

1. Measure the Room Dimensions

• Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the room in feet.
• If the room is irregularly shaped, divide it into smaller rectangles and measure each separately.

2. Calculate the Square Footage

• Multiply the length by the width for each section.
• Example: A room that is 12 feet by 10 feet = 120 square feet.

3. Account for Waste

• Add 5-10% extra for cutting, mistakes, and future repairs.
• If installing a diagonal pattern, or if the room has many odd angles, add 10-15% extra.

4. Total Flooring Needed

• Add the waste percentage to your total square footage.
• Example: 120 sq. ft. + 10% (12 sq. ft.) = 132 sq. ft. total needed.

5. Convert to Boxes or Planks

• Flooring is sold in boxes covering a certain area (e.g., 20 sq. ft. per box).
• Divide your total square footage by the coverage per box.
• Example: 132 sq. ft. ÷ 20 sq. ft. per box = 7 boxes (round up if necessary).

The primary difference between SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) vinyl plank flooring and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) vinyl plank flooring lies in their core composition, which affects their durability, feel, and applications. Both are popular types of luxury vinyl flooring (LVF), offering water resistance and easy maintenance. However, each has unique characteristics that make them suitable for different settings.

SPC Vinyl Plank Flooring (Stone Plastic Composite)

• Core Composition: Made from a blend of limestone powder, PVC, and stabilizers, creating a dense and rigid core.
• Durability: More rigid and durable than WPC, making it highly resistant to dents and impacts.
• Water Resistance: 100% waterproof, ideal for moisture-prone areas.
• Feel Underfoot: Firmer and harder, which can feel less comfortable when standing for long periods.
• Sound Insulation: Less effective than WPC without added underlayment.
• Temperature Tolerance: Handles temperature fluctuations better due to its rigid core.
• Best For: High-traffic commercial areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Cost: Typically more affordable than WPC.

WPC Vinyl Plank Flooring (Wood Plastic Composite)

• Core Composition: Features a wood flour and plastic composite core, making it lighter and softer.
• Durability: Durable but less rigid than SPC, making it more prone to denting under heavy furniture.
• Water Resistance: Also 100% waterproof and suitable for wet areas.
• Feel Underfoot: Softer and warmer, offering better comfort and sound absorption.
• Sound Insulation: Naturally better at reducing noise without additional underlayment.
• Temperature Tolerance: May expand or contract more than SPC with temperature changes.
• Best For: Residential spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and areas where comfort is a priority.
• Cost: Usually more expensive due to enhanced comfort features.

SPC vs. WPC Vinyl Plank Flooring: Key Comparisons

🔎 Which Should You Choose?

• Choose SPC if you need a durable, cost-effective solution for high-traffic or commercial spaces where moisture resistance and toughness are crucial.
• Choose WPC if you prioritize comfort, warmth, and noise reduction for residential areas where you spend a lot of time standing or walking.

💡 Conclusion:

Both SPC and WPC vinyl plank flooring offer waterproof durability, stylish designs, and easy maintenance. The right choice depends on whether you value rigidity and durability (SPC) or comfort and warmth (WPC). Carefully consider your space’s requirements and foot traffic levels before deciding.