Just like the products and services it offers, the reimagined Southwest Floors has been designed to endure

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WestBay Floor Source and Southwest Floors have merged to form a new flooring powerhouse. Pictured above in the Southwest warehouse adjacent to the showroom are, from left to right: Brandon, warehouse associate, Tyler, sales, Becki, operations manager, Eddie Towles, owner, Tony Amato, former owner, Anne, sales and Fran, sales. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Laura Briedis

Thanks to a recent merger with WestBay Floor Source, Southwest Floors, in Seven Hills, is spicing up the relationships forged over 47 years in business with a complete showroom renovation, and new product line introductions.

“The partnership means nothing but great things for our customers,” says Tony Amato, who literally grew up in the business, founded by his father. “And renovating our showroom is a reflection of that.”

Along with new gray walls and flooring (featuring one of their most popular lines, Coretec luxury vinyl planks that mimic the look of rustic wood), the remodel includes adding some beautiful displays as well as a new waterproof flooring gallery, to give customers a nice idea of how the product looks and feels.

According to Eddie Towles of WestBay, although the space is looking brand new, people can expect the same trusted team at the family-owned business, from salespeople to installers.

“And in the same spirit of responsiveness our customers have always enjoyed, we are making room in our warehouse for even more carpet and hard surface flooring,” says Tony. “People nowadays are looking for cash-and-carry and same-day purchasing, and it’s nice to be able to offer that.”


Installation is an integral part of their services, too, and Eddie says their installers have many years of experience and are dedicated to providing a professional job, paying attention to every detail.

New Waterproof Gallery
“We recognize that in the current market, we’re competing against people who are shopping from home,” says Eddie. “And that’s why we’ve built the new waterproof floor gallery in our store. Customers can check out the latest waterproof floors on the market, from hard surfaces to carpeting.”

“Our goal is to simplify the shopping experience,” says Eddie.

“Within our industry, the waterproof choices of flooring have grown dramatically over the years thanks to advancements in technology. More and more people are asking for luxury vinyl tile, which is nearly indestructible and mimics the look of hardwoods. It looks great year after year, deflecting wear and tear from kids, pets, etc.”

In addition to waterproof styles, Eddie says that many of their customers are asking for natural and exotic flooring, such as cork and bamboo.

Eddie reports the trends this spring and summer are slightly distressed, in the most popular shades of grays and earth tones. No matter the material, planks are going wider and longer for more of a rustic farmhouse look.

With carpeting, he says people are taking more chances with bold patterns and colors. “And since the new lines are more durable and stain-resistant than ever, homeowners aren’t shying away from paler shades of white and cream,” he says.

The Karastan Difference
One of the new product lines Eddie is thrilled to introduce here is Karastan private label carpeting.

“This line offers luxurious quality at an affordable price point, with a vast selection of colors, textures and styles,” he says. “The long-lasting carpet offer flawless craftsmanship and inspired designs.”

In addition to carpeting, they also offer Karastan area rugs, in every style from modern graphic patterns to bold animal prints, formal patterns and abstract transitional looks.

Southwest Floors is located at 7565 Broadview Road in Seven Hills. Hours are Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 216-447-0066 or visit Southwest-Floors.com. Also check out their Facebook page for beautiful design ideas.

Categories: Westside Home & Garden