Rafael Floors, Abbey Carpet Center offers a variety of floor coverings to residential clients in Marin County and San Francisco, including carpet, hardwood, waterproof luxury vinyl plank, laminate and natural flooring (wool, linoleum, cork, sisal and seagrass). The company’s 5,000-square-foot San Rafael showroom allows customers to view its products in a full range of styles and colors.
Since opening its doors in 1957, Rafael Floors has been inducted into the “Best of Marin - Hall of Fame” six times and has earned several local awards, including Pacific Sun’s “Best of Marin - Carpet Store” 13 times and “Best of Marin - Hardwood” eight times. Owners Ron Leach and Steve Villa have a long history with the company—Mr. Leach started in 1962 and Mr. Villa joined in 1978.
Rafael Floors’ employees hold designations such as CFS (Certified Flooring Specialists) and CFI (Certified Flooring Installers), and they train continuously to keep updated on the latest industry trends and product and installation techniques.
“Our success is due to our professional, well-trained salespeople and our in-house installation force, all of whom make it their priority to take special care of our customers. We’re proud that 80 percent of our business comes from referrals and those who return to us for their flooring needs. We like to provide our customers with special touches, such as thank-you cards and ‘installation anniversary cards’ that remind them how their flooring has endured the test of time.”
When you decide to install a new floor in your home, it’s important to choose the right type.
Different styles have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s best to understand them before you commit to an installation.
Carpet
Today’s carpeting offers increased performance, style and design compared to years past. New fibers such as sisal, seagrass and wool are becoming more popular. With so many fibers available in a range of colors and styles, carpeting can fit any budget and enhance any home’s décor.
Prefinished hardwood
Prefinished hardwood floors have a more durable and easy-to-maintain finish. Many prefinished hardwood floors have an ultraviolet-cured polyurethane finish, and many have added aluminum oxide particles for exceptional durability. Whether you choose solid, engineered or long-strip, hardwood floors can be touched up or refinished in case of accident or wear.
Laminate
With the look of real hardwood, ceramic or stone tiles, laminate flooring offers style, texture and durability. Laminates carry warranties against staining, sun fading and finish layer wear. They don’t need to be polished, refinished or waxed, making them ideal for active households.
Vinyl
Vinyl floors offer the broadest range of color, style and performance options. The quality of a vinyl floor generally corresponds to the price—the higher the cost, the more sophisticated its style and the better its performance and warranties. The availability of 12-foot-wide rolls provides seamless installation for larger rooms. Vinyl is the best option for areas exposed to spills, water and moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
When it comes to maintaining your new floors, Ron Leach, owner of Rafael Floors, Abbey Carpet Center in San Rafael, recommends simply following the carpet manufacturer’s directions. “For laminate or vinyl, avoid soap-based cleaners, which can cause soap build-up and streaking. To protect your floor, install felt glides on furniture legs.”
Rafael Floors, Abbey Carpet Center offers a variety of floor coverings to residential clients in Marin County and San Francisco, including laminate, hardwood and vinyl floors; natural flooring (wool, cork, seagrass, bamboo); and carpet. The company's 5,000-square-foot San Rafael showroom allows customers to view its products in a full range of styles and colors.
Since opening its doors in 1957, Rafael Floors has been inducted into the Best of Marin Hall of Fame and has earned several local awards, including Pacific Sun's "Best of Marin – Carpet Store" 13 times and "Best of Marin – Hardwood Flooring" seven times. Owners Ron Leach and Steve Villa have a long history with the company–Mr. Leach started in 1962 and Mr. Villa joined in 1978.
Rafael Floors' employees hold designations such as CFS (Certified Flooring Specialists) and CFI (Certified Flooring Installers), and they train continuously to keep updated on the latest industry trends and product and installation techniques.