When you’re looking to upgrade your home, there’s no substitute for quality. Whether you’re walking through a historic house near the square or a new build on the outskirts, high-end finishes make all the difference. As a local contractor with 15+ years of experience, Apex Custom Floors has seen how the right materials can change the entire feel of a space. From the warmth of hardwood flooring in Hillsboro to the sleek, spa-like vibes of a custom shower, we’re here to help you navigate the best options for your property.
We aren't just installers; we are partners in your home improvement journey. Being BBB Accredited means we hold our work to a higher standard, ensuring that every plank laid and every tile set is done with precision. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the trends and technical details of luxury hardwood, custom tile showers, and kitchen backsplashes that are currently taking North and East Texas by storm.
The Timeless Appeal of Luxury Hardwood in Hillsboro
Hardwood floors have been the gold standard for Texas homes for generations. There is something about the natural grain and the solid feel underfoot that other materials just can't quite replicate. In the Hillsboro area, we’ve seen a massive shift toward wide-plank white oak. Homeowners are moving away from the very dark or grey stains of the last decade and embracing warmer, more natural tones like honey, chestnut, and light caramel.
Why wide planks? They make a room feel larger and more open. When you have fewer seams, the eye focuses on the natural beauty of the wood rather than the grid of the floor. At Apex Custom Floors, we specialize in engineered hardwood flooring that is built to withstand the humidity shifts we experience here in Texas. Unlike solid wood, which can warp or cup when the humidity spikes, high-quality engineered cores provide the stability needed for a long-lasting finish.
If your existing floors have seen better days, don't rush to rip them out just yet. Many homeowners in our region are surprised to find that a professional hardwood refinishing and repair service can breathe new life into tired wood. We can sand down those old scratches, apply a fresh, modern stain, and seal it with a durable matte or low-sheen finish that hides daily wear and tear much better than a high-gloss coat.
Custom Tile Showers: The Ultimate Bathroom Upgrade in Ennis
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the primary bathroom is the sanctuary. One of the most requested projects we handle for homeowners seeking flooring in Ennis is the full custom shower conversion. Moving away from plastic inserts and fiberglass tubs to a custom tile shower is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value and your daily quality of life.
A truly custom shower starts with what you don't see: the waterproofing. We utilize advanced systems to ensure that your shower remains leak-free for years. On the surface, the trend for 2026 is all about large-format porcelain tiles. These tiles, often measuring 12×24 or even 24×48 inches, create a seamless, high-end look with significantly fewer grout lines to scrub.
To add personality, many of our clients are choosing to include a "feature wall" or a detailed niche. Imagine a shower lined with soft, stone-look porcelain, but with a recessed niche featuring a vibrant mosaic or a classic herringbone pattern. It’s these small details that move a project from a standard remodel to a custom work of art. Whether you are in Ennis or closer to the water, a walk-in, curbless shower with frameless glass is a design choice that never goes out of style.
Kitchen Backsplashes: The Perfect Finishing Touch in Athens
You’ve picked out the cabinets and the countertops, but the room still feels unfinished. That’s because the backsplash is the bridge that ties everything together. For residents looking for flooring in Athens, we often suggest starting with the backsplash when they want a high-impact change without a full-scale renovation.
Currently, handcrafted-style tiles, often called zellige, are incredibly popular. These tiles have slight imperfections and color variations that catch the light beautifully, giving your kitchen a "lived-in luxury" feel. Stacked layouts, where tiles are placed directly on top of each other rather than staggered, are providing a more modern, clean-lined aesthetic to traditional Texas ranch kitchens.
Beyond just the look, our specialty tile services cover the technical side of the job. We ensure the wall is properly prepped and that the tile is laid with uniform spacing and perfect cuts around outlets and cabinets. A poorly installed backsplash is an eyesore, but a professional one is a masterpiece. From classic subway tile with a twist to full-height stone slabs that run all the way to the ceiling, the options are endless.
Why Stone Polymer Composite is the Smart Choice for Texas Lake Homes
When you live near Cedar Creek Lake, water is part of the lifestyle. Between wet swimsuits, damp towels, and the occasional humidity from the lake air, your flooring needs to be tough. That is why we highly recommend stone polymer composite (SPC) flooring for lakefront properties and active family homes.
Often referred to as luxury vinyl plank, stone polymer composite takes durability to a different level. It features a rigid core made from limestone and stabilizers, making it 100% waterproof. Unlike traditional laminate or wood, it won't swell or buckle if it gets wet. This makes it the perfect solution for mudrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms where you want the look of wood without the worry.
We’ve installed stone polymer composite in countless homes across North Texas, and the feedback is always the same: it’s incredibly easy to clean and holds up to pets and heavy foot traffic effortlessly. It’s a "worry-free" floor that allows you to enjoy your home instead of constantly hovering over guests with a mop.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: Why Local Expertise Matters
In the age of YouTube, it can be tempting to try a DIY flooring project. However, flooring and tile work are much more complex than they appear on a screen. Subfloor preparation is the most critical part of any job. If your subfloor isn't perfectly level, your expensive tile flooring will crack, and your stone polymer composite planks will "bounce" or click when you walk on them.
At Apex Custom Floors, we spend a significant amount of time on the prep work. We grind down high spots, fill in low spots, and ensure the foundation is rock-solid before the first piece of material is ever laid. This commitment to quality is why we can offer a one-year workmanship warranty on our projects. We know our methods work because we’ve been doing this for over 15 years.
Furthermore, we provide professional guidance on material selection. Not every tile is right for every floor, and not every hardwood is right for every climate. We help you choose products that won't just look good on day one, but will look great on year ten. For business owners, we also offer commercial flooring services that focus on speed and durability so you can get back to work quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical custom tile shower installation take?
Most custom tile showers take about 5 to 7 working days to complete. This includes the demolition of the old unit, installing the waterproofing system, laying the tile, grouting, and sealing. We never rush the drying times because that's where most failures happen.
Can I install stone polymer composite over my existing tile?
In many cases, yes. As long as the existing tile is well-bonded, flat, and in good condition, we can often go right over the top. This saves you time and money on demolition costs. However, we always perform an on-site inspection first to make sure it’s a viable option.
What is the best way to clean my new luxury hardwood floors?
Avoid using steam mops or excessive water. A simple microfiber mop and a manufacturer-approved wood cleaner are all you need. For our clients in Hillsboro and beyond, we recommend placing rugs in high-traffic areas and using felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
Do you offer financing for larger home remodels?
Yes! We understand that a full home flooring upgrade or a bathroom remodel is a significant investment. We offer flexible financing options to help you get the home of your dreams on a budget that works for you.
Conclusion
Upgrading your home is about more than just aesthetics; it's about investing in the place where you live your life. Whether you are looking for the classic warmth of hardwood, the durability of stone polymer composite, or the luxury of a custom-tiled sanctuary, Apex Custom Floors is the team you can trust. From Richland Chambers Lake to the heart of Corsicana, we bring professional skill and a commitment to excellence to every jobsite.
Don't settle for "good enough" when it comes to your home. Choose a contractor with the experience and the reputation to do the job right the first time. We are proud of our 15+ years of service and our BBB accreditation, but we are most proud of the smiles on our customers' faces when they see their finished floors.
Looking for materials? Apex Custom Floors sells flooring materials directly to you! Call Apex Custom Floors at 903-229-9556.
Apex Custom Floors
(903) 229-9556
https://apexcustomfloors.com/
Call us today for your Free Estimate!
