By Jane Keller Gordon, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – It’s definitely a family affair at Luce Brothers Floor Covering, located in the Twin Bro Plaza on Route 20, near the Marlborough-Northborough line. Four good-natured brothers—Keith, Steve, Dave and Ken—have followed in the footsteps of their late father Earle, who ran a flooring business out of a van.
“We were always on jobs, learning the trade from our father… we were taught to treat someone else’s house like it’s our own,” Steve said.
Luce Brothers offers a wide selection of carpet, tile and stone, laminate, and wood. They work on new construction and remodeling, locally and as far away as the Cape, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island.
“Our prices are competitive… and our installation is excellent,” said Steve.
“We have a good reputation. The installations are done by us or by tradesmen who we’ve trained. Some stores subcontract to anyone. We don’t operate that way,” he added.
The Luce Brothers have seen a lot of changes in materials and installations over the years.
Carpet – Luce Brothers offers a variety of carpets from Shaw and American Home Surfaces. They sell mostly nylon and polyester carpets, both wall-to-wall and area rugs.
“Customers are looking for stain resistant carpets that will hold up to their kids and pets,” said Keith. He recommended multicolor tone-on-tone or tweed carpets.
Luce Brothers carry a new pet-friendly carpet from Shaw, Anso Living, which costs slightly more than an average priced carpet.
“It has a plastic backing that doesn’t let spills transfer into the padding. But nothing is waterproof so stains should be cleaned up,” said Steve.
Tile and stone – The Luce Brothers’ showroom is filled with tile and stone, in different eye-catching styles, materials, and colors. Keith will help customers make selections, and will work on a design as well.
Large-format porcelain tiles are popular for kitchen and bathroom floors. Many customers choose subway tiles for backsplashes, made of tumbled travertine, or marbleized porcelain. Glass accents are popular in both kitchens and showers.
“There is a demand for infinity showers, linear instead of circular drains, and custom waterproof showers, which all require expert installation,” added Keith.
Dave said, “You need to know how to install tiles together, especially when the depths are different. Also, transitions from tile to other materials need to be done right.”
Wood – Most of the wood flooring sold and installed by Luce Brothers is a Bruce or Armstrong prefinished product.
“It’s beautiful, and the finish is ten-times more durable than unfinished wood that’s finished on site,” Keith said.
Laminates – Materials have changed in the world of laminates; these are not your grandmother’s kitchen floors and countertops.
“Laminate floors are no fade, no stain, and no wear,” said Dave. Since these products are more budget friendly, many customers choose laminates for basements, and commercial applications.
Luce Brothers carries a laminate line called QUICK STEP, which looks like wood.
Vinyl – “Vinyl has come a long way, and it’s a lot easier to install. It used to curl, telegraph, and be affected by the sun. Now it’s backed with fiberglass,” said Keith.
Like laminate, vinyl is a good choice for basements and commercial applications.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVP) – The Luce Brothers described LVP as a “hot” product. It’s durable, thick, and lays flat. LVP is an excellent product for kitchens, and baths.
Luce Brothers Floor Covering is located at 505 Boston Post Road, West, Marborough (near the Marlborough-Northborough line). Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed Mondays. For more information, call 508-485-1922 or visit www.lucebrothersfloorcovering.com.