Frequently Asked Questions

Kitchen remodeling needs and products that fit them

Kitchen remodeling is an exciting opportunity to modify everything about your space for durability, lifespan, and stunning good looks. However, seeing how many options are available for the process may initially seem overwhelming. The good news is that it’s easier to customize these spaces than you think, and we’re here to help.

Countertops are important surfaces

Choosing suitable materials can bring impressive results that will serve you in every way necessary. Durability is one of the biggest concerns for most homeowners, and you’ll find kitchen countertops that meet all your needs. Ask about materials that speak specifically to your scratch, chips, and stain resistance requirements, with lifespans that save time and money on replacements. Kitchen countertops go through lots of wear daily, so it's crucial to thoroughly consider all your material options before buying. Consider the characteristics of each and how they match your specific requirements in all the most important ways. You're sure to find a perfect visual for your existing décor, with colors, designs, styles, and edging that looks great with any interior design.

A kitchen backsplash to match

Choosing a kitchen backsplash is easy when you plan to match other facets of the room with materials that look great through the years. Ask about trending options that can meet your needs and keep you current without breaking the bank. You'll find options that meet even the most eclectic style, from the perfect design and color to an outstanding installation layout. If you need help choosing the best options for your remodel, know that we're here to help. Share your existing theme or style for a match that can keep you current for years. No matter your kitchen remodeling size, you'll find everything right here.

Choose us for your kitchen remodeling needs

Divine Surface offers high-end quality at affordable prices to ensure the satisfaction of our customers, from product selection through installation cleanup. Our team collaborates to ensure your best experience from salespeople, designers, installers, and fabricators, for a seamless process. Then, when you're ready to start your remodel, our associates are standing by to help you. You’re welcome to visit our showroom in Portland, OR, to talk with our team and share your vision, requirements, and preferences. We'll take your kitchen remodeling needs and turn them into your dream space with results you can trust for many years. We cater to residents from Gresham, OR, Clackamas, OR, Milwaukie, OR, Lake Oswego, OR, and Beaverton, OR, and we look forward to helping you too.

Bathroom remodeling that works

When you need the perfect large or small bathroom remodel, you'll find plenty of materials and services to meet the need. With our bathroom remodeling team, you can choose from the perfect products to give you precisely what you need. So, if you're looking for the perfect experience for any size remodel, the following information could help you make an informed decision you'll appreciate for years.

Is your shower a centerpiece?

For many homeowners, the bathroom can be easily transformed into an at-home spa, with features that always impress. For instance, you might achieve this result best with a full shower remodel and everything that comes with it. Consider new doors, surrounds, lighting, and fixtures, in colors that cater to your need, for any décor scheme.

It's easy to match features in this area because the space is usually smaller than a kitchen. That means you can blend all the components to get the look and feel you want with flooring, lighting, visual schemes, and wall colors. Even if you need help choosing products and services for your shower remodel, you’re sure to get the results you want and need.

What else to consider with your bathroom remodel?

If you’re looking for bathroom remodeling products that perform well and last a long time, ask about waterproof or water-resistant materials. They may cost more upfront, but they can save lots of money over time because you won't have to replace them nearly as often. You'll find plenty of visual options available, too, for products that cater to any décor scheme you have in place. If you have questions about products or materials, we have the answers. We're here to get started whenever you're ready. So, please stop by today and share your needs with our staff for your best large or small bathroom remodel.

Choose our showroom for your bathroom remodeling

Divine Surface is an excellent place to shop for products that cater to your remodel from start to finish. We measure, fabricate, install, and serve, with all our associates coming together to create results that meet your requirements. It's a seamless project with associates that collaborate to ensure all your needs are met, however large or small. You can visit our showroom in Portland, OR, to learn more about our excellent product line and services to match each one. We provide bathroom remodeling for Gresham, OR, Clackamas, OR, Milwaukie, OR, Lake Oswego, OR, and Beaverton, OR, and we're ready to work alongside you too. So, stop by today to start your bathroom remodel, and we'll stick by you until you're delighted.

Millions of people are able to have both hardwood flooring as well as kids & pets in one household. With proper upkeep you also can keep your hardwood in great condition. Here are a few simple tips. 

• Clean up spills, acidic-liquids, and other liquids as soon as possible

• Prevent contact with sharp objects, cleats and check shoes are clear from sharp objects that may have gotten stuck at the bottom in the shoe's tread

• Trim/Clip pets nails often, especially for larger and heavier dogs

• Place absorbent mats in most accident prone areas such as food and water bowl for dogs and cats

• Place mats near doors and entrances to prevent elements from making their way in and causing scratches

Spills are one of the most damaging things to a hardwood floor. Anything acidic can stain hardwood floors very quickly if not cleaned up right away. Any other types of liquids will seep into the flooring from between the seams and will cause staining as well as liquid damage. Make sure you follow the above tips and you should be able to maintain a beautiful hardwood floor.

There are many different flooring options available that resemble the hardwood floor look and some are much more pet friendly and durable. If you are in love with the hardwood look and are looking for an alternative material for your floor then here are a few options for you. 

Tile that looks like wood

Wood look alike porcelain tile looks almost indistinguishable from real wood, available as a result of advancement in imaging technology. Tile is much more durable than wood and will not scratch nor stain. Unlike wood, tile can be used in areas prone to moisture. Spills will not cause damage and can be easily wiped right up (even if not done right away). With current manufacturing technology porcelain tile can last a lifetime with very minimal care, yet unmatched durability. 

Luxury Vinyl that looks like wood

Vinyl flooring doesn’t sound like a pet friendly choice, but is actually a very scratch and stain resistant material. Vinyl flooring will not damage as a result of liquid spills due to its water resistance qualities, and is easy to clean and maintain. It is also one of the most comfortable flooring options because of its soft material. Like the porcelain tile it is also indistinguishable from real hardwood flooring due to advanced imaging technology. Vinyl is a cost effective and durable solution to a household with pets, and will not compromise on the hardwood look you desire. 

Laminate flooring that looks like wood

Unlike traditional hardwood, laminate flooring is more durable while offering similar design elements. Although laminate flooring is not as durable as porcelain tile or as luxury vinyl it’s a great choice for a solid wood flooring solution that is more durable than traditional hardwood and pet friendly. 

Before you turn away, put your prejudice against LVP aside for a minute and read some of the following reasons we think that LVP is the next greatest flooring material. We see trends phase in and out over the years and we know what sticks around. LVP is one of those materials that may not be 100% perfect right now, but will definitely be the number one flooring material choice for the next 5-10 years. 

What is LVP? 

LVP should not be confused with other similar vinyl products such as VCT (which is vinyl composite tile) or loose lay sheet vinyl. LVP is a Luxury Vinyl Tile that is a hard flooring material that can either be installed as a loose lay click in plank or a glue down plank.

LVP is a pressed plank or tile that is made out of several layers, most often:

• Vinyl Backing

• Vinyl Core

• Print Film Layer (the design)

• Protective clear “wear layer” 

The layers are pressed together to create planks or tiles that can then be laid or installed wherever you choose. 

Not to be confused with laminate flooring, LVP is a completely different material. Instead of a wood based core like laminate LVP has a vinyl core that is much more durable and longer lasting in many cases.

Stone kitchen countertops, whether granite, quartz, or natural stone, are a popular and timeless upgrade for homeowners. The process of selecting, fabricating, and installing stone countertops is intricate, but when done right, the results are worth it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your installation goes smoothly.

Picking Out a Slab

Selecting the perfect stone slab is one of the most critical decisions. Don’t rush—take your time to visit a recommended slab yard with a wide variety of options. Know what color, texture, and pattern fit your kitchen before making a choice, and bring saved images to guide your selection.

Tip: Understand the pros and cons of different stone types. Marble, for example, stains easily, making it unsuitable for kitchen countertops. Granite and quartz are more durable but can still stain and etch. Research thoroughly before investing in any material.

kitchen template or footprint

A precise template is key to a successful stone countertop installation. This process involves creating an accurate template for the countertop dimensions. Before the template is made, ensure that:

• New countertops are installed securely, squared and level

• Appliances and sinks are in place

• Existing countertops are clear and clean

Some installers use physical templates, while others opt for digital scanning. Either way, this step requires precision, as any mistake can lead to costly fixes.

stone fabrication

Once your template is finalized, the fabricator will begin cutting and shaping the stone. This step is relatively hands-off for you, but it’s essential to hire a professional who will handle everything from picking up the slab to fabrication and installation.

Tip: Choose a fabricator who offers full-service options, including slab selection, templating, fabrication, and installation. This ensures the entire process is streamlined, reducing the chance of errors.

preparation for installation

Before installation day, there are a few key tasks to complete:

• Remove old countertops (if not arranged with your installer).

• Disconnect and remove the sink and any plumbing.

• Clear and clean the area for the installation. Doing these tasks ensures a smooth, efficient process and helps avoid any delays or damage to the stone.

Word of Caution: A clean and clear workspace minimizes the risk of accidental breaks or scratches during installation.

during the installation process

Installation can be a dusty and messy process. Here are some helpful tips:

• Cover vents and doorways to limit dust spread.

• Protect furniture and remove valuable items from the area.

• Keep pets and children away from the work zone for safety.

Hiring a reputable installer should make this step stress-free, but these precautions will ensure a cleaner and safer environment.

Clean up & warranty

After installation, you'll need to reconnect appliances, plumbing, and sinks. Make sure this is arranged beforehand to avoid delays. Clean up any dust or debris left behind after the process.

Tip: Clarify warranty details before the job begins. Natural fissures and discoloration in stones like granite may not be covered by warranties. Understand what’s protected and what isn’t, so there are no surprises later.

Final Thought: Your new stone countertops can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Always use cutting boards, trivets, and avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface. With proper maintenance, your countertops will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

1. Texture

The biggest complaint that homeowners have against man made flooring options is that it often appears to be very fake looking. Natural wood has the texture and grain of real wood while an image is an image and “not the real thing”. 

We agree, but we would like to provide a counter argument… in the last 40 years since LVP was introduced technology has gotten hundreds of times better. Very recently LVP manufacturers have been able to perfect the printing process (with 3D printing) as a result we are able to get planks with the texture and grain of natural wood. 

The color and look of the printing has gotten so good that more often than not an unskilled eye will be able to make no distinction between a real hardwood floor or a LVP plank floor. 

Don’t believe us? Visit our showroom and take a look at some of the LVP products that we have available. 

2. Comfort

If you grew up in a house with old vinyl or LVP floors you know just how soft and comfortable the material is underfoot. It’s simply put a comfortable material that doesn’t feel out of place but is rather welcoming, warm, and cushioned. 

LVP is a soft flooring option that is perfect for families. Unlike hardwood, laminate, or tile… the surface of a Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank floor is soft underfoot and perfect for almost any room (including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms). 

3. Durability

Unlike any other material LVP is designed with durability in mind. The surface of each plank is coated with a clear protective wear layer that is guaranteed to withstand scratches, UV exposure, water exposure, moisture, claws, and anything else you might throw its way. 

The majority of the LVP products that we carry have a lifetime residential warranty and up to a 10 commercial warranty. 

Each is guaranteed to be water resistant or even waterproof and perfect for even bathrooms which are usually the most moisture prone locations of every home. 

4. Design Options

With printing technology manufacturers are able to duplicate the exact pattern of any natural material; tile, stone, hardwood, bamboo, slate, and everything in between. 

The pattern is printed to recreate a good representation of the natural material so that it is practically indistinguishable from the real thing. 

Due to the rising popularity of LVP there are hundreds of different color options, textures, and grains. Come visit our showroom and take a look at how large of a variety is available. 

Unlike natural wood that can scratch easily or after prolonged exposure to sun light discolor significantly… LVP will remain stable and sustain its original color over a longer time. This way you as a homeowner can confidently select a material and not be afraid that within a few years it will discolor and become the opposite of what you originally hoped for. 

5. Ease of Installation

Unlike porcelain or ceramic tile which require extensive knowledge & experience in order to correctly install luxury vinyl tile can be installed by a handy homeowner who likes DIY projects. LVP comes in both click in tiles/planks as well as glue down pieces. 

Not to mention cost of installation is significantly less expensive than the cost of installation of real porcelain or ceramic tiles. 

Hardwood installation is also a lot more laborious and requires professional installation 100% of the time, however LVP replicates the look of genuine hardwood yet also offers the easy click in installation that practically any homeowner can do him/her self. 

6. Affordability

This one is kind of the key to the rising popularity of LVP. Laminate flooring which is in the same price range as LVP still lacks the durability and comfort of LVP even though it is roughly the same cost. Hardwood is a lot more expensive than LVP ranging from $5-$9 per square foot, and tile in a similar range. 

Glue down LVP starts at just $2.25 per square foot for glue down LVP and $2.89 per square foot for click in LVP. 

Taking into account how amazing LVP materials have become, how beautiful it looks, and how durable it is just proves that the small price is worth it. LVP is a top tier flooring material, there is no other material that even comes close to matching its durability and look for this price point. 

If you are planning on beginning a remodeling project in the coming months we recommend that you give LVP a consideration. It’s well worth the money and will prove to be the greatest flooring investment that you could possibly make. 

LVP is a hot trend! It’s sticking around for a while, and we welcome you to try it out.

Do you desire solid hardwood?

DIY'ers should be aware of a key difference between solid and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is one of the most difficult types of flooring to install. If you want to do it yourself… good luck but you probably shouldn’t. Solid hardwood installation requires either gluing it down, nailing it down, or stapling. This in most cases requires extensive experience to be able to do it correctly. 

Do you desire engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood can often times be installed by a skilled DIY’er. Engineered hardwood also comes nail down or glue down, as well as floating. Floating hardwood is not attached to the sub-floor but is just laid on top. Floating engineered hardwood is a great option for purchasing for a DIY installation. It’s designed with a click and lock technology that allows you to install above the sub-floor without the use of glue or nails. 

1. Reclaimed Wood Look

Reclaimed wood is a popular design trend, frequently featured in design blogs and magazines. The rustic look of basically “beat up old wood” is a beautiful addition to almost any home in the pacific northwest, especially Portland. Reclaimed wood flooring is celebrated for its warm tones and rich textures. It’s simple to fit with most styles and requires little matching. Authentic reclaimed wood floors can be costly and hard to source. Ranging from $7 to $20 per square foot. 

However, LVT and sheet vinyl can replicate the look of reclaimed wood at a fraction of the price. 

2. Hex & Square Subway Tile

Subway tile is a classic and timeless choice. It isn’t just a trend because we have yet to see it go out of style. You can find subway tile in a bathroom that hasn’t been remodeled for 30+ years as well as in a home that just hit the market last month. Subway Tile is a traditional material that just fits. It effortlessly brightens up any bathroom space. Hex tile although is a fairly new occurrence and distinguishes a bathroom in the 70’s from one today. Hex tiles is fresh, clean, and a style that will stick around for a while. Browse some beautiful bathrooms and kitchens that utilize subway tile and gain some stylistic inspiration. If you want hex tile flooring in your bathroom here are a few options. Porcelain hex tile comes in a variety of sizes, with 2-inch and 4-inch being the most popular. Both looks can be achieved with LVP, offering the aesthetics of porcelain tiles without the cost or maintenance. 

3. Gray & White Hardwood

For the higher end look: go with a gray or white washed finish. Gray floors offer a cool, elegant vibe to any room. Many homeowners are refinishing their current hardwood flooring with water borne poly to achieve the gray look with their current wood.

Gray flooring is a contemporary design choice commonly used in modern homes. It can be paired with any neutral color to create a tone of stability and even peace. Darker gray colors are perfect as a backdrop to accent another color. High contrasting colors can be used in the furniture or walls to create any ambient effect you desire.

A plus side to using gray, is you can achieve any tone or atmosphere you wish. Gray can be used for rustic, contemporary, and traditional effects, or even blends of multiple. You can’t go wrong if you choose gray hardwood floors. LVP can mimic the look of gray or whitewashed hardwood, which is elegant, versatile, and a hallmark of modern homes. 

4. Dark Hardwood

Similar to gray, darker hardwood has also been rising in popularity. Mainly due to the bold backdrop it creates for accenting other colors. You can use dark hardwood to create almost any atmosphere in your home. Bold white, compliments the deep dark hardwood, as does a bright red. Any vibrant color can be contrasted with the dark hardwood to build an atmosphere that is unique to your taste. 

Word of caution: darker hardwood floors are more difficult to maintain and clean. The darker the wood, the more it reveals scratches, nicks, and blemishes. Steps can definitely be taken to overcome occasional damage, but requires more attention than a lighter hardwood would require. If you do opt for darker colors, avoid getting a glossy finish. Gloss on a dark hardwood reflects tons of light making every scratch and blemish highly noticeable. 

Although if you aren’t striving to create an elegant high end look but are rather seeking a rustic feel. Dark hardwood may be perfect with a weathered, distressed, or hand scrapped look that has a rough feel to it. If that is the style you are going for you don’t have to worry about scratches and blemishes because it will only add to the rustic look. LVP can provide the same look for cheaper.

5. Concrete Tile

For a modern or urban look concrete flooring is the hype. To achieve a concrete look without getting real concrete floors opt for a look alike porcelain tile. Cheaper, warmer, and easier to upkeep... porcelain tile is the go to material. Concrete look alike tile can be used in bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and more. The concrete look is a recently emerging trend that is here to stay. In Portland it seems every day we see modern homes popping up left and right, get in on the style rush and experiment with concrete tile looks. LVP that replicates concrete are affordable, warmer, and easier to maintain, making them an excellent alternative to real concrete floors. 

A kitchen backsplash serves a dual purpose: not only does it protect your walls from splashes and spills, but it also plays a pivotal role in elevating the overall look of your kitchen. Despite occupying a smaller portion of the room, a backsplash is often the design element that ties everything together, making it a must-have feature in any modern kitchen.

Here are four trending backsplash designs that can transform your kitchen into a stunning space:

1. Elegant Glass Mosaic

Glass mosaic backsplashes are a popular choice due to their vibrant colors, variety of shapes, and reflective properties. Offering a sleek and polished finish, glass mosaics create a focal point in any kitchen. The material has gained popularity in recent years, and homeowners are now opting for painted or backlit glass for added luxury and artistic flair. You can even mix glass with slate squares for a more textured and unique design.

2. Timeless Subway Tile

Subway tiles remain a design staple that transcends trends. This classic tile choice is beloved for its clean, timeless aesthetic and versatility. Whether in traditional white or bold colors, subway tiles are perfect for kitchen backsplashes. Available in a wide range of sizes, they provide both simplicity and sophistication, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms alike. Their growing popularity in new construction proves they are here to stay.

3. Marble for a Touch of Luxury

Though marble has been deemed high-maintenance as a countertop material, it's making a strong comeback as a backsplash option. Known for its luxurious appearance, marble adds elegance and a sense of opulence to any kitchen. Its smooth, polished finish makes it perfect for backsplashes, as this area experiences less wear and tear compared to countertops. For those seeking a high-end feel, marble is a timeless choice that continues to captivate designers and homeowners.

4. Natural Stone for Rustic Appeal

Stone backsplashes, including slate, offer a rich, earthy alternative to marble or tile. Natural stone can give your kitchen a rustic or modern edge, depending on the texture and color. You can mix slate with glass for a unique look, or use rectangular rock tiles to create a dramatic effect. The natural variations in stone make every installation unique, offering endless possibilities for customization.

These four backsplash trends can redefine your kitchen’s look. From classic subway tiles to luxurious marble or rustic stone, there's something for every style. Visit our showroom to see these materials in person to discover the perfect backsplash for your kitchen renovation!