In the Quad Cities, the name Floorcrafters is known for being experienced, dependable, and trustworthy, according to Owner Steve Griffin.

For 62 years Floorcrafters has served the community from downtown Moline. In 1948, Jim Barton and Bob Stahl started the floor covering business in a rental house, and then moved to a 5th Avenue location now known as the Kings Daughter’s Thrift Shop. Later, the store was moved to its present location on the corner of 5th Avenue and 13th Street. The building was originally owned by the Odd Fellows Lodge. You can still see the Odd Fellows sign on the building.

In 1967, Steve went to work at Floorcrafters in the floor covering department as a “cleanup boy” while he was still a student at Moline High School. In 1973 after attending college, Steve’s brother, Bruce, joined him. Bruce installed floors, made deliveries, and worked in the sales department. In 1978, the brothers bought the business from the original owners.

Today, Floorcrafters handles everything pertaining to floors, as well as walls and countertops. The company specializes in all types of tile, including ceramic, glass, wood, vinyl, and natural stone. The most popular type of tile, says Steve, is ceramic due to its easy care and maintenance. The company also will install hardwood floors. In addition to the numerous types of tile and huge selection of carpeting, Floorcrafters installs granite countertops and laminate flooring. It also sells wallpaper.

Steve likes to point out that Floorcrafters can match anyone on price, including the big box stores. “We are very, very competitive with anyone in the Quad Cities.” He says it irritates him when competitors advertise free labor. “There is no such thing as free labor,” he emphasizes. “No one does it. It’s built into the total cost.”

Tina Lassuy of Moline can vouch for the dependability and professionalism of Floorcrafters. The company has installed all of the carpeting, the kitchen tile, and wood floors throughout her house. Additionally, her husband had Floorcrafters install new carpeting and flooring in his office building. “They are a nice family run business,” says Tina. “They are very accommodating and always give me special treatment.” She adds that it’s good to do business with people who care. “I’ll always be a Floorcrafters customer, and I recommend them to all my friends.”

Marlene Vershaw, who is in charge of floor covering sales, is a prime example of dependability, considering she has been with the company for over 25 years. She says that prospective customers can take home samples at no charge, and Steve or Bruce will go to their house to take measurements. She says there is no charge for measurements, and there are many times when customers are given free advice. “We will cater to their needs,” she emphasizes.

Another person at Floorcrafters to obtain advice from is Sibyl Engdahl, the company’s interior decorator. With 15 years of experience, Sibyl will suggest colors and combinations while you’re in the store, or she will come to your home. She says she enjoys working with the installers because of their extensive experience. “They know what they’re doing,” she comments. Sibyl points out that Floorcrafters will stand behind its work. “We have wonderful customers. Some of them end up being personal friends.”

Marsha Frederickson of Moline can attest to that. She says that it’s a wonderful store. “They always have a good selection; they know their products and what works for you. Their service is excellent, and there are always plentiful with samples.” She tells me that the last carpeting Floorcrafters installed for her lasted 20 years. “I’m a very satisfied customer,” she adds.

Another longtime employee at Floorcrafters is Julie Griffin, who has 14 years of experience as the office manager. Julie says that it’s fun to work at a small, family owned business, and that she loves to see customers come through the door. She says it’s a pleasant place to be in, and that they give customers the best service possible.

Roxanne Peterson of Coal Valley is another satisfied customer. Roxanne says that she and her husband previously owned a home in Rock Island, where they used Floorcrafters for all of their flooring, carpeting, and ceramic tile needs. “So naturally when we moved to Coal Valley we called them.” She and her husband have found Floorcrafters to be as competitive as anyone out there, she says. “We really enjoy doing business with them. They’ve been very good to us.”

It’s important to keep in mind that Floorcrafters doesn’t limit its expertise to homeowners, but also does work for offices, colleges, hospitals, and factories. They do all types of jobs, both large and small, Steve says.

Along with installing carpeting, tile, and flooring, Floorcrafters will work with you on window treatments, wallpaper, custom-made rugs, and many types of accessories to suit the customer’s tastes. Another service Floorcrafters provides is replacing your bathroom shower with a new one. This consists of a new ceramic floor inside the shower and ceramic tile on the walls, Steve explains.

Ceramic flooring and wall coverings are gaining popularity, especially in bathrooms. Ceramic laminate looks like hardwood flooring and for family friendly households, it holds up better, Steve says. “We do the project from start to finish. We do free estimates, and you can take samples home.”

Floorcrafters has its own professional installation crew of eight employees. The installers range in experience at Floorcrafters from 10 to 20 years. “They make a good living doing what they do best,” remarks Steve. The installers specialize in their duties. Each has his own niche, from installing carpeting, to hardwood flooring, all types of tile, countertops, ceramic vinyl laminate, and vinyl sheet goods.

Bruce points out that the installation specialists spend more time with the customers than anyone else at the store. “They have an excellent rapport with our customers,” he stresses. The Floorcrafters installation specialists include Vern Baker, Charlie Barr, Chris Crandall, Erick Danielson, Dan Griffin, Mark Griffin, Bob Hammons, and Mike King.

So if you’re considering some type of interior decorating in your home, Floorcrafters may be the place to go. It is located at 1305 5th Avenue in downtown Moline. The hours are 9:30 to 5:00 on weekdays except Monday, and 9:00 to 4:00 on Saturday. It is open on Monday until 7:00. The Web site is www.griffinsfloorcrafters.com.