Everything you need for a complete kitchen remodel, all in one fabulous location at Design Surfaces Tile & Stone
By Ken McEntee
Challenged by sold out and back-ordered computer components, the recent construction of a new PC required a piecemeal collection of parts vendors—a processor from one place, a graphics card from another and still another source for a brand new floppy disc drive.
Fortunately, if it’s a new kitchen and not a computer that you’re building, there is a convenient one-stop shop where you can find all the pieces you need—from spectacular granite countertops to ceramic and hardwood flooring, to gorgeous cabinets, to sinks and faucets—insists David Coticchia, third-generation co-owner of the family operated Design Surfaces Tile & Stone, in Westlake.
“We have everything you need all in one place,” David says. “There is no need to drive all over town trying to piece together your home improvement project. And our creative and skilled design team is eager to help you put it all together with dazzling results.”
Design Surfaces, which has helped to beautify Northeast Ohio kitchens for more than 45 years, recently redesigned its showroom to make space for an expanded selection of samples and displays to view, touch—and even take home.
And the public is welcome.
“People ask us all the time whether we’re open to the public,” David says. “Not only is everybody welcome to come and browse, but our showroom renovation has made it easier than ever before to make spectacular selections. We now display almost twice as many items as we did before. We’re open to serve do-it-yourselfers as well as professional contractors.”
New features in the freshly updated showroom include a new plumbing supply and accessories section, display vignettes that include new lines of cabinetry, a working kitchen, a coffee bar and a spacious private meeting room where home improvement contractors and designers can comfortably meet with clients.
“We are also showcasing large porcelain slab material for wall, floor and shower surround applications,” David says.
And, he adds, Design Surfaces’ on-site granite and natural stone warehouse features more slabs than ever before.
“Natural stone sales and fabrication is where we started, and it’s still our bread and butter,” David says.
The Design Surfaces showroom renovation was completed just in time for today’s strong demand for home improvement projects.
“People are spending more time at home and noticing things that they need to update,” he says. “The home improvement business is booming right now.”
In addition, anxious home buyers in today’s strong sellers’ market often find themselves bidding high to secure homes that may have dated kitchens and other rooms. New kitchens, David says, are typically at the top of the agenda.
“Many customers, especially those who are doing a remodeling project for the first time, can be nervous about making the wrong decision on colors and styles,” David says. “That’s where our designers come in. They work with you to learn about your tastes and lifestyle, then help you to make the ideal selections. They are not only very creative, but they know our products inside and out.”
Those products include an expanded line of luxury vinyl tile (LVT)—the hottest flooring trend in recent years.
“LVT is tough, versatile, easy to install and easy to maintain,” David explains. “It’s waterproof and scratch resistant, and it can be applied over existing floors. On top of that, it’s a very budget friendly product.”
Because of its resistance to water, LVT can even be installed in the bathroom.
“Hardwood isn’t recommended for bathroom floors, but LVT is ideal in that application,” David says. “The tiles look sensational and they have a rubber or cork backing to allow for a softer feel.”
The quality Casabella brand LVT Design Surfaces offers is thicker and more durable than what you’ll get in a home improvement store, David assures. That’s why it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
Importantly, David emphasizes, Design Surfaces is a locally-owned, third-generation family business. The company was started by David’s grandfather, Nicholas, a stone mason who came to America from Italy in 1975. David’s brother, Dean, also is a co-owner.
“We take pride in being a family business,” David says. “We treat our staff like a part of the family, and everybody here genuinely cares about what we stand for.”
Located at 24000 Sperry Drive, in Westlake, Design Surfaces is conspicuously visible from I-90. The warehouse and showroom are open to the public Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening appointments can be made by calling 440-899-9900. You can find more information at DesignSurfacesDist.com.