The Flooring Shop: A Business Deeply Rooted in Redcliffe’s History

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Written By Janine Mergler

Some local businesses do more than provide a service — they become part of the community’s story. The Flooring Shop in Redcliffe is one of those businesses.

For more than seven decades, they have helped local families create homes they’re proud of, evolving with the times while staying firmly grounded in local values, relationships and trust built over generations.

From Moreton Bay Furnishings to The Flooring Shop

The Flooring Shop - shop front

The story begins in 1952, when the business first opened as Moreton Bay Furnishings, selling beds, dining tables, rugs, china cabinets and, later, black-and-white televisions when they first appeared on the market in 1956.

The building itself was developed by local identity Rob Robinson, who also built the neighbouring properties and shops across the road, helping shape this part of Redcliffe as it grew.

In 1958, a seven-year-old local boy named John Wardlaw walked into the shop with his parents to buy a rug for their family home — a small moment that would later become part of the business’s long-running legacy.

A Business Passed Down with Care

John began working at the shop part-time in 1967 before moving into a full-time role in 1972. By 1980, he had partnered with Rob Robinson, and in 1988, John Wardlaw officially purchased the business.

John loved coming to work every day, not just for the flooring, but for the conversations. The friendships John built with locals over the three decades are priceless, customers still remember him fondly today. He was known for his rapport with the community and genuine pride in helping people make the right choice for their homes.

In 2018, the business was sold to Mike and Kerry Gunn, before being purchased by Eli and Stef in February 2023.

What makes this story special is the continuity. John worked for Rob before buying the business. Mike worked for John before buying it. Eli worked for Mike before taking over. It has been passed from family to family, tradesperson to tradesperson, with respect for what came before.

As John puts it, “It’s great to see the flooring business continuing and in great hands.”

Experience That Makes the Difference

One of the biggest points of difference at The Flooring Shop is real, hands-on trade experience.

Director and owner Eli has installed more than 5,000 floors across Brisbane and South East Queensland and that background means customers receive advice grounded in practical knowledge, not just sales talk.

The business has evolved significantly over the years — from hand-drawn floor plans and manual calculations to keeping up with building regulations and advancements in flooring technology — yet the focus remains the same: ensuring customer satisfaction with every job.

Flooring Options to Suit Every Space

There are many types of flooring available – carpet, engineered timber, vinyl planks and hybrid – each with their own features and benefits suitable for a variety of spaces.  The Flooring Shop also specialise in one of the most important components of installation – sub floor preparation.

When a client comes into the showroom, the team offer an in-depth analysis guided by the client’s needs, preferences, budget and environmental conditions of the property. This equips the client with product knowledge and an understanding to make the best flooring choice to transform their space.

Proudly Independent and Locally Owned

The Flooring Shop is an independent, family-owned business servicing the Redcliffe Peninsula and North Brisbane, with a strong commitment to supporting the local community.

With flooring advise based on trade experience, tried and tested products and professional installation, the team are proud service the Peninsula community. 

Visit the Showroom or Book a Mobile Consultation

Before investing in new flooring, visit The Flooring Shop’s Redcliffe showroom to view the range and receive expert advice, or book a free in-home consultation using their mobile showroom at a time that suits you.

From concept to completion and beyond, the team will guide you through every step of your flooring journey.

Contact The Flooring Shop

Address: 1/149 Sutton Street, Redcliffe QLD

Phone: (07) 3883 2622, 0402 128 473

Website: click here

The Flooring Shop is a long-standing Redcliffe business, proudly continuing its flooring legacy while serving the local community today.

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