National Floor Trends articles from February 2009

National Floor Trends archives from February 2009

Make surfaces a 'no kvetching' zone.(Editorial Comment)(marketing trends for floor covering industry)(Editorial)
February 1, 2009... Having weathered an avalanche of bad financial news and witnessed a sharp drop in sales, people in the flooring business will have plenty on their minds during our industry's most important event. But, as the show begins, I want to make a...

NFT exclusive survey: nine out of 10 retailers agree: 2008 was a dud!.(floor covering retailers surveyed on investments on advertising and sales)(Industry overview)(Survey)
February 1, 2009... Our exclusive year-end survey of 310 dealers and contractors shows the effects of the severe real estate slump. The result: 70% of retailers surveyed say their builder and new construction business was down last year. The average fall off was...

Green tide keeps cork bobbing along: powerful environmental story and a selection of new eye-catching visuals give cork flooring makers something to celebrate.(cork floorings exhibited)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A collective sigh of relief may best describe the sentiments of the cork flooring industry these days. At a time when many areas of flooring are struggling, cork is finally shedding its niche product image and...

Surfaces '09: in lean times, show looms large.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There is a clear consensus that 2009 will be a pivotal year for the flooring business, and nowhere will that be more apparent than at the industry's biggest show, Surfaces. While the economic downturn may mean fewer...

Nourison's latest rugs include wool, silk designs.(RUGS & CARPET)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nourison presents Nourison 3000 and Dimensions handmade rugs. Nourison 3000 is made using 100 percent New Zealand wool and is offered in hand-carved designs that feature portions of pure silk. Dimensions rugs are...

Nourison looks to New York for machine-made collection.(RUGS & CARPET)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nourison has taken the wraps off the Manhattan Collection of New Zealand wool broadlooms. The three carpets -- Tribeca, Gramercy and Soho -- feature hand-embossed techniques and abstract patterns in soft, velvety...

Mannington's adorn available in three designs.(RUGS & CARPET)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington Commercial introduces the Adorn Collection of broadloom and modular carpet. Offered in Bead, Drape and Texture styles, Adorn is made using Ultron Premium 6,6 nylon. Ballroom G. For details, circle 289 on...

Bliss flirtation new from Beaulieu.(RUGS & CARPET)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Beaulieu introduces Flirtation, a collection of "unique, sensual, provocative, exotic and wildly dramatic" looks in the Bliss residential line. The carpet is offered in six patterns, including Fantasia, Making Waves,...

Royal Dutch unveils 'The Essentials' looks.(RUGS & CARPET)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stanton Carpet's Royal Dutch div. introduces The Essentials, a collection of 12 patterns ranging from stars to animal prints, damasks to geometrics. Made using Royaltron polypropylene, the patterns are available in...

J. Mish adds to wool rug line.(RUGS & CARPET)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] J. Mish presents two new Wools of New Zealand carpets: Natural Essence and Tussah Boucle. Natural Essence offers a plush texture and rich colors. Tussah Boucle uses a new tufting process for a unique handmade...

Anderson unveils update for exotic impressions units.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Exotic Impressions Visual Merchandising Update from Anderson expands existing displays to add new samples and merchandising elements. The update also includes point-of-sale window banners, in-store posters and...

Anderson's Exotic line uses PermaColor tech.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Exotic Impressions from Anderson offers exotic looks in domestic hardwood flooring. The floor features the new PermaColor process designed to protect against stains, chemicals and solvents as well as creating true...

Mannington's UltraFlex showcases hardwood.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington introduces UltraFlex, a new hardwood display system. The unit is "easy to sell from," offers an "easy upgrade story" and is "easy to update" with samples of almost any size, the company says. UltraFlex...

[10] Eterna's three latest in walnut, oak floors.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eterna presents three new hardwoods: Black Walnut, White Oak QuarterSawn and White Oak WhiteSand. Black Walnut features a bold exotic look. White Oak QuarterSawn offers "simple and pure lines." White Oak WhiteSand in...

[11] Antique Amberwood new from Mannington.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington's Antique Amberwood features a crackle finish for a rustic, refined look. New to the American Craftsman collection, the engineered hardwood also includes Green features, the company notes. Ballroom G. For...

[12] Three new hardwoods round out Lauzon line.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lauzon has taken the wraps off of three new hardwood looks: Ash Reserva, Red Oak Antique and Urbanite. Ash Reserva offers suble grain and color variations in an exotic look. Red Oak Antique presents a "lived-in...

Surfaces 2009 Exhibitor List.(List)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Exhibit Hours: Tuesday, Feb. 3 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration Hours: Monday, Feb. 2 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 6 a.m.-5 p.m....

[13] E Series by Model is FSC certified.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new E Series by Model/Earth by Model hardwood range showcases rich grains and a timeworn feel. The line is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring good forestry practices. Booth #G1829. For details,...

[14] Mullican floors are Verified Sustainable.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Muirfield Maple Natural and Muirfield Hickory Saddle are Mullican's latest prefinished domestic hardwood floors. Both products are Verified Sustainable by Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., ensuring the wood is...

[15] Cork, bamboo in USFloors' Wovens.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] USFloors presents Natural Bamboo Wovens, a collection of oil-finished strand woven bamboo flooring. The flooring features an infusion of cork strands in the weave of the bamboo for improved sound reduction and a...

[16] USFloors beefs up Navarre hardwood.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] USFloors has added new colors to its Navarre Oil Finished Hardwood Collection. Navarre planks are available in engineered formats in a range of widths from 3 1/2" to 10 1/4". The line will be merchandised in the new...

[17] Four-sided microbevel in new Wicanders floor.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Amorim introduces Wicanders Cork Plank with four-sided Micro Bevel. The narrow, 4 3/8" inch wide planks are offered in 12 colors. The flooring is meant to offer "refined class and organic design," Amorim says. Booth...

[18] Hand-sculpted looks in Bruce's Wentworth.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bruce Wentworth Estate is a hand-sculpted, 5" wide engineered hardwood floor featuring the Lock&Fold installation system. The flooring includes a range of distressed looks in different species. Booth #B2805. For...

Preverco's Wirescraped available in six colors.(HARDWOOD)
February 1, 2009... Preverco presents its new Wirescraped finish, offering a textured hardwood floor with "rustic appeal," the company says. The finish is offered in six shades: Serengeti, Casablanca, Madagascar, Kilimanjaro, Cape Verde and Zebra. Wirescraped is...

[19] Durango Wood floor is EarthWerks' latest.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EarthWerks Hardwood has rolled out the Durango Wood Collection. Offering six designer colors in hand-scraped, hand-stained Bagras eucalytpus wood, Durango Wood also features an aluminum oxide finish and four-sided...

[20] EcoTekTiles from Ustek a modular hard surface.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ustek Inc. presents EcoTekTiles. Comprising a patented engineered polymer interlocking base with a built-in underlayment and top surface tile, the product features easy locking installation, the company says. Tiles...

[21] 'Subway-style' Urbanite new from Mannington.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Urbanite from Mannington features a "subway-style" tile in a Sobella fiberglass floor. The product features thin, clean grout lines and a subtle color play in a durable resilient floor. Ballroom G. For details,...

[22] Mannington adds 'Color' to rubber flooring line.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Colorscape and Colorspec are Mannington Commercial's latest rubber flooring. Stair treads, linear stair treads, stair nosings and finishing accessories round out the lines. Ballroom G. For details, circle 267 on the...

[23] Kradal flooring designed to protect against falls.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kradal flooring is a resilient flooring material designed to maximize energy absorption and reduce the likelihood of a fracture from a fall, especially in senior citizens. The floor also contains Green content. Booth...

[24] Linoleum xf new from Johnsonite.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Johnsonite offers Linoleum xf, a linoleum floor offered in more than 40 colors in both marbled and solid styles. The product also features xf, a urethane-based top coat designed to resist abrasions, stains and...

[25] Armstrong Migrations features BioStride polymer.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Armstrong Commercial has taken the wraps off of Migrations BioBased Tile. The flooring combines environmental features with enhanced performance, the company says. Migrations BBT is made using Armstrong's BioStride...

[26] Pavia Stone LVT from EarthWerks.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EarthWerks introduces the Pavia Stone Collection of LVT. The 16" by 16" tile is offered in eight colors and is inspired by the look of mountain stones and slates. Pavia Stone is designed for residential and light...

[27] Mannington Corsica includes tumbled edge.(RESILIENT)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington presents Corsica, an LVT designed to resemble stone. The product also offer a realistic surface texture and tumbled edge, Mannington notes. Ballroom G. For details, circle 264 on the Reader Inquiry Card....

[28] Mirror finish highlights Formica's Bellezza floor.(LAMINATE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bellezza Botticino Classic Dark is the latest laminate floor from Formica Flooring. The product offers a natural stone design in a highly polished mirror finish. Booth #2532. For details, circle 260 on the Reader...

[29] Mannington's Mojave offers slate visuals.(LAMINATE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington presents Mojave Slate, a laminate floor offering a range of differently sized and shaped stones in the visual. Mo jave Slate also features realistic colors and details, the company notes. Ballroom G. For...

[30] Quick-Step's Zebrano a glossy, exotic laminate.(LAMINATE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quick-Step has rolled out Zebrano, part of the company's new Allustra collection of laminate flooring. Featuring a glossy finish, 6 1/8" wide single-plank design and micro-bevels on all four edges, Zebrano is offered...

[31] Armstrong goes 'Coastal' with new White Wash look.(LAMINATE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] White Wash Walnut is the newest addition to Armstrong's Coastal Living Collection. The laminate flooring features a white wash look in a distinctive, coastal visual. Booth #B2805. For details, circle 256 on the...

[32] Bruce adds new designs to Park Avenue line.(LAMINATE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bruce has expanded its Park Avenue laminate collection with three new looks. Fruitwood Select features fine-grained wood looks. Wenge offers deep chocolate tones and near-black veins. Mocha Maple showcases a cafe au...

[33] Mannington's newest offers looks of 'Antiquity'.(CERAMIC TILE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Antiquity tile from Mannington is designed to resemble antique tile flooring. The product features dramatic color variation and irregular edges for a timeworn look, the company says. Ballroom G. For details, circle...

[34] Vitromex's Kabul tile features marble visual.(CERAMIC TILE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Vitromex's new series Kabul is designed to emulate the look of marble. Rich and soft multi-variation graphics create a luxury marble look with a high-gloss glaze that resembles a polished marble shine, the company...

[35] Loxcreen intros ProVa-Flex.(INSTALLATION PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Loxcreen Flooring Group presents ProVaFlex, a polypropylene underlayment for use in ceramic and stone installations. The product acts as an "uncoupling" membrane and can help prevent substrate moisture. ProVaFlex...

[36] Mannington's 'Edge': New wallbase collection.(INSTALLATION PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington Commercial introduces the new Wallbase Collection. Products include Optimum Edge, Mannington Edge and Edge Effects. Ballroom G. For details, circle 269 on the Reader Inquiry Card. * Indicates the...

VCT: Very compelling tile (if you know how to work with it).(Focus on Resilient)
February 1, 2009... It is amazing how many millions of square feet of Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) are installed throughout North America each year. It is also amazing how much misinformation there is out there about this important flooring product--particularly...

The real secret to successful selling.(High-Impact Retailing)
February 1, 2009... My mission in this industry has been to unleash the potential of retailers. Some advice works in normal times. Some is better suited for times of distress. Most will work in any economy. For example, I speak and correspond with many floor...

Chilewich flooring gets CRI thumbs up.(Flooring Insider)(Carpet and Rug Institute's certification)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Chilewich Contract, a division of Chilewich | Sultan LLC, has re-engineered its woven vinyl wall-to-wall (w2w) and tile flooring to be more Green. Its efforts have helped the company's flooring receive the Carpet &...

With flooring coalitions, WFCA hopes to influence economic policy.(Flooring Insider)(World Floor Covering Association offers housing recovery )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The World Floor Covering Association has joined Fix Housing First, a coalition aimed at pushing for a housing recovery plan designed to revive the economy. More than 600 organizations have signed on with the coalition, including home building...

Offering 'one solid voice': NWFA absorbs NOFMA.(Flooring Insider)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... In a move that combines the resources of hardwood flooring's top two trade groups, the National Wood Flooring Association has absorbed the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association, (NOFMA). Ed Korczak, executive director and CEO of the...

Distributor appointment.(Flooring Insider)(W.F. Taylor Co. appoints Stanley Stephens)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... W.F. Taylor has named Stanley Stephens, based in Bristol, Pa., its newest distributor. Stanley Stephens will sell and distribute Taylor Adhesives "throughout eastern Pennsylvania to the I-295 corridor," W.F. Taylor said. Along with its...

Ultron names winners of Doc Award contest.(Flooring Insider)(Solutia Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Solutia's Ultron carpet fibers has named the winners of the 21st annual Doc Award competition, which aims to honor the best contract interior designs and carpet product designs featuring Ultron fiber. The winning...

Shaw signs on for HGTV contest.(Flooring Insider)(Shaw Industries Inc. (Dalton, Georgia))(Home and Garden Television)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Shaw is set to sponsor the second annual HGTV Green Home Giveaway this spring. The Green Home, a Spanish contemporary-styled coastal cottage under construction in Port St. Lucie, Fla., will feature a range of Green construction and design...

Upcoming industry events.
February 1, 2009... Surfaces 2009--Las Vegas. Feb. 2-5. (972) 819-7602. Cevisama 2009--Valencia, Spain. Feb. 10-13. (0034) 902 747 254. Revestir 2009--Sao Paulo, Brazil. March 24-27. +55 (11) 4613-2000. Coverings 2009--Chicago. April 21-24. (877)...

CFI's walker instructs installers at Karastan event.(Flooring Insider)(crtified foorcovering istallers)(Karastan Rug and Home)(Conference news)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Karastan recently hosted a woven and patterned carpet installation workshop at Star Flooring and Design in Wichita, Kan. At the end of the two days of hands-on, intensive training, the 13 installers on hand received Karastan certification. The...

The tile doctor.(Products & Literature on display)
February 1, 2009... Named as one of the World's Top 101 websites by PC World Magazine in 2003, this content-rich portal is the top resource worldwide for tile information. The first online Training and Certification in the Tile Industry, announces the addition of...

Armstrong.(Products & Literature on display)
February 1, 2009... Armstrong presents Global Exotics and Premier Performance hardwood. Global Exotics feature species from around the world in solid and engineered formats. Premier Performance uses a proprietary process for increased hardness, durability and...

Berry floor.(Products & Literature on display)
February 1, 2009... Mansion laminate flooring from Berry Floor features a realistic hand-scraped texture, according to the company. Additionally, the product features WoodStructure+ technology, which ensures the relief on each board "follows the wood grain to...

Sorona polymer featured in Mohawk SmartStrand.(Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mohawk offers SmartStrand carpet with DuPont Sorona polymer. The polymer, which is derived from corn sugar, results in a soft, durable carpet made using sustainable ingredients. For details, circle 299 on the Reader...

Bali Coco engineered is new from Mirage.(Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bali Coco, is a new exotic color made using Canadian Breza hardwood. The product is available in engineered 3 5/16" planks with semi-gloss and Cashmere finishes, For details, circle 296 on the Reader Inquiry Card....

Amtico's latest walnuts are 'Wild' and 'Classic'.(Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Amtico International has updated its Walnut Collection of resilient flooring with two new looks. Wild Walnut features high-contrast grains with great color consistency. Classic Walnut resembles the look of top-grade...

Flexco's Tuflex Force includes patented process.(Products)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flexco has rolled out Tuflex Force rubber flooring tiles. The floor featured a patented vulcanization process using predominately recycled rubber, the company notes. For details, circle 295 on the Reader Inquiry...

Congoleum's AirStep can be loose laid.(Products)
February 1, 2009... AirStep Plus is Congoleum's latest. The resilient sheet floor can be loose laid, perimeter fastened or fully adhered for a range of installations. The wearlayer is fortified with Scotchgard Protector as well as silver antibacterial protection....

HTX50 pro tacker is Arrow's latest.(Products)
February 1, 2009... Arrow Fastener Co. presents the HTX50 Professional Tacker. The tool features an innovative handle design with an ergonmic, soft rubber grip. Additionally, the hammer tacker can accept two full strips of Arrow T50 staples in three sizes. For...