National Floor Trends articles from January 2009

National Floor Trends archives from January 2009

Taniya to the rescue.(Editorial Comment)(Editorial)
January 1, 2009... The assessment was dead on: "We can't cut or save our way out of a recession," said Manny Llerena, Mohawk's vp retail marketing during a meeting with the press last month at the company's Floorscapes convention. He maintained that a much better...

Even as the economy slows, 'green' still grows and grows.
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Manufacturers of hard surface flooring and installation products seem to agree: the number of products marketed as environmentally friendly is skyrocketing. And, the increasing demand for "green" products is...

Who to watch in 2009.(flooring business plans and innovative strategy)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] National Floor Trends asked companies in the flooring business for their 2009 game plan. On the heels of a year that was enormously challenging for many in our industry, we wanted to present some of the strategies...

Faus: we have created a new business model.(Who to Watch In 2009: Faus)
January 1, 2009... As of June 3, 2008, Fausfloor[R] has decided to go directly to the specialty retailers. Today's economic condition and the state of the industry have created an opportunity for a new business model. We feel this is the best way to service our...

Anderson positions itself for growth.(Who to Watch In 2009: Anderson Hardwood Floors)(Andy Floors Inc.'s strategic plans )
January 1, 2009... What is your unique and specific plan to capture new business? In 2009 Anderson will continue the things that have made fed our growth for the last five years; quality, cutting edge design, innovation and our focus on meeting customer...

Custom & the environment.(Who to Watch In 2009: Custom Building Products)(Jeremy Gorr of Custom Building Products speaks about green philosophy)(Interview)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What do you feel is unique about your company's "green" philosophy? How are you educating retailers about your approach? Our "Build Green with Custom Building Products" philosophy is a leading model in the...

Love the day-to-day.(Who to Watch In 2009: Tarkett)(Tarkett A/S's floor coverings)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There's a certain customer out there. No doubt you've met her. She has a few kids, a dog, a job and a lot to do every day. When it comes to flooring, she's a pragmatist. She knows she doesn't live in a magazine ad....

Bostik, Inc. and StarQuartz Industries announce tile and stone industry alliance.(Who to Watch In 2009: Bostik)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Industry leader Bostik, Inc. and grout innovator StarQuartz Industries, Inc. have partnered to expand the market penetration of a new, breakthrough, water-based, urethane grout technology. Bostik TruColor Pre-Mixed...

The flooring trifecta: beautiful products, great people, a sustainable future.(Who to Watch In 2009: Mannington)(Mannington Mills Inc.'s history)(Company overview)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington Mills is a fixture in the flooring industry, and a company that stands out because of its unique atmosphere and enduring spirit as a family-owned, professionally managed company...

Who to watch in 2009? That's easy ... It's the Joneses.(Who to Watch In 2009: Bliss by Beaulieu[TM])(floor covering companies marketing )
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You know Mr. and Mrs. Jones, don't you? They always have the nicest car, the latest flat screen TV, the gorgeous granite counter tops, and, of course, the most beautiful floors. Mrs. Jones takes enormous pride in her...

The flooring trifecta: innovative products, great people, a sustainable future.(Who to Watch In 2009: MAPEI)
January 1, 2009... What is your unique and specific plan to capture new business? At MAPEI, our mantra is to be our "customer's supplier of choice". We work very hard to create strong business relationships based on trust and listen very closely to our...

Raising standards.(Who to Watch In 2009: Lauzon)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Over the years, Lauzon has built an enviable reputation through consistently innovative practices and adherence to the strictest environmental and quality standards. It is this foundation that will provide the...

TOLI and CERES flooring brands reaffirm a strong commitment to the environment: with new offerings, and the hiring of two industry veterans, CBC (AMERICA) Corp. demonstrates its commitment to strong performance in 2009 ... and beyond.(Who to Watch In 2009: CBC (AMERICAN) Corp.)(Reggie Ohishi, Jeff Collum and Chip Braulick appointed)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CBC (AMERICA) Corp. is not only an international trading company based in Japan, it is also the driving force behind two leading names in commercial flooring: TOLI and CERES. Operating as independent brands under...

Mullican Flooring's prefinished domestic products are "verified sustainable".(Who to Watch In 2009)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mullican Flooring's prefinished domestic products are all "verified sustainable" by the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. and carry the official AHMI logo. Mullican is a supporting member of AHMI and...

WarmStep[R]--versatile for laminate and tile.(Who to Watch In 2009: ThermoSoft)(Thermosoft International Corp. introduces floor heaters)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Another ThermoSoft[R] innovation simplifies electric floor heating! Until now, flooring dealers and contractors had to worry about having the right system for the right floor covering. Not anymore. WarmStep[R] from...

Amorim moves to the next level.(Who to Watch In 2009: Amorim)(Amorim Cork America introduces cork flooring)
January 1, 2009... Amorim, an internationally recognized company in the cork business for 140 years, introduced Wicanders brand of naturally unique Cork Oak Flooring in 1989. Years of research and development performed exclusively for Wicanders have produced...

Shamrock--traditions & trends.(Who to Watch In 2009: Shamrock)(Shamrock Plank Flooring )
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These days, manufacturers are faced with stiff national and global competition and the need for guaranteed returns from their investment in their products and sales team. In a time when little is certain, a Memphis...

World Floor Covering Association offers retail members extra level of credibility with consumers.(Who to Watch In 2009: WFCA)
January 1, 2009... WFCA Consumer Campaign Continues to Reach Millions Across the Country; WFCA.ORG Traffic and Retail Member Store Visits at All Time High The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), the floor covering industry's largest advocacy...

Your hardwood flooring partner.(Who to Watch In 2009: Seneca Millwork, Inc.)(Seneca Millwork, Inc.'s wood flooring)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The year 2009 brings the growing need to align your business with partners that bring stability and support in the form of high quality products, unwavering customer service, and creative programs that drive business...

Industry environmental leadership--Greenguard certified adhesives.(Who to Watch In 2009: WF Taylor)(W.F. Taylor Co.)(Interview)
January 1, 2009... 1) What is your unique and specific plan to capture new business? W.F. Taylor will emphasize our well-established strengths in the flooring industry. Taylor is the acknowledged technology leader in flooring adhesives and we will pursue new...

Manufacturers weigh in: surfaces 'a catalyst for the industry'.
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The slumping economy has led many in the flooring industry to conclude 2009 will be a make-it-or-break-it year for them. Organizers of the Surfaces meeting scheduled for Feb. 3-5 in Las Vegas say they are well aware...

NFT at surfaces: Styling Excellence Awards New Product Pavilion return.
January 1, 2009... National Floor Trends will once again be honoring the most innovative and creative new designs in flooring with the annual Styling Excellence Awards. Showgoers are invited to pick up a ballot at the NFT exhibit (Booth 116), examine the...

1 Preverco's Wirescraped available in six colors.(01.09> [Surfaces] Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

2 Beaulieu aims for 'Bliss' with new carpet launches.(01.09> [Surfaces] Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Beaulieu of America will take the wraps off several new styles in its Bliss residential line. Launches are set to include Bliss for Kids with a dazzling color range; Flirtation, a sexy, high-fashion look; and the...

3 Royal Dutch unveils 'The Essentials' looks.(01.09> [Surfaces] Products)
January 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...

4 Linoleum xf new from Johnsonite.(01.09> [Surfaces] Products)
January 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...

5 Alloc's latest line goes for the 'Elite'.(01.09> [Surfaces] Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Alloc Elite from Alloc offers distinctive finishes, thick plank configurations and the Lift-Lock-&-Drop installation system. The laminate flooring is available in four piano finishes and eight rustic looks. The...

6 Berry's Mansion floor looks hand-scraped.(01.09> [Surfaces] Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Mohawk honors GreenWorks dealers: "a big plus for our business, our customers, and our community".(01.09> Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During an intimate ceremony in Atlanta recently to honor the top dealers in Mohawk GreenWorks program, Bob Leahy, president of hard surfaces for the company, reminded those gathered that the real winners may not even...

Mannington Commercial contest looks to single out new designers.
January 1, 2009... Mannington Commercial has launched a design competition for designers called tx:style. The company urges architects and designers with no more than seven years of professional experience to send in their ideas for a new commercial carpet...

Formica Flooring.(Distributor Appointment)
January 1, 2009... Portland, Ore,-based Wanke Cascade has been named Formica Flooring's newest distributor. The company will cover much of the Northwest including Oregon, Washington, Montana, northern Idaho and Alaska. For more information, call Wanke Cascade at...

MAPEI at the Guggenheim: company hosts A&D pros.
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MAPEI recently hosted an event for the A&D community at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The meeting aimed to call attention to the exterior renovation of the museum, which was completed using MAPEI...

Hardwood alliance: NWFA & NOFMA consolidate.(Ed Korczak appointed at National Wood Flooring Association and Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association's new business)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The oldest trade group in hardwood flooring, the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association, (NOFMA) has been consolidated into the National Wood Flooring Association. Ed Korczak, executive director and CEO of 4,000-member NWFA will oversee the...

Calif. EPA applauds Shaw's 'green' efforts.(Shaw Industries Inc. honored)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... For the fourth year in a row, Shaw Industries received honors from the California Environmental Protection Agency for diverting more than 11 million pounds of recyclables from landfills to four Shaw flooring plants in California. Shaw received...

Coverings calls for entries for '09 tile and stone contests.
January 1, 2009... Coverings is seeking entries for its 2009 Spectrum and Prism Awards, honoring the best in ceramic tile and natural stone installations. Winners will be announced at Coverings 2009, set for April 21-24 at McCormick Place Convention Center,...

Upcoming industry events.(Calendar)
January 1, 2009... Atlanta International Area Rug Market--Atlanta. Jan. 7-12. (800) ATL-MART. Domotex 2009--Hannover, Germany. Jan. 17-20. +49 511 89-0. LIFCA 50th Anniversary Gala--Woodbury, N.Y. Jan 21. www.lifloor.com. Surfaces 2009--Las Vegas....

1 LG Floors unveils Artwalk metal looks.(01.09> Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LG Floors has taken the wraps off of Artwalk, a resilient floor with a metallic finish designed to recreate the look of steel treadplate. The product is available in anodized stainless steel and metallic...

2 Henry boosts 430 ClearPro for more moisture resistance.(01.09> Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The W.W. Henry Co. has reformulated its Henry 430 ClearPro VCT adhesive for greater moisture protection. The product can now be installed in up to 90 percent relative humidity and 8 lbs./1,000 sq. ft./24 hours MVER,...

3 ECOsurfaces' latest: ECOstars rubber floors.(01.09> Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ECOsurfaces introduces ECOstars, a range of eight resilient patterns featuring highly concentrated colors on a black background. The color flecks are made using up to 20 percent post-industrial content. The company...

4 Shaw's 'Style Solutions': new carpets with Anso.(01.09> Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Style Solutions collection from Shaw is offered in four categories: Luxury, Retreat, Urban and Casual. Each range features four patterned carpet styles and a coordinating solid style. Style Solutions is made...

5 Amtico's Stratica includes no PVCs, virtually no VOCs.(01.09> Products)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Amtico has rolled out Stratica, a high-performance, eco-polymeric resilient flooring with no PVCs and "no detectable VOCs." Additionally, the backing is made using 100 percent postindustrial recycled material....

ErgoStep from Tandus includes 'green' content.(01.09> Products)
January 1, 2009... Tandus' ErgoStep backing is made using BiOH polyols from Cargill, a "green" component derived from soybean oil. Additionally, the felt in the backing features 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, for enhanced "green" performance. For...

1 CertainTeed's GlasRoc designed to stop moisture.(01.09> Ceramic Tile Gallery)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GlasRoc Tile Backer is CertainTeed Gypsum's latest. Engineered with a built-in moisture-blocking acrylic coating, the product protects tile installations and walls, CertainTeed says. For details, circle 300 on the...

2 Orcon M2 wet saw for tile and stone.(01.09> Ceramic Tile Gallery)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Orcon presents the M2 wet saw for cutting ceramic, porcelain, granite and stone tile. The saw features a 1.5 hp induction motor, and an adjustable cutting post and water spout. The saw can also make 3" plunge cuts...

3 Sant' Agostino goes for the 'Super Natural'.(01.09> Ceramic Tile Gallery)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ceramica Sant'Agostino has taken the wraps off of Super Natural. The tile range features six collections made using the latest digital printing to create the look of "natural stone, fabric and wood using 100 percent...

4 Palladio tile from Tau offers marble, gold looks.(01.09> Ceramic Tile Gallery)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tau Ceramics introduces Palladio, a polished porcelain tile emulating the look of marble. Featuring distinctive gold inlay in the surface of the tile, Palladio is offered in six colors. For details, circle 292 on the...

5 Roca looks to the 'Street' for new cement-look line.(01.09> Ceramic Tile Gallery)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Roca's Street tile is inspired by urban environments and offers a cement pattern. The product features an "original brushed look" combined with a "smooth, plain texture," according to the company. Street is available...

USG Durock products aim to keep moisture out.(01.09> Ceramic Tile Gallery)
January 1, 2009... USG offers Durock Tile Membrane and adhesive. The membrane is available in a 280 sq. ft. roll weighing only 20 lbs., according to the company. The products' waterproof composition is designed to protect wood subfloors from water damage as well...

New laws protect our forests ... and our livelihood.(Guest Column)(wood flooring and products standards to protect forests)(Guest editorial)
January 1, 2009... Flooring professionals might not think that activity in Washington affects them or their businesses directly, but important legislation was implemented this past summer that affects many NFT readers. The Lacey Act, which originally was enacted...

Top 10 dumb things installers say.(Focus on Resilient)
January 1, 2009... In my travels I believe I have come across every type of flooring installation problem imaginable, from minor to catastrophic. I have seen holes, indents, lumps, bumps and adhesive screw-ups that would be amusing if they weren't so costly to...

The real secret to successful selling.(High-Impact Retailing)
January 1, 2009... When I lead industry seminars that deal with human interaction--customer service, management or sales--about half of the session is devoted to human skills. This has prompted some casual observers to offer the half-baked opinion that all of my...