National Floor Trends articles from June 2007

National Floor Trends archives from June 2007

Atlanta rug market preview: new rugs, new courses.(On the Web)
June 1, 2007... An expanded slate of educational programs and the second Oriental Rug Importers Association silent action is slated to high-light the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, July 15-18 at the AmericasMart building in Atlanta. Featuring the...

Another step forward: flooringinsider.com.(Editorial Comment)
June 1, 2007... By now it's clear that technology can be a tough sell in the flooring business. The resistance may be causing some headaches, but it also says something very positive about our industry. This is a business that thrives on human interaction at...

Resilient hears footsteps: retailers say 'demand for alternative flooring' is reshaping the category.
June 1, 2007... For generations resilient flooring has lived up to its name. Whether in a sheet or tile format, products included in this wide ranging category have earned a reputation as practical, fashionable and--as the name suggests--highly durable. For...

If residential sales are sluggish, consider your commercial possibilities.(Commercial Possibilities)
June 1, 2007... From adversity comes opportunity, but that's only if you are prepared to expand your horizons. Unfortunately for many retailers these days, adversity has arrived in the form of lighter store traffic, fewer leads, and customers who are suddenly...

Five things you can do to increase sales now!(High-Impact Retailing)
June 1, 2007... These are strange and trying times for America. Uncertainty and lack of consumer confidence have resulted in many floor covering retailers experiencing sales results that are consistent with a recession instead of the thriving economy that we...

When shrugging your shoulders isn't enough.(Wood or Wood Knot)
June 1, 2007... Often, the most rewarding experience for a "modern" contractor comes when he successfully confronts problems many consider "ancient." Granted, there are always new challenges popping up, but that's because you just can't advance an industry...

In memoriam: William C. Martin.(News: People/Places/Events)(Obituary)
June 1, 2007... William C. Martin, an internationally respected leader in the flooring industry whose career spanned five decades, died April 17 due to complications stemming from a heart condition. He was 80 years old. Born in Southern California in 1927,...

CRI: debunking myths about carpet.(News: People/Places/Events)(Carpet and Rug Institute)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Carpet and Rug Institute says it is making steady progress in its ongoing effort to debunk myths, educate consumers and sharpen the industry's focus on environmental concerns. At a wide ranging update for West...

828 International.(People)(828 International Trading Co. appointed Cliff Christenson and David Kraus)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... 828 International has added several seasoned veterans to its sales force. Cliff Christenson, a 20 year veteran of the industry, will focus on Colorado and Wyoming. David Kraus, who most recently worked 27 years for family-owned retailer A....

Intertech Flooring.(People)
June 1, 2007... Intertech Flooring has appointed Kyle Phillips as design consultant for the Austin market. She will work with designers, architects, contractors and end-users to assess project flooring needs and assist in product selection. Phillips brings...

Laticrete has elevated Vernon Cox to sales manager, North America.(People)
June 1, 2007... Laticrete has elevated Vernon Cox to sales manager, North America. In his new role he will be responsible for overseeing all regional sales managers as well as building sales in the company's Architectural Products Division. Cox started at...

Stauf Adhesives.(People)
June 1, 2007... Stauf Adhesives has named Frank Potter as director of operations and sales. He will also serve as MidAmerican regional sales manager. Potter brings extensive experience to his role, serving for the past six years as manager of inside sales for...

Shaw checks in with new hotel effort.(News: People/Places/Events)
June 1, 2007... In a move that will streamline the way Shaw Industries sells flooring to hotels, the company said it will combine two of its well-established commercial lines. Shaw Hospitality, a line of textured carpet developed for installation in guest...

'Double-digit' McDaniel named top Roppe salesman.(News: People/Places/Events)(Don McDaniel receives the Roppe Salesman of the Year award.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Don McDaniel was named Roppe's Salesman of the Year. An 11-year veteran of the company whose territory includes the Carolinas and southern Virginia, McDaniel was honored for consistent sales growth and maintaining...

Commercial Carpets thanks library for thinking green.(News: People/Places/Events)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Virginia-based retailer Commercial Carpets of America recently recognized the Mary Riley Styles Public Library in Falls Church, Va. for its participation in the company's Environmental Impact and Reclamation program....

Powernail founders inducted into NWFA Hall of Fame.(News: People/Places/Events)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Powernail founders Carl and Edgar Anstett were posthumously inducted into the National Wood Flooring Association Hall of Fame during the group's annual convention in Denver. The honor was given to the Anstetts based...

Upcoming industry events.(News: People/Places/Events)(Brief article)(Calendar)
June 1, 2007... 39th Annual NeoCon World's Trade Fair--Chicago, June 11-13. (800) 677-6278. Atlanta International Area Rug Market--Atlanta, July 15-18. (800) 285-6278. Hunter Douglas International Alliance Conference--Denver, July 25. (877) 407-3300....

In bid to offset fuel costs, resilient makers hike prices.(News: People/Places/Events)
June 1, 2007... Citing rising energy and raw material costs, several resilient flooring manufacturers are raising their prices. Major manufacturers including Armstrong, Congoleum, Mannington and Tarkett are set to rise prices an average of 3 to 5 percent on...

Shaw flooring ready for close-up in A&E show.(News: People/Places/Events)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shaw Industries flooring products will be highlighted in an upcoming episode of A&E's Flip This House, a series chronicling the exploits of real estate developers in top housing markets. The episode focuses on the...

Tony Sturrus resigns; Pergo restructures management.(News: People/Places/Events)
June 1, 2007... Following the resignation of ceo Tony Sturrus, Pergo AB and its North American arm Pergo Inc. have restructured their management ranks, naming separate ceos to fill the duel posts previously held by Sturrus. Leading the company's North American...

Edge Flooring has added CDI and Access Distributors to its roster.(Distributor Appointments)
June 1, 2007... Edge Flooring has added CDI and Access Distributors to its roster. CDI will serve the Iowa market. Access Distributors will carry Edge Flooring in Texas.

Tarkett Commercial announced that longtime Tarkett distributor Southern Tile of Norfolk, Va., will now also carry the complete line of Azrock by Tarkett commercial flooring.(Distributor Appointments)
June 1, 2007... Tarkett Commercial announced that longtime Tarkett distributor Southern Tile of Norfolk, Va., will now also carry the complete line of Azrock by Tarkett commercial flooring. Southern Tile's territory will include the majority of Virginia, and...

Dr. Rothberg receives top honor from NTCA.(News: People/Places/Events)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For his work in elevating the tile installation products segment, Laticrete founder and chairman emeritus Dr. Henry M. Rothberg (pictured, third from left) received the National Tile Contractors Association's Joe A....

San Diego area installers, dealers get leg up at Floor Excellence event.(News: People/Places/Events)(San Diego County Floor Covering Association's annual Floor Excellence educational forum )(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The San Diego County Floor Covering Association recently welcomed more than 150 installers, sales reps and dealers to its "Spring Training for the Flooring Professional." The annual Floor Excellence educational forum...

SelecTech Flooring named StarNet preferred vendor.(News: People/Places/Events)
June 1, 2007... Commercial flooring maker SelecTech Flooring of Avon, Mass., has been named a preferred vendor by the StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative of independent flooring contractors. To qualify for the designation, SelecTech samples were tested in...

Coverings touches down in Chicago; draws praise from attendees, exhibitors.
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Coverings 2007's move to the Windy City April 17-20 was deemed a success by both attendees and exhibitors. With more than 33,000 international and domestic show-goers on hand, Chicago's McCormick Place Convention...

Designweave's construKt Series builds on green promise.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Inspired by the art period known as the Constructivist Movement, Designweave's construKt features the latest Shaw Green Edge Eco Solution Q fiber and EcoWorx backing. The 24" modular carpet is available in four...

Hydro Ban includes flood testing feature.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Laticrete's Hydro Ban is a thin load-bearing waterproofing and anti-fracture membrane that does not require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners, according to the company. Additionally, the product allows...

Egyptian scenery inspires Lamosa's Cairo line.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sand, earth, green fields and deserts are the inspiration for Lamosa's new Cairo Collection. The series, which is available in four shades (Blanco, Verde, Rojo and Cafe), is offered in sizes including 13" x 13", 6" x...

Kale Stone aims to emulate natural looks.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from the Kale Group is Kale Stone ceramic tiles, made using twin-press technology. According to the company, the technology creates natural stone textures and finishes in ceramic tile. Kale Stone is designed for...

Mannington's Infinity RE earns green nods.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Mannington Commercial modular rubber tile products that feature the Infinity RE backing system now carry SCS Sustainable Choice-Platinum/EPP Certification. The green-certified products also meet stringent California Platinum EPP standards, the...

Bengard expands decorative edging profiles.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Bengard introduces new decorative edges for corners, countertops, raised platforms and stairs. The 3/8" (10mm)--1/2" (12.5mm) dual-purpose products can be used for both 10mm and 12.5mm tile, and are available in nine finishes. For details,...

NATURCote enhances.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Armstrong's linoleum line Armstrong Commercial Floor Products introduces NATURCote, a new top layer coating designed to resist scratches, scuffs and dirt build-up. The new coating is designed to enhance the clarity...

Tarkett broadens Azrock ColorWorks palette.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Azrock by Tarkett has expanded its color palette with 27 new hues in the ColorWorks system. The newly added hues can be used with the entire Azrock Commercial Tile collection, including Azrock Granite, CortinaStone...

Roppe's new 'Dimensions': three profiles in rubber tile.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Roppe is set to launch its new Dimensions Rubber Flooring at NeoCon World's Trade Fair this month. Dimensions will be offered in three distinct profiles: Random, a random pattern of rectangles; Stripe, inspired by...

Capel goes green with Ragtime rugs.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ragtime, a new braided rug collection from Capel Rugs, is made using recycled materials including repurposed wool byproducts from the company's Troy, N.C., factory. The line also uses end-run polypropylene yarns....

MAPEI expands grout colors.(Products)
June 1, 2007... With the addition of 14 new colors, MAPEI's grout spectrum now encompasses 36 choices. Several of the company's grouts are available in the expanded palette, including stain-free Opticolor, rapid-setting Ultracolor, and premium-grade Keracolor...

Wicanders Cork Oak good for LEED points, leg cramps.(Products)
June 1, 2007... As a sustainable product, Wicanders Cork Oak can contribute to both commercial and residential certification under the U.S. Green Building Councils LEED standards. Wicanders notes that the product's "inherent airiness" can also help reduce leg...

CMI takes it outside with Sunbraid collection.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Colonial Mills Inc. (CMI) has introduced Sunbraid, an indoor/outdoor collection of braided-texture rugs designed to resist mildew, stain, fading and color bleeding. Constructed of 80 percent polypropylene and 20...

[10] UFloor Systems unveils UZIN PE 414 Turbo.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UZIN PE 414 Turbo from UFloor Systems is a water-free, solvent-free, reaction resin primer formulated for high coverage and heavy-duty performance. The one-component polyurethane primer can be used as a surface...

[11] Johnsonite's Square tile offers durability.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Square from Johnsonite is a high-performance modular tile that combines contemporary designs with a durable PUR-reinforced wear layer to resist abrasions, stains and tearing, the company says. Also featuring impact...

[12] EcoDomo leather tiles feature all-natural benefits.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EcoDomo leather floor and wall tiles are made using natural components. These include recycled leather scraps, natural rubber and Acacia tree bark. Suitable for residential and commercial applications, the...

Tau's Zen achieves new dimensions.(Products)
June 1, 2007... The Zen Collection from Tau Ceramica is offered in a new large format of 32 x 90cm wall tiles and 45 x 45cm floor tiles. The collection features a wide range of designs including Daria, Amur, Tarim and Shilka. Each style offers an array of...

Mohawk launches credit program and training offer.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Mohawk Industries has introduced a consumer credit program designed to increase dealers' average tickets while building consumer loyalty with co-branded credit cards that include the dealer's store name. The company notes that Mohawk University...

[13] Questech launches Casa Emperador tile with distinctive looks.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Questech has added to its line of factory-sealed tumbled marble with the Casa Emperador Collection. Featuring medium brown shades with light-colored veining, the tiles are available in 12" x 12", 6" x 6", 4" x 4", 3"...

[14] W.F. Taylor's MS-Plus adhesive new for wood floors.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from W.F. Taylor is MS-Plus Wood Flooring Adhesive, a Greenguard-certified product using Taylor's patented Meta-tec technology in an advanced formulation. The company notes that the moisture cure urethane...

[15] MAPEI's Ultraplan M20 Plus designed to meet new demands.(Products)
June 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Ultraplan M20 Plus self-leveling topping and underlayment from MAPEI has been formulated to accelerate the resurfacing and construction of commercial-grade interior floor projects. The LEED-compliant product is...

[16] Congoleum's DuraCeramic enhanced with new designs.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Congoleum has added three new designs in 10 colorways to its high-performance DuraCeramic line. The new looks include Morocco, featuring a soft linear and contemporary fabric-like visual; Tranquility, offering a polished crystal look; and...

Bentley Prince Street's Industry available in broadloom, tile.(Products)
June 1, 2007... Bentley Prince Street presents Industry, a carpet product available in broadloom and tile in 45 colors. Designed to coordinate with the company's Urban Scene, New Town, Architecture and Mythic City lines, Industry features a velvet-like finish....

Speaking the same language.(Resilient Answer Man)
June 1, 2007... We heard a lot of positive feedback from readers after my column on terminology ("Don't Call It Linoleum If It's Sheet Vinyl," NFT January 2005). Of course there were some people who suggested that I need to get a life. "Who cares if you call...

Carpet Shims.(Products & Literature on display)
June 1, 2007... Discover The Underlying Difference! Carpet Shims are available in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" x 8" x 32", and 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2"x 12" x 48". Add a Universal Side Shim to each end of the installed Carpet Shim to eliminate the drop off, which...

Starline.(Products & Literature on display)
June 1, 2007... Starline Associates, Inc. delivers the best value for the money with SILENT BLUETM Laminate Underlayment. SILENT BLUETM combines closed cell construction, IIC 72, STC 73 Ratings and Waterproof Technology, eliminating the need for film and...

Bengard.(Products & Literature on display)
June 1, 2007... CM4151 Decorative Counter Top Edge--8' Lengths 3/8" (10mm)--1/2" (12.4mm): Dual purpose Decorative Edging used for countertops, raised platforms and stairs. Can be used for both 10mm and 12.5mm tile. Finishes: BB, BC, BK, CA, CP, DB, GA, ML, ad...