National Floor Trends articles from March 2007

National Floor Trends archives from March 2007

A valentine from home depot.(Editorial Comment)
March 1, 2007... Having plunged into the flooring business with the grace of a hungry bear pawing through a picnic basket, Home Depot has quietly sounded retreat. It is abandoning its six-year-old Floor Store concept and pulling the plug on a call center set up...

Shifts seen in flooring leave showgoers 'cautiously upbeat': although attendance at this year's meeting was down from last year's record number, activity in and round the Sands Expo and Convention Center was brisk.(Surfaces '07)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Best Surfaces ever? Probably not. But despite concern that today's market conditions are making the climb a little steeper, last month's meeting in Las Vegas offered ample evidence that the flooring industry...

If they can see it you can sell it: creating a visual for your customers.(Designs in Style)(visual presentation is important to attract the customers)
March 1, 2007... Did you know that only 20 percent of the world's population can actually visualize intangible design concepts? That means, at best, only one out of five of the shoppers in your store has the ability to picture their home adorned with the...

People buy flooring from people they like--no other reason!(High-Impact Retailing)
March 1, 2007... Only 5 percent of salespeople can sell. The other 95 percent can not. The 95 percent who can't include those who must wait until a customer "gets comfortable" before approaching. Or, even worse, they mostly ignore the customer until she either...

Enhancing the likeability of laminate: the products have never looked better and consumers have never been more interested. With that, the key players extend their reach.
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On the surface, the laminate category may seem fairly unchanged. Consumers are still snapping up wide-width products and they remain enamored with dark wood grains and hand-scraped finishes. Also, as evidenced by the...

Faus, MP Global win 'Lammys'.(The envelope please ...)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Faus Group and MP Global Products were among the big winners at the National Laminate Flooring Association's inaugural Lammy Awards, held at Surfaces 2007 in Las Vegas. Each manufacturer was honored with two awards...

Alloc presents new slate looks with Solana, Alicante laminate.(Products: Laminate Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Alloc has expanded its tile and stone laminate looks with two new additions: Solana Slate and Alicante Slate. The 16" tiles are printed with random designs, and feature embossed in register texturing. Variation in...

Berry's Mansion laminate includes oaks, walnuts, cherry.(Products: Laminate Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Berry Floor introduces the Mansion collection of high-end laminate flooring. Available in Tuscan Oak, Dakota Walnut, Yorkshire Walnut, Brazilian Cherry, Eldorado Oak and Smoked Oak, the flooring offers distinctive...

Wilsonart's Princeton Noble uses mirror-image embossing.(Products: Laminate Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Princeton Noble is Wilsonart's latest. The high-pressure laminate flooring features deep chocolate tones and grain-matched texture for high levels of realism. Princeton Noble is inspired by natural wood grain and...

Quick-Step Versailles Medallion aims to emulate antique parquet.(Products: Laminate Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quick-Step introduces Versailles Medallion, a 24" by 24" decorative laminate tile inspired by antique parquet flooring. Available in light and dark colorations, Versailles Medallions marks one of the first laminate...

Moderna by BHK's Visions AL available in 3 assorted lengths.(Products: Laminate Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Moderna by BHK presents Vision AL (Assorted Lengths) laminate flooring. Offered in 5" widths and three lengths (approximately 16", 32" and 48"), the flooring includes a sound-deadening backer and a distinctive...

New wood grains, stone look highlight Suddekor updates.(Products: Laminate Gallery)
March 1, 2007... Suddekor has launched a new collection of decorative papers for the laminate flooring industry. Highlights of the latest design portfolio include Scraped Cypress, Whitewashed Ash, Vintage Plum and Malachi Koa wood grain patterns. A Tuscan Stone...

Mohawk taps Carson to lead Hard Surfaces Division.(News: People/Places/Events)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As part of its restructuring efforts to define hard surface and soft surface sales organizations, Mohawk Industries has named Brian Carson president of its Hard Surfaces Division. He reports to Mohawk Flooring...

Warmtiles.com offers new installation tutorials.(News: People/Places/Events)(Easy Heat, Inc. introduced Computer education software)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Working with industry experts, Easyheat Warm Tiles has produced 14 new tutorials designed to demystify the installation process. Seven of the programs focus on the company's mat system, while the remainder cover its...

Programmers tout uniform standard for flooring.(News: People/Places/Events)
March 1, 2007... With an eye toward providing "seamless connectivity," a team of computer programmers has created a new standard called "the Flooring Software Data Exchange (FSDE)." Designers say the goal is to create programs that can be used across various...

Shaw patents VersaLock AG laminate locking system.(News: People/Places/Events)
March 1, 2007... Shaw Industries has launched a newly patented VersaLockAG laminate locking system that "involves a comprehensive conversion to a technologically advanced assembly profile," the company says. Additionally, the VersaLock AG system "features...

Upcoming industry events.(News)(Brief article)(Calendar)
March 1, 2007... FCICA Annual Convention--San Francisco, Calif. (877) TO-FCICA, March 14-17. StonExpo East 2007--Atlanta, Ga. (866) 550-6808, March 22-24. Expo Build China 2007--Shanghai, China. +86 (21) 64371178*109, April 4-7. NWFA 2007...

Seeking "platform to enter U.S.," ITOCHU Corp. acquires Galleher.(News)
March 1, 2007... Japan's ITOCHU Corp. has acquired one of the nation's top floor covering distributors, Galleher, Inc., the two sides confirmed. The deal is expected to give the 60-year old Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based distributor an infusion of capital as...

Fin Pan Inc. to direct market, sell its own product line.(News)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Building products supplier Fin Pan said it will no longer use Bonsal American as its sales force and will begin selling its product line on a direct basis. The 32-year old Hamilton, Ohio-based company's decision will affect the marketing and...

Leonard's Services & Design hosts color, marketing trend session.(News)
March 1, 2007... Model home design specifiers, Orange County Lennar Sales associates and guests from its corporate offices recently attended a private screening of "A World of Color" for Lennar in Orange County, Calif. Hosted by Leonard's Services & Design...

Coverings 2007 encourages architects, designers to bring a friend--on the house.(News)
March 1, 2007... Coverings 2007, set for April 17-20, at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, is extending its hospitality by allowing architects and designers to bring their VIP clients with them, free of charge. They can host up to two guests during...

National Gypsum to supply backer board for Bonsal.(News)
March 1, 2007... National Gypsum has signed an agreement with Bonsal American to supply cement backer board for the building material products maker. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. National Gypsum makes PermaBase cement backer board, featuring...

Chinafloors opens Atlanta office, hires Tarkett exec to run it.(News)
March 1, 2007... Moving aggressively to increase its profile in the North American market, the Chinese laminate and wood flooring manufacturer Chinafloors Shanghai Ltd. has named Perry Coker as president of its North American operations. Coker will be based at...

Atlanta Int'l Rug Market showcases design achievements; Shaw Living showroom recognized for Outstanding Visual Display.(News)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The debut of Martha Stewart's area rug line for Safavieh, the opening of Afghan Impressions, America's Magnificent Carpets Award, the return of MOI: Museum of Introductions, America's Magnificent Carpet Awards, and...

DuPont's milestone: invests $20 mil to improve Teflon process.(News)
March 1, 2007... In a "milestone" development expected to make the production of flooring materials more environmentally friendly, DuPont says it has found a new way to produce Teflon used in carpet and other flooring products. The company said its new...

GranitiFiandre.(People)(Graniti Fiandre S.p.A. appointed Jeanne Nichols and Marcello Sassi )(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... GranitiFiandre has promoted Jeanne Nichols to vp sales and marketing, Marcello Sassi to vp national accounts. Both work for TransCeramica, the U.S. marketing and sales arm GranitiFiandre. Nichols will develop and implement GranitiFiandre's U.S....

Laticrete International.(People)
March 1, 2007... Laticrete International has named Nick Macrino architectural group manager. He will report directly to the North America sales manager and will implement the "goals of Laticrete to secure specifications on high-profile projects," the company...

Advanced Adhesives Technologies.(People)
March 1, 2007... Christopher Wood has been named director of operations of Advanced Adhesives Technologies. His responsibilities include managing day-to-day company operations, including product development, manufacturing and finance, and overseeing the...

Chemque Inc.(People)
March 1, 2007... Mark Long has been tapped to work in Chemque Inc.'s sales and technical support department of the company's Fortane adhesives and moisture vapor membrane line. The 30-year wood flooring veteran is based in Memphis, Tenn. [ILLUSTRATION...

Kronotex USA.(People)
March 1, 2007... Kronotex USA has promoted Ken Peden to coo. He is responsible for the company's North American laminate flooring business including sales, marketing, distribution, manufacturing and product development. He previously served as the company's...

Florim USA.(People)
March 1, 2007... Florim USA has added industry veterans Ron Spezzaferri and Gene Dingman as regional vps of sales. Spezzaferri, who previously served 13 years as Crossville Inc.'s regional manager, is responsible for the eastern region. Dingman, who comes to...

Advance Carpet One Floor & Home.(People)
March 1, 2007... Barbara Everk has been named president of Advance Carpet One Floor & Home's seven corporate stores in St. Louis, Mo. Her responsibilities include all sales, marketing, operations and financial aspects. She reports to Charlie Dilks, Carpet One...

Johnson Premium Hardwood Flooring.(People)
March 1, 2007... Johnson Premium Hardwood Flooring has appointed Bill Schollmeyer to the newly created vp of sales position, and named NWFA instructor Steve Marley technical director. Schollmeyer, who previously served as product management vp of Hoboken...

Invista Interiors'.(People)
March 1, 2007... Melissa Noebes has been named Invista Interiors' marketing communications and brand manager for its commercial and transportation business. She is responsible for overall communications and brand management of Antron carpet fiber. Noebes...

Classen, Unilen resolve patent disputes.(News)(The Classen Group and the Unilin Group agreement to settle all patent disputes and agree to entering License Agreement)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... The Classen Group and the Unilin Group have reached an agreement to settle all patent disputes between the two companies regarding the glueless locking technology of laminate flooring products. The court cases will be terminated as a result...

Durapiso VCT makes its debut in the U.S. market.(News)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Durapiso VCT has entered the U.S. market via J&C LLC Flooring Systems by Durapiso, the U.S. corporate arm of the Mexico-based VCT manufacturer. Distributors will soon be appointed throughout the U.S. The Durapiso...

Teragren has added four distributors to its network: Maryland-based Elias Wilf Corp. will serve the mid-Atlantic region from New York south to North Carolina and Virginia; Minnesota-based Floor to Ceiling will offer the line throughout its 38-state retailer and interior product stores.(Distributor Appointments)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Teragren has added four distributors to its network: Maryland-based Elias Wilf Corp. will serve the mid-Atlantic region from New York south to North Carolina and Virginia; Minnesota-based Floor to Ceiling will offer the line throughout its...

C&B Sales, LLC, a subsidiary of Cain & Bultman, has been named distributor of Formica Flooring products.(Distributor Appointments)
March 1, 2007... C&B Sales, LLC, a subsidiary of Cain & Bultman, has been named distributor of Formica Flooring products throughout Florida.

DriTac Adhesive Group has tapped Seattle, Wash.-based Sea-Pac Sales distributor of its wood flooring installation products.(Distributor Appointments)
March 1, 2007... DriTac Adhesive Group has tapped Seattle, Wash.-based Sea-Pac Sales distributor of its wood flooring installation products in Seattle and Spokane, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; and Boise, Id.

In memoriam: Craig Lampe, 1945-2007.(News)(Obituary)
March 1, 2007... Craig Lampe, a highly respected figure in the flooring industry who held leadership positions in both manufacturing and distribution, died January 17 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 62. Lampe worked in the flooring...

Basic opens training facility; Johnson named training mgr.(News)
March 1, 2007... Toledo, Ohio-based Basic Coatings has opened a new 7,500-sq.-foot training facility for its Basic Pro Schools. Instruction programs range from basic product knowledge to advanced finishing, sanding and installation techniques. Additionally,...

Kathy Ireland and Green Edge spotlight Shaw's SFA show.
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A major expansion of Kathy Ireland carpet lines highlighted the Shaw Flooring Alliance convention held recently in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Much to the delight of the nearly 1,000 dealers assembled for the three-day...

Buenos Aires Mood new from Crossville.(Products: Tile & Stone Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crossville presents Buenos Aires Mood, a porcelain stone tile series using the company's Multistrato proprietary technology for subtle shading and flow. The product is offered in polished, unpolished, and textured...

StonePeak Ceramics expands New Mosaics.(Products: Tile & Stone Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] StonePeak Ceramics introduces four patterns to its New Mosaic line. Design 1 is a 4" by 12" meshmounted mosaic available with the company's Limestone, Marble, Slate and Stone ranges. Design 2, featuring Slate,...

Ege Seramik introduces 'Imperial' travertine look.(Products: Tile & Stone Gallery)
March 1, 2007... New from Ege Seramik, the Imperial Collection of glazed porcelain tile is inspired by Turkish travertine. The product is offered in White, Beige and Noce, in three sizes for floors (18" by 18", 13" by 13" and 6.5" by 6.5"), and one size for...

GranitiFiandre goes 'Platinum' with new metallic tile collection.(Products: Tile & Stone Gallery)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GranitiFiandre's new Platinum collection of porcelain tile features a metallic effect. Featuring textured check and triangular wave patterns, the tile is offered in White Platinum, Black Platinum, Mauve Platinum, and...

Laura Ashley Home Collection: now showing on Stonexpress site.(Products: Tile & Stone Gallery)
March 1, 2007... The Laura Ashley Home Collection of stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles can now be viewed on the Stonexpress website: www.stonexpressusa. com. Information on the full collection of stone, porcelain and ceramic, as well as metal accents and...

Milliken launches Funkygraphic carpet collection.(Products)
March 1, 2007... Touting European design influences, Milliken Carpet has unveiled Funkygraphic, its new collection of carpet for hospitality interiors. The line is divided into five color moods--Jungle Fever, Purple Haze, Color Spot, Duo Tone and Fade to Grey....

MAPEI's Tri-Patch product can be used with 'Enhancer'.(Products)
March 1, 2007... MAPEI's new Tri-Patch formula is designed for skim coating, patching, leveling and ramping. When mixed with MAPEI's Patch Enhancer, Tri-Patch also top embosses surfaces, according to the company. Tri-Patch is available in a pail for easy...

Two designs added to Domco's Builder's Choice.(Products)
March 1, 2007... Domco's Builder's Choice collection of resilient sheet flooring, designed for builders and property managers, receives two new additions: Windsor Stone, a 9" tile in taupe and cream; and Sutton Stone, a 12" tile in caramel and gray. Available...

Lauzon adds Antique Collection, pearl finish to product line.(Products)
March 1, 2007... Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring has added the Antique Collection to its product line. The company's newest finish, Pearl, featured on the Antique Collection, was created using Lauzon's patented Polynium+ with Sunshield technology....

360 Interchange takes a bite out of global warming.(Products)
March 1, 2007... 360 Interchange has released six new flooring products that feature the company's ecoFoam and ecoPlastic materials, which do not contribute to global warming, are recyclable and degradable, the company says. Included in the line-up are vinyl...