National Floor Trends articles from March 2009

National Floor Trends archives from March 2009

Seeking successful selling.(Editorial Comment)(flooring retailers work on their marketing strategy)(Editorial)
March 1, 2009... Just three months into 2009, it is definitely not business as usual for the floor covering industry. Clearly, all segments have taken a different approach in conducting business. Those driven to success during these economic times are now...

Despite economy, Surfaces exhibitors, attendees report quality over quantity stands true: Surfaces' first general session seeks solutions to economic malaise.
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, Surfaces 2009, held recently at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, will be...

Ceramic tile--now starring in designer floors everywhere.(Designs in Style)(myths, designs and installation of ceramic tiles)
March 1, 2009... In this fast-track world of what's new and what's hot in floor coverings, I'd like to suggest that you check out an old and trusted flooring friend--ceramic tile--at the upcoming Coverings show in Chicago (April 21-24). One of the biggest...

The ceramic job I almost lost.(Commercial Possibilities)(Dave Stafford president of Commercial Carpets of America shares his tile installing job)(Personal account)
March 1, 2009... When you're comfortable with your product mix and installation focus, it becomes easy to shut the door on opportunities that are knocking on your door--profitable ones. In this tight economy, competition is fierce and you have to take advantage...

Coverings to arm attendees with economic survival skills: business-improving educational series, workshops and demonstrations high on the show's agenda.
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Organizers of Coverings 2009, the four-day annual show set for April 21-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, say they are preparing to offer the estimated more than 37,000 people from over 50 countries an...

Marazzi's Paris mimics wainscoting.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed for indoor residential walls, Marazzi's Paris emulates quilted and boiseries finishes with its satiny finishes that incorporate iridescent effects. There are four structures, two ribbed and two textured....

Bostik, StarQuartz unveil new grout product.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bostik and StarQuartz Industries have teamed up to roll out Bostik TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout for tile and stone applications. Available in 20 colors in Bostik's Hydroment and Durabond lines. The product also offers...

USG adds adhesive to Durock line-up.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from USG is Durock Tile Membrane Adhesive, "a high-performance alternative to traditional mortars and mastics, when installing Durock Tile Membrane," the company says. The tile membrane is available in a...

GranitiFiandre's latest emulates blue-veined marble.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Belgian Blue Collection from GranitiFiandre, which takes inspiration from its centuries-old, quarried namesake, boasts light-colored veining crossing its surface. Five shades and four formats, including...

Fashion-forward textile inspires Grupo Halcon.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Organza from Grupo Halcon, a 31cm x 60cm red-bodied ceramic tile, is characterized by the multitude of decorative possibilities inspired by the latest textile fashions and highly demanded colors of the season, the...

TAU recreates linen with Barak.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TAU says the effects of silk with its romantic silhouette and smooth, serene colors inspired the company to create Barak. The line is offered in variable formats, which includes the exclusive (32cm x 90cm) all the...

Laticrete unveils one-step mortar.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from LATICRETE is a one-step, premixed mortar for mud bed, installations. The product, 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed has been formulated for wet and dry applications, indoors or outdoors, and foot-traffic ready in 16...

Custom Building in the green.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Custom Building Products offers two lines of biodegradable and low VOC tile and stone care products--TileLab and StoneSpecific. The recently reformulated TileLab line includes the low VOC OneStep Cleaner & Resealer,...

Florim takes inspiration from leather for Rex series.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Rex series from Florim includes the newly released Galuchat line that uses twin press technology to create a fine leather look. Available in five shades and three sizes. Mosaics and complementary pieces round out...

[10] Sakrete launches concrete patch.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] U.S. Cold Patch from Sakrete is a ready-to-use, recycled asphalt product designed to repair cracks in any asphalt or concrete surface. Made of nearly 60-percent recycled asphalt pavement, Cold Patch also offers...

The evolution of laminate: new designs keep category fresh.(laminate flooring varieties and trends)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Laminate flooring makers are pushing ahead with new designs and technologies aimed at luring consumers back into retailers' stores. They note the segment is evolving with new medium-gloss finishes that bring a...

Beaulieu's new Flirtation line aims for sophisticated tastes.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bliss by Beaulieu's new Flirtation line is available in 10 new carpet styles representing 288 SKUs. Flirtation uses variable twist technology in a pattern carpet made with Beaulieu's PermaSoft and PermaSoft Plus...

Lucky Break Collection offers multiple color options.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] J&J/Invision's new Lucky Break Collection features two new products, Jackpot and Windfall. Both are multi-color products for use in any market segment, the company says. Jackpot is an all-loop structure with delicate...

ProSpec PermaFlex Lite 525 Mortar designed for tile and stone.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ProSpec's new PermaFlex Lite 525 is a lightweight thinset mortar designed for tile and natural stone installations. Its lightweight technology allows for the same coverage as a 50-lb. bag of traditional mortar in a...

LG Floors Deco Wood in domestic, exotic looks.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LG Floors' new Deco Wood luxury vinyl tile collection offers a lifelike wood plank look with a balanced color palette. High-resolution digital imaging technology allows precise replicas of domestic and exotic wood...

Gulistan debuts new carpets for '09.(Products)
March 1, 2009... Gulistan will debut 11 new products and seven under its American Lifestyles brand in 2009. These new styles are a diverse mix of textures, patterns and friezes. Eight of the products are manufactured with Tactesse Stainmaster nylon fiber; two...

Centiva's new World Options series embraces global design trends.(Products)
March 1, 2009... Centiva recently launched its new World Options commercial flooring collection. World Options incorporates international designs, influences and tastes into a comprehensive collection for use anywhere in the world. The series incorporates new...

Johnsonite expands Granit to full solutions system.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Johnsonite has expanded its Granit collection from homogeneous sheet and tile flooring to a system that includes acoustic, static dissipative, conductive and non-slip wet room flooring. In addition, Granit flooring...

Mohawk credit kiosk gives consumers privacy.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mohawk has introduced a new in-store credit kiosk that allows consumers to see their credit availability, while offering them privacy and security. The kiosk features a touch screen and built-in computer that allows...

NAMAC Smart Shine restores shine to old wood and laminate floors.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smart Shine is a two-step hardwood and laminate floor recoating system that allows homeowners to easily restore the gloss and luster to their old and worn floors. Penetrating Floor Prep prepares the floor for the...

Faus' new Parquet series offers realistic look, texture.(Products)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Faus has introduced its new Parquet series of laminate flooring, which allows a realistic parquet look with a simple, glueless installation. The patented Embossed in Register technology precisely embosses the surface...

Amorim unveils new flooring portfolio.(Products)
March 1, 2009... Amorim has unveiled a new portfolio of home and commercial cork flooring collections. Wicanders, its worldwide brand, has extended its range from cork oak flooring to other product categories including linoleum and vinyl. Member of the U.S....

Mullican expands solid and engineered product lines.(Products)
March 1, 2009... Mullican Flooring recently introduced several new prefinished solid and engineered wood flooring products. The company's Green Haven line is now available in 3" and 5" widths in four finishes. The new Mountain View line of 3/8" engineered wood...

Questions from the mail bag.(Focus on Resilient)
March 1, 2009... I am constantly getting questions from NFT readers. Some are related to my column and some are general questions about resilient flooring materials, adhesives, installation techniques and concrete issues. I appreciate getting these questions...

Mullican's latest floors earn FSC thumbs up.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mullican Flooring has received Forest Stewardship Council PURE certification for its new Green Haven line of domestic solid hardwood flooring. FSC PURE designates that the product is made entirely from wood or fiber...

Frey to head Faus sales; Little to lead marketing.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... Following the recent resignations of two executives, Faus Group has given Gonzalo Frey, Faus' CEO, sales responsibilities and promoted Jane Little to director of marketing. Little, who has been with Faus for seven years, was most recently...

Long Island FCA raises $2000 at 50th anniversary gala for Floor Covering Industry Foundation.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Long Island Floor Covering Association raised $2,000 during a recent gala celebrating the group's 50th anniversary. During the event, LIFCA also honored 34 dealers, contractors and cleaning companies that have...

Distributor appointments.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... CBC (America), parent company of flooring makers Toli and Ceres, has added to its distribution roster. Sustainable Surfaces, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., will now offer Toli and Ceres products throughout most of Florida. Additionally,...

Capel showroom moves to new Bay Area space.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After more than 55 years in the San Francisco Mart, Capel Rug's Bay Area showroom (pictured) has moved. Located at 200 Kansas St. in the city's prestigious design district, the new showroom covers more than 5,000 sq....

Berlin to be inducted into WFCA Hall of Fame.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... The late Marvin Berlin, a visionary retailer credited with growing New York Carpet World from a two-store chain in 1967 to more than 250 stores in 17 states by 1996, will be inducted posthumously into the World Floor Covering Association's...

Karastan nets two awards during Atlanta Rug Market.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Karastan won two awards during this year's America's Magnificent Carpets Awards held recently at the Atlanta Rug Market. Netting its 12th America's Magnificent Carpets award overall, Karastan was honored in the...

Dealers Supply recognized as top Flexco distributor.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dealers Supply Co. was recently named Flexco's 2008 Distributor of the Year. The Durham, N.C.-based company was credited with growing sales, fostering strong client relationships and offering excellent customer...

'A valuable brand asset': Mohawk buys Wear-Dated.(Industry News)
March 1, 2009... Mohawk Industries recently purchased the Wear-Dated residential fiber brand from Solutia. As part of the deal, Mohawk will assume ownership of the Wear-Dated Reward for Life retail sales incentive and marketing co-op programs. The commercial...

Upcoming industry events.(Industry News)(Calendar)
March 1, 2009... WSFCA Mini Market and Dinner--Renton, Wash. March 10. (425) 885-0012. Revestir 2009--Sao Paulo, Brazil. March 24-27. +55 (11) 4613-2000. Coverings 2009--Chicago. April 21-24. (877) 303-0712. NWFA Convention--Long Beach, Calif....

A.P.C. says Cork Flooring growth fueled by Green, great designs.
March 1, 2009... Consumers' seemingly bottomless appetite for Green products is paving the way for cork flooring to enter the mainstream, according to Anne Reynolds, president of A.P.C. Cork. She notes that new and innovative looks in the segment are also...

Ardenart.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... Company Name: Ardenart Address: P.O. Box 359 Oyster Bay, NY 11771 Phone: (516) 584-2530 Fax: (516) 624-7788 Email: distribute@mac.com URL: www.ardenartllc.com Products: Waterproof Mouldings and...

FLEXCO.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... Company Name: FLEXCO Address: 1401 East 6th Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Phone: (800) 633-3151 Email: mquick@flexcofloors.com URL: www.flexcofloors.com Products: Offers a complete line of vinyl and rubber wall base in...

Johnsonite.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... Company Name: Johnsonite Address: 16910 Munn Road Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 Phone: (800) 899-8916 Email: info@johnsonite.com URL: www.johnsonite.com Products: Millwork Wall Finishing System Johnsonite's Millwork Wall...

Loxcreen Flooring Group.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... Company Name: Loxcreen Flooring Group Address: 5720 Ambler Drive Mississauga, ON L4W 2B1 Phone: (905) 629-4875 Fax: (905) 625-4249 Email: Stephanie@loxcreenflooring.com URL: www.loxcreen.com Contact Name:...

MAPEI Corp.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Company Name: MAPEI Corp. Address: 1144 E. Newport Center Drive Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Phone: (954) 246-8799 Fax: (954) 246-8801 Email: dchoate@mapei.com URL: www.mapei.com ...

Nora Systems.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Company Name: Nora Systems Address: 94 Glenn Street Lawrence, MA 01843 Phone: (800) 332-NORA; (978) 689-0530 Fax: (978) 975-0110 Email: info@nora.com URL: www.norarubber.com Products:...

Roppe Corp.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... Company Name: Roppe Corp. (logo here) Address: 1602 N. Union Street Fostoria, OH 44830 Phone: (800) 537-9527 Fax: (419) 435-1056 Email: sales @roppe.com URL: www.roppe.com Products: EcoEffects[R], Pinnacle Rubber...

Seneca Millwork, Inc.(Cove Base, Mouldings, & Trims Primer)
March 1, 2009... Company Name: Seneca Millwork, Inc. Address: 300 Court Place PO Box 429 Fostoria, Ohio 44830 Phone: 800-228-6671 Fax: 419-435-5688 Email: sales@senecamillwork.com URL: www.senecamillwork.com Products:...

W.F. Taylor Co., Inc.
March 1, 2009... Company Name: W.F. Taylor Co., Inc. Address: 11545 Pacific Ave. Fontana, CA 92337 Phone: (800) 868-4583 Fax: (951) 360-1177 Email: info@wftaylor.com URL: www.wftaylor.com Products: Designed for installing cove...