National Floor Trends articles from May 2007

National Floor Trends archives from May 2007

2007 directory: manufacturers.(Directory)
May 1, 2007... ELEGANCE EXOTIC WOOD FLOORING, 10808 Sixth St., Unit A, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 980-5066 Fax: (909) 980-5442 E-Mail Address/URL: sales@elegancewoodflooring.com or www.elegancewoodflooring.com VP: Jean Tong. ELEGANZA TILE INC., 641...

When your only pitch is lowball pricing, expect to get hammered.(Editorial Comment)
May 1, 2007... The headline in the local business press seemed ominous: Flooring Retailer Shuts 5 Stores, Lays Off 25. News of this sort can be unsettling to retailers who run much smaller operations. If an eight-store flooring chain with nearly $20 million...

2007 Directory: section 4: sales agents.(Directory)
May 1, 2007... The sales agents in this section are those from whom we have received forms or who have been identified by manufacturers in our industry. If you are a sales agent and would like to be listed in our directory next year, please let us know. ...

2007 Directory: section 5: retail groups/franchises.(Directory)
May 1, 2007... The Retail Groups and Franchises in this section responded to a special questionnaire. This by no means represents all of the industry's buying groups and should not be interpreted as such. If you are a Retail Group or Franchise organization...

2007 Directory: section 6: associations/markets.(Directory)
May 1, 2007... The Associations/Markets in this section are those from whom we have received forms or who have been identified in our industry. If you would like to be listed in our directory next year, please let us know. ALLIANCE FOR FLEXIBLE...

2007 Directory: section 7: installation & technical training schools.(Directory)
May 1, 2007... The installation and technical training schools in this section are those from whom we received information or were otherwise able to identify. This list by no means includes all installation and technical training schools and should not be...

Carpet Shims.(Products & Literature on display)
May 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...

NobelSeal.(Products & Literature on display)
May 1, 2007... NobleSeal[R] CIS (Crack Isolation Sheet) protects thin-set ceramic and stone tile from cracking. CIS is a thin sheet membrane made from Chlorinated Polyethylene, an elastomer that is so durable, CIS is guaranteed for the life of the original...

Questech.(Products & Literature on display)
May 1, 2007... Our Marble Isn't Afraid To Get Wet Luxurious tumbled marble with Q-Seal--water and stain resistant for life. To learn more about Questech's beautiful, worry-free Tumbled Marble tiles with Q-Seal and to find a dealer in your area, visit...

Dodge Regupol.(Products & Literature on display)
May 1, 2007... Regupol QTsound control underlayment installs directly underneath the floor surface to greatly reduce impact sound. Engineered to provide the highest IIC (impact insulation class) rating improvement over any other sound control product...

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

TEC.(Products & Literature on display)
May 1, 2007... TEC's AccuColor XT grout protects against dirt, mildew AccuColor XT grout, new from TEC, is designed to resist staining and cracking, as well as mold and mildew. The cement-based grout also repels dirt, the company says. AccuColor XT is...

Remember surfaces? Well I sure do!(Designs in Style)
May 1, 2007... Many of you reading this may very well have passed me as I scurried about the aisles at Surfaces earlier this year. With my appointment book in one hand, my notebook in the other and sensible (yet stylish) shoes on my feet, I spent three days...

How to run a promotion the 'Wendy Way'.(High-Impact Retailing)
May 1, 2007... While attending the Alliance Flooring (CarpetsPlus Colortile and Carpetland, USA.) convention in Atlanta in February, I sat in on a general session built around the theme "Best Practices." Usually these discussions feature someone telling us "I...

Adhesive concerns: what to do when things get sticky.(Focus on Resilient)
May 1, 2007... We all know the role adhesives play in our business: they make sure the flooring stays put. Sounds simple enough. But as every installer knows, it is not always so simple. There are a number of circumstances that can complicate matters. Dirt,...

Armstrong enhances laminate with Grand Illusions exotics.(Products)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Grand Illusions laminate flooring is new from Armstrong. The flooring features Lock&Fold installation technology and the HydraCore Plus Layer in 5"-wide planks with a Kissed Edge Bevel. Offered in four exotic...

Wicanders HPS finish designed for green installs.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Amorim Flooring has added High Performance Surface (HPS) finish to its Wicander Cork Oak Flooring. Designed for environmentally friendly and versatile floors in commercial settings, HPS is available in 12 shades, including Metallic Sky, Ruby,...

Brintons, Timorous Beasties offer nature-inspired carpets.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Axminster carpet manufacturer Brintons and the United Kingdom's Timorous Beasties textile design firm are "shaking up traditions" in commercial carpet design with the Timorous Beasties line. According to the company, the carpets feature...

The Wood Cellar expands Arbor Creek engineered line.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Previously available only in California, The Wood Cellar has launched its Arbor Creek collection across the U.S. Arbor Creek Plank is an engineered wood flooring product offered in several options: pre-sanded and unfinished, pre-finished with...

Ardex launches new flexible, sanded grout.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Ardex Flex Sanded Grout is a Portland cement-based grout modified with powdered polymers that provide a smooth finish for floor and wall tile joints up to 1/2-inch wide, the company says. The fast-setting product is formulated to resist stains,...

Eliane's Labrador designed to evoke Canadian coastline.(Products)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nature-inspired colors and irregular edges highlight Eliane's Labrador porcelain tile. Designed to emulate the natural stone of Canada's Atlantic coast, Labrador is offered in five colors and two formats (18" by 18"...

Beaulieu adds new carpets to Ultimate Performance line.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Beaulieu of America has added four new products to its Ultimate Performance Collection of solution-dyed carpets. Featuring loop pile construction and a soft hand, the new styles are Allante II, Brocade II, Cobble Hill II, and Navarro II....

Mediterranea tile collection looks to California wine country.(Products)
May 1, 2007... New from Mediterranea is the Sonoma Valley collection of glazed porcelain tiles. The collection is available in three sizes (18" by 18", 13" by 13", and 6 1/2" by 6 1/2"), a 13" by 13" mesh-mounted mosaic, and a 3" by 13" bullnose accessory....

USG adds Quik-Top to underlayment line.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Formulated to minimize downtime, Levelrock Brand Quik-Top Floor Underlayment is new from USG's Specialty Products Division. The poured gypsum-concrete underlayment is a self-leveling, high-strength product that dries within 15 hours, the...

MAPEI broadens grout color palette.(Products)
May 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...

[10] Mercier passes muster with 'Dijon' hardwood.(Products)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Golden-hued Dijon is the newest color to Mercier Wood Flooring's Generations hardwood flooring line. The new color is one of a wide array of options available for Mercier's Generations products, the company says. For...

[11] Hum-B surface profiler features ergonomic design.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Providing maximum comfort and increased productivity were CDCLarue's goals when it designed the ergonomic Hum-B surface profiler, the company says. Ideal for preparing concrete, terrazzo, stone and masonry, the profiler is available in 6", 8"...

[12] Congoleum unveils Flor-Ever Plus collection.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Congoleum has launched Flor-Ever Plus, a line of resilient sheet flooring for both commercial and residential applications. Offered in seven designer collections and 30 contemporary looks, FlorEver Plus features antimicrobial protection, a...

[13] American folk art inspires Bentley Prince Street.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Even Keel is the latest addition to Bentley Prince Street's broadloom carpet collection. Inspired by rustic American folk art, the line features rich organic hues in 12 colorways. The product is available certified to new environmental industry...

Formica updates warranty to cover moisture damange.(Products)
May 1, 2007... Laminate flooring maker Formica Flooring has extended its existing residential product warranty to include topical moisture damage caused by normal household spills when recommended accessories and cleaning practices are used, the company says....

NWFA expands training facilities with eye toward better air quality.(News: People/Places/Events)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has completed construction at its St. Louis-based training headquarters by adding 18,800 sq. ft. to its existing 20,000 sq. ft. facility that houses a...

It's no lie: Pinocchio joins Mohawk to for laminate push.(News: People/Places/Events)
May 1, 2007... As part of an ambitious effort to promote it s new laminate line, Mohawk's says it has recruited the legendary fairytale character Pinocchio. The well known boy made of wood has been enlisted to help expand an ad campaign it kicked off last...

RFMS buys software provider, opens commercial division.(News: People/Places/Events)
May 1, 2007... In a move to expand its commercial business software tools, RFMS recently purchased commercial flooring software maker Pro%Cent Inc. and created a new division, RFMS Commercial. According to company spokeswoman Maria Cauchon, the new division...

BonaKemi.(People)(BonaKemi USA Inc. appointed Bob Burton )(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... BonaKemi USA has named southeast regional contractor manager Bob Burton winner of its annual Bona USA Peak Sales Achievement Award. Based in Gibsonville, N.C., Burton has been with the company since 2001. Criteria used to determine the winner...

Florim.(People)(Florim Ceramiche S.p.A. appointed Tony Almeida and Heather Saladin)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Florim has added Tony Almeida and Heather Saladin to its sales team. Almeida, a 12-year tile industry veteran, will serve as East Coast regional manager representing the Esquire and AFI porcelain tile brands. Saladin, who recently served with...

UFLOOR Systems, Inc.(People)
May 1, 2007... UFLOOR Systems Inc. has appointed Larry Subervi national sales manager--hardwood. Subervi comes to UFLOOR from BonaKemi USA where he held various positions in the management and operations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Glitsa American.(People)
May 1, 2007... Glitsa American has added Brian Gamet as sales and technical rep. He is responsible for marketing Glitsa's finish lines from Maine to Louisiana.

Columbia Flooring.(People)
May 1, 2007... Greg Pray has been named president of Columbia Flooring. He replaces outgoing president David Wootton, who is retiring.

Bonsal American.(People)(Bonsal American has appointed Johnsie Beck, Kathy Rudolph and Kevin McFadden )(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Bonsal American has made several staff changes in a bid to better manage the growth and conversion of its commercial and tile setting products to the new ProSpec brand. Johnsie Beck, Sakrete of North America president, will assume the added...

Formica Flooring.(People)
May 1, 2007... Formica Flooring has promoted Matt Kitchen to accessory product manager. His responsibilities include the accessories market, which include transitions, underlayment, cleaning and installation kits. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Mannington seeks women who are 'unsung heroes'.(People)
May 1, 2007... Mannington Mills is seeking nominations for its third annual "Stand On A Better World Awards," which recognizes women who have made a significant contribution on either a local, national or global level. This year's award recipients will be...

Longust unveils new logo; promotes new locations, line.(News)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... To coincide with the opening of two new distribution facilities in Albuquerque and San Diego, Longust has unveiled a new logo and tagline. "The new logo and tagline represents our company's direction and focus--'hard surface made easy,'"...

AAT honors Johnson Wholesale Floors.(News)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Advanced Adhesive Technologies (AAT) has bestowed its Distributor of the Year award on Atlanta, Ga.-based Johnson Wholesale Floors in recognition of its overall performance, sales volume and consistent exemplary...

Anderson 'Lifestyle Boutique' added to Avalon store.(News)
May 1, 2007... The East Coast-based specialty chain Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring has become the first retailer to incorporate an in-store "Lifestyle Boutique" created by Anderson Hardwood Floors. The 24' x 24' display is designed to make shopping for...

With management buyout, Junckers changes name.(News)
May 1, 2007... Anaheim, Calif.-based Junckers Hardwood Inc. has agreed to a management buyout of its U.S. residential division by a team led by Paul Walker, former Junckers USA ceo. The new company will operate under the Premier Flooring Solutions name....

Recyclable bags part of Laticrete products.(News)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Laticrete International has shipped its first batch of Laticrete System materials in recyclable bags from its Hamlet, N.C., facility to Palmetto Tile Distributors in North Charleston, S.C. The new environmentally...

Mannington's Infinity RE utilizes recycled content.(News)(Mannington Commercial)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Infinity RE from Mannington Commercial is the company's latest effort in "re-utilizing more waste than it sends to the landfill" with its Infinity RE carpet tile backing--a recycled product that contains both post-consumer drywall and...

Ardex and Blanke agree to have their reps stick to one story.(News)
May 1, 2007... With the goal of simplifying matters for tile and stone installers who work with uncoupling mats, two of the leading companies in those areas say they are teaming up to assure that their reps offer consistent information. Adhesive maker Ardex...

Armstrong ads tout product testing benefits.(News)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Armstrong said it plans to launch a light-hearted ad campaign that points to the many solid benefits of the company's "vigorous product testing." The campaign includes four 15-second TV spots that feature the...

NYC home to new Dal-Tile showroom.(News)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Hundeds of retailers, architects, and contractors from throughout the New York Metropolitan area joined Daltile in late March for a two-day celebration marking the debut of a new upscale tile and stone...

Planting trees, selling floors: Alliance Flooring's new program.(News)
May 1, 2007... Alliance Flooring, the parent company of CarpetsPlus Color Tile, has partnered with The National Arbor Day Foundation to launch the EcoChoice Flooring program. The goal: to use proceeds from sales of eco-friendly flooring to ensure more trees...

PFS repeats success, garners second Roppe award.(News)(Professional Flooring Supply )(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Roppe Corp. has honored Professional Flooring Supply (PFS) as its 2006 Distributor of the Year--the first company to win the award two years in a row, setting a new Roppe record. Commenting on PFS' dedication,...

MAPEI celebrates 70th anniversary in Milan.(News)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MAPEI returned to its Italian roots as it marked its 70th year in business with a weeklong celebration in Milan. On the agenda were exclusive theatrical performances in historical venues, and visits to the company's...

Kahn named Flexco's salesman of the year.(News)(Michael Kahn honored)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flexco's Southeast sales manager Michael Kahn has been named the company's 2006 Salesman of the Year. Based out of Marietta, Ga., Kahn's territory includes Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. "Michael has...

Mohawk, Woolrich team for new rug line.(News)
May 1, 2007... Outdoor furnishings and accessories manufacturer Woolrich Inc., and Mohawk Industries have joined forces to launch a new line of machine-made rugs. The outdoor-inspired floor coverings are designed to complement Woolrich's collection of home...

Armstrong Honors William M Bird with Hardwood Distributor of the Year Award.(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Recognized for outstanding service, and marketing/sales goals, William M Bird representatives attending the presentation are (from left): Frank Ready, Armstrong president; Maybank Hagood; William M Bird president;...

Unicera to focus on becoming global ceramics hub.
May 1, 2007... On the heels of its record-breaking attendance figures, Unicera 2007 organizers say they are ready to take the exposition to a higher level by becoming a center for designers, architects, retailers and distributors. Held annually in...

Shaw 'Springs' into action with consumer sale.
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shaw Industries says its Spring Flooring Sale this year will rank as "one of the company's largest promotions to date." The sale, which runs until May 31, will focus on the company's newest products and tempt...

Best Tile Distributors of New England has announced a distribution relationship with the Blanke Corp.(Distributor Appointments)(Distribution agreement between Best Tile Distributors and Blanke Corp.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Best Tile Distributors of New England has announced a distribution relationship with the Blanke Corp. All six of the new Best Tile locations in the greater Boston area will carry the full range of Blanke products, including: bullnose, stair...

Tarkett Commercial has appointed Woburn, Mass.-based Salesmaster Associates Inc.(Distributor Appointments)
May 1, 2007... Tarkett Commercial has appointed Woburn, Mass.-based Salesmaster Associates Inc. distributor of its Azrock by Tarkett commercial flooring line in the New England and upstate New York territories.