National Floor Trends articles from October 2006

National Floor Trends archives from October 2006

Untangling the web for consumers.(Editorial Comment)
October 1, 2006... Here's what I learned about myself when I visited the new consumer education website developed by the World Floor Covering Association to help its members drum up new business. After answering a few multiple choice questions--which of these...

The greatest industry story never told: floor coverings' multitude of career opportunities.(Industry Perspectives)
October 1, 2006... At the CFI (International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association) convention in August, a third generation installer stopped me in my tracks with a pointed question. "How," he asked, "can we attract more new people into installation?" I...

Coming color trends: naturally, there will be some changes.(color trends for carpet industry)
October 1, 2006... Color is an ever-changing testimony to the state of our lives, our economy, our society, our world. Translate that to a universal standard and it can be said that during times of uncertainty and global discord, Americans tend to seek "comfort...

The cork equation: as awareness grows, sales start to pop.
October 1, 2006... Cork flooring may be popping up in some places like tiny bubbles shimmering up a champagne flute, but is it time for manufacturers in the category to pop open a bottle and celebrate? That depends on who you ask and where they are located. ...

To repel oil and grease, Johnsonite floor 'Defiant'.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Johnsonite has unveiled Defiant, an oil- and grease-resistant rubber tile flooring. Defiant repels oil, grease, dirt and grime, owing to the floor's unique material formulation, the company says. The high-performance floor also reduces slips...

Musson's Uno-Tred is both tread and riser.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Musson has rolled out the Uno-Tred all-in-one combination tread and riser, made of solid rubber. Because there is no separation between tread and riser, the product offers a clean design look, Musson says. Uno-Tred is available in 25 designer...

Tarkett's Acczent Comfort uses attached cushion back.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Tarkett Commercial presents Acczent Comfort specialty commercial tile. Offered in five warm wood tones, the flooring includes cushioned backing for better comfort and sound absorption, Tarkett says. Acczent Comfort uses a fiberglass inner layer...

Congoleum revamps 'Forum Plank' LVT.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Congoleum has enhanced its Forum Plank line of wood-look luxury vinyl tile. The company has expanded Forum Plank with two new designs: Danbury Oak and Victorian Plank. Additionally, Forum Plank now offers a lower gloss level finish and...

Roppe Pinnacle Plus line includes wood, vinyl styles.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Roppe has expanded its Pinnacle Plus wall base line with five new profiles. With this addition, the range of rubber wall base includes 10 designs ranging from standard toe base to base shoe looks. The 4" sculpted profiles showcase sculpted wood...

Large-format SolidAir tiles offered in 20 Azrock colors.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Azrock by Tarkett presents SolidAir, a homogenous commercial tile available in 20 colors. The 16" by 16", 1/8" gauge tiles can be used as accents, standalone floors or as complements to Tarkett's Milano and Cortina Grande resilient ranges....

Armstrong's CushionStep floor available in 'Better,' 'Best' styles.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Armstrong's CushionStep resilient flooring uses cushioned backing with CushionCore Technology for superior softness, the company says. CushionStep is available in three collections--Stone, Impressions and Wood--in both Better and Best price...

Estilista showcase Domco's FiberFloor, felt-backed looks.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... New from Domco is a wall display designed to showcase both the company's fiberglass-backed FiberFloor and felt-backed resilient flooring. Called Estilista, the display is able to hold 188 SKUs of felt-backed resilient products in and 120...

Halo takes another step with Bronze Metallic tread.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Halo Floors has unveiled Bronze Metallic resilient stair treads, designed to coordinate with the company's Hewn Woods flooring patterns. Bronze Metallic offers a "beautifully muted metallic" look, Halo notes. The product joins Copper, Silver,...

Flexco's Evolving Styles aimed at heavy-duty use.(Resilient Flooring Gallery)
October 1, 2006... Flexco introduces Evolving Styles rubber tile and treads. Offered in two styles--Creative Elements tone-on-tone looks and Wood Elements nature-inspired colors--Evolving Styles is designed for use in education, healthcare, retail and hospitality...

The trouble with contractors.(Focus on Resilient)
October 1, 2006... Building contractors are important customers to the flooring industry. They make decisions all the time that affect the way we work and the conditions we work in. The trouble is, many are not well versed in resilient flooring. Often they don't...

Want to make money in flooring? Sell them on fashion (NOT price)!(High-Impact Retailing)
October 1, 2006... One frustration in my career is trying to motivate floor covering retailers to take proven retail strategies and incorporate them into their methods of operation. Change is difficult for most of us. It takes courage to change, especially since...

RFMS unveils three products, including new B2B software.(Software Round-up)
October 1, 2006... RFMS presents its new measuring software, called RFMS Measure. Used in concert with the RFMS In-Home Solutions program, the software integrates takeoff estimating, calculations and processing via easy-to-use modules, the company says. RFMS also...

Hudson Horizons software allows stores to update websites.(Software Round-up)
October 1, 2006... Hudson Horizons has rolled out its DMS Dynamic Management System. Designed for use by retailers, distributors and manufacturers, the DMS provides comprehensive page management of company websites. Through the system, users can control and...

RollMaster's NetFloor system net-based, training-enhanced.(Software Round-up)
October 1, 2006... RollMaster introduces NetFloor, a flooring business management software program. The Internet-based software offers full functionality with B2B features, RollMaster says. The company offers workshop training for the software both online and by...

QFloors software designed to track inventory and costs.(Software Round-up)
October 1, 2006... QFloors is a comprehensive business management system, featuring inventory control, product definitions, sales commissions, job costing, barcoding, taxes, reports and open-ended accounting. The Windows-based system features an easy-to-use...

Dancik's new manager tracks potential leads.(Software Round-up)
October 1, 2006... Dancik International's Selection Sheet Manager enables users to track customer selections and search via certain criteria. Since the software maintains a central database of all selections, customers can be searched via name, address, builder,...

In memoriam: Alan Lorberbaum.(News)(Obituary)
October 1, 2006... Alan Lorberbaum, a carpet industry pioneer and the founder of Aladdin Mills, died in Boca Raton, Fla. at his home on Sept. 9. He was 82. Remembered for his kindness, respect and generosity, Lorberbaum worked tirelessly to build Aladdin...

Backstage at the Emmys gets the BR-111 touch.(News)
October 1, 2006... While the red carpet is usually the only flooring of note at most award shows, BR-111 managed to spotlight its hardwood flooring in the backstage area at the recent Emmys awards. In the hope of highlighting the quality and performance of its...

Shaw residential products to require new standards.(News)
October 1, 2006... Basing its decision on "years of carpet cleaning research," Shaw Industries announced that it plans to revise its residential carpet warranties with stricter cleaning guidelines. Slated to take effect Jan. 1, the new revisions will require the...

World Floor Covering Association launches consumer education website.(News)
October 1, 2006... The World Floor Covering Association has launched a new Internet resource aimed at consumers shopping for floor coverings. The site, www.wfca.org, has been designed to provide in-depth information on all types of floor coverings without...

Going Global with CCA.(News)
October 1, 2006... Serious business and lighthearted fun shared the agenda at CCA Global Partners first ever Global Summit. The four-day Denver meeting in August was the first time the company brought together all of the CCA retail divisions. Pictured (clockwise...

'An important milestone': Stainmaster turns 20.(News)
October 1, 2006... Stainmaster is celebrating its 20th anniversary with style. The company has rolled out a marketing blitz tied to the anniversary showcasing carpet styles using Stainmaster fiber technology. To convey a sense of excitement in the print ads,...

Lauzon "hybrid sawmill" gets gov't backing.(News)
October 1, 2006... Canadian hardwood flooring maker Lauzon Flooring said it has gained the support of the Quebec government for a key piece of an ongoing $50 million (CAN) "investment strategy" that includes an upgrade of the company's infrastructure. The 22-year...

Brintons.(People)
October 1, 2006... Brintons has promoted Jonathan Young to CEO of Brintons Americas. He replaces Jon Stone who now heads Brintons' commercial division. Young is a 25-year veteran of the industry, and has served in management and marketing positions with Brintons...

Bonsal American.(People)
October 1, 2006... Ken Walden has joined Bonsal American as area sales manager. He will be responsible for developing sales campaigns, forecasts and budgets for the Carolinas, the Virginias, Delaware and Maryland.

Faus Group.(People)
October 1, 2006... Faus Group has elevated Richard Gibson to national sales manager for the Fausfloor distribution channel. A 26-year veteran, Gibson was most recently Northeast regional sales manager for the company.

Mohawk Residential.(People)
October 1, 2006... David Duncan has been named vp marketing for Mohawk Residential. He succeeds Ed Williams, senior vp marketing, who recently retired. Duncan, a 15-year industry veteran, will oversee general marketing, advertising, merchandising and training for...

Shaw.(People)(Hal Long promoted as executive vice president)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Shaw has promoted Hal Long to exec vp operations. He will be responsible for manufacturing, distribution, quality, logistics, R & D and sourcing functions. Long joined Shaw 34 years ago and was most recently vp of Shaw's commercial division. In...

Tarkett.(People)
October 1, 2006... Tarkett has elevated Guillaume Clement to vp marketing and sales, residential North America. In this position, he will develop sales and marketing for North American wood, resilient and laminate segments A nine-year veteran of the company,...

Kronotex USA.(People)
October 1, 2006... Kronotex USA has named Tim Tipton national sales director. His job duties will focus on building the Formica Flooring brand. Tipton, a 16-year veteran, was most recently director of retail sales and the builder division for laminate maker...

Tandus Group.(Edgar Bridger appointed as chief executive officer)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The Tandus Group has accepted the resignation of Edgar "Mac" Bridger, CEO of Tandus and C & A Floorcoverings, and will take effect once a successor is found According to a press statement, the board of directors "concluded that the company...

Surfaces' 07 filling up fast, exhib space 92% sold out.(News)
October 1, 2006... Surfaces show organizers are expecting an exceptionally busy show next year. With more than three months left until the Feb. 7-9 show opens, demand for exhibit space is said to be at an all-time high with only about 8 percent of the available...

Mirage Nanolinx finish promoted on new website.(News)
October 1, 2006... Prefinished hardwood flooring maker Mirage has launched a new web site touting the features of the company's recently launched Nanolinx finish. The site, www.miragenanolinx.com, is designed to explain the benefits of nanotechnology. According...

Dux to head Chinafloors sales office in Lancaster, Pa.(Chinafloors Timber Shanghai appoints Tom Dux for its new office)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... In a bid to significantly grow its North American business, Chinafloors Timber Shanghai has opened a sales office in Lancaster, Pa. According to the company, the office will be headed by 20-year industry veteran Tom Dux. He will be assisted by...

Kronotex.(Distributor appointments)
October 1, 2006... Kronotex has named Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based company All Tile as Formica Flooring's newest distributor. All Tile will serve 11 Midwest and Great Plains states with Formica Flooring's 38 SKU selection of premium floor coverings.

Award Hardwood Floors.(Distributor appointments)
October 1, 2006... Award Hardwood Floors has welcomed Dealers Supply North as a new distributor. The company will serve western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

China hardwood tradeshow draws interest from U.S.(News)
October 1, 2006... Chinas fast-growing hardwood flooring industry will be the focus of a four-day meeting that is expected to include presentations from a number of individuals active in the U.S. market. Scheduled for Nov. 8-11, the China Wood Flooring Export &...

Congoleum reaches settlement with Century for $16.95 mil.(News)
October 1, 2006... Marking a major step for Congoleum in its efforts to emerge from bankruptcy, the company announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Trenton, N.J. has approved a $16.95 million insurance settlement that will be used to fund a trust for asbestos...

Powernail founders enter MFMA Hall of Fame.(News)
October 1, 2006... Pictured are the plaques Powernail Co. founders Edgar and Carl Anstett recently received when they were inducted into the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) Hall of Fame. As co-designers and developers of power nailing and cleat...

Millville, N.J. contractor wins truck from Avalon.(News)(Mark Saul of Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring recieves awards)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Millville, N.J.-based contractor Mark Saul recently drove off with a new 2006 Ford F350 truck courtesy of Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring. As the grand prize winner of the retailer's contractor loyalty program, Saul beat out more than 1,000...

Amtico's purchase completed: 'we can get back to business'.(News)
October 1, 2006... David Motyl, CEO of Amtico International, said that Dutch private equity firm ABN Amro Capital, Electra Private Equity and Amtico's management team have completed the purchase of all outstanding shares of the flooring maker. Said Motyl of the...

Upcoming industry events.(News)(Calendar)
October 1, 2006... 2006 FIANA Convention -- Atlanta. (817) 326-2615, Oct. 5-8. NeoCon East -- Baltimore. (800) 677-6278, Oct. 11-12. Source Expo -- Las Vegas. (800) 564-5975, Oct. 19-21. NAFCD 2006 Meeting -- Palm Springs, Calif. (312) 321-6836, Oct....

Magazine from adhesive maker MAPEI to cover sticky issues.(News)
October 1, 2006... MAPEI Corp. said it has started offering a magazine focused on issues involving the flooring industry, including technical concerns and a look at projects that have posed challenges for contractors and installers. The company said the content...

Faus lands new patents for laminate technologies.(Faus Group Inc. received international recognition)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Laminate maker Faus Group Inc. said it has received international recognition for two of its leading technologies. Both Embossed-In-Register texturing and JointGuard beveling have been patented across the globe by the company. Recently...

CRI certifies MAPEI for 20 green adhesives.(News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The Carpet and Rug Institute, through its Green Label Plus program, has certified more than 20 MAPEI adhesives. According to the company, products across five categories received certification, including three types of carpet adhesives as well...

LGM troubleshooting firm hires experts, widens scope.(LGM Technical Carpet Services)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Dalton, Ga.-based troubleshooting and consulting firm LGM Technical Carpet Services has expanded. To keep pace with demand, Lew Migliore, president and owner of the company, has launched LGMTCS & Associates with the help of industry veterans...

Elway to give keynote at 2007 NWFA meeting.(News)
October 1, 2006... Legendary quarterback and hometown hero John Elway is slated to give the keynote address in Denver at the 2007 National Wood Flooring Association Convention, April 10-13. The Pro Football Hall of Famer is expected to speak April 11 about his...

U.S. Ceramic Tile debuts 'Copperstone' metal look.(Products)
October 1, 2006... United States Ceramic Tile Co. has taken the wraps off of Copperstone, a glazed porcelain tile showcasing a metallic look for commercial settings. Copperstone is available in the colors Henna and Frost, and is offered in 17 1/2" by 17 1/2" and...

Wilsonart sees red with new laminates.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Wilsonart Flooring has added new red-hued wood designs to its Red Label high-pressure laminate flooring collection. The new designs--Santao Rosewood, Sparrow Walnut, Dragon Cherry, El Dorado Wood, Allerton Hickory, Caryan Walnut and Flinders...

Stalheim's 'SoundGuard' includes acoustic cushion.(Products)
October 1, 2006... The Stalheim Group presents SoundGuard laminate flooring. The product features an attached acoustic underlayment designed to dampen noise. Additionally, the flooring is waxed at each tongue and groove to prevent squeaking. These advancements...

Couristan's latest rugs use hand-carved styles.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Couristan has expanded its Lotus Garden area rug collection with two new looks: Gerber Daisy and Kamala Scroll. Hand-carved for added depth and texture, both rugs are power-loomed using 100 percent semi-worsted New Zealand wool. The rugs are...

Mannington goes 'Corporate,' new carpet has green approval.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Mannington Commercial has rolled out the Corporate collection of three broadloom carpets: Executive Suite, Boardroom and Front Office. Designed for corporate and retail settings, the CRI Green Label Plus-certified collection is made using...

New from Shaw Living: 'Southern Splendor' rugs.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Shaw Living debuts Southern Splendor, the newest design in the Kathy Ireland Home First Lady area rug range. Southern Splendor includes two designs: Magnolia Memories, and Dreams and Dogwood. Inspired by Southern motifs, the rugs are made using...

Capel's 'Chobi Garden' showcases Peshawar look.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Inspired by antique Peshawar rugs, Capel presents Chobi Garden in a new Butterscotch color. Made using 100 percent olefin yarn, the rug offers the look and feel of a handspun, hand-knotted product, according to Capel. Chobi Garden is imported...

Gulistan's QSP program delivers carpet PDQ.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Gulistan has launched the Quick Ship Program (QSP), featuring a package of six commercial carpets in six coordinating color families. All styles are made using branded nylon 6,6 from Invista, Gulistan says. Available for shipment within a week...

New 'Gallery' store display for Hunter Douglas dealers.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Hunter Douglas has developed the Gallery display, showcasing its full collection of custom window fashions. As the centerpiece of Hunter Douglas' Gallery program for aligned dealers, the display features a range of products from sheer...

Ahoy there: Navy 'Nourmak' rug new from Nourison.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Nourison presents the S165 Navy wool rug, the latest addition to the Nourmak collection. The new rug features a look inspired by antique and historic rug designs, and is made using a patented "worn look" weave construction. The S165 Navy rug...

Glen Eden's 'Elements' uses all natural materials.(Products)
October 1, 2006... New from Glen Eden is Natural Elements, an eco-friendly collection of carpets and rugs made using sisal, coir (a coconut byproduct), sea grass, mountain grass (hemp) and New Zealand wool. The products showcase natural beauty in durable rugs in...

MAPEI's new adhesive features green benefits.(Products)
October 1, 2006... MAPEI has rolled out Ultrabond ECO 200, a commercial-grade adhesive designed to give installers time to match carpet patterns without having to fight the product's tack. Afterward, the product sets in a strong bond, the company says. Ultrabond...

Artistic Finishes' vents offered in 45-plus species.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Artistic Finishes has launched the Artistic Vents program. Vents within the program are designed to coordinate with virtually any hardwood flooring brand, with more than 45 popular exotic and domestic species and 1,500 stain colors represented....

Mediterranea 'Havana' plants wood-look tiles.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Mediterranea introduces Havana, a new tile collection inspired by Old Havana. The tile showcases Caribbean-style wood looks in two sizes and five colors: Sugarcane, Cohiba, Mambo, Tobacco and Tropicana. The through-body porcelain tile range is...

'FloorEstimate Pro' now available online.(Products)
October 1, 2006... Floor Covering Soft has taken the wraps off of FloorEstimate Pro Online, the Web-based edition of the company's popular desktop software. Designed for layout, estimating and job management, FloorEstimate Pro Online gives users access to...

Carpet Shims.(Products & Literature on display)
October 1, 2006... 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...

Amorim Floors N.A,/Wicanders.(Products & Literature on display)
October 1, 2006... Wicanders Exotic Cork Oak Floors. Natural warmth, peaceful silence, health and environmental sustainability. Behold the beautiful benefits of Cork. Offered in a fresh breadth of colors and cuts. View our stunning exotic collections of WicCork &...

Starline.(Products & Literature on display)
October 1, 2006... 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...

NFT carpet and area Rug Market Study: soft surface holding firm.
October 1, 2006... The carpet and area rug segment continues to stand its ground as a dominant force in floor covering--but it is also a category on the move. New stain fighting technology, a more daring palette of colors and an invigorated approach to consumer...