National Floor Trends articles from September 2007

National Floor Trends archives from September 2007

'Everyone is struggling (but not me)'.(Editorial Comment)
September 1, 2007... It's been said that a recession is when your neighbor is out of work and a depression is when you are out of work. That certainly seems applicable to the current slump in the flooring business. I keep coming across retailers who lament the...

All in the family (business): the pitfalls and blessings of working with kin.(High-Impact Retailing)
September 1, 2007... I love family businesses. As a young man I opened my first flooring store at age 23 and as the children came along, it seemed natural for them to be working at one of the stores. All four of them became productive citizens, but none stuck with...

The three C's for your showroom: clean, clutter-free and creative (very creative).(Designs in Style)
September 1, 2007... Your store's approach to merchandising is an ever-changing terrain. At least it should be. It's up to you to keep your showroom fresh and inviting. Use your creativity! Showcase stunning new products not only in your display racks, but on the...

If your installation fails, don't assume it is solely moisture.(Focus on Resilient)
September 1, 2007... Many floor-covering failures are thought to be moisture related when the real problem has more to do with salt. It's called "alkaline efflorescence" and it helps explain why a floor with an acceptable moisture reading can fail anyway. Say, for...

Karndean looks to Australia for new exotic vinyl looks.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Karndean International has added seven vinyl planks with exotic looks to its Van Gogh range. Inspired by Australian hardwoods, the looks include Matai, Rimu, Macrocapra, Aged Kauri, Auckland, Wellington and...

Johnsonite adds UnderLock to rubber tile collections.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Johnsonite introduces UnderLock, an interlock installation system for the company's Triumph and Inertia rubber tiles. UnderLock features hidden locking tabs to ensure quick installation without the need for adhesive,...

Zeta Naos from FloorFolio offered in many colors.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FloorFolio Commercial Flooring presents Zeta Naos, a heterogeneous floor made using PUR polyethane-reinforced material. Zeta Naos is designed to be both low-maintenance and cost-effective, according to the company....

'Playful' Karim Kolors is Azrock's latest.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Karim Kolors is new from Azrock. Created by famed designer Karim Rashid, the large format 16" by 16" tiles are offered in 10 vibrant hues. The commercial homogeneous tile line features a playful geometric pattern...

Amtico shoots for the moon with Lunar Bronze tile.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lunar Bronze is the newest addition to Amtico International's high-tech metal-look resilient tile. The metallic shade features three dimensional effects and subtle texturing. However, the tiles are smooth to the...

K-Plank from Congoleum offered in seven colors.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] K-Plank is the newest addition to Congoleum's K-Tech for Kitchens line. Featuring silver particles in the wear surface for natural antimicrobial protection, K-Plank is available in two wood looks and seven...

Mannington's Sobella combines glass-backed and wood textures.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sobella from Mannington is a fiberglass-backed vinyl floor featuring hand-scraped hardwood visuals as well as "classic" patterns. Designed for a softer feel underfoot, the lines feature Mannington's exclusive...

EarthWerks' Sorrento Stone uses two-sided grout system.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EarthWerks has rolled out Sorrento Stone. The 16" by 16" luxury vinyl tile showcases eye-catching stone looks for both residential and commercial applications. Sorrento Stone features the company's RealEdge two-sided...

Tarkett's CortinaStone in new look, construction.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tarkett Commercial has upgraded its CortinaStone commercial resilient tile with a new visual and enhanced construction. Along with its other looks, the tile is now available in a natural quarried stone visual....

[10] Flexco's tiles and treads highlight 'Distinct Designs'.(Resilient Flooring Showcase)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flexco has launched the Distinct Designs Rubber Tile & Tread Program. The program allows consumers to choose any rubber tile pattern in the company's line in four color palettes. The program also includes a...

StonePeak Ceramics adds 'Parkland' looks.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] StonePeak Ceramics presents the Parkland series. The through-color porcelain line is available in four colors: Shenandoah, Sequoia, Redwood and Acadia. Parkland is offered in a wide range of sizes from 24" by 24" to...

Mannington's Tempest available in four patterns.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington introduces Tempest, a porcelain tile designed to mimic sandstone. Tempest is available in Sangria Sunset, Brownstone, Sand Dune and Granite Coast. The collection can be installed on floors, walls and...

Soniflex FL from TEC a fluid sound barrier.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TEC has launched Soniflex FL, a liquid sound barrier and crack isolation membrane for tile and stone. The product is easy to use and is formulated to isolate cracks up to 1/4", according to the company. Soniflex FL...

Marrazi's Stone collection available with mosaics.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Marazzi has pulled the wraps off of its Stone collection. The color-body glazed porcelain tile is being offered in four large-format modular sizes and three muted earthen tones. Stone is also available with two...

Del Conca focuses on 'YU' with through-bodied tile.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Del Conca introduces YU. Designed to resemble the look of natural Berica stone in a high-tech through-bodied porcelain tile, YU can be used on both floors and walls. The tile can also be installed both inside and...

Marca Corona feels the love with Mon Amour tile range.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Marca Corona presents Mon Amour, a series of tile offered in six pastel colors. Mon Amour features several whimsical designs including floral motifs, a lace pattern, and styles drawn from the look of embroidery. For...

Nappa glazed porcelain is Imola's latest.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nappa is a new glazed porcelain tile from Imola Ceramica. The tile features a soft appearance and nature-inspired colors. Nappa is available in 12" by 24" and 24" by 24" modular sizes. For details, circle 180 on the...

Casalgrande Padana launches Granitogres.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Casalgrande Padana presents the Granitogres collection. Offered in seven colors and "natural" and "friction" surfaces, Granitogres is available in 12" by 12" and 16" by 16" sizes. Trim pieces round out the series....

Mirage offers Natura: new ceramic looks.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mirage has taken the wraps off of Natura. Designed to reflect the look and feel of natural materials, the tile is available in three sizes: 8" by 24", 12" by 24" and 24" by 24". For details, circle 181 on the Reader...

[10] Settecento Valtresinaro adds Musiva glazed line.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Musiva is Settecento Valtresinaro's latest. A deluxe 3mm glass powder-glazed ceramic, Musiva is complemented by a range of meshmounted mosaics. The series is available in nine colors: Avorio, Cipria, Mogano, Giallo,...

[11] Ebur from Panaria features ivory look.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ebur is new from Panaria, The designer tile collection features a soft, silky surface reminiscent of ivory. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, the collection is designed for residential use. For details,...

[12] VitrA's Shiba wall tile available with glass border.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shiba wall tile from VitrA features floral motifs in a non-vitreous, high-gloss collection. The line is offered with complementing trims, including a glass border. For details, circle 183 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

[13] Inspired by Japan, Ann Sacks' Koi tile.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Koi from Ann Sacks mixes traditional Japanese glazes with modern looks. The tile is offered in soft crackle glazes, mottled sharkskin looks, bold brick red and a bronzed metallic iron rod visual. For details, circle...

[14] Gaya urges mix and match with Cubik, Techno series.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... Gaya presents two new series, Cubik and Techno. The distinctive tiles are offered in a range of colors and sizes. The two series are designed to complement each other. For details, circle 184 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

[15] Edilcuoghi's Canyon tile inspired by natural stone.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Canyon is Edilcuoghi's latest stone-look tile. Offered in five warm colors and rough-hewn textures, Canyon is available in four modular sizes, as well as mosaics and trim pieces. The tile is designed for walls and...

Atlanta Rug Market Report: we're still getting our brain around what green really means'.(News People/Places/Events)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The wave of interest in products made and sold with the environment in mind continued at the summer Atlanta International Area Rug Market. A highlight of the July 15-18 gathering was the debut of a Green Product...

Carpet one & America meetings: retail groups hear reassuring message.(News)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Strategies designed to help their membership overcome sluggish business conditions dominated the agenda at the summer conventions of two major floor covering retail groups operated by CCA Global Partners. During...

In memoriam: Andrew Aufiero.(News)(Obituary)
September 1, 2007... Andrew Aufiero, a highly respected figure in the flooring business who served as the president of the Certified Floorcovering Installers from 2004 to 2006, died July 28 while awaiting a liver transplant. He was 53. Remembered for his work...

Upcoming industry events.(News)(Calendar)
September 1, 2007... Cersaie 2007--Bologna, Italy, Oct. 2-6. +39.0536.804585. NTCA Total Solutions 2007--St. Pete Beach, Fla., Oct. 11-13. (601) 939-2071. 2007 FIANA Convention--Dallas, Oct. 11-14. (817) 326-2615. Interbuild India--New Delhi, Oct....

Listone Giordano store opens in Pasadena.(News)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Upscale flooring retailer Listone Giordano has cut the ribbon on its first showroom in the western United States. Located at 55 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, Calif. the 2,500 sq. ft. Listone Giordano of Pasadena...

WFCA seeks Hall of Fame nominees.(News)
September 1, 2007... The World Floor Covering Association is seeking nominees for induction into the organization's Floor Covering Industry Hall of Fame. A veritable "Who's Who" of the flooring industry, the Hall of Fame includes 35 industry luminaries with...

Mohawk launches FloorCare program and authorized service centers.(News)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DALTON -- Embracing a model that has long been a staple of the automotive and appliance industries, Mohawk is rolling out an ambitious plan to license its name to U.S. floor care companies. The company said the...

Cersaie '07 marks 25th anniversary with 'art meets industry' exhibit.(News)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Organizers of the 25th annual Cersaie exhibition are gearing up for the thousands of attendees that will descend upon Bologna, Italy, Oct. 2-6. Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom...

Elgin Butler buys Lone Star, moves plant to corporate HQ.(News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Glazed brick and tile maker Elgin Butler has purchased unglazed porcelain mosaics maker Lone Star Ceramics, based in Dallas. Plans call for the Lone Star plant to relocate to Elgin Butler's headquarters in Elgin, Texas, about 25 miles east of...

In memoriam: M.B. "Bud" Seretean.(News)(Obituary)
September 1, 2007... M.B. "Bud" Seretean, a highly respected pioneer in the flooring industry who also devoted himself to causes involving health and nutrition, died Aug. 13 in London after suffering an aneurysm. He was 83. Seretean's involvement in flooring...

Green ink: Sustainable Facility magazine set for launch.(News)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The wave of interest in buildings designed to minimize environmental impact will be the focus of a new B2B magazine published by National Floor Trends' parent company BNP Media. The new publication, Sustainable...

Surfaces to spotlight news products, concrete & hand-crafted tile.(News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Organizers of the Surfaces trade show are set to introduce three new exhibit pavilions at the annual meeting set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2008. In addition to a New Product Pavilion, the show will include specific exhibit areas devoted to Decorative...

Formica Flooring has added Abraham Linc of Bridgeport, West Va., as a distributor. Abraham Linc will serve West Virginia, Virginia and western Maryland.(Distributor Appointments)
September 1, 2007... Formica Flooring has added Abraham Linc of Bridgeport, West Va., as a distributor. Abraham Linc will serve West Virginia, Virginia and western Maryland. For more information, call (800) 359-5260.

Best Tile Distributors of New England has been named the newest distributor for Porcelanosa.(Distributor Appointments)
September 1, 2007... Best Tile Distributors of New England has been named the newest distributor for Porcelanosa. Best Tile will carry a full range of stoneware and porcelain floor and wall tiles.

Flexco has welcomed Georgia Foam Recycling and Flooring Supplies to its distribution family.(Distributor Appointments)
September 1, 2007... Flexco has welcomed Georgia Foam Recycling and Flooring Supplies to its distribution family. Headquartered in Kennesaw, Ga., Georgia Foam Recycling will serve its home state with a full line of Flexco products.

China Wood Conference to explore global issues.(News)(Conference news)
September 1, 2007... The growing importance of hardwood flooring produced in China will be the focus of the third annual China Wood Flooring Export & Import conference scheduled for Oct. 28-31, in Hangzhou, China. Organized jointly by China Wood International Inc....

Moisture meters for NWFA Installers.(News)(National Wood Flooring Association gives training for installing meters)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Installers attending a classes affiliated with The National Wood Flooring Association will now receive a voucher redeemable for a moisture meter. The trade group said it has teamed with four manufacturers to help train and equip hardwood...

Faus Group.(People)(Steve Ehrlich, Jeff Berl and Ken Freedman appointed)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Faus Group has added three flooring veterans to its management team, including two executives who were formerly with distributor Hoboken Floors. Ken Freedman, formerly vp of national accounts for Hoboken, has been named director of Fausfloor...

The Mohawk Group.(People)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Commercial flooring veteran Al Kabus has been named president of The Mohawk Group. He will be responsible for overseeing sales, marketing and customer operations for the business unit's six commercial carpet brands:...

Karastan.(People)
September 1, 2007... Karastan has promoted Bill Storey to senior vp and general manager of fashion brands, including Karastan, Ralph Lauren, CustomWeave and Helios. Storey, a 20-year veteran of the company, was most recently senior vp of Karastan Rugs. ...

Amtico International.(People)(Chris McKee resigns)(Hugh Pugsley and Dale Carson promoted)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... After less than three months as CEO of Amtico International's North American division, Chris McKee has resigned. Company veteran Hugh Pugsley has been promoted to senior vp and will oversee the company's sales and marketing operations in North...

Robina.(People)
September 1, 2007... Robina has named Jimmy Yeh CFO. A company veteran, Yeh has extensive experience in domestic and international finances, including in control and tax strategies. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

Laticrete.(People)
September 1, 2007... Laticrete has appointed Ken Duquette as technical sales representative for North and Central Florida. He brings 23 years of experience in sales and customer service to his position. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Tarkett Wood.(People)(Tarkett Wood, Darrell Tweed and Connie Eckert appointed)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Tarkett Wood has announced several additions to its sales and marketing staff. Wendy McIlquham has joined as marketing director. Darrell Tweed has been promoted to sales director and business development manager for the company's distribution...

Floor Covering B2B group elects board of directors.(News)
September 1, 2007... FcB2B, the Floor Covering Business to Business Association, elected its board of directors during its first annual meeting in Atlanta. The board includes: D. Christopher Davis, CEO of the World Floor Covering Association, as chairman; Ed...

California distributor Lin-Mar adds exclusive Easi-Klip system.(News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Lin-Mar Distributors, based in Granada Hills, Calif., has been appointed the exclusive distributor of the Easi-Klip Solid Wood Flooring System in Southern California. The Easi-Klip system is designed to allow solid wood plank flooring to be...

Styling, durability meet for Nourison broadloom.(News)(Nourison's Grand Textures )(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With its ultra-dense construction combined with delicate striated patterns, Nourison's Grand Textures line of commercial wool broadloom is definitely a showstopper. The distinctive carpet line, made using Wools of...

2007 wood floor & product resource guide.
September 1, 2007... [48] Wood That Shines: The Year's Best Floors Once again the National Wood Floor Association's annual competition drew some very impressive entries from all over the nation. The judging and awards presentation took place at the NWFA's...

Unfinished business: why sanding (still) matters.(Wood or Wood Knot)
September 1, 2007... Hardwood flooring continues to flourish, even in uncertain times. For those of us who have devoted our professional lives to this industry, there is a sense of pride and accomplishment when we see today's consumer opt for wood over other types...

Mohawk adds Carrolton three-strip laminate look.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from Mohawk is Carrolton laminate, part of the company's Elements Collection. Carrolton features a three-strip design and is offered in eight different colors including Oak, Walnut, Hickory and Maple. The visual...

Stauf products stick with three underlayments.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Four of Stauf Adhesives' wood flooring products can be used with sound abatement underlayments from three manufacturers. Tarkett's Quiet-Cor, Healthier Choice's Sound Solution and Foam Products' Silencer HD are all...

UFloor's Pall X-Treme formulated for heavy loads.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed for heavy traffic hardwood flooring, UFloor System's Pall-Xtreme is a one-component wood flooring finish engineered for exceptional durability. The product provides a clear, natural and warm finish in an...

Formica Flooring's Cordelia features FormiLock tech.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Formica Flooring has pulled the wraps off of Cordelia, a new collection of 8mm laminate planks designed for easy installation and high performance. Featuring a soft-sculpted finish, the two-strip planks are available...

Daikin's latest tech gets EPA thumbs up.(Products)
September 1, 2007... Daikin presents Unidyne TechnaGard, a new protective and stain repelling technology for textile, carpet, nonwoven and other materials. The technology aims to provide excellent stain protection as well as stain release in a highly durable...

From rustic to contemporary, Award styles designed to last.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Award Hardwood Floors portfolio of flooring products features Wearmax Advanced Ceramic Finish. Wearmax is formulated to be one of the most wear-resistant finishes available and is available on all styles...

Wear-Dated offers green fibers, including Renew Natural Nylon.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wear-Dated offers a range of carpet fibers that are made from recycled content including Wear-Dated Renew and Wear-Dated Renew Natural Nylon. The Renew Natural Nylon fiber is constructed using a proprietary...

FastJax from Inside Edge: for flooring, fixture moving.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FastJax is new from Inside Edge Commercial Interior Services. The gondola moving system is designed to make flooring replacement in retail spaces quicker and easier. Additionally, FastJax allows installers to quickly...

ModernWorks rugs new from Shaw Living.(Products)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ModernWorks is Shaw Living's latest. Featuring more than 40 rugs, the line includes damask patterns, geometrics, circles, animal prints and retro modern styles. Made using EverTouch nylon, ModernWorks rugs are...

Universal Fibers unveils new cradle to cradle tech.(Products)
September 1, 2007... Universal Fibers said it has developed a new technology that produces nylon 6,6 fiber from recycled carpeting. Working in cooperation with commercial carpet tile maker InterfaceFLOR, the as yet unnamed technology separates carpet face fiber...

Elegance Exotic Hardwood to move to new California HQ.(News)(Conference news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... With an eye toward meeting increased demand for its exotic hardwood products, Elegance Exotic Wood Flooring is moving. The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.-based distributor said it is relocating roughly nine miles east to a facility that will more...

NWFA floor of the year winners: 'a lot more spectacular floors'.
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With installers drawing on the rich variety of looks and texures made possible by exotic species, there is a wide consensus that entries in this year's National Wood Flooring Association's Floor of the Year awards...

2007 Wood floor resource guide: Wood floors/installation & accessory products.(products)
September 1, 2007... Wood Floor Types Acrylic Impregnated Armstrong Hardwood Flooring Bruce Hardwood Floors, Armstrong Goodfellow, Inc. Kahrs International Inc. Surfacing Solution Woodlist Inc. Custom Floors/Borders/Insets ...

2007 Wood floor resource guide.(manufacturers/importers)(Directory)
September 1, 2007... The following manufacturers in this section are those from whom we received forms. This list by no means represents all of the manufacturers in our industry and should not be represented as such. If you are a manufacturer and would like to be...

2007 Wood floor resource guide.(wood distributors)(Directory)
September 1, 2007... The following distributors in this section are those from whom we received forms. This list by no means represents all of the distributors in our industry and should not be represented as such. If you are a distributor and would like to be...