National Floor Trends articles from September 2008

National Floor Trends archives from September 2008

Consumer reports does floors.(Editorial Comment)(Editorial)(Report)
September 1, 2008... Have you seen the August edition of Consumer Reports? The cover story, "Your Dream Kitchen for Less" includes a segment that rates flooring. While it's always nice to see flooring get some exposure in the consumer press, this offering was not...

The green monster: environmental issues stir passion, opportunity and confusion.(Industry overview)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Retailers in the flooring business can be forgiven if they cringe a bit when they hear Green these days. They are not opposed to being environmentally responsible; it's just that they keep hearing it over and over....

What's a retailer to do?(High-Impact Retailing)(Column)
September 1, 2008... We are well enough along in this downturn that any advice might be coming a little late. If you're reading this, there's a good chance you have endured a sharp drop in demand for flooring. Still, it is worth noting that there are a few...

Kale's Orientile series features luxurious looks.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Orientile collection of wall tile is Canakkale Seramik & Kalebodur's latest. A highlight of the range is Aya, inspired by the rich design of a "Sultan's ceremonial robes," according to Kale. The tile is offered...

Sparkling style in tile: GranitiFiandre's Crystal.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GranitiFiandre presents the Crystal collection of porcelain slabs. True to its name, the product features crystal inclusions over its surface, resulting in a rich, dynamic style the company says. Featuring patented...

ProVa-Flex from Loxcreen is underlayment, membrane.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Loxcreen Flooring Group has taken the wraps off of ProVa-Flex, a multi-functional polypropylene underlayment for use in ceramic and stone installations. The product is also designed as an "uncoupling" membrane...

Persia from Keraben for 'elegant' installs.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Persia is Keraben's latest. Featuring a platinum metallic brocade pattern, the wall tile is designed for use in "elegant" installations such as "a grand hallway or petite powder room," the company says. The tile is...

Recycled glass in Reviglass mosaics.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reviglass offers a wide range of 100 percent recycled glass mosaics. Products are offered in a choice of 250 colors and four sizes (1/2", 1", 1 1/2" and 2" squares). Additionally, five mountings are available,...

With new grouts, ProSpec goes on the 'Micro Defensive'.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... ProSpec has reformulated its line of grouts with Micro Defense Technology. The antimicrobial additive aims to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, both sanded and unsanded grouts now carry a color consistency guarantee. For...

Rex looks to gold leaf for Gold wall series.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rex introduces Gold. Inspired by the gold leaf found on old stuccos and precious furniture, Gold is a decorative wall accessory made using gold leaf and sheets of polished glass. The product is designed to complement...

Tesoro's Marmaris is 'Old World' tile.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Marmaris porcelain tile is new from Tesoro. Inspired by the various travertine stones that are mined throughout the Anatolia region, Marmaris is aimed at projects that require "a classic old world appeal," the...

Vitromex's Angra inspired by stones.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Vitromex has unveiled the Angra line of ceramic tile. Featuring distinctive stone looks, Angra is available in two colors: Hueso (bone with beige tones) and Cafe (a mix of dark beige, light brown and grays). The tile...

NAC's ECB membrane included in new warranty.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] National Applied Construction Products has announced a lifetime system performance warranty for thin set and medium bed mortars installed using the company's ECB anti-fracture membrane. ECB is designed to protect...

[10] New Ardex 8+9 looks to reduce installation times.(Ceramic Tile Products Gallery)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ardex's 8 + 9 Waterproofing Compound has been formulated to allow flood testing in four hours. According to the company, ARDEX 8 + 9 has been engineered to offer "the ultimate in speed and protection against water...

What they don't know about moisture can hurt you!(Focus on Resilient)(during construction of floorings care should be taken to avoid moisture)
September 1, 2008... In my travels throughout North America I am constantly running into concrete moisture problems that could have been easily avoided. Almost always I find that for some reason, the folks in charge decided not to use a moisture retarder. When I...

Shaw's 'Fall Flooring' promotion largest event in company's history.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Shaw Industries has launched what it calls the largest sales event in its history: the Shaw Fall Flooring Event. Running now through Nov. 28, the event features comprehensive national advertising, local marketing support, a Shawfloors.com...

Calif. contractor wins $30K in USG sweepstakes.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(Bryan Schuler wins an award)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Contractor Bryan Schuler of La Mesa, Calif., won the $30,000 grand prize in USG Corp.'s Floor It Sweepstakes. USG held the contest earlier this year and invited commercial tile and flooring contractors in the U.S. to...

Roppe wins NFT award for three 'Dimensions'.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(Editorial)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Editor's note: The following is another in a series of profiles highlighting the winners of this year's NFT Styling Excellence Awards. Entries were judged earlier this year by showgoers at Surfaces and by readers...

Beaulieu's blissflooring.com site showcases 'women-friendly' products.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(www.blissflooring.com)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Beaulieu has launched www.blissflooring.com, a dedicated site for the company's Bliss brand of "designed by women for women" flooring. The site offers consumers information on Bliss styles using a method similar to...

UFloor Systems has added World Depot as a distributor for New England.(Distributor Appointments)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... UFloor Systems has added World Depot as a distributor for New England. The company, which also manufactures its own line of exotic flooring, will offer the full line of UFloor products.

Oscoda Plastics, the maker of Protect-All commercial flooring, has expanded its distribution network with the addition of three companies: Daltonian, Ellis Flooring Sales and NRF Distributors.(Distributor Appointments)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Oscoda Plastics, the maker of Protect-All commercial flooring, has expanded its distribution network with the addition of three companies: Daltonian, Ellis Flooring Sales and NRF Distributors. Daltonian will serve Georgia and Nevada. Ellis...

Bishop Distributing, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., has joined the Formica Flooring network.(Distributor Appointments)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Bishop Distributing, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., has joined the Formica Flooring network. The company will offer Formica Flooring laminate products in Michigan, Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Tarkett names Cralley residential div. president.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(Bill Cralley appointed as president )(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Tarkett has hired Bill Cralley, the former head of Edge Flooring, as president of the residential division of Tarkett North America. In addition, the company has streamlined president Guillaume Laverdure's responsibilities, naming him president...

With LEED '09 update, USGBC to pass accreditation baton.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(U.S. Green Building Council)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... As part of an update to the LEED system set for January 2009, the United States Green Building Council said it will hand off certification duties. Specifically, the USGBC plans to move administration of the LEED certification process to the...

Aiming to expand reach in Calif., Galleher buys Floor Service Supply.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(Company overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based distributor Galleher Corp. said it is acquiring Floor Service Supply, a 75-year-old hardwood and laminate distributor with locations in San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. The deal stands to expand Galleher's...

Upcoming industry events.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... NTCA Total Solutions--Washington, D.C. Sept. 18-20. (601) 939-2071. Cersaie 2008--Bologna, Italy. Sept. 30Oct. 4. + 39.0536.804585. 2008 FIANA Convention--St. Louis. Oct. 16-19. (817) 326-2615. NAFCD Distributor Marketplace...

Kale's Okyay to lead Turkish ceramic group.(Flooring Insider: News/People/Places/Events)(Zeynep Bodur Okyay appointed at Kale Group)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Zeynep Bodur Okyay, president of tile maker the Kale Group, has been named president of the Ceramic Confederation of Turkey. Along with her duties at Kale, she has a wide range of experience in the tile business, including as president of the...

'Pushing the envelope every year': NWFA honors hardwood artists.(Birger Juell of Chicago)(Ralph's Hardwood Floor Co. of Black Creek)(Floors of Los Angeles)(Awards list)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hardwood remains an area of flooring where creativity abounds and boundaries are continually toppled. How else to explain the bumper crop of flooring creations vying this year for the National Wood Flooring...

2008 wood floor resource guide: wood floors/installation & accessory products.(products)(List)
September 1, 2008... Wood Floor Types Acrylic Impregnated Bruce Hardwood Floors, Armstrong, Armstrong Goodfellow, Inc. Kahrs International Inc. LM Flooring Surfacing Solution Versini Hardwood Floors Custom Floors/Borders/Insets...

2008 wood floor resource guide.(manufacturers/importers)(Directory)
September 1, 2008... 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...

2008 wood floor resource guide.(wood distributors)(Directory)
September 1, 2008... 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...

Remembering smallville, U.S.A. (and why it still matters).(Wood or Wood Knot)
September 1, 2008... Recently, I was reminiscing on trips our family took by automobile--imagine that--for vacation. Airlines were available but cost prohibitive for the average family. Two lane highways stretched from coast to coast. There were no by-passes to...

Brandywine unveils Eco Floor, products carry FSC certification.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tesoro Woods, a brand of Brandywine International Hardwood, and Golden State Flooring have unveiled the Eco Floor series. All products in the collection are Forest Stewardship Council certified, ensuring the products...

Mannington's Adura Elements keeps style, and budget, in mind.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mannington has taken the wraps off of Adura Elements, a modular LVT system. Designed to offer luxury looks at an affordable price, the product is available in five styles in three sizes: 6" by 6", 12" by 12" and 12"...

DriTac aims for 'green' with Eco-6200GR adhesive.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DriTac Flooring Products introduces Eco6200GR, a "green" pressure-sensitive adhesive for wood and cork flooring. The product contains no VOCs or solvents, and is designed for easy spreading, superior tack and...

Revival from Mohawk features Uniclic system.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mohawk introduces Revival, a collection of engineered flooring including domestic and exotic looks. Featuring the company's Uniclic angled installation system, Revival is offered in four series: Pastiche (3/8"...

Plantation Hardwood available in custom looks.(Products)
September 1, 2008... Plantation Hardwood Floors is a boutique California-based manufacturer of customized, made-to-order, premium hardwood flooring for homes as well as upscale hospitality and commercial projects. The flooring features custom colors, dimensions,...

ForesFloor revamps hardwood with new colors and grades.(Products)
September 1, 2008... ForesFloor has added eight colors and several character grades to its line of hardwood flooring. The new colors include a range of chocolatey, distinctive and nutty tones. The new grades, which include Heritage, Legacy and Premium, are designed...

Invision's Elements carpet offers steel, stone, slate looks.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Invision Carpet Systems, a division of J&J/Invision, has debuted the Altered Elements collection of modular and broadloom carpet. Available in three lines--Weathered Steel, Tumbled Stone and Broken Slate--the...

Loba gets rid of NMP in Supra finish line.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Loba's Supra finishes for hardwood flooring are now NMP free. NMP is a chemical solvent that may be dangerous in some cases. The reformulated Loba Supra line offers a strong final hardness and maintains elasticity,...

New Wakol moisture barrier offers quick installation times.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Loba-Wakol presents Wakol PU 280 Moisture Barrier. Designed as a one-component, solvent-free and low odor polyurethane based barrier, the product can be easily applied with a roller Wakol says. Additionally, adhesive...

I.D. Premier LVT is Johnsonite's latest.(Products)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I.D. Premier LVT flooring is new from Johnsonite. Offered in 54 styles, I.D. Premier takes inspiration from wood and stone textures as well as brushed metal and solid colors. I.D. Premier features a PUR-reinforced...

DriTac aims for 'green' with Eco-6200GR adhesive.(Products)
September 1, 2008... DriTac aims for 'green' with Eco-6200GR adhesive DriTac Flooring Products introduces Eco-6200GR, a "green" pressure-sensitive adhesive for wood and cork flooring. The product contains no VOCs or solvents, and is designed for easy spreading,...

Formica gets glossy with Bellezza laminate.(Products)
September 1, 2008... Formica gets glossy with Bellezza laminate Formica Flooring has rolled out Bellezza, an 8mm line of high-gloss laminate flooring. Offered in a 25.35" by 12.2" "brick-like" format, the flooring features natural stone designs with recessed grout...

The Floor Covering Industry Foundation: helping our own.
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] (Editor's Note: The following was submitted to NFTfrom the Floor Covering Industry Foundation, an organization that assists people in the flooring industry who experience life-altering hardships. For more information...