The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash., Art Popham Column.(Originated from The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.)(Column)

TACOMA, Wash.--Jun. 3--Six months ago, Pickering Inc. in Tacoma released its first laminate flooring. Laminate flooring looks like hardwood, but is made of decorative paper and protective top layer thermofused onto high-density fiberboard.

Pickering had been making laminated panels used in such items as desks and display cases for 31 years. But the flooring was something new for the company.

As it turns out, Pickering has found a product for which the market is hungry.

"It's selling great. We're meeting expectations," said Jeff Pickering, flooring division president. "We should hit $8 million in flooring sales this year and $25 million next year through our national distribution and export. We have 150 display racks in stores just in the Northwest."

Pickering invested some $7 million in equipment to make flooring at its Tacoma Tideflats site. It hired 40 new employees for production, sales and marketing.

The company currently offers 20 wood patterns, four color accent tiles and 16 large designer tiles with other simulated surfaces, such as stone. It also manufactures and sells accessories, molding and trim for its flooring.

The tongue-in-groove pieces provide a wood look with low maintenance and high durability. Laminate flooring is popular in Europe -- and apparently is catching on in the United States.