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Features laminated wood products nominated in "Floor Covering Weekly" magazine's The Dealers' Choice Awards. Woodstrip by Alloc; Exotics by Armstrong; Line of hand-scraped micro-beveled planks from BHK of America; Masterpieces Collection of Faus Group.

Evaluates several laminated wood products. Touchable Texture line from Shaw Industries; Harper's Mill from Mohawk; Vintage Classics and TruWood Textures collections from Pergo; Elegance line from Quick-Step.

The article focuses on the U.S. wholesale vinyl flooring market whose record growth jumped 11.8% in value and 8.6% in volume. It notes that the remarkable spikes in sales volume from both luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and fiber-glass-backed sheet led the category's 2.4 billion U.S. dollars and 3.2 billion square feet of sales. It indicates that vinyl flooring currently accounts for 12.6% of the flooring industry's value and 17.7% of its volume putting it in second place behind carpet and area rugs.

The article discusses the decline of laminate flooring wholesale pricing, as it continues with product as low as 49 cents being imported from Germany and China.

The article features various products in the resilient category of the flooring industry, including the Brasilla line of unique rubber sheets from Allstate Rubber, the Stratica luxury tiles from Amtico, and Duality, a next generation fiberglass-backed floor from Armstrong.

The article features various products in the laminate category of the flooring industry, including the TrueCraft collection from Ark Floors, Macon Oak from Formica, and Kincade from Mohawk.

The article focuses on several trade associations related to the floor covering sector. It is said that independent flooring retailers were able to withstand market conditions due to their alignment with a retail group. Factors behind their survival are mentioned which include assistance with merchandising and with advertising. Industry groups within the sector include American Home Surfaces, Big Bob's and Floor Coverings International.

The article offers ideas on marketing in the laminate flooring sector. It explains how the concept of edge treatment distinguishes one laminate flooring from the others. The benefits of making seven-foot-long laminates, compared to the standard four-foot-long, are highlighted. In addition, the article describes how Faus benefited from its mixed-medium visuals flooring concept.

The article presents a comparison of resilient flooring products including the Fiber Floor by Tarkett, the Moduleo by IVC U.S. and the AirStep Plus Evolution by Congoleum.

The article offers information on several laminate flooring products including the Elite Collection from Alloc, the Grand Illusion line from Armstrong, and the Cachet Clic from Columbia.

The article reports on the performance of the laminate flooring market in 2007. Statistics reveal that manufacturer sales of laminate flooring decreased from $1.50 billion in 2006 to $1.14 billion in 2007, while sales volumes decreased from 1.30 billion square feet in 2006 to 926.83 million in 2007. With fuel costs rising, laminate prices have also increased from $1.16 per square foot in 2006-2007 to $1.23 in 2008.

The article reports on the performance of the resilient flooring sector in the U.S. in 2006. It states that the sheet vinyl category posted a 25.9% decrease in sales volume. According to industry experts, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) sales account for an estimated 99 million to 116 million square feet of sales. It mentions the use of rubber flooring by several hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The article presents a statistical analysis of the performance of the U.S. laminate floorings market in 2005. Data from "Floor Covering Weekly" found the market at roughly $1.50 billion in 2005, compared to growth rate of 16.7 percent and 32.5 percent in 2004 and 2003. The continued growth of the segment was attributed to increasing consumer familiarity with the products and acceptance of newer features. Also, several charts depicting the breakdown of 2005 sales and 5-year history of the market are presented.

Reports on an improvement in the quality of laminate floor coverings, as of February 2004. Trends in laminate flooring styles; Factor that led to an increase in the prices of laminate flooring; Tips on merchandising laminate flooring, according to dealer Walt Coop.

Reports on the gains posted by floor covering dealers in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2003. Sales performance of Heritage Interiors and other dealers for the quarter; Problems faced by Carpet Corner and Floor Covering Associates; Information on the demand for hard surfaces which include ceramics and laminates.

The article evaluates the Konecto, a floating gripstrip luxury vinyl tile from Metroflor Corp.

The article evaluates several vinyl floorings including the IQ Natural from Johnsonite Inc., the EnviroQuiet luxury vinyl tile (LVT) from FloorFolio Industries and the floating LVT from GTP International Inc.

The article offers information on the Flooring America's convention hosted by flooring retailers of the U.S. in Denver, Colorado, where computer tablets were used to reduce the consumption of the papers.

The article focuses on U.S. laminate floor wholesale market which grew 1.6% in value and 1.5% in volume in 2012, its first noticeable increase in 5 years. It indicates that the laminate flooring category has exhibited the smallest rate of growth of all hard surface categories and lost share as competition increased from resilient flooring. While its average wholesale price was flat at 94 U.S. cents per square foot, it faces constant pressure from mass merchants and home improvement stores.

The article focuses on a meeting by Big Bob's Flooring Outlet owners managers to formulate a plan that will more than quadruple the group's membership. Big Bob has evolved into a 24 member, 35 locations national franchise since it was launched in 1983 and its current goal is to expand to 125 members and 250 locations by 2016. Part of the appeal of being a Big Bob franchisee is being able to capitalize on 30 years of advertising, brand building and knowledge.

The article focuses on laminate tile flooring which provide residential consumers value because they depict high-end ceramic and stone tiles. Because laminate tiles are easy to install without glue or grout, consumers realize savings and obtain the upscale appearance they desire. Laminate tiles are less likely to chip or crack and are warmer under foot. They are easier to maintain and replace compared to ceramic and stone tiles. Laminate tiles also carry lifetime residential warranties.

The article is a guide for properly installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) which result in additional profit while reducing work and possible problems. For subfloor preparation, specific LVT-oriented underlayment smoothens uneven subfloors and acts as moisture and sound-dampening barriers as well. When there is heavy rolling traffic, it is best to glue LVT down. For high-moisture areas, experts recommend floating click and grip-strip LVTs as an easy glueless installation option.

The article discusses the growth in fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl market being serviced from domestic facilities in the U.S. East Coast in 2013. According to Stuart Hirschorn, director of research at Catalina Research, moving production from Europe to the U.S. makes logistics easier and the labor remains in line with industry averages. IVC US has moved its fiberglass production from Belgium to a facility in Dalton, Georgia in 2011.

The article reports that Mohawk Industry's moves in both technology and acquisitions have helped the company to become a leader in the laminate market. Mohawk's four brands including Quick-Step, Mohawk, Columbia Flooring and Pergo have allowed it to come to market with a number of signature product lines offering. Mohawk started acquiring in the laminate flooring arena in July 2005 when it purchased Belgium-based Unilin for 2.62 billion U.S. dollars.

The article reports on the success of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in the commercial market that is driving makers to produce larger formats with unique designs and color than those for residential use. It says that the larger LVTs provide the desired ambience while making installation jobs more efficient and easier. It says that large format LVT wood visuals are a trend among restaurants, retail and grocery stores. Examples are Karndean's Opus Collection and Amtico's Quill pattern.

The article discusses the profitability of long laminate flooring as a commodity segment. It describes long laminates, introduced in 2010, as six- to seven-foot in length which exhibits rustic, high gloss and less interrupted by end joints. Derr Flooring's Ray Rucier believes that as the U.S. economy recovers, the product will eventually take off. Classen chief executive officer Derek Welbourne suggests the need for the industry to support and offer long laminate flooring.

The article discusses the differences between veteran floor installers and their younger counterparts. It states that while basic floor installation skill sets have remained the same, installers' attitudes, tools, methods and products have changed. Carpet One owner Bob Taylor notes that younger installers lack the enthusiasm exuded by his long-time installers, Lavaughn Taylor and Hinton Taylor. Greg Hefele of the Insternational Standards & Training Alliance says attitude is an issue.

The article discusses the increase in store traffic and sales reported by specialty floor dealers. It states that dealers attribute the growth to the uptick in home construction, residential remodel business and Main Street commercial. It notes that among categories, hard surface specialty flooring is leading the pack with an eight percent increase in sales in the first quarter of 2013.

The article reports that in order to verify that their products emit negligible levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and contribute to health indoor air quality, hard surface flooring suppliers are adopting FloorScore and Greenguard Children & Schools certifications.

The article features the innovative products of the luxury vinyl tile market for 2013 which includes the Dream Click line from Alloc, BRITES collection from Centiva, and EnviroQuiet from FloorFolio.

The article discusses the steps taken by leading floor companies to copyright their exclusive designs for laminate flooring. It states that the legal steps were taken to deflect Chinese competitors who resell the digitally scanned and copied designs in unbranded products to the U.S. through mass merchant channels. It also discusses whether copyrights on laminate flooring are enforceable.

The article reports on Domotex Hannover, an event for floor covering companies held in Germany on January 12-15, 2013, and highlights the drop off in attendance due to Europe's aching economy.

The article focuses on the importance of installation education among vinyl floor suppliers, in order to prevent failures. Keith Lacognata of FreeFit, explains that they had to train partners in the proper installation of the company's loose lay luxury vinyl tile (LVT), because it needs to be installed tightly against the wall. Installation training seminars have been conducted by Congoleum, according to Patrick Buckley, its vice president of product management.

The article highlights the impact of Haines' acquisition of sundries distributor Allied Products on their growth plan in 2013, which includes territorial expansion and business diversification.

The article reports on the growth in the floating luxury vinyl tile (LVT) title. It notes that the LVT market, as well as the fiberglass sheet vinyl continues market, continues to drive a double-digit growth for suppliers, distributors and retailers. According to Catalina Research, the U.S. vinyl floor market will grow an additional 7.9 percent in value to a record 2.27 billion U.S. dollars.

The article offers updates in the U.S. laminate floor market as of December 3, 2012. It notes that as of the said date, the market is making slight, single digit sales increases. The author states that the market remains dominated by low-cost imports and home centers. According to Sean O'Rourke, vice president of hard surfaces at Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is taking sales from laminate.

The article introduces the 3.2 millimeter click luxury vinyl tile (LVT) from Mannington.

The article offers information on a meeting organized by the International Standards & Training Alliance (INSTALL) of Floorcovering Professionals at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Center on December 3 to 6, 2012.

The article discusses the floor covering industry's response to the Hurricane Sandy disaster. It notes that the super storm resulted in the deaths of 209 people and damages costing 20 billion U.S. dollars. Floor manufacturers and retailers in New Jersey and New York reported destruction of store displays and floors and are concerned about loss of electricity. The article cites that flooring distributors expect a surge in business for construction and rebuilding projects in affected communities.

The article discusses the highlights of the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) trade show that was held on November 13-15, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. Feedback from NAFCD members noted several changes in the event including better networking opportunities with business partners and related associations, more educational sessions, and reduced product exhibitions. A key topic of the breakout sessions involved how to repair distributor/manufacturer relationships.

This article reports that the acquisitions made by top flooring distributors CMH Space Flooring, William M. Bird and Belknap-White are aimed at expanding their markets. CMH Space Flooring acquired select assets of Bayard in Philadelphia while William M. Bird acquired Virginia-based Southern Tile. Belknap-White, on the other hand, acquired Patriot Flooring in New York. The comments of such executives as Hoy Lanning, Raymond Mancini and Darren Abraham about the acquisitions are also included.

The article reports that Houston, Texas-based T&L Distributing, which celebrated its 40 years in business in August 2012, posted a sales increase in 2011 after several years of decline. Company founder and chairman of the board Bob Thomas explains that T&L had been impacted by the economic downturn though not as bad as markets in California. The article also includes comment of Sam O'Krent, owner of O'Krent's Abbey Flooring Center in San Antonio, Texas, regarding T&L's business philosophy.

The article discusses the developments in the operation of the firm Tarkett. According to Tarkett North America president Jeff Buttitta, their acquisition of Tandus Flooring on September 26, 2012 added a soft surface component to their extensive hard surface offering. Among Tarkett's products are laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl composition tile (VCT).

The article reports on the accomplishments of Bob Moran as president and chief executive officer (CEO) at Congoleum. Among the achievements are a high single digit increase in sales, the streamlining of the firm's operations and the hiring of a well-known top designer. According to Moran, they are focusing on new products that would separate them from the others.

The article discusses Armstrong World Industries' exit from the distribution business after the sale of its Patriot Flooring Supply to The Belknap White Group. Armstrong will focus on its core businesses of flooring and ceilings while Belknap's purchase of Patriot brings them to new markets in New York and New Jersey. It notes that Armstrong is a manufacturer and held on to Patriot to fill the vacuum of service created when its largest distributor Hoboken Floors went out of business in 2007.

The article reports on the Fast Phase II program of Flooring America introduced in July 2012 which enabled dealers to use hand held electronic devices in managing customer relations from initial point of contact until installation. Members such as Floors Direct are presented to have received a free iPad upon their sign up with the program during Flooring America's summer convention. The application is cited to provide product knowledge, and also takes testimonials from satisfied customers.

This article relates that Catalina Research has reported that U.S. laminate sales rose 13.8 % in 2011 and continue to grow as dealers shy away from rising costs and lead times related to imports. Several domestic suppliers are looked into and they include Calhoun, Georgia-based Faus Floor, Barnwell, South Carolina-based Kronotex USA, and High Point, North Carolina-based Mannington. The article also discusses their key products and brands for 2012 including Cottage Slate and Classic Estate.

This article offers information on Avante Luxury grouted tile from EarthWerk, FreeForm vinyl tile from GTP International, and BluePrint vinyl tile from IVC US.

This article reports that David Carballo, vice president of sales of Faus, has denied rumors about Faus 'demise and announced that the Georgia-based laminate floor maker is expanding its home center presence. The rumors began after Faus' parent, Industrias Auxiliares Faus SLU in Valencia, Spain, filed for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization on February 20, 2012. The article also mentions Faus' partnership with several distributors including Century Flooring, Classic Tile and R.A. Siegel.

This article reports that Mike Babula, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Clarion Industries in Pennsylvania, will focus on product development. Babula reveals that Clarion, a laminate flooring supplier which includes Home Depot and Lowe's among its customers, will increase its focus on 10 mm product. The Clarion CEO also announces the future launch of laminate flooring with reduced levels of formaldehyde and price hikes in certain instances to counter rising raw material costs.