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Majority of retailers say tile/stone sales will rise
When asked about their expectations
for tile sales in 2008, more than 60% of respondents to an NFT survey predicted an increase
while a small minority—5%—said sales will dip. Expectations for stone flooring
were not quite as rosy but still upbeat: About 55% said it will increase next year
while about 7% said sales next year will be off. |
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Many materials that are promoted for
sound control in hard surface flooring may not be suitable for direct bond tile
and stone installations, as they are too compressible and do not provide proper
structural support for these installations. In many cases, it is necessary to
use additional reinforcing materials, such as mortar beds, backer boards, epoxy
mortars and grouts and other methods to provide a structurally sound
installation. |
The Many Facets of Mosaics
In recent years, mosaics have exploded onto the market. The
selection of shapes, textures and colors is continually expanding, and each
year it seems that tile manufacturers work hard to tweak overall product
quality as well. And with new product development comes more inspiration for
creative designs.
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In the lap of laminate
Laminate flooring has been undergoing something of a makeover in the last few years. It is increasing becoming an upscale product. In fact, there is wide agreement that high-end laminate is one of
the industry’s hottest categories. |
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How to pitch the high-end for commercial projects
Superior
products with a greater emphasis on style and substance, supported by modern
installation techniques, will spell increased profit in the commercial flooring
sector, even during challenging economic times. Why? Because top-notch products
mean greater value for the client. |
10 Common Mistakes Retailers Make
In past
columns, I have offered tips on how to build your business in a down economy. I
have made it a point to include specific actions to accomplish this. What is
equally important is avoiding blunders that can make tough times even tougher.
So instead of tips on what to do, let’s focus on what not to do. |
Do you have to touch the stove?
Country parents teach their children early on that you don’t have to
touch a stove to find out if it’s hot. Do so,
and you’ll get burned. It’s the same with business. Unfortunately, my
experience has taught me that most floor covering retailers feel they must
“touch the stove.” |
Waterproof or Vapor Proof?
Waterproofing is easily understood; something either leaks
or it doesn’t. But vapor proof, what does that have to do with waterproofing?
After all if something is waterproof it is waterproof, right? |
The ins and outs of polished concrete
Knowing the job requires more than measuring out the area,
finding the best access point for mobilization and scratching out your bid. It
means defining two sets of variables--the physical conditions at the site and
the customer’s expectations.
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Hey Ray! Why Won’t My Concrete Dry?
This
is a question I get all the time. I hear it from flooring contractors, general
contractors, rookies and veterans. It happened on all types of job sites in all
types of weather conditions. They tell me they believe they have done
everything right. |
Cutting and Drilling Ceramic and Stone Tiles
Few tile installations can be completed without some cutting
or drilling. For an installer working with ceramic and stone tiles, several
hand and power tools are needed for the most efficient cutting. I divide
cutting chores into two categories: cut edges that show, and cut edges that are
obscured or hidden from view. |
Caring for your knees
As a flooring installer of almost
44 years I can tell you that caring for—and protecting—- your knees is of the
utmost importance. This is also an area that doesn’t get nearly enough
attention, and that’s unfortunate. |
Vitromex goes for marble feel with Turkana
Replicating the veining
found in soft marble, Vitromex’s Turkana is made using the latest
state-of-the-art technology in ceramic tile, the company says. Offered in two
colors (Ivory and Moka), the straight-edged tiles are available in 18”x18”
formats.
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Champion looks to wood for Timber Stone tile
Champion
has reproduced the look of natural wood with its Timber Stone collection.
Designed with durability and maintenance-free properties in mind, the series is
offered in six colors.
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A new look for Turbo II floor stripper
With a new look, the Turbo
II floor stripper continues to command the floor covering removal of most jobsite
applications, including commercial carpet, vinyl, VCT, rubber, sport surfaces,
ceramic tile, and glue down hardwood, according to the company.
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Enviro6ix now offered on all Zeftron products
All of Zeftron nylon’s
products now come standard with the Enviro6ix designation. A third-party
certification, Enviro6ix signifies that Zeftron nylon fiber contains a minimum
25 percent recycled content.
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