Advertisement:
Flooring Insider TILE LogoFCI LogoNFT Logo
Home | Today's News | Flooring Fact | Today's Flooring Tip | Style and Design | Dealer Topics
Commercial/Residential Contractor | Installation Techniques | Products | Contact Us
Search in: EditorialProductsCompanies


















Today's Picture

Archived Pictures >>

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.

Mannington wins five top awards in NFT Styling Excellence contest
Mannington Mills garnered five first place nods (and one runner up mention) to emerge as the big winner in this year’s NFT Styling Excellence Awards. Voted on by showgoers at Surfaces and online, the awards honor the best high-style products in flooring.

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.

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.

'Solid' deal: Shaw buys Zickgraf Hardwood

Armstrong hikes hardwood prices

Mannington to increase hardwood flooring prices

In memoriam: Hank Heckman

Mohawk to increase prices on hardwood products

Mannington buys Burke: 'Delighted to expand the range of flooring choices'

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.”

Trading Up from VCT: Options in Resilient Tile
Resilient floor tile has been specified for commercial interiors for decades. Yet, these products have not made it into Main Street commercial applications on a regular basis.

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.

Flooring Magazine Links

National Floor Trends:
Calendar | Buyers Guide | Subscribe | eNewsletter

TILE:
Calendar | Gold Book Buyers Guide | Subscribe | eNewsletter

Floor Covering Installer:
Calendar | Buyers Guide | Subscribe | eNewsletter


Industry Links

Associations and Events

Flooring Quick Links


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.
MORE PRODUCTS >>

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.
MORE PRODUCTS >>

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.
MORE PRODUCTS >>

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.
MORE PRODUCTS >>

Advertisement:
© 2008 BNP Media. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy