Tile of Spain USA

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Situated just outside the city limits of Valencia, Spain, where the mountains meet the sea, is a humble abode that pays homage to the traditional craftsmanship of handmade terracotta tile and the true essence of ceramic materials. “The Bétera House” designed by Juan Grau Fernández of architect studio, Hugo Mompó, is a single-family residence, that at its core represents the beauty of living in a Mediterranean-style house.

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Diary of a Tile Addict

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Norfolk-based mosaic artist Maria Starling turned her attention to Moroccan cement tile some years ago, and has been designing delightful patterns ever since. Collaborating with skilled artisans, Starling brings her visions to life with a range of beautiful, handmade cement, porcelain, and ceramic tiles. Each piece and pattern is specifically designed in-house, making them unique to Maria Starling Designs.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

From evolving during the times of COVID-19, to adapting to the changing needs of today’s workforce, dealers discuss how they turned bad breaks into their biggest breakthroughs. Diversifying is key to survival in trying times. Barrington Carpet, Akrin, Ohio. Barrington Carpet survived the Great Recession in 2008 by diversifying into new markets, according to Craig Phillips, president.

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Ceramics of Italy

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

A taste for the beautiful, cultural heritage and a strong identity are just some of the qualities shared by Florim and Altagamma, the Foundation which since 1992 has brought together the ambassadors of the Italian lifestyle in the world. A common vision which has enabled Florim to be welcomed in as a new member of the Foundation. The Foundation gathers together the cream of the Italian luxury goods industry, a market segment that continues to grow all over the world and in which Made in Italy is

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JG Kitchens

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Inspired by last December's deadly twisters, I filled my latest Forbes.com piece with information about what homeowners can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe against future tornadoes -- and how they might get help paying for shelter. You can read that here. The post What Homeowners Should Know About Tornado Safety comes to you courtesy of Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, Wellness Design Consultant and Author.

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Life of an Architect

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Ever wondered if you should be an Architect? Here are the Top 10 Reasons NOT to be an Architect - revisiting the list I wrote 12 years ago. The post EP 093: The Top 10 Reasons NOT to be an Architect first appeared on Life of an Architect. Continue reading EP 093: The Top 10 Reasons NOT to be an Architect at Life of an Architect. Ever wondered if you should be an Architect?

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Toronto, Ontario—Torlys, a global flooring company specializing in stylish, responsible flooring solutions, has launched RigidTile Firm Designer, a collection of design-forward tile patterns in a large tile format (18 x 36 with grout lines), designed as the perfect alternative to large format tile and stone. Known for bringing innovative flooring solutions to market, Torlys said its newest addition to the SPC vinyl lineup features 5 SKUs in soft, contemporary colors for an authentic look complet

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

More than 47 years ago, Manu and Rika Shah started a company called MS International with the idea of making dream surfaces attainable. According to their son, Raj Shah, president, it’s in the company’s DNA to continuously find ways to engineer methodologies in logistics, product innovation and merchandising and marketing strategies to make flooring and countertops more affordable and accessible to the consumer without sacrificing manufacturer or retailer profitability.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Atlanta, Ga.—Interface introduced its newest resilient offering, Even Path. Rigid core flooring offers Interface customers the performance of long-lasting hard flooring with the convenience of resilient tile, according to the company. Even Path features high-quality wood and stone designs engineered to withstand heavy static loads and hide subfloor imperfections.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Las Vegas—I4F, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, has introduced True Grout on SPC/rigid core tiles and planks. Using the technology, licensee partners can offer unprecedented durability as well as an innovative middle grout line mimicking two tiles in one. Durability on rigid core products featuring True Grout technologies is maximized due to the addition of a colored wear layer between the décor film and the core.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

By Megan Salzano-Birch—For several years now the flooring industry has dealt with a shortage in labor, particularly in the area of qualified flooring installers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has seemingly exacerbated the situation by causing a shortage in office-level labor as well. Dealers across the country have cited limited applications—and an even smaller pool of qualified applicants—of which to tap for their needs.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

By Megan Salzano Birch—While the retail landscape has been anything but predictable, the past two years did provide seemingly endless demand and, thus, growth potential for dealers. Still, those looking to expand that potential even further might consider diversification—perhaps with countertops, cabinets and blinds—as a means to that end. FCNews spoke with several dealers across the country who have diversified product offerings to gauge the strategies that work best for them.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

By Reginald Tucker—Those of us who fondly recall that catchy slogan from the BASF Specialty Chemical ads—“We don’t make a lot of the products you buy; we make a lot of the products you buy better”—can certainly appreciate the approach that Unilin Technologies takes in partnering with major flooring manufacturers to raise the ante on product performance.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 11, 2022

San Diego,Calif.—Duchateau introduced a new collection of luxury vinyl tile , The Guild Hardwood, aiming to provide millennials and first-time homeowners with high-style flooring at affordable prices. The new 10-color Kindred collection is aimed at the same audience. “This is a high-spec and low-maintenance product that is perfect for the homeowner looking for an easy-living but high-style floor,” said Patrick Bewley, vice president of marketing, Duchateau.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Solon, Ohio—Tarkett unveiled its new Climate Roadmap for 2030, in full alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement objective to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The company said it will deliver a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2030. Today, the independent organization Science Based Targets (SBTi) has started the evaluation and approval of Tarkett’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Crossville, Tenn.—Crossville has released its 2022 Residential Look Book. According to the company, the book is organized into four key areas of focus: kitchens, baths, interior living and outdoor spaces. These spaces feature real-life installations of Crossville collections on floors, walls, countertops, pool decks and more. “We showcase the work of many talented interior designers in this new Look Book,” said Lindsey Waldrep, vice president of marketing, Crossville.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

By Reginald Tucker—“Offering great products that translate at the point of sale in the right way so RSAs can understand what we’re trying to drive home to the consumer.” That’s how Zack Zehner, president of Mannington’s Residential business , describes the company’s approach to product development and design. FCNews got the opportunity to witness this strategy firsthand during a recent visit to the company’s headquarters to get a preview of some of the introductions for Surfaces this month.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Calhoun, Ga.—Aladdin Commercial, a leader in Main Street flooring , has introduced Halong Bay, a rigid composite core LVT that boasts updated features and waterproof abilities. Inspired by the beauty of nature, Halong Bay features two styles with 16 total visuals. The organic, natural wood grain and stone looks create a warm and comforting environment for any desired space, according to Aladdin.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

CARTERSVILLE, GA.—The SPC/ rigid core market is estimated to be more than $5 billion with only supply chain issues standing in the way of continued skyrocketing growth. Every few months seems to bring a new innovation or iteration. But many will be surprised to learn who pioneered the fastest-growing flooring segment over the last four years and for the foreseeable future.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

By Jacqueline Hinchcliffe—As technology becomes more advanced, so do cyber attacks. Various kinds of ransomware, malware and other computer viruses can be a business owners’ worst nightmare. In fact, 2021 saw a major cyber-attack that affected various software and other operations in the flooring industry. Aside from installing the typical virus protection from software like Webroot, McAfee or Norton, there are plenty of other steps business owners should take in order to ensure their informatio

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

By Megan Salzano Birch— C rystal Sims began her career in the flooring industry nearly 10 years ago when she was asked by her brothers—Jose and Daniel Gonzales, owners of Preferred Flooring in Grand Rapids, Mich.—to join the business during a particularly busy season. What began as a pit-stop has become a passion-fueled career with Sims boasting impressive trade skills—namely, flooring installation.

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Life of an Architect

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

When architects work with consultants, how does that process operate? How many consultants are there on any given project? Well, that answer can vary widely by project type. Since this was a recently submitted question, I thought I would spend some time and discuss my knowledge on this subject. The post Architects Working with Consultants first appeared on Life of an Architect.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

When owning a business, the software you use behind the scenes is as important as the product you put on your showroom floor. Relying solely on pen and paper—or a non-flooring-specific software—can not only clutter your business processes but create difficulties down the road. That’s where QFloors comes in. QFloors is a business management and accounting system designed to specifically aid flooring dealers in running their businesses successfully.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

By Megan Salzano-Birch If you’re not utilizing digital marketing for your business today, what exactly are you hoping to accomplish? Other than giving your competition a very lofty leg up. Today, digital marketing is a no-brainer. What isn’t a no-brainer is exactly how to implement and optimize your digital marketing strategy. From website development to lead generation, brand building and even customer service there are myriad ways to approach digital marketing.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

By Megan Salzano-Birch—S ocial media has grown by leaps and bounds since the 2004 founding of Facebook (a.k.a: Meta)—the “godfather” of modern social media. What began as a desktop communications experience has evolved into a multi-platform, content-sharing and e-commerce phenomenon. Indeed, one major advancement in digital and social media technologies has been the advent of “social shopping,” or the ability to purchase products directly from a social media application.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Montmagny, Quebec—Mercier, a pre-finished wood flooring brand , presented its annual awards. According to Mercier, the awards acknowledge partners who have distinguished themselves in terms of sales performance and representation in the U.S. market in 2021. Distributor of the year. Wood Pro. Wood Pro and Mercier established their partnership in 2006, according to the company.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Washington D.C.—The remodeling industry saw strong demand throughout 2021 despite supply chain problems and rising costs, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The NAHB/Royal Building Products Remodeling Market Index (RMI) showed continued year-over-year improvement in remodelers’ sentiment, with index levels at well above break-even point of 50.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Dalton, Ga.—Emily Morrow Home released its 2022 Color Itinerary of the year “Around the World in 8 Colors.” According to the company, the new color palette features travel-inspired destinations focusing on the natural beauty of hardwood flooring. One of the key trends in the 2021 Milled Naturals story was the importance of home. The 2022 color story zeroes in on both the desire to experience the world and the essence of what cherish about coming home, according to the company.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Washington D.C.— Supply chain bottlenecks that put upward pressure on home prices along with rising interest rates contributed to housing affordability falling to a 10-year low, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Ongoing production challenges and the likelihood of higher interest rates in the months ahead as the Federal Reserve moves to tighten interest rates threaten to drive housing affordability even lower in 2022, according to the NAHB.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Las Vegas—That’s a wrap for TISE 2022, and Shaw’s residential and main street brands—Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Philadelphia Commercial and Shaw Floors—said they lived up to the hype. During the event, the flooring leader invited customers to celebrate its return, after a 15-year hiatus, with show-stopping demos and an immersive, interactive booth experience that won Best Large Booth Design at the event.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Chicago—With NeoCon just five months away, theMART said it is gearing up for a show full of design innovation and thought leadership. Registration is now open for the event’s diverse attendee base, which includes leaders from across the commercial design, architecture, facility management and real estate industries. Centered around the theme “Design Makes a Statement,” show organizers said the 2022 edition will feature game-changing products and services from both leading companies and eme

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Cleveland, Ohio—Messina Floor Covering, headquartered here, has become a new member of Starnet, the world’s largest network of full-service independent flooring contractors. “We are pleased Mike Messina has elected to join the Starnet cooperative,” said Mark Bischoff, president and CEO, Starnet. “The Messina team has proven their business approach over many years as a commercial flooring service provider for the premier end users regionally and nationally.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

O ver the last year, NovaFloor —the retail resilient brand of Novalis—has undergone a complete makeover. From an updated product portfolio to new merchandising/advertising initiatives and a total digital overhaul, the new brand is ready to tackle any customer need. Megan Salzano-Birch, FCNews ’ senior editor/digital director, caught up with the team at NovaFloor, including Steve Ehrlich, vice president of sales and marketing; Nate Hohenstein, director of strategic accounts; and Kim Hill, directo

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Lancaster, Pa.—Ecore has transformed its website to deliver an optimized user experience. Featuring additional resources and a sleek, easy-to-navigate design, the company said the redesigned site enables visitors to easily browse Ecore’s performance-focused flooring surfaces by product, market or application. Visitors will also find an elevated focus on the company’s commitment to sustainability and circularity.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 11, 2022

C atastrophic weather events and natural disasters have dotted this nation’s history throughout its founding; however, in the past decade the U.S. has witnessed “100-year events” every two years as global temperatures rise. In 2020, in addition to the pandemic (a natural disaster in itself), there were 22 separate weather/climate events that cost more than $1 billion in damages each—combining for $95 billion in total damages in the year alone.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Lancaster, Pa.—Armstrong Flooring introduced three new heterogeneous sheet collections, Asana, Nidra and Zenscape. Each collection is manufactured in Stillwater, Okla., and includes Diamond 10 Technology , a patented wear layer that uses cultured diamonds to provide the ultimate in scratch, stain and scuff resistance while eliminating the need for polish.

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Floor Covering News

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

By Jacqueline Hinchcliffe—When opening a storefront, the first thing that comes to mind is location. Will it be stand-alone or in a plaza? What other businesses surround it? Will it be in a big city or the suburbs? In the flooring business, location also translates to foot traffic—and foot traffic can mean all the difference between success and failure.

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