Sat.Apr 15, 2023 - Fri.Apr 21, 2023

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Sustainable Ceramics

As The Tile Turns

Sustainability is a dominant theme in the luxury tile market, as we’ve seen with the recent rise in eco-friendly tile factories and products. This trend isn’t going anywhere soon – in fact, new tools, technologies and methods allow the industry’s talented artisans to create an ever-increasing array of gorgeous ceramic tile designs while staying green.

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What’s the Difference Between Hand Painted and Hand Poured Cement Tiles?

Granada Tile

Cement tiles have taken the world of interior and exterior design by storm for their unique beauty, practicality, and durability. When it comes to choosing the perfect cement tile for your space, you will come across two types: hand painted, and hand poured cement tiles. While both options have their unique features, hand poured cement tiles offer many benefits that set them apart from hand painted ones.

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Coverings 2023 Installation & Design Award winners announced

Floor Covering News

Orlando— Coverings, the preeminent event for the ceramic tile and natural stone industry in North America, announced Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards for 17 projects that showcase distinction in creativity, craftsmanship and outstanding use of materials. The 2023 award recipients were celebrated during an awards ceremony and reception, which took place April 19, here at the show.

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Casalgrande Padana opens a new Creative Centre in Milan

Ceramics of Italy

Milan’s Creative Centre is in Piazza San Marco in the Brera Design District, the city’s beating heart renowned for its charming atmosphere rich in cultural, architectural, and historical contaminations. This space allows Casalgrande Padana to showcase its unique offering and discuss projects with architects, interior designers, planners, and researchers.

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Top five benefits of using natural stone veneer

Realstone

When trying to decide on cladding for your next home or landscaping project, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the choices out there. There is natural stone, natural stone veneer, faux stone, stucco, cement and many others depending on your project. It’s easy to make assumptions about the cost, durability and installation time with various products which is why its important to do your research.

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Staying Resilient in Tough Times

JG Kitchens

No one is going to argue that these past three years have been exceptionally difficult for many people around the country and around the world. The post Staying Resilient in Tough Times comes to you courtesy of Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, Wellness Design Consultant and Author.

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Laminate suppliers leverage new capabilities

Floor Covering News

T he resurgent U.S. laminate flooring segment continues to defy the naysayers as it gains greater momentum in a market clamoring for alternatives to competing hard surface categories. This renewed and ongoing interest has given suppliers a broader platform to explore and incorporate new technologies that not only aim to elevate the category as a whole but also help suppliers differentiate themselves.

More Trending

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How to Choose a Natural Stone Veneer for Your Home Interior Wall

Realstone

The Appeal of Stone Veneer Stone veneer has become a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their living spaces. With a wide variety of styles and textures available, stone veneer can transform any room into a stunning focal point. Benefits of Stone Veneer There are several reasons why homeowners choose stone veneer for their interiors: It provides a wide range of colors.

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EP 123: Interviews Just Aren’t that Hard

Life of an Architect

You’re about to graduate from architecture school, or maybe you already have a job, and you’re just simply looking for a change. Going through interviews is part of the sequence of getting a new job, and there are some things that are worth knowing before you step into the room. The post EP 123: Interviews Just Aren’t that Hard first appeared on Life of an Architect.

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Coverings 2023 aims to energize the audience

Floor Covering News

O rland o , F la.— Coverings 2023, North America’s largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference, takes place here this week, April 18–21, at the Orange County Convention Center. This year’s show is offering more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space with numerous global pavilions hosted by leading tile associations and product manufacturers.

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Coverings announces 2023 Best Booth Awards

Floor Covering News

Orlando—Coverings, the preeminent event for the ceramic tile and natural stone industry in North America, announced the winners of its 2023 Best Booth Awards this week at the show. The program recognized exceptional exhibitor booths across Coverings’ primary sponsors’ pavilions, Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and Tile of Spain.

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Marazzi showcases latest collections at Coverings

Floor Covering News

Inyo collection Orlando, Fla.—The Marazzi brand puts the spotlight on several of its latest products, including all Spring Launch 2023 assortments , during Coverings here. Following is an overview: The Inyo collection takes a rustic approach to porcelain tile with its moody crackle design. The handsome leather look, available in five rich colors, creates a warm and luxe aesthetic and offers a lifetime of antimicrobial surface protection that does not wash off or wear away thanks to DEFEND powere

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Flooring retailers express optimism heading into second quarter

Floor Covering News

F looring retailers are recalibrating their near-term projections as the anticipated slowdown in 2023 has yet to materialize or has been less impactful thus far. As the second quarter begins, dealers are reporting that for the most part business activity has kept pace with previous quarters and, in some instances, has accelerated. “As an organization, we are more optimistic about 2023 as a whole now—after Q1—than we were going into the year,” said Casey Dillabaugh, president of Boise, Idaho-base

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Retailers React: How do you safeguard against extreme weather?

Floor Covering News

Every two weeks, FCNews seeks out flooring retailers across the country to offer their advice on hot topics of the day. This week we asked: How do you safeguard against extreme weather? Here are their responses: “After being in several disasters, there are several things to do to prepare. We have an operating system that is backed up every day in three different locations that we can access from anywhere via the internet.

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WOFB: Don’t follow your dreams, chase them

Floor Covering News

I n 2021, during the height of the pandemic, my husband and I opened our first home improvement retail store: Blue Mist Paint & Flooring in Spartanburg S.C. While opening a business has its own set of challenges, the first thing I tackled—other than trying to succeed in unprecedented times—was the fact that my career had been steadfastly in healthcare for 17 years.

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Realstone Systems Stone Veneer for Home Exterior

Realstone

When it comes to home design, the exterior is just as important as the interior. One way to make your home stand out and increase its value is by using Realstone Systems Stone Veneer for your home exterior. These high-quality stone veneers can transform your home’s appearance, giving it a timeless and elegant look. In this article, we will explore the different types of stone veneer available from Realstone Systems, the benefits of using them, and how to choose the perfect one for your hom

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Comfort and Luxury at the Spa with Natural Stone Venner

Realstone

A gorgeous space with natural stone veneer Realstone White Birch Honed panels. PROJECT- Face Skincare Medical Wellness ARCHITECTURAL FIRM – Saroki Architecture ARCHITECT -Eavan Yaldo DESIGNER -Heather CaSaroll During the recent renovation of Face Skincare Medical Wellness spa, Realstone White Birch was installed on the focal point of the space and on the surrounding walls.

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Mohawk Group to commemorate ‘Earth Day’ at commercial facilities

Floor Covering News

Dalton— In celebration of Earth Day, which takes place April 22, Mohawk Group plans to host a variety of activities and events to bring attention to sustainability year-round. These employee engagement events will take place at the commercial flooring manufacturer’s “Living Site” carpet tile plant in Virginia, and at its Light Lab Design Center and other commercial plants in North Georgia. “ Here at Mohawk, we want to be able to take the excitement and energy of Earth Day and spread it year-rou

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Exclusive: For Cali, success is about branding, product, service

Floor Covering News

San Diego —Some would say the main thing that makes Cali unique is its West Coast inspired designs and California lifestyle culture. Others might say it’s the value those products provide. Turns out it’s all those things plus a whole lot more. It wasn’t that long ago that Cali was a young bamboo startup serving a specialty niche in the flooring industry.

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Cook joins soft surface team at Tarkett

Floor Covering News

Solon, Ohio–Tarkett has named Tracy Cook to its growing commercial team as senior director, product management, soft surface. Cook will set the strategy for all Tarkett North America commercial soft-surface products. Her role will include lifecycle analysis, protecting and growing market share within current target market segments, and managing existing product portfolios.

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Mohawk is bringing the rhino back in a big way

Floor Covering News

After a seven-year hiatus, Mohawk’s rhino campaign is back in full swing—but this time with a deeper message linked to the Rhinory in Texas. Austin, Texas—Mohawk in 2023 is bringing back one of the most successful marketing campaigns in company history—only this time it is enhanced with sustainability and causal elements designed to resonate with a new, younger consumer.

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Carpet mills see opportunity in mid-point market

Floor Covering News

F or years the carpet market operated as bifurcated market, with strength at the low end and at the high end—and a gaping hole in the middle. However, inflationary pressures in recent years have created a mid-point in the market, prompting budget-conscious consumers to adjust their spending habits. So, instead of stepping up to buy higher-end pattern carpets for a bedroom at $30 per square yard and higher, homeowners are likely to choose a middle range of $12 to $15 per square yard wholesale.

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Retailers feel impact of LVT detentions

Floor Covering News

LVT detentions continue to occur at major U.S. ports. W eeks after the first containers of product containing PVC were first detained at U.S. ports as part of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) crackdown , some flooring retailers say they are just now feeling the effects of LVT shortages. “We’re beginning to see lengthy backorders already and don’t expect things to improve anytime soon,” said Scott Browne, president of Macco’s Floor Covering Center, Green Bay, Wis., and Hadinger Floo

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Tips to avoiding product knowledge overkill

Floor Covering News

P roduct knowledge is an essential tool for any successful salesperson. After all, the more a salesperson knows about a particular product or service, the more confident that person will be in presenting the critical information the consumer needs to make a final purchasing decision. However, when used incorrectly, conveying too much product knowledge—especially when it comes to overuse of technical jargon—can ruin a sale.

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J+J Flooring grows rugs with ready-to-ship program

Floor Covering News

Dalton—Expanding on its recently launched custom rug program, J+J Flooring is debuting a stock rug program featuring 8 x 10-foot rugs in seven styles with an array of color choices, which provide a total of 17 rugs ready to ship as part of the program. “Having this variety of patterns and colors in a ready-to-ship rug program means designers and end-users don’t have to wait to implement their designs and upgrades to their spaces,” said JD Lineberger, commercial rug sales manager, J+J Rugs.

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Mirage kicks off Spring sales event

Floor Covering News

Mirage, the hardwood flooring brand renowned for quality, announces the return of its popular Mirage Rebate Sale. The promotion, which runs from April 20 to June 10, 2023, will take place across the United States at all participating Mirage dealers. How it works: Consumers get a $0.50/sq. ft. rebate on Mirage floo ring during this promotion. This offer is valid on all Mirage brand hardwood floorings, including all species, colors, widths and collections.

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Karastan Rugs, Stacy Garcia team up for High Point intros

Floor Covering News

Stacy Garcia High Point, N.C.— Karastan Rugs is returning to High Point Market from April 22-26. Here, the brand will showcase its expansive showroom featuring sought-after designs, collaborations with top designers and opportunities to hear from industry leaders. To kick off the spring market, Karastan Rugs will be hosting a design seminar in its destination showroom with the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) and world-renowned designer Stacy Garcia, founder and CEO of Sta

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Mercier appoints new territory manager for Midwest region

Floor Covering News

Steven Cirino Montmagny, Quebec–Mercier has named Steven Cirino its new Midwest U.S. territory manager. Specifically, he will have responsibility for Bishop Distributing, Jaeckle Distributors and Certified Carpet Distributors. “Steven is a seasoned veteran, having occupied key positions in sales management in the industry over the years,” said Wade Bondrowski, director of sales, U.S. “His customer focus and experience will strengthen our abilities to meet customer needs.

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CFL expands manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Vietnam

Floor Covering News

CFL Flooring is making significant strides in increasing its production capacity worldwide by expanding its facilities in the United States and enhancing manufacturing capabilities in Vietnam. In the U.S., CFL’s factory expansion is well under way, aiming to better cater to the growing demand for their innovative flooring solutions. Concurrently, CFL is expanding its manufacturing in Vietnam to facilitate the development of hybrid resilient flooring products.

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Creating loyalty via great customer service

Floor Covering News

C ustomer loyalty, and thus referrals, are critical to the success of flooring retailers. While offering quality products is important, great customer service is often the key factor in creating a loyal customer base and generating referrals. Let’s explore this concept with real-world examples from other industries. Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton has a policy that empowers employees to spend up to $2,000 per day per guest to solve any customer problem.

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ITR Economics unveils new website

Floor Covering News

Manchester, N.H.— ITR Economics —the reliable forecasting source for countless industries, including the floor covering distribution and manufacturing sectors—has launched a new corporate website. Designed with the business leader in mind, the new website provides a more seamless experience and robust resource materials. Features of the new ITR Economics website include: Refreshed, modern design Additional resources for clients and website visitors Enhanced hub page for all of ITR Economics’ 2

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‘Tuesday Tips:’ Small successes add up

Floor Covering News

Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) released a new “Tuesday Tips” this week. In the series, WFCA experts presents short video tips for improving customer service and optimizing staff performance. In the end, it’s all about understanding the importance of being 1% better than your competition. In this week’s “Tuesday Tips,” Tom Jennings, retail training expert, reminds us that even the smallest improvements, even 1% better, will compound into even more significant res

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Mercier extends spring sales promotion

Floor Covering News

Montmagny, Quebec—Mercier Wood Flooring has extended its Spring promotion—which was originally scheduled to end on April 22—to May 6. During the promotional period, consumers get a rebate of $0.50/square foot on all standard Mercier wood floors—with the exception of the Pro Collection. Consumers can claim their rebate online, by email or by mail by July 21, 2023 The promotion is for participating Le Plus dealers in the USA.

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Things should remain positive over the long haul

Floor Covering News

G enerally speaking, the outlook for the flooring industry remains bright through the end of the decade. Nobody is suggesting there won’t be some potholes in the road or turbulence in the air, but the many positive dynamics should outweigh current and future headwinds. Short term, we are still dealing with inflation, which is getting better, and interest rate hikes, which should abate.

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Classen: In a manufacturing ‘class’ all by itself

Floor Covering News

It might not be a household name in terms of consumer brand recognition, but in the realm of PVC-free, private-label manufacturing of hard surface floor coverings, Classen is certainly top of mind in the eyes of flooring suppliers, distributors, specialty retailers and, yes, even the big boxes that source its array of top-quality, environmentally conscious products.

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NRF Distributors unveils domestic, digitally printed SPC

Floor Covering News

NRF Select is a domestically produced, digitally printed SPC. T op 20 wholesaler NRF Distributors—headquartered in Augusta, Maine—has the distinction of being one of the first flooring distributors to launch a domestically produced, digitally printed and digitally embossed SPC line, powered by United Surface Solutions. The official launch kicked off at NRF’s annual show on April 4 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Conn.

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Making the transition to employee-owned dealer

Floor Covering News

T he flooring sector—an industry filled with family businesses—is no stranger to succession planning. Typically, the next generation will take over the company’s leadership in hopes of preserving the founder’s legacy and the company culture for years to come. But what happens when a company has no natural successor to involve in the succession planning, and someone from the outside comes in to lead the team?