Articles
Commercial Disruption
Due to a decrease in non-residential spending, some commercial markets experienced a considerable dip during the pandemic (corporate, for example, as many more people worked from home). But activity is returning, and several markets are doing quite well — particularly, healthcare and education — resulting in new innovations around high-performing hard and soft surface products, or hybrid alternatives, to meet the need for mixed-use spaces and added flexibility. Read More
The Last 5 Years in Laminate
The laminate category has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. A mature category, it saw encroaching competition from the explosive popularity of LVT and rigid core flooring, particularly as the waterproof marketing story came to the forefront of the conversation. Although laminate boasted plenty of performance capabilities, particularly its scratch-resistance, moisture was its Achilles heel. Read More
Vinyl continues to rapidly expand & innovate
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and rigid core in particular, has hands down been the most explosive category over the last several years. Innovation and technology have taken hold of the category giving the consumer compelling reasons to buy. From the original WPC to SPC and the newer MgO, new constructions have addressed consumer performance needs. Read More
Floor & Decor Grows On
Floor & Decor has continued its ambitious growth path, not deterred by the pandemic, supply chain issues or labor shortages. The flooring superstore, based here, opened 27 stores and one design center in 2021 and in 2022 will open 32 stores and four design centers, with a current store count of 175 and a goal of having 500 stores over the next eight to 10 years. Read More
Second Home and Vacation Home Designs to Create an Ideal Getaway
Designing a second home or vacation home? Whatever you plan on using your new home for, second homes and vacation getaways should be designed to help you and your family relax and unwind. And that means designing the space with all your specific wants and needs in mind. Read More