Article Number : 2549 |
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| Date | 9/28/2007 9:01:22 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2549 |
| Abstract | By Sarah Zimmerman Shortened days and turned leaves mark the end of summer, but as we head into autumn resilient manufacturers are moving the outdoor days inside with fall launches centered around realistic-looking, natural products that are durable and easy to install... |
| Article | By Sarah Zimmerman Shortened days and turned leaves mark the end of summer, but as we head into autumn resilient manufacturers are moving the outdoor days inside with fall launches centered around realistic-looking, natural products that are durable and easy to install. Geared toward the consumer who wants the most realistic and best performing resilient products, Mannington’s latest introductions include a total of 20 SKUs between its Simplicity, Realistique and Naturals collections, said David Sheehan, director of resilient and laminate business. All products feature the company’s proprietary and patented ScratchResist technology, and Realistique and Naturals include Mannington’s Nature-Form Optix technology, which “provides customers the utmost in realism.” Mannington also added 42 SKUs among its Venture, Benchmark, Aurora and Stainmaster lines. EarthWerks’ “newest rising stars” are Sorrento Stone and Sonoma Plank, noted Don Evans, vice president of sales and marketing. Sorrento Stone is a 16 x 16 x 1/8 gauge luxury vinyl tile featuring the company’s RealEdge for a “practically seamless installation.” It’s available in eight stone colors with two-sided grout. “Sorrento Stone should be a strong retail product with its natural look and easy installation,” Evans explained. The company’s Sonoma Plank is a 6 x 36 x .080 gauge luxury vinyl plank resembling handscraped hardwood. It’s offered in two distinct patterns and six colors with a 12-year residential warranty and six-year commercial. Allen Cubell, Armstrong’s vice president of product management, residential resilient, noted the company is enhancing two of its already successful collections—StrataMax and CushionStep—this fall. StrataMax is a layered sheet floor that “combines fast and easy installation with superior durability and performance,” Cubell said. Armstrong recently added its patented ToughGuard II technology—releasing StrataMax Hi-Performance—which keeps the floor from ripping, tearing or gouging under normal household use. StrataMax Hi-Performance is available in 14 SKUs. Cubell also pointed out Armstong’s recent additions to its CushionStep line—adding 10 SKUs and 13 SKUs to its better and best price points, respectively. “Our goal with these additions was to extend our designs and refresh and drive new colors and popular visuals to the line—traditional and rustic looks such as stone, oak and slate.” Domco is adding look-alike hardwood, concrete, flagstone, slate and ceramic tile designs—37 SKUs total—to its fiberglass-backed FiberFloor and traditional felt-backed resilient offerings. The company’s FiberFloor Urbana collection gives customers a moderately priced, warm, soft product with the look of a hard surface, but none of the strain, pointed out Mario Allard, director of product management, vinyl. In the traditional resilient category, Rustic-A-Series’ new Colonial Flagstone brings the outdoors in, “a very strong trend illustrated not only by flooring such as this, but the use of garden furniture indoors,” Allard said. Currently, Nafco by Tarkett is introducing one product—Gem-Stone—which is part of its Perma-Stone luxury vinyl tile line. It comes in 16 x 16 inches with Nafco’s GroutFit system featuring a 1/8-inch groutline. Erica Hubbard, marketing manager, said, “Retailers consistently encourage us to expand Permastone. Our customers appreciate the look of nature and the speed with which the luxury vinyl tile is installed.” |