Article Number : 4787 |
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| Date | 8/31/2009 8:57:33 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4787 |
| Abstract | Consumers are spending their money more conservatively these days, and when they do spend it, the items they are purchasing are more conservative as well. In many cases, the flooring they are choosing is... |
| Article | Traditional with a twist Consumers are spending their money more conservatively these days, and when they do spend it, the items they are purchasing are more conservative as well. In many cases, the flooring they are choosing is reflecting their new-found conservatism. Tradition is in again, but with a twist. Much of the wood flooring being sold today is returning to the traditional flooring that has been in U.S. homes for generations: strip flooring in domestic species. But now this tradition is being tweaked to reflect slightly updated trends like plank instead of strip, or ash instead of oak or walnut. Other modifications are prevalent as well, such as adding a simple, understated border to outline the perimeter of a room or highlight a dining or seating area. In many cases, these borders can be made using scrap wood from previous jobs. This provides installers with a great opportunity to impact their profits without investing in additional product, time or labor. Other twists on traditional flooring can be even more simple, like installing the wood on an angle, or to reflect the pattern of foot traffic through a hallway or entryway. The wood can even be installed in a square pattern, working toward the center of the room from the perimeter walls, creating a mosaic effect. All of these installations techniques are using the same traditional product, but in a new and unique way. The bottom line is that design trends change, and what’s old can be new again. You just have to look at it with a fresh perspective. Rustics Whether it’s a loft in Chelsea, a beach house in Catalina or a boardroom in Denver, rustic flooring has found a permanent place in the preference of wood flooring consumers, and the category continues to be a solid money maker for dealers and suppliers alike. The rustics segment now represents about 25% to as much as 35% of all wood category sales—current economy aside—and continues to grow at a healthy pace. New this year are wider widths in random lengths, more base grades in both smooth and handscraped planks, and greater refinement and softer detail in finishes, coloration and character treatments. Styles have been cultivated to the point now where even a distressed finish can yield an elegant look that is appropriate in a formal or casual setting in both residential and commercial applications. Any style on the market today is available at most every price point and construction configuration whether that is solid and engineered. Rustic surface treatments now include handsculpting, recovered, weathered, distressed, mineral streaking, chipping and crackling. |