By Louis Iannaco
With more focus being put on the high end, resilient producers have stepped up to the plate to offer some of the most dynamic and exciting styles the category has ever seen.

IVC

In 2007, IVC launched Flexitec III. This updated luxury collection has been enhanced by an improved embossing cylinder that further accentuates its wood grains and stone grouts, noted Lucinda Elrod, IVC’s marketing project manager. “Additional advancements have enhanced the floor’s performance in regards to durability, especially against rips, tears and gouges.”

She added the structural composition of Flexitec makes it dimensionally stable, “eliminating any contraction, expansion, curling or cracking issues. Its water resistance feature makes it an easy solution for kitchens, baths and basements. And, along with the ease of installation and maintenance, our cushioned vinyl is warm and comfortable underfoot.”

Mannington
Several looks to Mannignton’s upper end “New Naturals” collection have been added. These patterns all feature Mannington’s exclusive NatureForm Optix technology, and have the company’s 30-day “Gotta Love It Guarantee.”

“In addition,” said John Rocconi, product manager, resilient business, “we are currently rolling out Stainmaster Luxury Flooring, that uses the innovative Optique Surface Technology, which provides incredibly realistic looks and easy maintenance. It’s LVT that provides the high-style looks of hardwood and ceramic without the high maintenance.”

Congoleum

Continuing to build on the success of its DuraCeramic technology Congoleum unveiled DuraPlank, which combines attributes of its popular engineered ceramic and the warmth of wood. The result is a line that’s an attractive, affordable, rugged alternative to hardwood, noted Patrick Buckley, vice president of product management.

“DuraPlank?delivers the beauty of three of the most appealing wood species—cypress, oak and walnut —in a total of nine colors. At the same time, it eliminates problems such as moisture sensitivity and noise. The thick construction makes for a sound structure, outstanding wear properties and easy maintenance.”

Congoleum has also launched Bravada a resilient sheet product, with high styling, realistic textures and value-added features, according to Liz Charbonneau, vice president of marketing. “The patented Ultra-Shield wear surface provides for better wear protection and easy maintenance.”

Armstrong World Industries

Armstrong has just added SKUs to its fiberglass CushionStep collection, bringing the total count to 60 designs, noted Alan Cubell, vice president of product management for residential resilient.

Natural Fusion is another Armstrong offering which provides retailers with a residential sheet featuring “a discernible and completely sellable product advantage,” he said. “Natural Fusion provides a profit enhancing opportunity with a more logical trade-up story. Masterworks Technology provides the great looks, VTx supplies the great texture, and CleanSweep Plus provides great performance, both incomparable stain and scratch resistance.”

Gerflor

Gerflor has launched its Taralay Premium Collection for use in high-traffic environments such as healthcare, education, corporate and retail spaces. Taralay, “provides a triumvirate of advantages with its unparalleled comfort, flexibility and performance,” noted Alan Fennell, president of Gerflor U.S. Commercial Flooring.

“Taralay features Gerflor’s unique ‘no polish for life’ permanent surface treatment, which dramatically reduces maintenance costs typically associated with polishing and cleaning,” he said.