(Vernon Hills, IL, December 2010) – Duo-Fast Floor Fastening Systems, a leader in carpet and flooring installation tools for more than 40 years (www.duo-fast.com), is partnering with CFI ( International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association) to facilitate hardwood training in major markets across the country. CFI offers extensive hands-on training programs and certification from leading associations and manufacturers.

As part of this training initiative, Duo-Fast will offset the cost of training by $100 for the first 10 installers at each training session to register with CFI for the 2011 Wood and Laminate Installation Training and Certification. By doing this, those first 10 installers receive a $495.00 value for only $125.00.

“We understand that education is key to quality installation,” said Rita Bockrath, Marketing Manager for Duo-Fast Floor Fastening Systems, “and this type of training benefits the installers who are currently involved in laminate and wood installations and those who have decided to diversify and add this type of flooring to their skills.”

Duo-Fast will provide each installer that completes the training with a Duo-Fast Certification for Tool Safety and a coupon for discounts on hardwood tool and fastener purchases at distributor locations. Coupon will be valid for 30 days from training completion date.

The CFI program is an intensive, two-days of hands-on involvement and education that add value to the flooring contractor’s business. The course is taught by Armstrong, NWFA and NALFA Certified instructors. The installers who successfully complete the requirements of these organizations also have the opportunity to become Armstrong, NALFA and NWFA certified.

The cost of the training for those who are not the first ten to register is only $225.00. This benefit is provided by the World Floor Covering Association. Installers who join the WFCA through CFI for $225.00 pay no other fees and their $495.00 tuition is paid in full. The only requirement for this scholarship is that the membership must be paid and application made by the installer to WFCA for the funding no later than 45 days prior to the scheduled event.

Certified installers receive the CFI ID badge, shirt, decals, one-year CFI membership and listing in the CFI Directory and on the CFI website, www.CFIinstallers.com.

Armstrong certification carries substantial benefits for the installers and details are available at www.floorexpert.com. Each installer completes the designated work in a module and is graded according to the requirements of each certification entity.

The participating distributors are to be commended for their participation in the first phase of this offering in 2011. The locations and dates of training are:

• Carpet One/ ProSource co-sponsored with Carpet Cushions and Supplies of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 19-20
• Hanks Specialties of Omaha, Nebraska, February 8-9
• T&A Supply of Kent, Washington, February 25-26
• Carpet Cushion Supplies of Kansas City, Missouri, March 11-12
• L. Fishman, Baltimore, Maryland, March 18-19


Duo-Fast Floor Fastening Systems
Duo-Fast Floor Fastening Systems is a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and are the proud owner and manufacturer of the Duo-Fast® Brand of floor fastening products. As the leader in flooring installation systems, Duo-Fast Floor Fastening Systems focuses on providing innovative tool and fastening solutions for customers in the flooring market. ITW’s emphasis on innovation creates value-added solutions to meet specific customer needs.