Canopy, the flagship brand of International Flooring Company (IFC), unveiled Canopy Flex, an innovative LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) product designed to directly address the flooring industry's ongoing labor shortage crisis. The new tile features an integrated acoustic pad and pressure-sensitive adhesive, engineered to reduce installation time and complexity.

"We know there's a labor crisis, so it's the idea of being able to offer a solution that's much quicker, much easier," explained William Dossche, EVP and director of operations of IFC.

Canopy Flex can be installed over concrete slabs, plywood, or existing tile, making it ideal for renovation projects that require quick space refreshes. The product launches in 10 different colorways and two sizes: 12 x 24 and 18 x 36 inches.

Despite the simplified installation process, Canopy maintains that professional installation is still recommended to ensure proper subfloor preparation. The product targets both residential and commercial applications, including multifamily housing, hotels, and main street commercial spaces.

The integrated acoustic pad delivers an impressive IC rating in the 72 range, meeting stringent sound control requirements often mandated in commercial and multi-family applications.

Two years after entering the flooring industry, brothers and co-founders Julian and William Dossche have expanded IFC into a 25-person operation that's already exceeding budget goals. Beyond product innovation, International Flooring Company has also taken steps to address the industry's labor challenges through workforce development. In 2024, IFC announced it will donate one cent per square foot from Canopy Floors luxury vinyl flooring sales to the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), with retailers optionally matching. The funds generated through the Penny Donation program will be used to develop and expand training programs across the country, provide scholarships and financial assistance to students and trainees, enhance outreach efforts to attract new talent to the flooring industry.