Resilient flooring manufacturers say the spring is back in their step; Stepped up technology leads to better ceramic, stone and wood styles
Even so, while those and other factors have contributed to the health of the resilient market, those involved in the business say the real catalyst for growth is the same as it has always been: mimicry. Manufacturers continue to produce sheet vinyl and even rubber flooring that closely resembles natural materials that have a much higher price tag and require more maintenance. At the recent Surfaces show, show-goers could be spotted running their fingers across the newest resilient introductions in an apparent effort to confirm that the exhibitor did not mix in some real wood or ceramic tile or stone.
Not surprisingly, resilient manufacturers took this as a very encouraging sign.