If you are reading this at Surfaces, remember: Not everything that happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas. In fact, much of what you see and do-at the show, at least-should make its way back to the home front. This is, after all, the one Vegas convention where the show floor actually shows floors. And there is a lot going on. Even the most jaded, well seasoned veteran of this business can hardly make his way from one end of Surfaces to the other without pausing to admire something.
The products, of course, are always the star of the show, and this year promises to be no exception. As we assembled this issue we sorted through a mound of product releases and compiled a 20-page portfolio that includes some truly eye-catching, highly imaginative new products. One impressive example: A new luxury vinyl from EarthWerks called "Vintage Floral." The designers were so determined to make it look like real, beat-up old wood, they added itsy-bitsy little flowers that seem to be sprouting up here and there between the planks. It is subtle, convincing and even a bit whimsical.
It is also in keeping with a trend toward distressed rustic looks in resilient and hardwood floors that are made possible using new imaging technology. Mullican's new collection of prefinished engineered flooring has been machine-distressed and wire-brushed to perfection. It's called "The Frontier Collection." LG Floors has new sheet vinyl for its Naturelife line that is made with a glass fiber layer and reinforced construction for dimensional stability. It is called "The Rustic Collection."