The future of the ceramic tile segment continues to shine with a 16 percent increase projected in the next 18 months (chart 1), according to respondents of the just-completed Ceramic/Stone Tile Market Trends Study conducted by National Floor Trends magazine in partnership with the market research division of BNP Media.
Laminate is a constantly evolving flooring product. From glueless installation systems and micro beveling to embossed-in-register textures and joint-sealant advances, laminate is a bellwether of emerging floor design trends and technologies.
When ceramic tile walls or floors are the choice, many times the consumer falsely assumes that tile provides a waterproofing function. This is a very common misperception that typically remains unaddressed during the sales pitch by either seller or the buyer. The result of this assumption is sometimes only realized after substantial damage has occurred to the customer's structure -- possibly months but, more often, years later. To add insult to injury, the warranty on the work usually has long since expired and, in many cases of water damage and resulting mold issues, there is no insurance coverage.
As time goes on, resilient flooring manufacturers are taking advantage of advances in technology to offer products that feature visuals and textures closer and closer to the appearance of their natural counterparts. Resilient flooring can come close to mimicking the look of a range of flooring types -- whether that surface be stone, ceramic or wood.
As hardwood flooring sales continue to increase, it's well worth your while to consider a unique marketing differential -- specifically, site finished vs. prefinished flooring. Comparing site installations and finishing to factory-applied finishes (prefinished) will highlight the differences and help you apply them to your wood flooring business.
The photos gracing these pages represent some of the finest examples of hardwood flooring design creativity and craftsmanship the industry has to offer.
Cersaie 2004, the 22nd international exhibition of ceramic tiles and bathroom furnishings, will take place Sept. 28 through Oct. 3 in Bologna, Italy. This year's show will be larger than the 2003 edition and will host a greater number of exhibitors than ever before. More than 100,000 buyers are expected this year and, to accommodate the ever-growing numbers, the Bologna exhibition center will be offering exhibitors the use of a new two-level hall (16 and 18) located alongside the recently opened hall 19 - 20.
Cork, at the risk of stating the obvious, is a versatile flooring material. Not only is it a naturally sustainable resource -- a key selling point as the green movement builds steam -- it also can be incorporated into flooring applications in multiple ways.
From a profitability and volume perspective, the ongoing battle to grow the business can be trying even in the best of times -- especially when you are a start-up business. The downside of being a start-up business is that no one knows who you are, where you are located nor what you offer in the way of flooring.
RSS
