Consumers Have Affordable Options When It ComesTo Floor Covering (NAPSA)—Buttery-soft carpet, weathered hardwood and hard-asdiamonds surface treatments are some of the latest trends consumers will encounter the next time they shop for floor covering. That’s the word from scouts and experts attending one of the home market’s top international flooring trade shows—Surfaces. The show is sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). Reports from the show offer some insight on the latest products and trendsinflooring. Less Is More Companies are concentrating on products that are sensible, low maintenance and easy on the budget. The new products making headlines include supersoft carpets that clean up “good as new” with lifetime stain warranties; affordable vinyl mimicking genuine stone; hardwood with precision detailing; and hard-surface flooring that has built-in antimicrobial properties. Vinyl flooring today offers the look of stone, ceramic tiles and hardwood—sometimes so closely that you have to get on your hands and kneesto tell the difference. These products can put good looks at the feet of all homeowners at a fraction of the cost and with less maintenance than their higher-cost authentic cousins. Prices have come down on many eco-friendly floors thanks to high demand in the commercial industry. As a result, more people can install top-quality hardwood, bamboo or cork for several dollars per square foot less than a year ago. High Style, Low Maintenance A number of products across all flooring categories promise to cut maintenance, cleaning and care time. For example, hardwood manu- = _t Ty ae ture, wood and agricultural scrap. Repurposing saves money, is ereen and offers unique, designerquality looks. High Style and Durable Luxury Manufacturers are also introducing flooring of all varieties with add-ons such as fur, tassels, 14K gold and Swarovskicrystals. Hard surfaces, includingtile, are incorporating precious metals Photo Courtesy of Beaulieu/Bliss Everclean Products that come with lifetime “satisfaction-guaranteed” warranties and carpets that clean up “good as new”are amongtheIatest trends in floor covering. facturers have introduced surface treatments that are as hard as diamonds. There are even new products said to have wear layers that can withstand just about any kind of wear and tear—large families, animals, dirt and grime. Other surfaces, including laminate and vinyl, are touting easyto-maintain wear-surface durability. Some are equipped with built-in antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as stain resistance. In the carpet category, new products have built-in stain resis- tance, odor reducers, air freshen- ers and luxuriously soft fibers that maintain their integrity for years. Weathered and Reclaimed Weathered and distressed floors are taking hold across multiple categories. This finish increases sturdiness and allows the product to withstand the high traffic and heavy wearof large families and pets. In addition to distressed looks, homeowners now have the option of “reclaimed” wood floors. These floors are recycled from dismantled buildings, disassembled furni- while soft surfaces, like carpet and area rugs, are showcasing jewelrygerade crystals, animal skins and metallic fibers in the final products. “Consumer demandsfor durability, low maintenance and lower prices have led to innovation and variety across all categories,” said Tom Jennings of the WFCA. Jennings says that consumers expect their purchases to withstand the test of time and be eco friendly. As a result, manufacturers have created a variety of low-maintenance, affordable options that meet the demandfor comfort and style. Covering ConsumerInterests The WFCAis the floor covering industry’s largest advocacy organization, representing floor covering retailers, contractors and allied service providers throughout North America. The Association’s website offers detailed information and practical tips on every flooring category available, including carpet, hard- wood, laminate, ceramic, porcelain, resilient, vinyl, cork, stone, and area rugs. In addition, it provides answers to many common floor-covering questions. It also offers a searchable database of reputable retail members across the country. All users need to do is enter their zip codes to receive a list of local retailers. For more information, visit www.WFCA.org and www.WFCAPRO.org.
