Today's Picture
Majority of retailers say tile/stone sales will rise
When asked about their expectations
for tile sales in 2008, more than 60% of respondents to an NFT survey predicted an increase
while a small minority—5%—said sales will dip. Expectations for stone flooring
were not quite as rosy but still upbeat: About 55% said it will increase next year
while about 7% said sales next year will be off. |
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Many materials that are promoted for
sound control in hard surface flooring may not be suitable for direct bond tile
and stone installations, as they are too compressible and do not provide proper
structural support for these installations. In many cases, it is necessary to
use additional reinforcing materials, such as mortar beds, backer boards, epoxy
mortars and grouts and other methods to provide a structurally sound
installation. |
The Many Facets of Mosaics
In recent years, mosaics have exploded onto the market. The
selection of shapes, textures and colors is continually expanding, and each
year it seems that tile manufacturers work hard to tweak overall product
quality as well. And with new product development comes more inspiration for
creative designs.
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In the lap of laminate
Laminate flooring has been undergoing something of a makeover in the last few years. It is increasing becoming an upscale product. In fact, there is wide agreement that high-end laminate is one of
the industry’s hottest categories. |
California dreamin'
An assortment of tile — including various shapes, sizes and
colors — was essential in creating the vibrant design of a four-story residence
in Santa Barbara, CA. While the walls throughout the home extensively make use
of colorful, customized, ceramic pieces, the floors feature decorative cement
tiles. |
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Questech lauded for green efforts in Vermont
Tile maker Questech Corp., based in Rutland,
Vt., was recently recognized with the Vermont Governor’s Award for
Environmental Excellence and Pollution Prevention. One of three companies
singled out for the honor, Questech received the award for reducing emissions
at its plant through “a unique combination of chemistry, process and
engineering.” |
With Thornton set to retire, Peters takes reigns of Mohawk Flooring
Frank
Peters, an industry veteran with experience at companies including Armstrong,
Shaw and most recently Mohawk, has been named president of the Mohawk Flooring
Division. He will be responsible for residential and commercial sales,
marketing, manufacturing and distribution for Mohawk’s complete line of carpets,
rugs and hard surface flooring. He succeeds Monte Thornton, who recently announced
his retirement after 15 years as a Mohawk executive. |
CTDA members 'enthusiastic' about upcoming China trade mission
The Ceramic Tile Distributors Association said it has received "enthusiastic responses from CTDA members" for the 2008 CTDA China Ceramic Tile Trade Mission set for June 18-29. The group has already confirmed 33 participants for the event, which will include visits to factories, showrooms at some of China's top ceramic-producing areas and is set to feature networking and forums with some of China's top ceramic tile experts. |
Do you have to touch the stove?
Country parents teach their children early on that you don’t have to
touch a stove to find out if it’s hot. Do so,
and you’ll get burned. It’s the same with business. Unfortunately, my
experience has taught me that most floor covering retailers feel they must
“touch the stove.” |
You can sell to anyone, so what if...
Generational
traits are highly generalized, of course. But the profiles defined are accurate
enough to give us some important clues and selling “hot points” for the
customers walking into your store. So let’s have some fun with our fictional
customers and their “What if” scenarios.
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Going after a commercial job
One of the
most important considerations is scheduling. Before submitting your bid, review
the latest schedule performance expectation from the construction manager. Is
it possible with your other work? |
Waterproof or Vapor Proof?
Waterproofing is easily understood; something either leaks
or it doesn’t. But vapor proof, what does that have to do with waterproofing?
After all if something is waterproof it is waterproof, right? |
The ins and outs of polished concrete
Knowing the job requires more than measuring out the area,
finding the best access point for mobilization and scratching out your bid. It
means defining two sets of variables--the physical conditions at the site and
the customer’s expectations.
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Commercial resilient do's and don'ts
Commercial resilient presents several challenges to the
residential dealer and their installers and one of those challenges is in the
area of substrate preparation. Because the jobs are larger, the time schedule
is often rushed. With a lot more money on the line, there is more pressure on
the installer. Proper training and proper planning can go a long way towards
preventing mistakes. |
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Cutting and Drilling Ceramic and Stone Tiles
Few tile installations can be completed without some cutting
or drilling. For an installer working with ceramic and stone tiles, several
hand and power tools are needed for the most efficient cutting. I divide
cutting chores into two categories: cut edges that show, and cut edges that are
obscured or hidden from view. |
Caring for your knees
As a flooring installer of almost
44 years I can tell you that caring for—and protecting—- your knees is of the
utmost importance. This is also an area that doesn’t get nearly enough
attention, and that’s unfortunate. |
Installing commercial carpet
In the commercial carpet installation field, installers are
faced with the task of installing products that are doomed to fail regardless
of the amount of skill used during the installation process. These failures
occur mainly because an improper installation technique has been specified.
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Vitromex goes for marble feel with Turkana
Replicating the veining
found in soft marble, Vitromex’s Turkana is made using the latest
state-of-the-art technology in ceramic tile, the company says. Offered in two
colors (Ivory and Moka), the straight-edged tiles are available in 18”x18”
formats.
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Impronta Ceramiche feels the 'Vibrazioni'
Vibrazioni from Impronta Ceramiche features an avant-garde
design with micro-structures on the tile surface that can appear opaque or
reflect the light, depending on the viewer’s angle.
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