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World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) Provides Trend Report from Premiere Floor Covering Show

Anaheim, CA (PRWEB) March 11, 2009 — If the devil wears Prada, then the fashion-conscious demon must walk on animal prints, nude tones, layered looks and leather. For these are just some of the hottest trends in flooring uncovered by the World Floor Covering Association’s fashion scouts at this year’s Surfaces – one of the home market’s top international trade shows – which took place in Las Vegas in February this year.

WOOD AND BAMBOO TRENDS
There were no limits at Surfaces when it came to treatments in wood. High-gloss piano-finish floors that reveal your reflection were seen. As were innovative wood tiles in a surprising variety of whimsical shapes and sizes, including Tetris patterns, puzzle pieces, bricks and even fish scales! New wood surface stains now offer 0% VOC, no off gassing, are non-toxic and of all things, are even edible. Another new process extends the lifespan of hardwood floors with stains that run throughout the wear layer resulting in a highly durable floor that offers everlasting beauty that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Bamboo floors were also a hit at the show with one company presenting an assortment of oil-finished “woven” bamboo floors infusing cork strands for added dimension, anti-bacterial properties, soundproofing and insulation.

CARPET TRENDS
Carpet and area rugs were all about texture this year — from shag to loops to contemporary felt discs. Also fashionable are rugs and carpets bound with a hint of metallic fiber just to catch the eye. Animal and nature-inspired looks are also the rage, including panther and leopard skin, tropical leaf and flower patterns, tree textures and tribal designs.

In addition to eco-friendly products, manufacturers were paying close attention this year to allergen reducing products and manufacturing methods. One new line includes a broad selection of carpets that incorporates silver and zinc release, which offer the strongest anti-bacterial technology on the market. Another company debuted new friezes using dye-accented color choices achieved through an eco-friendly solution that saves water and is zero-effluent into streams.

One earth-friendly standout at the show was a new shag carpet made with 80% bamboo fiber yarn and 20% cotton. It has the look and feel of silk without the price tag.

TILE TRENDS
As in the wood and laminate categories, high sheen and transparent shine were the hot trends in the tile category. Long, thin rectangular tiles reminiscent of flowing streams were seen, as well as tiles made from authentic crystal and semi-precious stones. New heat slumped glass tiles impart a sculpted, embossed effect giving the illusion of raindrops on the surface, linen textures, crinkled fabric, sand and slate effects.

LAMINATE TRENDS
The hottest trend in laminates this year was highly reflective, glossy finishes in exotic wood formats, as well as stone looks with “natural” embossed patterns and beveled edging. A brand new introduction includes a hybrid product containing natural cork, leather and linoleum surface-treatments that are stabilized on planks.

RESILIENT TRENDS
New resilient products, including vinyl, cork, leather and linoleum, offered not only environmentally friendly introductions, but product launches that were also easy to clean and offered healthful benefits.

One new launch in the linoleum category achieved the Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification mark — which has never been given to a flooring product before. Another debut was a cork and linoleum hybrid called Corkoleum. It is an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl and laminate flooring that is resilient, warm, scratch and abrasion resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. 100% recycled leather planks were also presented in a broad spectrum of natural shades and textures — from glossy bright red crocodile to supple lizard.

“With today’s economic challenges, people everywhere are focusing more on their home environments and creature comforts,” said Christopher Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of the WFCA. “Manufacturers across the globe have listened to customers and have delivered an array of introductions that are certain not to disappoint.”

The WFCA’s website – WFCA.org — offers detailed information about these flooring categories. In addition, the website provides answers to the most common floor covering questions. Visitors can also find detailed information and practical tips on every flooring category available, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic, porcelain, resilient, vinyl, cork, stone and area rugs. An overview of each category provides the pros and cons, a product catalog, manufacturing details, varieties and styles available, things to consider before purchase and how to prepare for installation.

When it’s time to buy floors, WFCA.org offers a searchable database of reputable WFCA retail members across the country. All a user needs to do is enter their zip code to receive a list of suppliers in their area.

The WFCA, official sponsor of Surfaces, is the floor covering industry’s largest advocacy organization, representing floor covering retailers, contractors and allied service providers throughout North America. For more information about the WFCA, visit WFCA.org and WFCA-PRO.org.

Cork Oak is currently one of the most fashionable new flooring trends used by internationally renowned interior designers, and is quickly becoming a favorite option for environmentally conscientious builders today. The remarkable properties of sustainable Cork Oak have been well cherished in the Mediterranean for centuries. Take a minute to behold the amazing natural insulating, silencing, and health benefits of beautiful Cork Oak Floors.

Amorim, based in Portugal, has been the world leader in Cork Oak for over 130 years, and is proudly introducing Wicanders brand of naturally unique Cork Oak Flooring. Years of research and development performed exclusively for Wicanders have produced patented Noise Reduction Technology (NRT), Wear Resistance Technology (WRT) and High Performance Surface (HPS) which dramatically enhance the remarkable natural benefits of beautiful Cork Oak Floors. Wicanders is the only brand that extends decades of attentive dedication to each Cork Oak Floor, from seedling to installation and preservation. Behold the beautiful benefits of Cork Oak Floors for yourself. An array of innovative, alluring collections are presently being unveiled across the globe.

The WicCork and WicWood Collections represent stories collected from generations dwelling deep within the Mediterranean forestland. Nurturing, innovation, and creative design are themes ingrained within each of Wicanders Collections. Combined with the hottest international interior designers, WicCork and WicWood Collections define the latest in timelessly fashionable, timelessly functional flooring.

The richly textured WicCork Originals Collection with names such as Rhapsody, Accent, Symphony, Harmony, and Dawn, deeply draw you to their astonishing striking beauty. Nightshade, Cool Crimson, Caramel, and Champagne define the smooth elegance of WicCork’s Personality Collection. The Vintage and Classics Collections of WicWood in shades of Cherry, Beech Plank, Maple and Mahogany are as breathtaking as the forests from which they are born. Unlike other floor brands, Amorim’s Wicanders Collections of Cork Oak Floors truly are nurtured from seedling.

While Wicanders Cork Oak Floors are natural insulators from the noisy hustle and bustle of everyday life, they insulate your space from the cold chill of the outside world as well. Cork Oak Floors are truly nurturing soles! WicCork and WicWood Floors decrease thermal transfer by astonishing amounts. Natural Cork Oak Flooring seems to have the warmth of its Mediterranean roots locked into every cell. This unique cushion of Cork Oak has the ability to warmly nestle each room better than any conventional flooring on the market.

Wicanders Cork Oak Floors are safe for your family… and for their families! By choosing WicCork and WicWood Collections you are supporting an environmentally friendly, renewable, recyclable, sustainable material whose source will prosper throughout generations to come.

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Flooring samples come in all different shapes and sizes. For example, carpet samples come on what are called deckboards (left) in order to showcase as many color ways as possible. Hardwood samples generally come a little larger with several boards on each sample. and tile samples come in the form of one piece of tile with each piece being its true and actual size. These samples are all assembled for a particular reason – all are designed to help give you the most accurate representation of what the actual product will look like when it is installed in your home.

Here are some important things to know about flooring samples:

Carpet:

• Carpet samples that are on deckboards are meant to showcase the many colors offered. Larger size samples are intended to be used in conjunction with this type of sample.
• The smaller swatches on deckboards are to show the general color field. The larger swatches that are available (usually 13.5″x18″ and 27″x18″) will give a more accurate color representation.
• With neutral colors, the smaller swatches will appear darker on deckboards than the actual product when it arrives and is installed.
• As with all samples, they are made at different times than when you order your flooring material. Because of  the different environmental conditions during the time the product is made, the samples will not always “match” what you order exactly.

Hardwood and Cork:

• Hardwood and cork are natural products. Therefore, they will have ranges of color and graining.
• Multiple boards or planks are usually shown on sample boards to give you an idea if that particular hardwood will have ranges of color and visible grain.
• As with all samples, they are made at different times than when you order your flooring material. Because of  the different environmental conditions during the time the product is made, the samples will not always “match” what you order exactly.

Tile:

• Tile samples are usually shown by the piece. It is a good idea to look at several different tiles together to see if the tile has any range of color.
• Some showrooms show grouted panels of tiles so that you can see the range of color. Know that the grout color chosen for these samples is not the only choice and different grout colors can make the overall installation look different.
• As with all samples, they are made at different times than when you order your flooring material. Because of  the different environmental conditions during the time the product is made, the samples will not always “match” what you order exactly.

Vinyl and Linoleum:

• Larger sheets of the actual product are generally used for samples. Some are smaller and some are larger. Larger samples are helpful for patterned goods.
• Look for catalogs to show pictures of the floor installed in a room so you can see how the overall pattern will look.
• As with all samples, they are made at different times than when you order your flooring material. Because of  the different environmental conditions during the time the product is made, the samples will not always “match” what you order exactly.

Equally as important to know, samples will appear differently in the flooring showroom than they will in your home. A showroom is likely to have florescent lights where your home is likely to have incandescent lighting. Ask if you can check the samples out from the flooring showroom and take them home to look at them with your surroundings.

When looking at samples, it is best not to look at the sample only a few inches from your face. Set the samples of the floor (where it will actually be) and walk away at least a few feet to get a good look at the product. Very rarely will you spend your time with your face only a few inches from the floor!

Don’t be shy – ask for larger samples. Ask for samples to be ordered that you can take home or samples that can be checked out from the showroom.

Green Flooring Solutions – Types of green flooring

Trying to determine whether a particular product is “green” can be a daunting experience. It is important to work with a retailer who is knowledgeable about green flooring products. These dealers can help identify products that are certified as environmentally friendly, assist in ensuring the installation meets environmental standards and provide information about the various green programs that are available. These can often lead to tax benefits and even better financing of your new home or floor.

Each flooring type has green solutions. Products discussed here include cork, bamboo, carpet, stone, hardwood, linoleum, and ceramic tile.

Cork 

Cork represents a special kind of renewable resource because it is a harvested resource (only the bark is harvested from the tree). Cork floors are made from the waste cork that makes wine stoppers. A law in the 1930’s called “The 9 Year Law” was passed to keep cork from being harvested any sooner than every 9 years. The tree has to reach 60 cm in circumference before it can be harvested. The first harvest from a cork tree can only occur at age 25.

Benefits of Cork:

• Renewable resource
• Recycled product
• Never harvested before it’s mature
• Tree is not destroyed or damaged when harvested
• Maximum benefits are achieved by using water-based finishes and adhesives

History

• Cork is not a new fad, it can be traced back to ancient Egypt. In the 18th century, Dom Perignon used cork for champagne making it a significant discovery that would lead to many other uses of cork.

• A law in the 1930’s called “The 9 Year Law” was passed to keep cork from being harvested any sooner than every 9 years. The tree has to reach 60 cm in circumference before it can be harvested. The first harvest from a cork tree can only occur at age 25.

• Portugal is the largest producer of cork today.

Harvesting

• Cork is harvested by hand from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber) that grows primarily around the Mediterranean Basin no less than every 9 years.

• After the cork is stripped, the planks are sorted and stacked for 6 months in the forest. The exposure to air, sun, rain and wind during this time trigger chemical transformations that improve the quality of the cork. Then the bark of the mature cork trees are ground up, mixed with resin, processed into blocks, baked, compressed and cut into tiles or planks.

• Burning the cork before it is compressed in combination with varying granule sizes creates the different colors and patterns that make cork such a unique product.

• The tree is not destroyed or damaged when harvesting cork.

• The average life span of a cork tree is 150-200 years. The older the tree, the better quality of the cork.

• To complete the environmentally sound process, water based finishes and adhesives should be used.

Good for the environment:

• An environmentally sound choice for flooring.

• Better than a renewable resource because it is a harvested resource (only the bark is harvested from the tree)

• A recycled product because cork floors are made from the waste cork that makes wine stoppers.

Properties/Benefits:

• Cork is very lightweight and low in density.

• There are many different shapes, designs and colors available.

• It is very durable. It is often used in public buildings because of its durability.

• Cork is often used in libraries and churches because of its sound absorption qualities.

• Cork is more forgiving on your joints than hard surface floors because of the millions of air filled cells. This is what makes cork a great choice for kids playrooms, retail or other places where people are on their feet for hours at a time.

• If damaged, cork can be repaired.

• Cork is also a great insulator because it reduces the transmission of sound, vibration and heat. Air is sealed in each of the cells insulating from the adjacent cells with a moisture resistant, waxy like substance. A cubic cm of the honeycombed shaped cork cell contains about 40 million hexagonal cells. The cells are composed of almost 90% of an air like gas. This makes cork flooring a great choice for recording studios and other places where sound needs to be kept to a minimum.

• Cork also reduces heat loss in rooms because of the encapsulated air cells. Unlike ceramic tile, it never gets cold on your feet. It maintains an even temperature that is not too warm or too cold.

• A substance called Suberin that naturally occurs in cork makes it resistant to bugs, mold, mites and termites. Because of this substance, cork also will not rot. Also because of this substance, cork is naturally a fire inhibitor. Upon combustion, cork does not release any toxic gasses.

• People with allergies are big fans of cork floors because of their hypoallergenic properties. Cork floors do not absorb dust and are very useful for people with asthma and respiratory diseases.

• Cork is also very resilient. Because of those same air cells that help with heat loss, sound absorption and softness cork can return to its original shape even when exposed to heavy weight and pressure. This is an advantage over hardwood flooring.

Installation types:

• Cork comes unfinished and pre-finished. There are many different types of finishes that are both harmful and safe for the environment.

• In wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, most manufacturers recommend a water based polyurethane sealant.

• Cork comes in tile shapes as well as plank shapes.

• These floors can be glueless and clicked together for installation, pre-glued or glued as long as the subfloor is dry and level.

• These floors can also be floated because of their tongue and groove

• Some floors have beveled edges that allow the floor to naturally expand and contract without buckling.

Care and Maintenance

• Cork is very easy to maintain especially with polyurethane coatings.

• Cork will fade if exposed to direct sunlight. Furniture and flooring should be moved periodically to even out the fading from sun and UV exposure.

• It will also react to humidity and moisture. Humidity should be maintained at 50-60%.

• Cork floors should be swept and vacuumed often to avoid the build up of dirt. Dirt can scratch the finish.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents, especially those that contain glycerin. These products can harm the finish making it impossible to refinish.

• A neutral PH detergent (PH of 6-8) should be used to clean cork floors either with a wrung out sponge or misted over the floor and damp mopped.

• Spills should be wiped up immediately.

• Chairs with casters should have minimum 2” casters.

• Mats should be used under chairs with casters to protect the finish from becoming dull.

• Furniture or chair feet should sit on wide coasters to prevent excessive indentation.