By George DeMare, Vice President Business Development
The flooring industry has experienced a revival since the Great Recession.
Manufacturers develop materials that mimic standard wood and stone options with without the stain, scratches, heat, and moisture. Wood and vinyl-based products account for the majority of growth, but now alternative options are steadily gaining popularity:
- Armstrong Flooring produces a rigid-floor hybrid that comes with a residential lifetime guarantee. This type of flooring is dent, scratch, and stain resistant. Choose from a variety of styles including – marble, travertine, slate, wood, weathered metal, concrete, and linen.
- Daltile now produces collections that mimic wood and natural stone – including a timeless rustic wood-look. This series is perfect for high-traffic rooms and transition areas and with many options, gives clients the ability to make original designs.
- Dekton by Cosentino added six hues to their collection inspired by the natural stone materials. New advances in their manufacturing process allow for sharper designs and ultra-realistic appearance along with even higher resistance to impact and thermal shock.
- Ege Seramik has been working on their glazed porcelain products and wall tiles. Deep Effect Ink produces four series while Glossy Effect Ink is incorporated into two lines. The company also uses the Crystal Shine Effect which results in more clarity and a crystal-like shine after polishing the tiles.
- Emser Tile has focused on textured wood and concrete looks. Their porcelain tile can provide superior durability with an expected lifespan of over 50 years. Porcelain tiles work well in high-moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms where true wood does not perform as well.
- Lumber Liquidators vinyl planks are waterproof and add durability and resistance to scratches and stains that hardwood cannot. Quick click tiles do not require a backer board, thin set, or spacers for installation making it easier to put in compared to other tiles.
- Neolith by TheSizecreates a sintered stone that addresses some of the most common issues with traditional large format tiles: weight, cost, and difficulty of installation. The extremely thin slabs are lightweight and easy to transfer from the warehouse to the construction site which helps contractors transport more than double the amount of surface.