Thursday, September 17, 2026

How PureColor dyeing changed the game

PureColor
PureColor High-Def technology delivers pinpoint aesthetic definition, striking visual depth and rich color saturation.

The story of Engineered Floors and Dreamweaver is a fundamental rewrite of soft surface manufacturing. When Engineered Floors entered the market, the flooring industry was heavily weighed down by legacy infrastructure and outdated processes. Instead of acquiring aging mills and attempting to retrofit old technology, the strategic decision was made to greenfield the entire business.

By building facilities from the ground up, the company started with a blank canvas. This allowed the creation of an operational footprint built for one objective: perfecting and scaling PureColor solution dyed polyester (SDP).

For decades, nylon was considered the undisputed champion of the carpet industry, primarily due to its traditional reputation for resilience. Conversely, early iterations of polyester (PET) suffered from a stubborn industry perception. While it offered inherent stain resistance, legacy PET was widely viewed as a budget-friendly alternative—one that was notoriously susceptible to crushing, matting and prematurely showing wear in active homes. The company recognized that if this durability gap could be closed, the natural, inherent benefits of solution-dyed PET would make it the superior fiber for the modern consumer.

Changing the perception of PET required a focus on engineering and fiber architecture. Over the years, Engineered Floors’ technological advances transformed polyester from a value option into a high-performance powerhouse. By increasing the filament counts per yarn and optimizing the denier sizes, the company engineered a fiber that delivered luxurious softness without sacrificing structural integrity. Consumers and retailers realized they no longer had to compromise. They could have unyielding stain resistance, brilliant color retention that never fades and a carpet that stands up to heavy foot traffic.

As Dreamweaver brought these advanced carpets to retail floors, the market shifted, and PureColor SDP effectively dethroned nylon as the dominant residential carpet fiber. This success sent a shock wave through the industry. Legacy manufacturers, who had long championed piece-dyed nylon and remained heavily invested in their fragmented supply chains, were suddenly losing ground. Retailers and consumers were explicitly demanding the stain resistance, fade-proof color and durability that PureColor SDP delivered. Manufacturers had no choice but to follow EF’s lead. They had to pivot their established product lines to introduce their own solution-dyed polyester offerings to compete with the new standard on the retail floor.

The catalyst for this ongoing fiber revolution remains the company’s proprietary 4-wall manufacturing process. Historically, the carpet supply chain was heavily fragmented, with raw materials extruded in one facility, trucked to another for twisting, shipped again for dyeing and finally sent to a separate mill for tufting. The 4-wall process brought the entire lifecycle—polymer extrusion, yarn twisting, heat-setting, tufting and backing—under a single, highly optimized roof. This consolidation completely eliminated facility-to-facility transit. Not only did this strip tremendous overhead and logistical delays from the supply chain, but it also allowed for unprecedented, real-time quality control at every single stage of production, ensuring Engineered Floors’ PET fibers consistently met the highest performance metrics.

EF continues to push boundaries of what PET can achieve structurally and aesthetically:

PureColor High-Def: This technology engineers the fiber system to deliver pinpoint aesthetic definition, striking visual depth and rich color saturation. It achieves a highly sophisticated, premium look while strictly maintaining the core stain-resistant and fade-resistant properties of the SDP base.

TwistX technology: TwistX maximizes solution-dyed performance advantages through an advanced, structurally resilient engineered yarn architecture. By optimizing the fiber’s construction with high-twist methods, TwistX delivers exceptional durability, shape retention and crush resistance, ensuring carpet withstands the rigors of active households and performs beautifully year after year.

This technological and operational leap forward is intertwined with the company’s GreenSmart Initiatives. True innovation requires environmental responsibility, and the shift to greenfield SDP manufacturing naturally aligned with aggressive sustainability goals. Traditional piece-dyeing methods are incredibly resource-intensive, requiring massive vats of boiling water to dye the carpet after it is manufactured.

Because PureColor integrates the color directly into the molten polymer before the fiber is extruded, the traditional dye house process is eliminated. This shift saves millions of gallons of water every single year. By removing the need to heat massive amounts of water for those dye baths, the company drastically reduced energy consumption. Since the 4-wall process removes the fleet of trucks moving materials between fragmented plants, supply chain greenhouse gas emissions are significantly curtailed.

Engineered Floors and Dreamweaver revolutionized the business, forcing the entire industry to adapt to a better way of doing things.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Stauf USA names Phillip Lopez Southwestern regional director

PhillipMemphis, Tenn.—Stauf USA has named industry veteran Phillip Lopez its Southwestern regional director.

Lopez brings a strong technical background and extensive distribution experience to the role.

“We look forward to working with Phillip and welcome his knowledge and skill set to Stauf USA,” said David Ford, vice president of sales and marketing for Stauf. “He has a unique ability to combine both sales and technical which is a rarity in today’s market.”

Lopez will oversee distribution and technical support in the Houston, Austin and San Antonio markets.

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SWFM announces dates, new location for 2027 event  

Southwest Flooring MarketArlington, Texas—Market Maker Events has confirmed the 2027 Southwest Flooring Market (SWFM) will take place Jan. 7-8 at the Loews Arlington Hotel here. The event also coincides with the Shaw Dealer Meeting.
Manufacturers, retailers and distributors will convene here—a new location for SWFM—for two productive days of making new connections and exploring growth opportunities. Attendees will also get a preview of emerging flooring trends, the latest innovations and creative merchandising ideas.
SWFM will take place in the Honor Ballroom, located on the lobby level of the hotel. The venue offers a polished, convenient setting with easy access to restaurants and the rest of the Loews Arlington campus. Attendees can access to the Shaw Dealer Meeting via the Skybridge.
Attendees are encouraged to pre-register online.

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Accessories provide opportunities to upsell

Moldings and accessories offer an excellent upsell opportunity for retailers looking to boost their sales. These products also can provide additional revenue stream when added to a total flooring job estimate. Choose from an array of add-on products including adhesives, moldings, stairway accessories and vents. Following are some products to consider:

Artistic Finishes

Artistic Finishes vents turn a functional necessity into a premium finishing touch—and a great upsell customers want. Instead of interrupting a beautiful new floor with a standard metal vent, custom-blended wood vents create a clean, cohesive look that complements the flooring. Flush vent options accommodate flooring from 3/8” to 3/4” thick, integrating seamlessly with the floor, while surface vents provide an easy drop-in solution. With wall-mount, under-cabinet, corner-base and custom options, these vents complete the room with the warmth of real wood and a polished, custom appearance.

DuraStair

DuraStair is the ultimate solution to renovate existing stairways or to finish the stairway in a new home. The product installs quickly and easily with a minimum of experience and tools. Tread and risers are designed to fit all types of stairs, including angular, straight and open stairways. This marching riser (shown above) is reversible, giving a classic white option.

Engineered Floors/ Xcessories

Engineered Floors’ Xcessories Adhesives and Floor Prep Systems provide a complete portfolio of high-performance, low-odor and low-VOC solutions for the most demanding commercial, institutional and heavy commercial flooring installations. The products are formulated for powerful, long-term bonds, superior moisture control and ease of application, making them the ideal choice for health-conscious projects and virtually all approved substrates.

ROX Group

ROX Group brings together the expertise of ROX Stair Parts, CG Hardwood Molding and Precision Flooring Products to offer a complete collection of hardwood stair parts, moldings and flooring accessories. From unfinished hardwood components to custom prefinished products, the company manufactures and finishes every piece to deliver the perfect match with leading flooring brands.

Ventiques

Ventiques’ vents gives retailers a powerful profit opportunity by transforming a simple, everyday product into a premium upgrade that customers can get excited about. With designer styles, fast installation and strong visual impact, shoppers see immediate value—making upsells easy and margins strong. Retailers benefit from repeat purchases, larger project tickets and a differentiated offering competitors don’t have. This low-effort, high-return add-on reliably boosts revenue.

Küberit

Küberit Innovative Profiles offer architects, designers and contractors an often-overlooked opportunity to add value and margin to virtually every project. From stair nosings and flooring transitions to edge protection and ramps for potential trip hazards, Küberit provides quality solutions to common finishing challenges. Premium materials, colors and finishes move customers beyond commodity options, while high aesthetic value makes profiles part of the finished design—not simply a necessity. The result: greater design flexibility, more solutions to sell and more profit.

TotalWorx

Engineered with the patented Straight Edge Grout Line, TotalWorx’s Trim Elite delivers a clean, professional finish while helping protect against chips and breakage. Its proprietary design features up to 23% more metal in the face of the profile, enhancing durability without compromising a streamlined look for hard surface installations.

Mohawk Performance Accessories

Mohawk Performance Accessories PerimeterSeal Tape is an innovative waterproof flooring accessory designed to seal the expansion gap around floating floor installations quickly and cleanly. Compatible with waterproof laminate and LVT floors, the tape can be installed behind baseboards or quarter round and is approved by Mohawk as an alternative to traditional PE foam backer rod and silicone sealant for qualifying waterproof floor applications. By reducing installation time, simplifying labor and offering a low-cost, high-value upsell opportunity on every waterproof flooring sale, PerimeterSeal Tape helps retailers improve margins while enhancing consumer satisfaction.

Versatrim

SlimTrim 3-in-1 molding from Versatrim delivers the versatility today’s flooring customers demand and the efficiency retailers value. Designed to work as a reducer, T-molding and end cap in one sleek profile, SlimTrim eliminates the need for multiple moldings while simplifying product selection and installation. It adapts to a wide range of projects with professional-grade results. Its durable aluminum-oxide laminate surface and strong PVC core provide long-lasting performance in busy residential and commercial spaces. Made in the USA, SlimTrim helps retailers streamline inventory while giving customers a reliable, all-in-one finishing solution that saves time, reduces complexity and enhances floor installation. The molding comes in thousands of colors and can be coordinated with all floor types.

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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

TISE 2027 registration now open

TISELas Vegas—Informa Exhibitions has opened registration for TISE–The International Surface Event (a.k.a. Surfaces), which is scheduled to take place Feb. 2-4 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center here.

TISE will bring together flooring, stone and tile professionals for product introductions, education and networking. The event will also spotlight new technologies, design trends and business solutions shaping the surface industry.

The exhibit floor will feature manufacturers and suppliers across multiple categories. TISE will also offer four days of educational programming, including classroom sessions, demonstrations and industry training.

“The flooring, stone and tile sectors are experiencing remarkable transformation fueled by evolving consumer expectations and technological advancement,” said Dana Hicks, group director for TISE. “Industry professionals are now serving buyers with different priorities and requirements, from global supply chain considerations and intelligent products to sustainability and versatile solutions. TISE 2027 creates a collaborative space where businesses can thrive and successfully manage these shifts.”

Exhibitors showcase new products

Products and technologies on display will address a range of market needs. These include environmentally focused finishes, new LVT visuals, antimicrobial carpet and recycled products. Engineered Floors, Mohawk Industries, Mannington Mills, AHF, Vermont Quarries, QEP/Roberts, Flow International and MTE Bridgesaw are among the companies scheduled to exhibit.

Attendees can also explore stone fabrication equipment, installation tools and technologies designed to improve operational efficiency. Workforce development will also be part of the program.TISE organizers have redesigned the exhibit floor around two primary areas: the SURFACES and STONE neighborhoods. The layout is intended to make it easier for attendees to find relevant products, exhibitors and demonstrations.

Education moves onto the show floor

TISE will expand its educational programming with several hands-on experiences and show floor presentations. The CAGE, presented by the Stone Fabricators Alliance, will feature demonstrations of advanced stone fabrication methods.

The new SURFACES Education District will include SURFACES Demos and SURFACES Talks. Both programs will offer daily educational content. The STONE Theater will feature programming produced by the Natural Stone Institute and Rockheads Group. Stone World will sponsor the theater.

The 2027 education program will cover business operations, installation, marketing and technology adoption. Returning programs include the Working with Natural Stone Architecture & Design Program and the Women’s Leadership Program.

The event will also include certifications, training sessions and seminars from the Natural Stone Institute, International Certified Flooring Installers Association, National Wood Flooring Association and other industry organizations.

The Education+ Pass provides access to educational sessions and supporting materials.

TISE is also introducing the Connect+ Pass. The program gives attendees five prescheduled meetings with exhibitors based on their product interests and business needs.

The National Installer of the Year Competition will also return. The competition highlights installation craftsmanship at a time when the industry continues to address a shortage of skilled labor. TISE will also present its Best of TISE Awards, recognizing products introduced across the marketplace.

Click here to register for TISE 2027.

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Tuesday Tips: Why AI hiring tools need better management

Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) released a new “Tuesday Tips” this week. In the series, WFCA experts present short video tips for improving customer service and optimizing staff performance. In the end, it’s all about understanding the importance of doing 100 things just 1% better than your competition.

In this week’s Tuesday Tips, WFCA is revisiting its three-part GROW series on using AI for hiring. This week’s Tuesday Tip features Session 1, “The New Hire Nobody Interviewed,” with Aaron Welch.

Welch explains why disappointing AI results often come down to poor direction, not the tool itself. Like any new hire, AI needs clear expectations and guidance to perform well.

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Monday, September 14, 2026

Shaw names Vance Bell chief executive officer

Vance Bell

Dalton–Sept. 14, 2026 – Shaw Industries Group, Inc. today announced that Vance Bell will assume the role of chief executive officer, effective immediately, following the departure of Tim Baucom from the role.

Baucom made significant contributions to Shaw during his tenure, and the company appreciates his leadership and commitment. “During Tim’s 34-year career at Shaw, he has exhibited Shaw’s values of honesty, integrity and passion,” said Vance Bell, Shaw chairman and CEO. “We thank Tim for his contributions to the company and wish him well in the future.”

Bell said Shaw has a strong position in the market and significant opportunities ahead. “I have full confidence in our team and our ability to deliver on these opportunities to serve our customers,” he added.

Bell will continue to serve as chairman in addition to his responsibilities as chief executive officer.

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