The Floor Trader of Tacoma honored with local award

Tacoma, Wash.—The Floor Trader of Tacoma, part of the broader CCA Global group, has been named a 2025 Pierce County Volunteer Group Award Winner, recognizing the company’s outstanding commitment to volunteer service and community support throughout the past year.

The award, presented by the Pierce County Volunteer Recognition Committee, honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving the lives of residents across the county. The locally owned flooring retailer, led by Dean Paulson, owner, and his team, was nominated by a Pierce County agency that highlighted the group’s volunteer efforts and meaningful contributions to the community.

“Our team has always believed that being a local business means being part of the community,” Paulson said. “We’re honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the people and organizations that make Pierce County such a special place.”

The Floor Trader team has a long-standing tradition of community involvement, supporting local initiatives, volunteering time and partnering with organizations throughout the region.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Dean and the entire team at The Floor Trader of Tacoma recognized for their service to the community,” said Steve Sieracki, president of The Floor Trader cooperative. “Our cooperative is built on locally-owned businesses that are deeply
invested in the communities they serve, and Dean exemplifies that spirit. This recognition from Pierce County reflects the leadership, generosity and community commitment that
independent retailers bring to their markets every day.”

The recognition underscores the company’s broader mission: to serve not only as a trusted flooring retailer for homeowners across Tacoma and Pierce County, but also as an engaged and active community partner.

Award winners will be formally recognized by Pierce County during an upcoming volunteer recognition event celebrating individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in the region.

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Interface expands norament kivo collection

Atlanta—Interface has launched 17 new color palettes for its norament kivo nora rubber collection.

Norament kivo combines the contemporary look of concrete with the resilience and comfort of rubber. The result is a high-performance, low-maintenance solution built for long-term use.

Originally launched in 2021, norament kivo now features an expanded palette of 17 colors. The update introduces both bold accents and classic neutrals. Designers can now explore more ways to balance personality and performance in a space.

The expansion targets K-12 environments, where durability and ease of maintenance are essential. The product maintains its concrete-inspired visuals while adding new color options suited for learning spaces. However, norament kivo extends beyond education. It is designed for any environment where budget, aesthetics and performance are key considerations.

Key features include:

• Expanded color line — A mix of subtle grays and bold accents provides greater design flexibility.
• Affordable performance — A durable rubber flooring option designed to balance cost and quality.
• Comfort and acoustics — Rubber construction helps absorb sound and improve underfoot comfort in high-traffic areas.
• Concrete-inspired design — An irregular granulate pattern softens the look of traditional concrete.
• Broad application — Suitable for schools, public spaces and other high-use environments.

The collection offers a range of tones, from neutral to bold, helping create spaces that feel both functional and inviting. The product is designed to deliver lasting performance with minimal maintenance.

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Parador joins Material Bank to expand A&D access

Coesfeld, Germany—Parador has joined Material Bank, expanding access to its engineered wood flooring for architects and designers.

The partnership allows design professionals to request Parador samples directly through Material Bank’s platform. The system offers overnight delivery, reduced packaging waste and a streamlined specification process.

Material Bank has become a key resource for the architecture and design community. It simplifies how materials are discovered, requested and delivered. By joining the platform, Parador aims to support more efficient and sustainable workflows.

“This partnership reflects our shared focus on efficiency, innovation and sustainability,” said Neel Bradham, CEO of Parador. “Material Bank allows us to meet architects and designers where they already work, simplifying access to our flooring while supporting smarter, more responsible workflows.”

Parador said the move is part of a broader effort to expand digital engagement with the A&D community and grow its presence in North America. The platform helps professionals explore products, compare finishes and make informed specification decisions.

The company said these efforts reinforce its focus on improving the designer experience through both product and access.

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Accessories: Multifaceted underlayments abound

Beyond the obvious benefits of comfort underfoot and noise reduction, today’s underlayments and cushion products provide a host of essential benefits: moisture barrier protection, thermal insulation and help with subfloor imperfections by providing a smooth and even surface for the flooring material to be installed.

This year’s winter markets showcased a multitude of companies offering the latest in underlayment and cushion products that provide key benefits.

Here are some examples of the latest underlayments:

TotalWorx

TotalWorx Accessories Pet Perfect underlayment is a flooring solution designed for ease and protection. Its folding panels with a new lip and tape feature ensure easier installation, lying flat and staying flat. Crafted from fine-celled extruded polystyrene foam, it offers superior thermal and sound insulation while correcting minor subfloor imperfections.

Foam Products

Foam Products’ Infinity Acoustical Vapor Barrier enhances attached-back floors with a firm, cushioned feel and superior acoustics while accelerating installation. By creating a more level subfloor, it actively improves flooring joint performance and remains fully warranted, transforming minimalist 1mm attached-backed floors to a completely superior experience.

Ecore

Good acoustical design isn’t what you hear, it’s what you don’t hear. To that end, Ecore introduced QT Sound underlayments—recycled rubber impact insulation—that impact sound control without interrupting the beauty of natural wood or the elegance of LVT and tile. Impact sound doesn’t just travel down, either—it travels sideways, up and through every rigid connection. But QT is engineered to stop sound before it enters the structure.

LSI Flooring

LSI Flooring’s Unsquashable high-density polyurethane carpet padding is engineered to deliver exceptional comfort, durability and sound reduction. Its newest residential underlayment, Step Above, is a 7/16-inch premium pad achieving an 87 IIC impact sound rating. The Unsquashable line features high-density memory foam, antimicrobial protection and breathable waterproof construction.

Sika

The Sika AcouBond System incorporates direct bond technology with acoustic performance. Consisting of SikaLayer-03, a 3mm-thick proprietary foam mat and SikaBond-T53, a unique permanently elastic, sound-dampening adhesive, the Sika AcouBond System is used to bond wood flooring over plywood, concrete and other common subfloors. When combined, these solutions meet or exceed all IIC and STC building code requirements for sound control.

Vinyl Trends

Eternity SG is zero VOC underlayment engineered to dampen sound and protect flooring from mold, mildew and moisture. It will also support the floor’s click system as the floor flexes and moves.

Its patented Seal Guard (SG) lip and tape system creates a strong vapor barrier seam.

Maxxon

With the rise in demand for the look of concrete flooring, VersaTop EZ was engineered for ease and efficiency. Its specially designed, pre-sanded formula eliminates the need for heavy machinery and traditional polishing methods—cutting labor hours without compromising results. With compressive strengths of 5,000–7,000 psi and fast foot traffic in just two to four hours, VersaTop EZ delivers the polished concrete aesthetic clients demand, minus the complexity.

MP Global

QuietWalk LV is designed specifically for all vinyl planks but can also be used with laminate and hardwood. It measures 1.4mm-thick and is made from dense recycled materials. The attached vapor barrier offers full moisture protection beneath while protecting the overlying floor. It also provides sound dampening.

Palziv

Palziv’s HQ Living unveiled LayerX, designed for most hard surface floors. Featuring a built-in, 6-mil moisture barrier, it eliminates the need for separate moisture protection. Embossed air channels promote airflow to help manage moisture, while the integrated peel-and-stick tape system simplifies installation and speeds up projects.

Future Foam

My Name is Best is engineered with 8.5-pound density, memory foam and a SpillSafe moisture barrier. The domestically made cushion is built to last a lifetime, with no recycled fillers. From studio-grade soundproofing to Pet Solutions odor defense, My Name is Best is positioned as the “silent guardian” of a homeowner’s investment

Performance Accessories

Gold is a 2mm fan fold underlayment inspired by the success of Platinum 3mm. “Installers have praised Platinum’s stability, easy handling and fan-fold convenience, but many needed a more cost effective solution without reverting to rolled underlayments,” said Karl Danzer, director, product management, Mohawk. “Gold keeps the same installer preferred format at a value price point, offering a strong balance of performance and affordability while Platinum continues as the premium choice for enhanced sound and comfort.”

Leggett & Platt

Leggett & Platt offers a diverse selection of products aimed at reducing in-room noise as well as minimizing sound transfer to the floors below, ensuring peace and tranquility throughout the household.

Make-A-Wish Strength, for example, is a synthetic rubber crack isolation membrane that provides superior acoustical performance for all types of hard surface flooring.

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NTCA names 2026 award honorees ahead of Coverings

Dan Lambert (left), Luigi Di Geso (right).

Las Vegas—The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) announced two industry award honorees ahead of Coverings 2026. Honorees will be recognized at the 2026 NTCA Awards Ceremony, which will take place April 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Room N246. The ceremony is held in partnership with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and is open to all attendees.

“These awards recognize individuals whose leadership, service and passion have made a lasting impact on the tile industry,” said Bart Bettiga, executive director of NTCA. “We look forward to celebrating with industry friends and partners from across North America.”

Joe Tarver – Lifetime Achievement Award

The NTCA will present the Joe Tarver Lifetime Achievement Award to Luigi Di Geso, president and CEO of Mapei North America.

Di Geso has spent decades with Mapei and previously served as general manager of Mapei Inc. in Canada from 2004 to 2009. He later became president and CEO of Mapei North America.

Under his leadership, the company expanded from three product lines to 19. Its footprint also grew from 12 to 25 facilities across North America and the Caribbean. Revenue increased from $260 million to more than $1 billion.

Di Geso has also championed innovation and environmental responsibility. He has supported the development of eco-friendly solutions and contributed to industry progress through partnerships with organizations including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast, TCNA, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada and the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation.

NTCA Tile – Person of the Year Award

The NTCA will also honor Dan Lambert as the 2026 Tile Person of the Year. Lambert is co-owner of Lambert Tile and Stone in Eagle, Colo., alongside his wife and business partner, Elizabeth. He entered the tile industry through masonry and stone work in Colorado.

He later built a successful contracting business focused on craftsmanship and quality. Lambert Tile and Stone is a Five-Star Accredited Contracting company known for high-end residential tile installation. The company has received multiple NTCA awards and national recognition.

Lambert has also served the industry through volunteer leadership. He completed two terms on the NTCA Regional Board of Directors for Region 10 and currently serves as an NTCA ambassador. He has contributed more than 13 years to the NTCA Technical Committee and received the NTCA Technical Committee Impact Award.

“Both Luigi and Dan represent the very best of our industry—visionary leadership, technical excellence and a deep commitment to supporting tile professionals,” Bettiga said. “We are proud to recognize their lasting contributions.”

All Coverings attendees are invited to attend the ceremony.

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NFA kicks off spring meeting in Tahoe

Tahoe—FCNews is here as dozens of the top flooring retailers in North America gathered for the National Floorcovering’s Alliance (NFA) spring meeting, where members and their supplier partners take part in three days of business and pleasure. The ultimate goal is to build camaraderie and develop programs that continue to position NFA members ahead of their competition.

Stay tuned for more on the event.

On the scene:

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Florim USA advances sustainability with B Corp certification

Clarksville, Tenn.—In October 2025, Florim USA achieved B Corp certification. This places Florim USA among a global network of businesses committed to strict social and environmental standards.

The certification reflects the company’s focus on transparency, accountability and measurable impact. It also reinforces the company’s leadership position in tile manufacturing.

Florim USA has also renewed its Environmental Product Declarations, first earned in 2015 and its Health Product Declarations, first earned in 2017. EPDs provide verified data on environmental impact across a product’s lifecycle. HPDs disclose ingredient health impacts, helping architects, designers and builders make informed decisions.

The company’s products also carry Declare Red List Free certification. This means they contain no hazardous chemicals as defined by the Living Building Challenge. Florim USA is the only U.S. porcelain tile manufacturer to hold both this certification and B Corp status.

Additional certifications include Green Squared and GREENGUARD Gold. These reflect a continued focus on responsible manufacturing and low-emission products.

Florim USA was also the first U.S. porcelain tile manufacturer to launch a carbon neutral collection. Plaster 2.0 debuted in 2022. The company now offers nine carbon neutral collections.

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