From low bid risks to predictable performance

For decades, the commercial flooring market has largely been driven by one simple factor: price. Contractors bid on the work, the low bidder wins and installation is considered a straightforward task.

But as margins tighten and schedules compress, the pressure to complete the job can quickly take priority over best practices, especially with an inexperienced crew. Even when everyone works in good faith, the lack of installer training that likely produced the low bid can ultimately cost project owners far more when flooring failures surface later on.

Today, the old price-first approach is changing, especially in sectors where the consequences of failure are catastrophic, such as healthcare, education and transportation. In these risk-averse environments, owners and facility managers are shifting focus from the lowest upfront price to highly qualified contractors to avoid the kinds of failures that have collectively cost billions of dollars in rework.

The hidden cost of the low bid

Commercial flooring systems typically represent just 1%-2% of a construction project’s budget. But when flooring fails, remediation can significantly increase that initial cost. By the time flooring problems begin to appear in year two or three, often after installation warranties have expired, the expense to remove, replace and reinstall flooring can easily reach 10x or even 20x the original installation cost. And the effects of failure frequently extend beyond material replacement. Hospital wings may need to close. School buildings may require disruptive repairs. Airport terminals may face restricted operations. What begins as a flooring issue quickly becomes an unwelcome operational disruption.

Notably, the flooring materials themselves are typically not the cause of failure. More often, issues begin with installation errors performed by inexperienced contractors. Even the smallest missteps can introduce risks that remain hidden until well after the project is completed.

Installers as risk managers

As owners and facility managers become more aware of how installation skills affect long-term flooring performance, installers are increasingly being evaluated as risk managers. Contractors succeeding in this environment are those who think about their businesses in precisely this way, not simply as installers of materials but as managers of installation risk. They invest in structured training programs, they build relationships with manufacturers and they standardize procedures across their crews.

Contractors, manufacturers and training organizations are also working together to strengthen professional standards and workforce development. As the commercial flooring market assigns greater value to installation expertise, the contractors who lead the next generation of the industry will be those who recognize this shift early. Because in an industry where margins are tight and reputations matter, reliable performance is the most valuable competitive advantage of all.

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David Gross is executive director of INSTALL, the leading organization for floor covering installation training and certification in North America. Prior to this role, he was a full-time instructor for the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Training Fund, where he achieved Level III Advanced Instructor Certification. Gross holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, an MBA and is a BCSP Certified Safety Professional with more than 30 years of hands-on flooring installation experience.

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Industry preps for milestone anniversary

The United States will officially celebrate its 250th anniversary later this year. The country’s semi-quincentennial provides flooring interests with a unique opportunity to promote and sell American-made products.

Some iconic American companies like Coca-Cola and Disney are planning extensive celebrations, product launches and community initiatives to commemorate the milestone. As for flooring, some retailers are looking to leverage their Made-in-USA story, touting products in their showrooms and the many advantages that come with domestic production.

This 4/20 issue of FCNews is our annual Made in USA edition. In it we cover the country’s anniversary, reshoring initiatives and much more.

For the full content, see the 4/20 digital edition of FCNews.

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Flooring Sustainability Summit unveils 2026 A&D Awards program

Washington, D.C.—The Flooring Sustainability Summit announced its 2026 Architecture & Design Awards program. The initiative marks its second year and expands recognition across the industry. It highlights projects, people and firms advancing sustainability through flooring and surface design.

The 2026 program adds two new honors. These include Person of the Year and Architecture/Design Firm of the Year. The additions expand the program beyond project recognition. They also spotlight leadership and firm-wide commitment to sustainable design.

As sustainability continues to shape the built environment, the awards highlight the role of flooring and material innovation. These efforts support healthier and higher-performing spaces. Submissions are open through May 18, 2026. Entry is free and open to qualified participants across the industry. Architects, designers and firms are encouraged to submit projects and leadership initiatives.

The Summit also called on manufacturers and material suppliers to promote the awards to their A&D clients. The goal is to help identify eligible projects. Winning submissions offer a platform to showcase how products contribute to measurable sustainability outcomes.

“These awards underscore the power of collaboration across the industry,” said Bill Griese, Summit chairman. “This program celebrates the partnerships across the flooring, surfaces, architecture and design value chain that are driving more sustainable spaces.”

Award categories:

Project of the Year
Person of the Year (new for 2026)
Architecture/Design Firm of the Year (new for 2026)

Key dates

Submission deadline: May 18, 2026
Winner notification: June 15, 2026
Awards ceremony: July 15, 2026

Winners of the A&D Awards program will receive complimentary registration to the Summit. They will also receive onstage recognition in Washington, D.C. The ceremony will take place during an evening reception at the American Institute of Architects’ Global Campus for Architecture and Design. Winners will gain industry-wide visibility.

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Ecore Athletic partners with Olympic gold medalist Dan O’Brien

Lancaster, Pa.—Ecore Athletic announced a partnership with Olympic gold medalist Dan O’Brien, who will serve as a track performance consultant. He will support education, product research and development, sales engagement and industry outreach across the track and field market.

O’Brien won gold in the decathlon at the 1996 Olympic Games and is a four-time world champion. He remains active in the sport as a coach, meet director and broadcaster. He also works with USA Track & Field and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. He is based in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Through the partnership, O’Brien will advise on athlete performance needs and contribute to product innovation. He will also take part in industry events, including trade shows and speaking engagements.

“Ecore Athletic is focused on helping athletes perform at their highest level while reducing the risk of injury and that starts with the surfaces they train and compete on,” O’Brien said. “I’m excited to partner with a company that is committed to innovation and understands the real-world demands of track and field. I look forward to contributing to the development of solutions that support athletes at every level.”

Ecore Athletic’s design

Ecore Athletic designs surfacing solutions for performance, safety and durability. The products serve indoor and outdoor tracks, training facilities and multiuse spaces. The company uses feedback from elite athletes to refine its offerings.

“Dan brings an unmatched level of credibility and experience to this partnership,” said David Sides, vice president of strategic partnerships at Ecore. “His perspective as both an elite competitor and coach will be invaluable as we continue to develop surfaces that enhance performance, support recovery and meet the demands of modern track-and-field programs. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Ecore Athletic team.”

O’Brien will also support educational programs, sales meetings and customer engagement. His role reflects Ecore’s focus on science-driven design and athlete-informed solutions.

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MSI opens Suffolk showroom and distribution center

Suffolk, Va.—MSI announced the grand opening of its newest showroom and distribution center here.

The new location marks a major step in MSI’s growth and investment in the region. The 550,000-square-foot facility expands service and improves access for customers. It also increases inventory and speeds up delivery across the Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

MSI said the new center strengthens its distribution network. It also supports local economic development through job creation and regional growth.

The company will host a grand opening event on April 21, 2026, from 1 to 7 p.m. Attendees can expect raffles, food, facility tours and giveaways. MSI will also offer exclusive promotions during the event.

Emily Holle, senior director of trend and design at MSI, will host seminars throughout the day. She will share design trends, strategies and insights for creating impactful spaces. The sessions aim to help attendees gain ideas and connect with industry professionals.

“Our Suffolk location is designed to deliver more than just products—it offers a complete experience,” said Zachery Chavis, operations director at MSI Suffolk. “From hands-on showroom inspiration to streamlined distribution, we’re creating a space that empowers our customers to bring their visions to life.”

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AHF launches Kaleido Color Lab

Mountville, Pa.—AHF Products launched Armstrong Flooring Kaleido Color Lab, a digital design tool for customizing luxury vinyl tile for floors and walls. The platform gives designers more control over color, pattern and scale.

“Kaleido isn’t just about choosing a product—it’s about authorship,” said Oxana Dallas, principal designer, commercial, AHF Products. “It gives designers control over how color, pattern and scale interact within a space, so they can express not only aesthetic ideas but emotional tone and brand identity.”

Kaleido Color Lab offers more than 500 remixable combinations. Designers can mix base patterns, accent colors and sizes in three steps. The platform provides instant visualization through an online interface.

In addition to floors, designers can use luxury vinyl tile as a commercial wall covering when the correct products, adhesives and installation methods are specified. What began as a workaround has evolved into a wall solution for offices, retail, healthcare, hospitality and mixed-use spaces.

Crafted for today’s design professional

Kaleido was designed to support modern workflows. The platform guides users through selecting a base pattern, applying an accent color and choosing a size. It simplifies the process from concept to specification.

“Designers are always looking for ways to extend the use of performance materials beyond the floor,” Dallas said. “Using LVT on walls allows us to create cohesive environments that balance durability, cleanability and visual impact. In commercial interiors, vertical LVT delivers both design flexibility and practical performance.”

The platform includes real-time visualization tools. Designers can preview designs in sample spaces or upload their own projects. This helps speed decisions and improve client confidence. Kaleido supports branding, wayfinding and spatial zoning. It helps designers shape environments while meeting performance needs.

At the core of Kaleido is Mixtera, a new in-house pattern family. It includes Prism, Mosaic and Mirage designs. Each pattern comes in neutral base tones and pairs with curated accent colors. Designers can also use coordinating products from Tandem, Duo and Terra collections. The visuals suggest softness and depth while maintaining performance.

All products use a U.S.-made LVT platform with Diamond 10 Technology for resistance to scratches, scuffs and stains. Plus, Kaleido is available in multiple sizes for commercial applications across education, healthcare, hospitality, office and retail spaces.

“In commercial spaces, designers need materials that do more than look good,” said Yon Hinkle, vice president of product management for resilient flooring, AHF Products.”They need surfaces that perform, clean easily and hold up over time. Using LVT on walls gives us a way to extend durable, resilient materials into vertical applications without compromising on aesthetics or maintenance efficiency.”

AHF Products manufactures Armstrong Flooring LVT to order in Pennsylvania. This reduces waste, limits inventory and shortens lead times. “Sustainability isn’t just about materials anymore—it’s about responsible systems. With Kaleido, we’ve built a made-to-order model that delivers exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed, without the waste or excess,” Dallas added.

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Tarkett highlights senior living at 2026 EFA conference

Phoenix, Ariz.—Tarkett highlighted its senior living flooring portfolio at the Environments for Aging (EFA) conference, March 16–18, 2026. The company showcased a connected system of responsibly made flooring solutions designed to support residents, caregivers and service teams.

“Designing senior living spaces comes with real-life challenges—and real opportunities—to create places that feel welcoming, dignified and built to support everyday life,” said Sandi Soraci, director of healthcare and senior living segment strategy for Tarkett North America. “Our senior living portfolio was built with that responsibility in mind, giving designers a connected system of solutions they can trust to perform, endure and inspire.”

Tarkett presented carpet, resilient flooring, luxury vinyl tile, wall base and finishing accessories designed to work together across senior living environments. The system supports consistent specification from resident rooms to common areas and back-of-house spaces.

Carpet collection spotlight

The company highlighted its latest carpet collections, Preserved Treasures and Interwoven Journeys. Preserved Treasures delivers warmth and elegance. Interwoven Journeys offers a modern foundation inspired by movement, connection and daily life. The collections share coordinating palettes and textures that support flexible design choices.

Attendees also previewed Transition 4.5 mm (20 mil) luxury vinyl tile. The product pairs wood, stone and abstract visuals with durability for senior living spaces. It is designed to support mobility, safety and everyday comfort. When used with most Tarkett ethos carpet tile styles, it creates a smooth transition between surfaces.

Tarkett also featured its Johnsonite Millwork Wall Base System. The collection includes 114 standard colors and more than 20 profiles. It delivers the look of milled wood without ongoing maintenance, touch-ups or repainting.

The company also presented evidence-based design guidance developed with SAGE. The organizations published a design guide based on expert focus groups. It offers strategies for creating senior living communities that support independence, health and wellness.

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