Friday, March 28, 2025

AHF supports rebuilding efforts in Asheville

Mountville, Pa.—AHF Products, a leading manufacturer of high-quality, hard surface flooring solutions, announced a $15,000 donation of its popular Armstrong Flooring Alterna engineered tile to the Rebuilding Hollers Foundation on ABC’s “Good Morning America” during a live special edition of its broadcast on March 27.

“Good Morning America’s” special two-hour segment, “Asheville Rising,” focused on the region’s recovery progress and the continuing challenges residents face. Helene, a Category 4 hurricane downgraded to a tropical storm, caused catastrophic flooding, landslides and widespread damage across the region and claimed lives in Western North Carolina and across the South.

In partnership with Rebuilding Hollers, AHF Products will provide $15,000 worth of its Armstrong Flooring Alterna engineered tiles, which are designed for high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms and basements. AHF Products said it is proud to support the foundation’s rebuilding efforts by supplying a product that is both beautiful and practical for those recovering from the storm’s devastation.

“We are truly honored to contribute to the recovery efforts in Asheville,” said Catherine DelVecchio, vice president-marketing, AHF Products. “For over a century, the Armstrong Flooring brand has been trusted for high-quality, durable flooring solutions, and it means so much to us to be able to support the Rebuilding Hollers Foundation during this critical time. Our flooring donation is more than just a product—it’s a commitment to helping families rebuild their homes and their lives.”

Alterna tiles, made in the U.S. with global and domestic content, in Kankakee, Ill., are not sophisticated but offer superior durability and comfort for everyday living. The tiles’ engineered stone construction, featuring more than 75% limestone, gives them the look of traditional tile with a more comfortable, forgiving feel underfoot. Alterna is 100% waterproof, scratch resistant and designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of family spaces.

The post AHF supports rebuilding efforts in Asheville appeared first on Floor Covering News.


AHF supports rebuilding efforts in Asheville Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Performance Accessories highlights latest launches

Calhoun, Ga.—The latest Performance Accessories introductions—including Flush Stair Noses with innovative TrueMatch technology, PerimeterSeal and three new surface preparation products—all address industry challenges while elevating installation.

“Performance Accessories gives our retail partners and their sales teams the ability to sell the complete project, not just the flooring,” said Justin Hicks, senior director of marketing, wood and laminate. “We have tools that simplify every step of the process with solutions that set our partners apart from their competition.”

Performance AccessoriesTrueMatch technology

Performance Accessories is introducing new TrueMatch technology for Flush Stair Noses in both vinyl and laminate to offer a perfect match in color, pattern and features. TrueMatch provides a smooth, flush transition between the stair nose and flooring plank. Preserving the integrity of the Uniclic locking system, TrueMatch ensures the flooring retains any waterproof warranties—even with the addition of the nosing.

“TrueMatch is a game changer in the industry,” explained Alfredo Donjuan, vice president and general manager of Performance Accessories. “The 100% color match and unique, rounded, full nose shape make stairs look like a true extension of the flooring, providing a flawless finish.”

Designed to work harmoniously with all stair treads and noses, Performance Accessories TreadBond adhesive further enhances flooring installation. The advanced adhesive delivers a secure and seamless bond with superior quality and durability.

PerimeterSeal waterproofing technology

PerimeterSeal waterproofing technology tackles the expansion gap along the perimeter of floating floors, eliminating the need to fill the space with foam backer rod and silicone caulk. PerimeterSeal works by attaching to both the floor and adjacent wall or baseboard before quarter round is installed. It can also be used under transitions. Once set, PerimeterSeal stops the moisture from seeping through the edges of the flooring to the subfloor, fulfilling the warranty requirements of many leading brands.

Surface preparation

For a comprehensive range of subfloor preparation for level floors, Performance Accessories is introducing three new products: a primer and two powder-based solutions for patching and leveling.

The RealPrime universal primer prepares the surface for optimal adhesion and performance. The MasterPatch is ideal for localized repairs and small imperfections—simply mix, pour and screed for a smooth, seamless finish.

UltraSmooth is a full floor solution that covers the entire area of a job. Portable and easy to use, these products deliver a smooth and level surface every time.

“Our surface preparation products are designed to make the installation process easier and more precise,” Donjuan said. “With these products, installers can achieve level surfaces, resulting in a professional and high-quality finish without the guesswork of traditional troweling methods.”

Performance Accessories is refreshing the “Now That’s Perfect” campaign by highlighting the wide range of products and resources that deliver the best installation solutions.

The post Performance Accessories highlights latest launches appeared first on Floor Covering News.


Performance Accessories highlights latest launches Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Retailers React: What concerns you – mortgage rates or tariffs?

mortgage rates tariffsEvery two weeks, FCNews seeks out flooring retailers across the country to offer their advice on hot topics of the day. This week, we asked: What concerns you: mortgage rates or tariffs?

Here are their responses:

“Mortgage rates, tariffs, etc., are out of our control and can cause some disruption but I would rather focus on getting the customer to give us an opportunity to do business with them than things out of our control.”

— Carlton Billingsley, Floors and More, Benton, Ark.

“Our concern is the economic uncertainty based on the current political climate.”

— Matt Wien, Marshall Flooring, Mayfield Heights, Ohio

“I think both interest rates and tariffs will hurt us. Customers are already a bit shell-shocked with pricing, and the tariffs may cause a significant increase in costs, which may move customers out of the purchase mood.”

— Janice Clifton, Abbey Carpets Unlimited, Napa, Calif.

“Mortgage rates and tariffs both impact our business but in different ways. Lower mortgage rates bring new and more customers into the market for our products, while tariffs affect which products we show. We lean more toward American-made products when tariffs are implemented.”

— Tom Connell, M&M Carpet Showroom, Houston

 

“Mortgage rates will continue to have the most impact in our area for remodeling purposes. Tariffs may have some impact as they become enacted. We have partnered with more mills that have local or national access to products made here domestically.”

— Mike Montgomery, Montgomery’s CarpetsPlus Colortile, Venice, Fla.

 

The post Retailers React: What concerns you – mortgage rates or tariffs? appeared first on Floor Covering News.


Retailers React: What concerns you – mortgage rates or tariffs? Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Microban launches AkoTech multifunctional coating technologies

Huntersville, N.C.—Microban International, a leader in antimicrobial solutions, announced the launch of AkoTech, an advanced platform of multifunctional coating technologies that enhance and protect a broad spectrum of products.

“As the global leader in antimicrobial and odor control technologies, we are committed to the development of solutions that support product sustainability by extending their useful lifetimes,” said Microban president, Michael Ruby. “We’re proud to launch a system of technologies that aids in this mission while making the integration as seamless as possible for our manufacturing partners.”

Easy to use and customizable for various manufacturing processes and end-use applications, AkoTech formulations can provide benefits such as excellent hardness, adhesion, water and oil repellency and chemical resistance. AkoTech’s multifunctional capabilities make it an ideal solution for flooring, exterior finish systems, touchscreens, countertops, furniture and more. By integrating AkoTech, these surfaces benefit from enhanced durability, improved cleanliness and long-lasting freshness, helping to maintain their appearance and performance over time.

AkoTech is an umbrella of formulations that includes water-based and solvent-based solutions. The formulations can also use heavy metal–free antimicrobial technologies to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mold and mildew growth, leading to longer-lasting and more sustainable products. Backed by the power of Microban, AkoTech delivers cutting-edge performance that is bolstered by the suite of services that comes with the Microban brand, including formulation, sales, marketing and regulatory support.

“There are multifunctional capabilities under the AkoTech umbrella, with each iteration of the technology providing crucial versatility and functionality to different types of products,” said James Rapley, liquid formulations manager at Microban. “Customers have been asking for multifunctional coatings for years, and now this umbrella allows Microban and our partners to work together in delivering new and exciting technologies.”

To make AkoTech easy to use for all kinds of applications, the technology is available as a starting-point formulation (used as is or customized if desired), a ready-to-use formulation or a liquid concentrate (requiring the addition of water). AkoTech is integrated into products during manufacturing using a coating application process such as roll coating or spray coating.

The post Microban launches AkoTech multifunctional coating technologies appeared first on Floor Covering News.


Microban launches AkoTech multifunctional coating technologies Posted First on https://fcnews.net

EF Contract introduces Anthology collection

anthologyDalton—EF Contract introduced the Anthology collection of four new 18 x 36 foundational carpet tile patterns that each tell their own story—all rooted in sophistication. Designer’s Choice, VIP, First Class and Modern Classic are styles that offer subtle texture and neutral color. Anthology provides a suite of products in one succinct line to fit all project needs.

“Each of these complements the room without stealing the spotlight,” explained Marie Moore, director of design for EF Contract.

Seven colorways range from whites to blacks, beiges, creams, cool and warm grays, as well as soft blues.

Designer’s Choice showcases a striking loose hand sketched motif with simple lines surrounded by modest texture. Modern Classic features small-scale pattern utilizing a vintage texture that gives it the broadest use. VIP’s small-to-medium grade pattern boasts a more overall texture. First Class highlights a richer style with the most texture and layering to offer.

“Thanks to their minimalist foundation, Anthology is a vital tool for customers, making selections and their interplay easy,” Moore said.

The line coordinates with existing EF Contract LVT and Kinetex offerings, providing a full suite of flooring solutions.

Anthology is crafted using EF Contract’s 100% Encore SD Ultima nylon, specifically engineered to maximize appearance with exceptional color, performance and sustainability. The standard Nexus Modular Backing contains pre-consumer recycled content and contributes to LEED. The optional Advance Modular Carpet Backing provides a PVC-free option, which provides outstanding performance, protection and stability. It is also recyclable through EF Contract’s Flooring Reclamation Program.

The post EF Contract introduces Anthology collection appeared first on Floor Covering News.


EF Contract introduces Anthology collection Posted First on https://fcnews.net

AHSG to host exclusive Roomvo webinar

Roswell, Ga.—As part of its ongoing commitment to provide added value and innovative tools to its dealer network, American Home Surfaces Group (AHSG) will host an exclusive webinar in partnership with Roomvo on Thursday, April 3, at 4:00 p.m. EST.

This complimentary webinar is open to all AHSG members and will offer a deep dive into how Roomvo’s cutting-edge visualization technology can help dealers increase customer engagement and drive sales. Members can register now.

“This is a unique opportunity for our members to see firsthand how Roomvo can elevate the customer experience and lead to more closed sales,” said Tony Wright, President of AHSG/Commercial USA. “We’re excited to showcase the many ways this technology can support our dealer success.”

As an added incentive, one lucky attending AHSG dealer will be selected at random to win a free Roomvo Kiosk at the end of the event. (Must be present to win.)

“Our goal is to help our members attract more foot traffic, engage shoppers more effectively, and ultimately grow their business,” Wright added. “Roomvo is a powerful tool that can help them do exactly that.”

The post AHSG to host exclusive Roomvo webinar appeared first on Floor Covering News.


AHSG to host exclusive Roomvo webinar Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Underlayments: Today’s padding not just for cushioning

cushion
Palziv’s HQ Living carpet cushion is made from non-toxic, closed-cell polyethylene foam.

When it comes to flooring, sundry products are the proverbial icing on the cake. (And who likes cake without icing? No one, that’s who.) And neither should retailers sell their flooring wares without the sundry products meant to complement them. Underlayments, for example—from sound abatement to waterproofing to custom cushion programs—has proven to support the overall success of any flooring installation while adding to the retail community’s bottom line.

Following are the latest intros from the industry’s top underlayment suppliers.

DMX

DMX began manufacturing dimpled membranes in 2004 and has since adapted that knowledge to produce benefit-laden underlayments for the home. Take, for example, its 1-Step 2.0, a space-age contoured foam and unique dimple design that provides the ultimate in sound absorption while allowing air to circulate beneath floors, evaporating trapped moisture and eliminating harmful mold growth. In fact, the product is touted as a mold, sound, thermal and vapor barrier all in one. What’s more, it’s waterproof.

1-Step 2.0 can be used under vinyl flooring (5mm or higher). It is also certified by the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) and is VOC free.

Floor Muffler

Floor Muffler launched an innovation in flooring underlayments called Magnus, a family of magnetic flooring supplies that remove the need for adhesives. The Magnus product line consists of three products: Magnus underlayment; Magnus Tabs; and Magnus Rug for affixing area rugs to hard surfaces.

The complete system includes Magnetix luxury vinyl flooring from Floor Muffler partner Intelli-Force, and Magnus. However, the Magnus line can be used with any flooring type. “If you don’t use the Magnetix flooring, you could still use our Magnus,” said Clare Ciliberto, who handles marketing for the company. “Magnus underlayment and Magnus Tabs affix to most floors, like hardwood, LVT—they don’t have to be magnetic. And if there’s one damaged plank, you can just peel that up and then put down a new one. You don’t have to replace the floors. Also, you can just keep down the magnetic underlayment and change the floor covering if you want to switch from gray to brown, for example. It’s a very simple process.”

cushion
This year Foam Products announced the opening of its $15M Trion, Ga., facility, which produces cross-linked polyethylene foams for the pad-attached domestic market.

Future Foam/My Name is Best

My Name Is Best cushion from the Future Foam brand is a unique and exclusive formulation made from high-density virgin memory foam with extreme grind for comfort, conformity and long-lasting performance. Proprietary nylon film is used for impermeability to avoid spills soaking into cushion. Furthermore, it includes PetSolutions technology with moisture barrier to protect against pet accidents while preventing spills from reaching the subfloor.

Healthier Choice

Healthier Choice has been making underlayment for nearly 30 years and focuses on its tried-and-true Vapor Bloc Acoustical product, a patented, high-density polyurethane acoustic foam with built-in moisture vapor protection. The product significantly reduces unwanted noise by up to 22 decibels, and is suitable for beneath vinyl plank, laminate, engineered wood, solid hardwood, ceramic tile and stone tile flooring. It is also suitable for use over substrates like plywood, concrete and cement board and can even alleviate some imperfections in the subfloor. It can be used in floating and glue-down installation methods.

“We’re getting a lot of interest for our underlayment products at [TISE 2025],” said Andy Stafford, vice president of marketing and product development. “We’re seeing a resurgence, which is fantastic.”

Foam Products

Foam Products has been providing its wares for decades with premium floor covering underlayments and carpet cushion like Eco Ultimate Silencer and Eco Endurance showcasing its prowess. This year Foam Products announced the opening of a $15M facility in Trion, Ga., that produces cross-linked polyethylene foams for the pad-attached domestic market. “So right now, that product is usually brought in from China and then attached to the floor,” said Brian Culley, director of sales and marketing. “Manufacturers can now source this product right out of North Georgia in the heartland of Flooring USA. And instead of all the logistic issues, the timeframes—those type of things—they can get it tomorrow if they need to.”

The product is custom-designed with options from 0.5mm thick to 2.5mm, and from 4- to 8-pound densities. “We can do colors, we can do printed, we can do embossed. So we really want to work with those manufacturers to say, ‘What do you want?’ Instead of saying, ‘This is what we have.’ And that’s what we specialize in, and that’s why I say we’re a custom foam manufacturer.”

cushion
Leggett & Platt’s new Make-A-Wish Strength.

Leggett & Platt

Leggett & Platt Flooring Products has unveiled two new underlayments: Scotchgard Guardian, crafted from premium synthetic fiber for luxury vinyl and hardwood flooring; and Make-A-Wish Strength, a dense rubber solution for all hard surface products including ceramic tile that acts as a crack-isolation membrane. Both improve acoustics, reduce noise and feature Block-Out moisture guard and Fresh Dimension antimicrobial for inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria.

In partnership with Make-A-Wish, Leggett & Platt’s branded line also includes three carpet cushions: Passion, Inspire and Desire. Leggett & Platt will donate $0.01 to Make-A-Wish for every square foot ($0.09/square yard) of Make-A-Wish branded carpet and cushion underlayment products purchased.

The post Underlayments: Today’s padding not just for cushioning appeared first on Floor Covering News.


Underlayments: Today’s padding not just for cushioning Posted First on https://fcnews.net