What’s new in moldings, sundries

These days moldings, accessories and sundries are not just some fancy accompaniments to flooring. Rather, they have become essential elements for finishing flooring projects, providing crucial, functional and aesthetic benefits. For example, these versatile products seal expansion gaps, facilitate smooth transitions between different materials or levels, protect floor edges from damage and ensure safety by preventing tripping hazards.

The winter markets featured a bevy of new offerings with the intended purpose of providing the finishing touch to a flooring installation. Following is an overview:

Engineered Floors/Xcessories

PureGrain is known for its visual depth and realism. A generic transition strip can ruin that illusion. Engineered Floors’ Xcessories program ensures coordinated trims for every PureGrain SKU in the High-Def, Comfort, Renew and Endure collections. Xcessories offers a full suite of profiles (T-molds, reducers, stair nosing, quarter rounds and stair treads) that are coordinated to the specific décor of the floor. And by using color-coordinated trims, the transition from a PureGrain floor to carpet, tile or stairs becomes an intentional design element rather than a necessary eyesore.

Fittes

Fittes Luxe+ Vents delivers simplified installation with a refined, elevated finish. Featuring a patented double air channel for enhanced airflow and performance, it integrates seamlessly with standard HVAC systems. The Flushmount design sits level with the flooring for a clean, modern look that complements premium surfaces. By combining high performance with elevated aesthetics, it gives remodelers and builders a distinctive upgrade that improves both function and overall project presentation without adding complexity to the build.

i4F Stair Tread Technologies

i4F Stair Tread Technologies solve a long-standing industry challenge by enabling stairs to become a seamless extension of the floor rather than an afterthought. Using the same material, décor, texture and height across SPC, LVT, WPC, laminate and wood, they deliver a perfect floor-to-stair match, including top steps and landings. Two construction approaches—L-shaped and U-shaped—ensure compatibility with all stair types.

Leggett & Platt

Leggett & Platt Flooring Products is a leader in carpet cushion and hard surface underlayments and continues to offer new, innovative products. Make-A-Wish Strength, a synthetic rubber crack isolation membrane, provides excellent acoustical performance for all hard surface flooring. Simplify your underlayment options by going with a proven leader for your underlayment needs.

Leggett & Platt will donate $0.01 to Make-A-Wish for every square foot ($0.09/sq. yd.) of Make-A-Wish-branded underlayment sold with a minimum donation of $100,000 annually.

Perfect Vents

Perfect Vents is expanding its product lineup with the introduction of solid and engineered wood floor vents, complementing its patented flush-mount system for floating floors. The frameless design uses the actual flooring material, eliminating the need to stain or attempt to color-match wood registers. The new hardwood offering allows retailers to provide a coordinated accessory solution across multiple flooring categories while maintaining the same installer-friendly installation process. As a strategic vendor partner with Shaw Industries, Perfect Vents continues to deliver trim and accessory solutions that improve the finished look of the installation.

MP Global

QuietWalk LV is designed specifically for all vinyl planks but can also be used with laminate and hardwoods. It measures 1.4mm thick and is made from dense recycled materials. The attached vapor barrier protects the overlying floors by offering full moisture protection beneath while protecting the overlying floor from potential water damage and alkalinity migration. Other key performance attributes include sound dampening, durability support and customer comfort.

TotalWorx

RockHold by TotalWorx Accessories is a premium, high-tack transitional adhesive designed for superior versatility and performance. It can be installed dry, semi-wet or wet and quickly firms as it cures for a secure bond. Engineered to support a wide range of resilient flooring solutions, LokWorx RockHold is solvent-free and delivers exceptional resistance to moisture, pH and plasticizers migration

Performance Accessories

Mohawk has introduced Performance Accessories TrueMatch technology, specifically designed for stair nosings to complement laminate and hybrid flooring. TrueMatch stair nosings deliver a flawless match, ensuring that the visuals, gloss level, texture, bevel type, waterproofing and scratch resistance are identical to the flooring. The preferred round nosing shape mirrors the elegant look of solid wood tread while also eliminating the hassle of staining to achieve a perfect match.

Unilin

Unilin Technologies has introduced a market-proven technology that aims to redefine how flooring accessories, such as stair covers, clickable skirtings and profiles, are made. Each stair cover is made directly from the original flooring plank. The result? Exactly the same design, texture and wear layer as the floor.

To create a stair cover, a flooring plank is bent over an insert, enhancing durability and performance. It adds structural strength, reduces glue usage and cost and defines the stair cover shape. This process enables the production of durable round-nose stair covers in laminate as well as other core materials (SPC, WPC and wood) and minimalistic square-edge stair covers.

Vanishing Vents

Traditional floor vents can interrupt beautiful hardwood and LVP floors. Vanishing Vents, however, aims to eliminate the distraction. Each vent is manufactured from the same material as the floor itself, creating a flawless, integrated appearance. The result is a sleek, flush-mount design that preserves the integrity of the space while maintaining proper airflow. Ideal for high-end residential and custom builds, Vanishing Vents deliver performance without compromising aesthetics.

Versatrim

Built for performance and designed for style, Versatrim’s commercial-grade aluminum moldings are designed to deliver lasting durability for both residential and commercial applications. The easy-to-install aluminum profiles include stair solutions, end caps and edge moldings, T-moldings, SlimTrims 3-in-1 moldings, risers, wall bases and corners and ramps and edges.

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Wood: Touting the category’s return on investment

Consumer and real estate studies have repeatedly shown that real hardwood flooring boosts a home’s resale value.

Over the past 15-plus years, the hardwood segment has ceded significant market share to competing flooring categories that not only look and feel like the real thing, but also sell for a fraction of the cost of real wood in many cases. No surprise there. However, hardwood proponents and enthusiasts say the category still reigns supreme when it comes to providing the greatest return on investment when compared to virtually every other product category.

But return on investment in flooring doesn’t just mean how much of the upfront project cost is “recovered” at resale. It also pertains to:

• Home sale price uplift
• Faster time on market
• Buyer appeal and prestige
• Long service life and lifecycle value
• Sustainability and brand perception

“Real hardwood flooring offers advantages that look-alike products simply cannot match,” said Jerome, Goulet, vice president of marketing, Mirage. “As a natural and renewable material, wood brings authentic character, unique grain patterns and timeless beauty that plastic-based alternatives such as vinyl or laminate can only imitate.”

By focusing on hardwood’s long-term investment potential, flooring retailers and contractors can help customers and end users make informed decisions.

Following are key points to accentuate when presenting options for buyers:

Hardwood vs. everything else

For many homeowners, flooring is one of the largest interior remodel expenses after kitchens and bathrooms—yet it often delivers equal or better financial returns when it’s done right. Hardwood flooring consistently ranks at the top of interior remodeling projects for dollar recovery at resale, often outperforming kitchens, bathrooms or cosmetic upgrades.

Research conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed projects involving wood floors delivered some of the strongest ROI among interior upgrades:

• Refinishing hardwood floors recovers roughly 147% of project costs at resale—the highest recovery rate of all interior residential projects.
• Installing new wood flooring recovers approximately 118% of costs—second only to refinishing.

By contrast, NAR research shows:

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile projects often generate respectable, albeit lower, returns (commonly in the 50%–80% range) depending on material and installation quality.
• Carpet installations typically offer minimal long-term value, especially once worn or dated; resale ROI estimates usually range 25%–40%.
• Laminate flooring, while cost-effective, lacks the refinishing potential and longevity of hardwood, yielding lower returns over time.

To fully appreciate hardwood’s ROI benefits, retailers must understand how key alternatives stack up. Carpet, for example, usually entails lower upfront cost but lesser value over the long-term, NAR research shows. Moreover, carpet typically does not add resale value.

Laminate, while budget-friendly, is non-refinishable and short-lived compared with hardwood. LVT/P products, by comparison, offer an attractive initial ROI due to lower cost (often 50%–60%), but lack refinishing potential and premium appeal. In addition, the product performs well in spaces subject to heavy traffic or areas of the home prone to spills and leaks (i.e, kitchens, bathrooms).

“It’s true that vinyl flooring has its place; it’s ideal for consumers looking for a low-maintenance, waterproof product,” said Ron Sadri, principal owner, Provenza. “Although no real hardwood product can ever be waterproof, real wood has the advantage in that it provides a natural look that you simply can’t duplicate with waterproof vinyl.”

Some might argue that the onslaught of competitive wood look-alike products actually benefits hardwood. As Wade Bondrowski, director of U.S. sales at Mercier, explained: “With so many companies focusing on plastic floors, that basically took the low-end wood products out of the market because they couldn’t compete.”

While the category has undoubtedly ceded share to competing product segments, hardwood flooring represents the gold standard for homeowners. “From the retail sales associates to the store owner, hardwood provides the highest margin opportunities for dollar per square foot,” said Chris King, vice president, residential sales, AHF Products. “By defaulting to other products, the RSA is leaving dollars on the table.”

Why hardwood delivers ROI

One of the most significant ROI drivers is buyer demand. Surveys and industry research have repeatedly shown that:

• Homes with wood floors sell faster and for more money than similar homes without them.
• Real estate professionals indicate identical homes with wood floors can sell for up to 10% more than those without.
• Nearly 80% of homeowners believe wood floors add the most value to a home among flooring options.

This preference is not just aesthetic. Hardwood floors are perceived as timeless, quality and low-maintenance—factors that influence buyer decisions and justify premium pricing.

“From a financial perspective, hardwood delivers a stronger return on investment,” Mirage’s Goulet stated. “It is widely recognized for increasing a home’s resale value and remains a sought-after feature among buyers. While many plastic products need to be replaced after 10 to 20 years, quality hardwood flooring can last for decades. It can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan and reducing long-term replacement costs.”

Genuine hardwood offers consumers trade-up opportunities. Pictured is Cotton Candy from Mirage’s Sweet Memories.

Moreover, user studies show hardwood floors can last longer than most other flooring types— often exceeding 100 years with proper care. By contrast, carpet typically requires replacement every 10 to 15 years due to wear, staining and odor retention. Vinyl and laminate products typically last 10–25 years before replacement becomes necessary.

However, because hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, it essentially resets its own life-cycle value, extending the time before replacement is needed and reinforcing its long-term return. “Hardwood is something you can rejuvenate by changing the color if the consumer wants a different tone or stain,” Provenza’s Sadri said. “If the customer gets tired of the old whitewash finish, she can restore it to a nice, rich, brown look— something that you cannot do with vinyl.”

Better resale premiums

Real-estate data consistently shows that hardwood flooring not only recoups costs but often boosts sale price beyond the initial investment. While exact figures vary by region and housing stock, hardwood’s proven track record positions it as a financially strategic choice—especially for move-up buyers or sellers in competitive markets.

Generally speaking, new hardwood can increase home value by 3%–5% in some markets. Some studies suggest hardwood ROI approaching or exceeding the homeowner’s cost under the right conditions. That’s why it’s important, proponents say, to educate customers on life-cycle value, not just price.

With the typical medium- to large-scale hardwood installation running into the tens of thousands of dollars, it’s not unusual for buyers to initially fixate on upfront cost. But savvy buyers recognize that lower lifetime cost and higher resale value often make hardwood more economical than frequent carpet or vinyl replacements. Experts say retailers who articulate this life-cycle perspective can shift conversations away from sticker price to total value.

Hardwood also allows RSAs to step up consumers to better-quality, higher-margin products. As Jamann Stepp, senior vice president, hard surfaces at Stanton Design, explained: “Obviously, if an RSA is commissioned, I think they’re going to try to upsell a client or an end user who has a house full of kids and dogs and came in looking for a waterproof product that looks like wood but is much less expensive. But if the customer is looking for true aesthetics, something that’s going to add true value-add to the home, then wood is a no-brainer.”

More importantly, proponents say, hardwood flooring can be profitable at multiple price points—all depending on the type of product and volume. Indeed, middle price points and premium products will usually be more profitable than value, entry-level products. That’s why it’s important for retailers, contractors and distributors to keep the focus on actual margin “dollars” vs. margin “percent.” As AHF Products’ King noted: “And even with the added challenge retailers have faced from wood-look alternatives, true hardwood is where bigger paychecks can be made.”

Premium and sustainable, too

Beyond the ROI story, hardwood offers other selling points—its environmental benefits. The fact that it’s a renewable carbon-neutral product and can last generations also factor into the consumer’s purchasing decision. As Mirage’s Goulet explained: “Real wood flooring offers a clear environmental distinction. Plastic look-alike floors are difficult to recycle. Responsibly sourced hardwood stores carbon and has a significantly lower environmental footprint over its lifetime. Choosing real wood is not just about aesthetics; it is a durable, sustainable investment that enhances both the long-term value and integrity of a space.”

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Shaw Contract launches ‘Design for All’ CEU

Cartersville, Ga.—Shaw Contract has launched Design for All, a new continuing education course (CEU) created to help architecture and design professionals better understand how inclusive, purpose‑driven design can support collective well‑being across commercial environments.

The details

What is Design for All? A 1.0 IDCEC / 1 LU and 1 AIA LU (General) accredited CEU that explores how design decisions influence human health, social connection, learning, and environmental responsibility.

What does the course cover? Through five interconnected lenses—Wellbeing, Connection, Learning, Experience and Thriving—the course examines how shared spaces can foster belonging, resilience and regeneration. Participants are guided through cultural shifts, emerging values and evolving design drivers that shape how spaces are created and experienced today.

Developed through Shaw Contract’s internal research and design process, the CEU reflects more than a year of cross‑disciplinary exploration by the brand’s design research, development and creative teams.

“We begin by studying broad cultural trends, emerging sentiments, and societal drivers,” said Reesie Duncan, vice president of global design at Shaw Contract. “From there, we identify themes that clearly communicate a larger story. The five lenses in Design for All naturally emerged as a way to connect research, design and human experience into a single, practical framework.”

Practical insight

The CEU provides designers with actionable insights they can apply across commercial interiors, including:

• Emerging color directions that support inclusive environments
• Long‑term environmental implications of design decisions
• Material and color applications that encourage representation and belonging
• Responsible design practices that consider both people and planet

The course emphasizes the role of design in shaping environments that are not only functional, but also supportive of emotional, social, and environmental well‑being.

“Design for All reinforces our belief that space has a powerful impact on how people feel, connect and thrive,” said Frances Phillips, senior marketing manager, content at Shaw Contract. “This CEU is designed to give designers thoughtful frameworks they can use immediately to create spaces that feel more inclusive, intentional and supportive.”

Course availability

The CEU is available to architecture and design professionals through Shaw Contract’s education platform and can be delivered as either a live presentation or a virtual session.

To learn more or schedule a CEU session, visit Shaw Contract’s CEU library here.

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Safe, secure locking with SolidTech SPC

The structural strength behind SolidTech lies in its underlying locking system.

When it comes to SPC/ rigid core locking systems, all floors are not created equal. This axiom is especially relevant in a sub-segment overrun with low-quality, entry-level imports that largely compete on price. Mohawk’s SolidTech SPC is not one of those products.

The primary differentiator, according to Derek Harner, senior manager of resilient marketing at Mohawk, is the robust locking system utilized in the construction of SolidTech. “Uniclic remains one of the most reliable and installer-preferred locking systems in the market,” he explained. “Its engineered pre-tension and multi-layer profile create a tighter, more stable joint—which is something many competing systems can’t replicate. And with so many locking systems appearing similar on the surface, there’s a real need to help consumers understand that the technology inside isn’t all the same.”

While SolidTech isn’t brand new to the market—it originally launched about seven years ago—Mohawk is doubling down on its efforts this year to explain to retailers why the product stands out in the marketplace. It’s a timely initiative given the rigid resilient sub-segment is uber competitive with scores of suppliers occupying the space.

“We’re really trying to highlight some of the differences that help our products stand out— and one of the things that we’re really proud of is our partnership with Unilin and the Uniclic locking system that we’re able to utilize because of that relationship,” Harner explained.

Emphasizing that distinction is especially critical in today’s environment where retailers and distributors have been burned by claims spurred on by low-quality, entry-level products. “The most common warranty claim worldwide for rigid vinyl flooring is locking system failure—primarily because a lot of the product is SPC construction,” Harner noted. “The stone component of SPC can be very brittle, especially on some of the thinner products, the commodity stuff. In those products, you typically see system failures happening on the top of the locking system.”

When the locking system breaks or its integrity is compromised, the planks will actually start to separate, Harner noted. And because the weakest point is on the top of that locking system, it will actually force the lip of that product up. “So, when you’re sitting in your living room and you’re looking across your open floor plan home that you’ve just replaced all the flooring on six months ago, you can see the planks starting to separate and the lips starting to come up. And what that ultimately leads to is a call to your dealer saying, ‘Hey, you guys said this was under warranty. I’m having this issue.’ It ends up being a headache for the dealer. He’s got to come out and fix it.”

With the Uniclic system, it’s not a concern. “That’s not going to happen with the Uniclic system,” Harner noted. “Not only is it 1.5x stronger than the most widely used system out there, ours is 2x more durable.”

In backing those numbers, Harner pointed to industry-accepted testing. “The first one is called a tensile strength test, whereby you lock two planks together and you apply as much force as you can,” he explained. “You pull them apart until they break. The second one is a caster chair test, which helps replicate the results of caster chairs, office chairs rolling over the joints of the product. Thousands and thousands of time to simulate lifetime wear and tear on the floor. Our locking system does not break.”

Beyond ensuring a durable locking connection, the Uniclc system serves another function: keeping water or spills on the surface of the product. In fact, this year, Mohawk has extended its Floodproof Warranty to SolidTech, reinforcing its position in waterproof performance.

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Mercier promotes liv, livUP hardwood finishes in new campaign

Montmagny, Quebec—Mercier Wood Flooring’s new campaign addresses concerns about hardwood flooring’s ability to withstand everyday use. The campaign highlights the company’s liv and livUP surface finishes, designed to enhance durability and long-term performance.

New finishes from Mercier allow homeowners to enjoy the warmth and natural beauty of real wood without sacrificing durability. The livUP formula also meets the demands of light commercial environments.

“After one year on the market with our enhanced finish formula, the results are unequivocal,” said Karyne Tremblay, director of product development and quality. “Our laboratory tests confirm outstanding performance and consumer testimonials consistently highlight satisfaction with the ease of maintenance and exceptional durability.”

Mercier recently refreshed the name and visual identity of its finishes. The update supports a broader effort to educate consumers about modern hardwood performance.

“We refreshed the name and visual identity of our finishes,” said Jean-Philippe Dumas, vice president of sales and marketing and co-owner. “Now it is time to break the myths and show more consumers that a well-protected hardwood floor suits almost any lifestyle.”

Beginning in mid-March 2026, Mercier will launch a social media campaign. The effort will feature short videos highlighting different lifestyles. Each video shows how liv and livUP finishes perform in real-world conditions.

The message behind the new campaign is simple: Live life and the floor will keep up.

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Surfaces ’26: WPC, hybrids tackle performance, realism

At The International Surface Event (TISE) 2026, WPC and hybrid rigid core suppliers leaned into comfort, performance and realism, bringing forward enhanced constructions and elevated visuals designed to meet evolving residential demand.

WPC reigns

WPC continues to gain share in the residential market as consumers seek comfort underfoot without compromising on performance or design. At TISE 2026, new WPC introductions highlighted enhanced constructions and trend-forward visuals.

With a whopping 60 new SKUs launched across its hard surface portfolio in 2026, Stanton Design is demonstrating its commitment to continue expanding beyond its soft surface roots. Even more telling is the fact that approximately 40% of those new launches unveiled at Surfaces target the WPC arena. “A lot of the business is shifting from rigid SPC product into a more elevated experience,” said Arthur Scheel, regional vice president, hard surface, Midwest.

Scheel cited a few standouts in Stanton’s WPC offering, including Summit. “The colors in this line are warmer, medium brown tones that are more indicative of a hardwood color palette,” he explained. “This platform partners really well with our hardwood program.”

Stanton’s growing WPC offering also features new formats. New this year is a half-inch-thick WPC alternative in 60-inch lengths but more narrow 5-inch widths. Additional options include a 7 x 60-inch product and a 7 x 72-inch product. “These are looks and sizes that are more suitable for that everyday home,” Scheel explained.

COREtec came to the show excited about Retro Revival. What makes the new line unique, according to the company, is its 9 x multi-length sizing. “It gives that realistic wood visual, and has had great market reception so far,” said Rod MacLeod, senior product director, Shaw Industries.

Lions Floor expanded its WPC offering with Ocean Crest, which is positioned to serve the middle of the market and support its higher-end offering. “We’re not only focused on the higher end because we understand the economy in recent years has been challenging, and we want to make sure that we are providing a product that’s workable and a value add to our current offering,” said Jerry Guo, CEO.

Ocean Crest features 8mm, 9 x 60-inch planks and a 20-mil wear layer. The line includes a pressed bevel and EIR for optimal realism.

Mohawk dipped its toe in WPC in 2025 with the launch of Ember Coast in its Karastan line of higher-end options, but this year they put their foot in it. The Pergo brand is where its 8mm- 10mm WPC lineup will sit.

Cue Sterling Cove and Hazelwood Drift— available in the Pergo Preferred tier. They are both 8mm, 22- mil in a 9 x 60 format. The Karastan brand will remain the premium brand for Mohawk’s WPC where thicknesses will sit at 12mm. That line was expanded to include Charlton Ivy, a walnut option, featuring a bold and unique color lineup.

Mannington redefined its Adura selling system this year and with it came the expansion of Adura Apex. This higher-end Adura line now includes new products like Antiquity, which turned heads at the show for the company’s achievement in realism. “It’s all about getting it as close to the real thing as possible,” said Al Boulogne, senior vice president, residential product & marketing.

Another detail is not only does it look real and feel real, but it also doesn’t capture dirt. “The cleanability on this is actually pretty amazing,” said Renee Cannon, manager, residential styling. “I think that’s important because you would think it would get stuck [in the veining, the texture.] It’s just a part of the way we make sure it’s great for the customer. Not only do we want it to look and feel real, but we also want it to perform the way the customer wants it to.”

Cali unveiled its Longboards Icon line, a new WPC offering.

Cali expanded its WPC product offering with the launch of Longboards Icon. “The legacy continues,” said Mike Belprez, director of product innovation. “As the industry and the market really embraces and is having a growing and greater affection for WPC, we [wanted to provide that in Longboards.] If SPC were to drop off the map tomorrow, Longboards Icons ensures that we have what they need. And now we have a good, better, best option in resilient as well.” Icons features an extra-thick 14mm plank with a 22-mil wear layer.

Eternity Flooring built on its growing WPC offering and moved away from the SPC arena with a new line called Ingraind. The 10mm-thick product boasts a 28-mil wear layer and comes in 9 x 60 planks. The line features an ultra-matte finish for a more realistic texture and overall visual. “We did really well in the WPC category when it first came out, and we’re investing and focusing more attention to it,” said Isaac Lee, corporate sales, marketing and product development manager, Eternity Flooring. Matching stair nosings are also available with the new line.

Johnson Hardwood expanded its Vortis family of WPC products with the Aspen collection. Measuring nearly 9.5 inches wide x 72 inches long, the new line comes in both 8mm and 12mm versions. The line debuts in 12 colors available in light, medium to dark wood-grain tones and features EIR for added realism and texture along with attached pad. “We’re seeing interest from a lot of builders or in some residential applications where the homeowner is looking for an alternative to laminate,” said Billy Ko, CEO.

IFC unveiled a new display system that holds luxury vinyl options, including those featuring its new bevel technology.

IFC, while still a young company, has deep experience in WPC and continued to showcase its expertise at this year’s show. This time, with the unveiling of its new bevel system. “Ultimately, that consumer is coming in with that aspirational purchase of hardwood,” said Greg Wrenn, vice president, product and brand. “That’s what we’re trying to mimic. We’re trying to provide the most realistic solution to every single end consumer. So we’re going to continue to push the boundaries on that and make it as realistic as possible. And we think we’re getting closer and closer to that with this bevel system.”

The new bevel system, Natural Edge Plus, mimics hardwood better than its predecessors and focuses on a lighter pressed bevel up paired with a very subtle micro bevel.”

Southwind continues to make a strong push in WPC. Among the new offerings shown at Surfaces included Harbor Plank, an 8mm, 6 x 48, 20-mil wear layer offering with its Diamondized finish. “This is a floor that balances comfort underfoot, durability and timeless design appeal,” said Drew Hash, Southwind CEO. “We took the best styles and updated the colors.”

The offering also included Authentic Plank, featuring 8mm thickness, plank sizes up to 9 x 59, 20-mil wear layer with the Diamondized finish and Uniclic interlocking system; and New Traditions (9 x 60 planks) with embossed-in-register texture and pressed bevel edges.

Tarkett Home’s WPC offerings included EverGen Stone with HeritEdge that features an irregular bevel and integrated grout line. “You get true realism, something that isn’t available in any click format, except for here,” said Jason Surratt, president of Tarkett Home.

Tarkett Home also showed off Pietra, an SPC with a 20-mil wear layer featuring stone looks that was well received at the show, Surratt said.

TDG did not forsake WPC. A case in point is its TX101 collection, which is available in six colors, with a 5mm thickness and loose-lay format. “This product is going to be a monster for us,” said Doug Helmstaedter, regional vice president, Mountain West region. “We didn’t have loose lay in a meaningful way until now.”

One of the main highlights at the HF Design booth this year was the launch of the new Versa Core PureEdge line of Luxury Waterproof Floors. What makes it tick: The new line, a WPC product measuring 9 x 72 inches with a 28-mil wear layer, boasts an embossed-in-register, low-gloss finish for added realism. Another standout feature, according to Alex Shaoulpour, president, is its pressed, eased bevel. “The trend is moving away from the painted bevel; with this product you get more of a natural beveled look,” he explained.

Among its expansion in loose lay constructions and the launch of its Karndean Aesthetics platform (FCNews Feb. 2/9), Karndean also expanded its rigid core offering in 2026 via its Van Gogh collection. Retailers will see new elm-, oak- and pine-inspired designs. Van Gogh has a 20-mil wear layer, and every design is available in both glue-down and rigid core formats. The new designs will launch during the second half of 2026.

New hybrid vinyl constructions

AHF’s Drew Wiley with the company’s HDPC rigid core line from Armstrong Flooring.

Hybrid resilient constructions are carving out a unique niche by blending the performance strengths of various formats. At TISE 2026, new hybrid introductions showcased the ingenuity of the category.

Take AHF Products, for example. The company touted its High Density Polymer Core (HDPC) line. “What excites me is the value we’re bringing to our customers with our HDPC launch,” said Drew Wiley, director, product management. “With that, we’re focusing on three things: capacity, quality and brand.”

The company is now producing roughly half of the domestic rigid core demand out of its Cartersville, Ga., facility, which has more than 200 million square feet of annual capacity—an intentional move as demand for U.S.-made product grows.

Engineered for performance, the rigid core platform is designed to withstand temperature swings from 0 to 160 degrees, offering enhanced dent resistance through a denser construction than traditional rigid core products. It also delivers stronger locking systems for improved installation integrity.

Engineered Floors continues to tout the “PureGrain difference,” with new offerings from its PureGrain High-Def DLVT lineup. Antiquity and Divine, for example, aim to capture the authenticity of real wood, replicating unique grain textures thanks to a digitally printed décor that allows for high-resolution imaging and enhanced plank repeats.

Inhaus expanded its family of Ceramin-branded offerings with the introduction of the Nuva collection, an opening price point companion to the Icon and Gallery offerings, respectively. In the good/better/best tier structure, it’s the opening salvo. “It hits that price point [$3.99] where we can go after more of the builder and multifamily stocking dealers,” said Sean Landes, sales director, Inhaus.

LICO had on hand one of the most unique constructions in the industry: True Earth Floorworks. This line of luxury vinyl is a multilayer 100% organic modular plank floating floor. It is touted as waterproof, kid-proof and pet-proof while being composed of 79% recycled material. What truly stands out is the company’s commitment to recycling each floor for its “Second Life” strategy. The flooring can also be responsibly disposed of, where it is designed to naturally break down at the end of its life—an uncommon and forward-thinking concept within the category.

Nox’s latest addition to its LVT lineup is its new LDW+ or Luxury Design Wall. The product can be installed on both floors and walls and is going after the ceramic market. It features an affordable price point and True Texture technology, which allows for—you guessed it—realistic texturizing on the surface of the product. “You can see that this is exactly the same visuals and texture as ceramic tile, but this is much lighter,” said Joony Kim, director, product marketing & planning.

Forbo’s Flotex is a unique mash-up of vinyl and carpet tile to create a waterproof flooring product with infinite design options. “The beautiful part about this is we’ve taken a product that has pretty significant guts to it—meaning the 6,6 nylon, heavy duty, ready for wearability, waterproof textile product—but allows you to custom make designs and colors for the market that you’re going in—residential or commercial,” said Tim Donahue, U.S. residential national sales director, Forbo.

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Floating Floor Guide 2026 now live

Karndean’s Koa Kai

Floating floors have evolved from a niche installation method into one of the industry’s most versatile and widely adopted solutions. Today’s platforms span multiple constructions—from laminate and engineered wood to rigid core and hybrid formats—each designed to simplify installation while touting reliable performance. Advances in locking systems, core technology and surface realism continue to elevate the category, giving retailers more options across price points and applications. For dealers and installers alike, the appeal remains clear: faster installs, fewer callbacks and more consistent results.

The annual Floating Floor Guide gives the retail and distribution community access to today’s top floating floors, including the latest intros and theirs features/benefits.

View the full Guide here. 

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