NWFA names Matt Casey technical services officer

Matt Casey, technical services officer

St. Charles, Mo.—The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) announced that Matt Casey has been appointed as the new technical services officer. In this role, Casey will provide executive leadership for NWFA’s technical standards, publications and industry guidance, ensuring the accuracy, credibility and consistency of the association’s technical resources and education programs. His official start date is March 2.

“Throughout Matt’s 20 years in the wood flooring industry, he has visited job sites and led schools across the United States and Canada,” said Stephanie Owen, president and CEO of NWFA. “Those experiences have strengthened his passion for the industry and the leadership he shows in elevating craftsmanship. We look forward to Matt supporting NWFA members with the top-notch technical resources they have come to expect from the association.”

Most recently, Casey has been director of professional marketing and the Bona Certified Craftsman Program (BCCP) for Bona US. He joined the company in 2005 and served in a variety of roles including BCCP senior national manager, territory manager, training and technical specialist and account services specialist. During his time with Bona, he contributed to the growth of both the BCCP and the biennial BCC Convention.

“I am honored to step into this role with the NWFA and continue to serve as an advocate for the hardwood flooring industry by advancing standards, education and resources that support professionals and strengthen the trade,” Casey said.

Casey has served on the NWFA Certified Professionals Board, was included on Hardwood Floors magazine’s inaugural “40 Under 40” list in 2017, and contributed to the launch of NWFA’s Emerging Leaders Council.

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Surfaces ’26: Suppliers double down on laminate in Vegas

(Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a series recapping the latest laminate introductions from Surfaces.)

Laminate suppliers and importers alike continue to ride the category’s well-documented resurgence. Surfaces 2026 provided evidence that companies are not only investing in new product development in the laminate category, but also ensuring customers have a steady stream of inventory to pull from to keep up with growing demand.

Following are some of the category highlights:

Stanton

What’s new for 2026: Following the successful launch of its Nuvo Lux and Nuvo Max lines, Stanton Design is looking to raise the ante with its new Nuvo Grand collection. The product is a hefty 14mm thick, including an integrated 2mm IXPE pad, and comes in two plank sizes: 5 x 48 and 8 x 60.

For the finishing touch, Nuvo Grand sports a micro-painted bevel and EIR for added depth and realism. The product made such an impression during its debut at Surfaces last month that it earned a Best of Show (Laminate) Award.

“Laminate gives you this all encompassing approach and offers the closest visuals to hardwood,” Arthur Scheel, regional vice president of hard surfaces, Midwest, told FCNews. “The more the laminate visuals get elevated, the more acceptance it’s seeing in the market. Plus, laminate gives you the performance of wood, but then you also get some water-resistant characteristics that you may not get from a traditional hardwood product. We continue to see incremental growth in the category for us.”

Hallmark

What’s new for 2026: Hallmark Floors, producer of high-end, high-quality hardwood flooring products, jumped headlong into the laminate flooring arena at Surfaces 2025. Fast forward to 2026; the company is doubling down on the red-hot category by turning more of its attention to the segment.

“For us the focus for 2026 is on what we call ‘affordable luxury,’” said Mark Casper, vice president of sales and marketing. “In our research we’re seeing a bifurcation where consumers are aspiring for our upper-end hardwood products but are looking for some of those same looks in more accessible options. That’s why we’ve translated some of our high-end wood looks into 9-plus-inch-wide laminate in 7-foot-long planks with EIR and high-definition texture. These are durable, waterproof, sunproof and waterproof, so that’s what we’re delivering to the marketplace. The technology in the marketplace has reached a zenith to where what we have is rivaling wood.”

Shaw Floors

What’s new for 2026: Shaw Floors is extending its most popular and fastest-growing collection, Pet Perfect, into new categories with the introduction of Pet Perfect Luxury Vinyl and Pet Perfect Laminate. Like all Pet Perfect products, both collections are designed to offer enhanced protection for life with pets and are backed by Shaw Floors’ warranty, the Pet Perfect Promise—if a pet scratches it, Shaw Floors will replace it. To support these new offerings, the brand has developed two new displays for each respective collection.

More importantly, the expansion of Pet Perfect to Shaw Floors’ laminate portfolio signals its commitment to be a formidable player in the segment since returning to the category in 2024. “We’re very excited about bringing Pet Perfect to laminate,” said Joe Zekoski, vice president of hard surface. “With laminate, we’re focusing on how we can continue to meet consumers where they’re at. It’s making sure retailers and consumer see not just the designs and styles and the authentic wood appearances that we’re providing with laminate but the performance as well.”

Mohawk

What’s new for 2026: In recent years, Mohawk has expanded its popular RevWood laminate floors by segmenting the product across multiple tiers. For 2026, the company is looking to take it to the next level by introducing 35 new products across all those tiers. It’s all about developing products that meet consumers’ design needs while also addressing their performance requirements.

For 2026 Mohawk is expanding its entry-level 8mm-thick products in the RevWood Select tier via 12 new introductions in three collections. This includes an Acacia visual and new oak looks. “These are really nice, clean looking products to move in for your entry price point,” said David Moore, vice president, product management.

RevWood Plus and RevWood Premier are also getting new products with two collections in Plus, including a warm chestnut visual, a hickory look and new oak options in RevWood Premier. These visuals are made possible by its proprietary Signature Technology. “That hickory has some real georgeous movement in it,” said Michelle Dailey, senior director of product management.

Inhaus

What’s new for 2026: Inhaus continues to expand its growing portfolio of laminate flooring options for retailers and, ultimately, consumers. In much the same way that its rigid core products are structured according to tier level, its laminate flooring offerings are organized in a good/better/best structure.

The latest addition to the Inhaus laminate offering is the full-scale rollout of Ecolam, an entry-level product that’s more accessible to more consumers and end users while still providing the quality for which Inhaus is known.

“Ecolam is designed to go after the builder, multifamily and stocking dealer segment of the market,” said Sean Landes, director of sales, Inhaus.

Despite its entry-level status, Ecolam doesn’t skimp on quality. “In classic Inhaus fashion, what we do with all of our products when we do a good, better, best in terms of price point, we vary the features and benefits, but we never vary quality,” said Derek Welbourn, Inhaus CEO. “So whatever product you purchase here is the exact quality, the best that we can make.”

(Look for additional laminate Surfaces coverage in the next edition of FCNews.)

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WFCA, Floorzap release 2026 State of the Industry Report

Salt Lake City—Floorzap, in partnership with the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), released the 2026 State of the Retail Flooring Industry Report, outlining how retailers are navigating margin pressure, shifting customer expectations and rising operational complexity. The study draws on surveys from nearly 200 flooring retailers and 1,300 homeowners. It identifies benchmarks and strategies shaping performance in 2026.

It places special emphasis on installation quality, installer certification and the impact on claims, customer satisfaction and profitability.

“We were excited to partner with Floorzap on this initiative,” said Scott Humphrey, CEO of the World Floor Covering Association. “The data reinforces what we’re seeing across the industry—installer certification is becoming increasingly important, not just from a craftsmanship standpoint but for the measurable impact it has on reducing claims, protecting margins and improving the overall customer experience.”

The findings show a widening gap between retailers that modernized operations and those relying on manual processes. As lead volumes fluctuate and customers expect faster quotes and clearer communication, operational efficiency has become a competitive advantage.

“Flooring retailers are being asked to do more with less while still delivering a better customer experience,” said Matt Buckley, general manager at Floorzap. “This report shows exactly where the industry is feeling pressure and how top-performing businesses are adapting their operations to win in 2026.”

Key findings

• Nearly 60% of retailers convert more than 30% of inquiries, making missed calls and slow follow-up costly growth constraints.
• Eighty percent of retailers offer financing but use it on less than 5% of jobs, limiting deal expansion opportunities.
• Top performers invest in integrated systems at 3 to 10 employees, gaining visibility and margin control early.

The report follows Floorzap’s recent product announcement at The International Surface Event. The company introduced new capabilities designed to streamline operations from first customer contact through final payment.

The full report is available for download here.

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Capstone Key Services launches multifamily flooring company

Orlando, Fla.—Two flooring industry veterans launched Capstone Key Services, a multifamily and commercial flooring company based in Orlando. The company will serve property owners, management firms, developers and general contractors across Central Florida.

Joel Shear and Gabe Rivera founded the company. Both bring decades of experience in flooring and construction. They said the business will focus on high-quality products, dependable installation and strong customer service for large-scale projects.

“With the continued growth of multifamily and commercial development in Central Florida, we saw a clear need for a flooring partner that truly understands the demands of these projects,” said Joel Shear, co-founder. “Our goal is to be a reliable, tech forward, solutions-driven partner from pre-walk through completion.”

The company will offer luxury vinyl tile, carpet, tile and other commercial-grade materials. It will tailor solutions to meet performance, budget and timeline requirements.

“Between us, we’ve worked on thousands of units and countless commercial spaces,” said Gabe Rivera, co-founder. “We’ve built this company around the principles we believe matter most: integrity, efficiency and long-term relationships.”

Capstone Key Services will support replacement projects, new construction, renovations and tenant improvements throughout the region.

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Obituary: Christopher Ryan Vaughn, Georgian Carpet Industries

Christopher Ryan Vaughn

Christopher Ryan Vaughn, president of Georgia Carpet Industries, passed away on Feb. 4. He was 45. He was a beloved husband, a devoted father and a cherished son, brother and friend.

Vaughn was respected for his dedication, integrity and strong work ethic. He took pride in his work and believed in doing things the right way.

Vaughn was known for his steady presence and kind heart. He had a way of making people feel safe, heard and valued, often without saying much at all. His sense of humor—gentle, playful—and his thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He believed deeply in showing up for the people he loved and did so consistently and selflessly.

As a husband, Ryan was loyal, supportive and deeply committed to his family. As a father, he was patient, attentive and endlessly proud. Whether he was coaching their teams, helping with homework, attending school events, reading bedtime stories, planning family outings or simply being present, he made sure his girls always knew how loved they were. His guidance and love will continue to shape their lives in countless ways.

Vaughn is survived by his wife, Leia Andrews Vaughn, his partner in life and best friend. Together they had daughters, Hadley Elizabeth Vaughn and Lillian Grey Vaughn, both age 10. He is also survived by father, Allan Craig Vaughn and mother, Kim Kinnamon, sisters Jade Vaughn and Paige Hart, Brother Tyson Lewallyn (Megan Lewallyn), grandfather Alvin Vaughn, several nieces and nephews, and many extended family members.

A Celebration of Life was held in Dalton. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

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Surfaces ’26: Exhibitors go big and bold with latest wood intros

(Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a series recapping the hardwood highlights from Surfaces.)

The hardwood flooring category may have ceded market share to look-alike floors in recent years, but it remains one of the more aspirational flooring products available today. That’s why manufacturers, suppliers and importers continue to roll out exciting new offerings and line expansions that cater to the hardwood enthusiast.

Following is an overview of some of the standouts from Surfaces 2026:

Milton Goodwin, AHF Products’ vice president, showcases the latest additions to the venerable Hartco brand.

AHF Products

From Bruce to Hartco to Robbins and more, AHF Products sought to leverage its storied legacy in the competitive hardwood arena. Some standouts from the show included: a select-grade, premium offering under the Hartco banner. Made in Turney, Tenn., the newlines comes in a 7.5-inch-wide format and features a 3mm top layer.

“This product is designed to go after the middle to higher-end clientele looking for a beautiful, American-made hardwood floor,” said Milton Goodwin, vice president. AHF Products also showcased a line of solid offerings under the Hartco brand.

But the bell of the proverbial ball was a line from Bruce called Natural Reflections, a 5/16-inch-thick, 3 ¼ inch-wide plank that is exclusive to the company, according to AHF Products.

Anderson Tuftex

Anderson Tuftex, the high-end brand, has been updated with several trendy new wood visuals.

Artisan Oak and Valencia Walnut are the latest introductions from the high-end Anderson Tuftex brand. The new line channels the spirit of Old-World craftsmanship through hand-hewn textures, timeworn edges and a naturally aged patina. Crafted from 7.5-inch-wide planks with a rich oil finish, this white oak flooring is offered in a palette of five colors inspired by weathered stone, oak beams and heirloom pieces.

Valencia Walnut features a smooth texture, high variation and reactive stains that aim to highlight its natural movement. The collection comes in six soft tones. “We’ve already been showcasing these products around the country the last couple of weeks, and our customers are very excited,” said Ryan Powell, vice president of retail, Shaw Industries.

Cali

Mike Belprez and Laura Nieto display the progression of its wine-barrel-themed hardwood flooring products, including the new First Press line.

At Surfaces 2024, Cali took the wraps off the Barrel collection, followed by its sister Varietals line in 2025. This year it followed up with a step-product called First Press—a nod to the quality of the grapes utilized in wine making. Mike Belprez, director, product management and innovation, explained: “All of the Cali hardwoods are themed after California wine country and the art of winemaking. There’s a process in winemaking where you literally take the first press of a specific one kind of grape. It’s literal the first squeeze, and that gets you the finest expression of that grape for a pure wine. That analogy works really well for us as First Press the finest expression of European white oak.”

HF Design

Alex Shaolpour, president of HF Design, displaying the company’s new upscale Signature Reserve wood line.

In recent years HF Design has expanded its portfolio to include waterproof laminate and rigid core products, but it’s heart and soul is still firmly planted in hardwood, especially the high-end variety. At Surfaces the company showcased Signature Reserve, a lineup of 9.5-, 10- and 12-inch wide boards featuring various grading options and thermally treated colors.

“With this line we went wider, longer a little bit cleaner on the grading,” said Alex Shaoulpour, HF Design president. “It’s all European white oak in colors ranging from light, medium tones to warm browns with a low-luster urethane finish.” MSRP is $9-$10 per square foot.

Johnson Hardwood

Billy Ko, CEO of Johnson Hardwood Floors, introduces the initial colors available in the company’s new Coastal Collection.

Over the years Johnson Hardwood has evolved into a multi-category player, expanding its offerings to include high-performance laminate and rigid core. But at Surfaces 2026 it reminded retailers and distributors that it still has its pulse on the hardwood flooring market. Hence the introduction of the new Coastal Series, an offering of wide/long boards designed to make a dramatic statement in the home. More importantly, Coastal Collection offers trade-up opportunities for the retailers. “We wanted to bring this collection to our dealers to able to make good profit and better margins,” said Billy Ko, CEO.

Kährs

Kährs showcased several eye-catching engineered hardwood flooring products at its booth space this year. Standout launches included new additions to its popular Canvas collection, which gets eight trendy new colors and an upgrade from a 5-inch-wide format to a 7 3/8-inch-wide platform.

Renee Tester Littleton, director of marketing, Kährs, shows off the new additions to its popular Canvas collection

Kährs also showcased upgrades to its engineered Life Authentic line, which features a real wood veneer on an HDF core platform. “It’s a little wider, a little bit longer and we’ve added a little bit of wire brushing on it,” said Renee Tester Littleton, director of marketing. The line also comes in a herringbone pattern.

The latest line extensions hearken back to its long legacy of quality Swedish wood flooring manufacturing. “The key message we’re hitting on this year is the breadth of our product assortment,” Tester Littleton said. “We’ve been around since 1857 with our quality Swedish hardwood engineered flooring products. We’re the inventor of engineered hardwood floors.”

Look for more Surfaces coverage in the next issue of FCNews.

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Capital Carpet & Flooring acquires Business Interiors Floor Covering

Boston—Capital Carpet & Flooring announced the acquisition of Business Interiors Floor Covering, strengthening its leadership position in New England’s commercial flooring market.

The move unites two established names in commercial flooring. Capital Carpet brings decades of service excellence. Business Interiors Floor Covering adds specialized expertise in corporate and high-profile environments, including luxury hotels, law firms and biotechnology facilities.

Expanding operations and capabilities

Capital Carpet has served the New England commercial and institutional markets for more than 30 years. The company built its reputation on customer satisfaction and project execution.

Its portfolio includes projects for the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Encore Boston Harbor. It has also completed work for MIT, Boston EMS, the Massachusetts Convention Center and Logan Airport. The company is known for clear communication. It has earned a reputation for quality workmanship across a range of surfaces. Those include carpet, ceramic tile and polished concrete.

The acquisition adds Business Interiors Floor Covering’s 40,000-square-foot facility to Capital Carpet’s operations. The added space will centralize logistics and inventory management. Company leaders said the expanded footprint will support larger material staging and faster mobilization on complex projects.

“This acquisition allows both companies to strengthen resources, expand capabilities and better serve our customers and partners, while preserving the values and service standards that we have strived for,” Capital Carpet leadership said.

Positioning for long-term growth

Company officials said the combined organization will focus on sustainable, durable and design-forward flooring solutions as market demands evolve.

Capital Carpet will continue guiding architects, general contractors and facility managers through each phase of the flooring lifecycle, including specification, procurement, installation and maintenance.

The acquisition marks the company’s latest step in expanding its regional presence and reinforcing its role as a full-service commercial flooring partner in New England.

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