Cali launches Longboards Icons premium WPC collection

San Diego—Cali launched Longboards Icons, a premium WPC luxury vinyl collection that builds on its bestselling Longboards line. The new collection targets growing demand for thicker and more premium vinyl options.

Longboards Icons features 14mm WPC planks. The added thickness provides cushioned comfort and improved sound insulation.

The collection retains the coastal oak aesthetic of the original Longboards line. Planks measure 9 x 72. The line features embossed-in-register wood grain and an upgraded 22-mil wear layer.

“Longboards has been one of our top sellers for years because it delivers what people actually want: beautiful durable floors at a fair price,” said Doug Jackson, CEO of Cali. “Icons takes that formula and makes it even better with improved visuals and more substantial planks. It is what the market is asking for.”

Key features include:

• 14mm WPC construction for added cushioning and sound absorption
• 22-mil wear layer for enhanced scratch protection
• 100% waterproof core for use in kitchens bathrooms and basements
• Embossed-in-register wood grain in coastal oak tones
• Click-lock installation over most subfloors without glue or nails
• 50-year residential and 15-year commercial warranty
• FloorScore certified for indoor air quality
• Coordinated trim and transitions for seamless installation

Cali said the launch positions the company to compete in the premium vinyl segment. The thicker profile addresses consumer concerns about hollow-sounding floors while maintaining waterproof performance and ease of maintenance.

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New adhesives showcase meaningful innovations

Flooring adhesives are evolving toward safer, high-performance and faster-installing solutions, with an emphasis on products that reduce emissions and offer easier cleanup. New formulations focus on extreme moisture resistance, enhanced, eco-friendly, low-VOC components and integrated antimicrobial protection.

Here is a sampling of what’s happening in the adhesives market.

Bona

Bona R820 is a one-component, silane-based wood flooring adhesive that offers adhesion to a variety of surfaces. The initial bonding strength and ridge stability make it particularly suitable for engineered flooring installations with low movement. The adhesive, which is Greenguard Certified for indoor air quality, offers a long open time of up to 90 minutes and allows for easy trowel application.

Bostik

Bostik Lock H899 Optimum is a high-performance, one-component hybrid adhesive designed for resilient floor coverings in demanding environments. The improved viscosity of Lock H899 allows for easy troweling and a cleaner, less messy wet-set installation. The product is designed to resist topical moisture and temperature fluctuations, delivering reliable results in wet rooms and climate-sensitive spaces. Engineered for durability, it provides exceptional mechanical strength to handle heavy foot traffic and rolling loads in high-traffic areas such as airports, lobbies and corridors. With cure times as fast as three hours, Lock H899 Optimum supports fast-track installations without sacrificing long-term performance.

Performance Accessories

ExpressLok is a next generation, high strength, hard set adhesive engineered for demanding commercial and residential resilient flooring installations. Its fast-grab formula locks flooring in place in as little as 25 minutes, while color changing technology ensures installers never miss the critical application window. ExpressLok delivers exceptional shear strength, long-term performance and can be applied on concrete substrates as early as 28 days—making it a reliable solution for today’s accelerated construction timelines.

Engineered Floors – Xcessories

Engineered Floors’ Xcessories Adhesives and Floor Prep Systems provide a complete portfolio of high-performance, low-odor and low-VOC solutions for the most demanding commercial, institutional and heavy commercial flooring installations. The products (Pro-Tac, Pro-Tac Primer and Pro-Tac Primer+) are formulated for powerful, long-term bonds, superior moisture control and ease of application, making them the ideal choice for health-conscious projects and virtually all approved substrates.

Taylor

Resolute RT is a next-generation, single-part, moisture-cured flooring adhesive engineered for challenging environments where every minute matters. Built to dramatically reduce setup time, Resolute RT now achieves quick access for heavy rolling loads in just six hours while supporting light and heavy traffic with confidence. Its waterproof design forms an unlimited moisture vapor barrier, resists topical liquids and eliminates the need for RH, pH or MVER [moisture vapor emission rate] testing. The result is minimized downtime and a more reliable installation in the spaces that demand it most.

Roberts

Roberts 8799 Quick Bond vinyl flooring spray is a premium adhesive formulated as a quick, one-step application process for LVT/LVP, VCT and fiberglass-backed tile in residential/commercial applications. Pressure sensitive with aggressive tack and high-shear strength, the “stand and spray” installation method uses less adhesive than typical trowel applications and allows for immediate foot traffic. Roberts 8799 can be used in a double-bond installation for cushioned underlayment with resilient flooring applications.

VacuuBond

Innovative adhesive technology is seen with VacuuBond, which sticks to virtually all substrates and eliminates the mess of traditional troweled adhesives. Featured on VacuuBond LVT this preapplied “peel and press” system uses a patented beaded adhesive that activates under pressure to create an instant vacuum bond. VacuuBond performs capably under a range of temperatures.

TotalWorx Accessories

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 range of resilient flooring solutions, LokWorx RockHold is solvent-free and delivers exceptional resistance to moisture, pH and plasticizers migration. When the flooring manufacturer’s installation guidelines permit a fully adhered, dry-to-the-touch pressure-sensitive adhesive, use RockHold to install luxury vinyl tile and plank, EVA, IXPE, XPO attached pad products and VCT.

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Tuesday Tips: Tell a strong story

Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) released a new “Tuesday Tips” this week. In the series, WFCA experts present short video tips for improving customer service and optimizing staff performance. In the end, it’s all about understanding the importance of doing 100 things just 1% better than your competition.

In this week’s Tuesday Tips, Tom Jennings shares a simple but powerful reminder: if you want customers to fully buy into the flooring experience you’re creating, you have to tell a descriptive, strong story.

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Shaw Contract Hospitality expands ROAM collection

Cartersville, Ga.—Shaw Contract Hospitality launched ROAM Tropical Retreat, the newest destination in its ROAM custom series. Inspired by nature and handcrafted design, the collection transforms the floor into a calm, layered environment. Woven grasses, lush botanicals and organic motifs shape immersive hospitality spaces.

“ROAM Tropical Retreat invites designers to create immersive destinations that reconnect guests with place,” said Carey Stevens, marketing director for hospitality and multifamily, Shaw Contract. “Through custom color, texture, scale and format, this collection empowers partners to craft layered interiors while delivering the performance, sustainability and craftsmanship hospitality projects demand.”

Part of the ROAM series, Tropical Retreat draws influence from landscape, architecture, culture and community. The collection captures a sense of escape while maintaining a refined aesthetic. It includes tile, broadloom and rugs designed for public spaces, corridors and guest rooms. The patterns and constructions layer easily to create cohesive interiors suited for immersive experiences, creative inspiration or quiet reflection.

The line offers construction options for a range of applications and budgets. CYP Broadloom features plush cut-pile constructions with up to eight colors using EcoSolution Q nylon yarn. Colorpoint Broadloom delivers multi-level texture and artisan detail. Colorpoint Carpet Tile provides design flexibility and integrates with 5 mm resilient flooring. It features EcoWorx 100% PVC-free backing. Multituft Broadloom offers dimensional loop construction and cost-effective versatility with options for added softness.

All ROAM Tropical Retreat patterns pair with Shaw Contract’s running line LVT, porcelain and ceramic. The integrated portfolio allows designers to build seamless, high-performing spaces from the ground up.

Backed by Shaw’s People Together, Planet Forever commitment, ROAM styles feature third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, Green Label Plus certification and Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver achievement. These attributes support material health, carbon reduction and circularity goals.

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FCIF grant provides stability for flooring family

Dalton—One major function of the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) is to provide financial assistance to flooring industry veterans during times of extreme need. Such was the case with Shane and his family after his 14-year-old son Landon was diagnosed with lukemia.

After 19 years in the flooring industry, Shane never imagined his family would face a crisis like this. During Landon’s treatment he suffered a grand hemorrhagic stroke that left him in a coma for nine days. As medical complications mounted and Landon required extended hospitalization and rehabilitation, the family applied for a grant from the FCIF to help cover essential household expenses and medical-related costs so they could focus fully on his recovery.

During Landon’s treatment, his mother had to leave her job to remain by his side through months of hospital stays, including time in the pediatric intensive care unit and inpatient rehabilitation. FCIF’s financial assistance helped the family keep their home, cover utilities and manage medical expenses during an incredibly uncertain time. The support also helped make ongoing outpatient therapy and specialized rehabilitation programs possible as Landon continues working to regain strength and mobility.

“The grant has provided our family with stability,” his mother shared. “You are gifting more than financial help. You are giving families like ours the chance to keep going.”

Because of FCIF’s support, Landon has been able to continue critical outpatient therapy and participate in specialized rehabilitation programs that are helping him regain strength and mobility. He recently completed an intensive program in which he experienced measurable movement in his right hand for the first time in three years.

Stories like Landon’s reflect FCIF’s mission to provide direct financial assistance to flooring professionals and their families facing catastrophic medical hardship. Through the generosity of donors and industry partners, FCIF helps families maintain stability and focus on healing during life’s most difficult moments.

If Landon’s story feels familiar, you are not alone. Every year, flooring professionals and their families face unexpected medical crises that quickly become financial crises. If you or someone you know in the industry is navigating a serious illness, injury or disability, FCIF may be able to help.

To learn more about eligibility and apply for assistance, visit https://www.fcif.org/grants-applications.

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Laminate: Competing in a waterproof world

Since its inception, laminate flooring has long been associated with scratch and dent resistance, durability and design realism—attributes that reside in laminate’s wheelhouse. However, the category has had to make up some ground against the likes of WPC, SPC, hybrid products and even ceramic tile when it comes to fighting moisture incursion. Thanks to new technologies, core enhancements and more comprehensive installation systems, laminate continues to make strides in this area. Laminate suppliers attribute the advances to technological innovations and upgrades in material composition.

“While traditional laminate flooring has been susceptible to moisture, modern advancements in core board composition, surface coatings and locking systems have significantly increased its water resistance,” said Celine Quervel, managing director, Classen. “Although laminate remains a wood-based product, our cutting-edge technologies bring it closer than ever to true waterproof performance, making it an ideal choice for sustainability-conscious consumers looking for durable, PVC-free alternatives to SPC/WPC flooring.”

At the same time, suppliers say it’s important to not oversell the product’s capabilities when it comes to waterproof protection. “We don’t categorize our laminate as completely waterproof; rather, we say it has superb water-resistant properties and we guarantee less than 6% swell after 72 hours of exposure,” said Jamann Stepp, vice president of hard surfaces, Stanton Design.

Indeed, at the end of the day, competing in a waterproof world means managing the customer’s often lofty expectations. “At its core, laminate is wood—it’s going to get soggy and it’s going to swell if it sits underwater for any length of time,” said Josh McGrane, managing partner, TrueTouch Floors. “Unfortunately, the industry has created a waterproof problem. Some might say we’ve over-marketed the product.”

Here’ an overview of some of the waterproof/water-resistant laminate brands available today:

BHW

The Waterfront Collection product line is constructed with a waterproof locking system for quick and easy installation, includes a 2mm attached IXPE pad for sound dampening, and is finished with a premium AC4 wear layer for superior durability. Waterfront 100% waterproof and offers a 50-year residential warranty and a 15-year light commercial warranty.

Cali

Pacifica delivers seaside style and 100% waterproof performance, engineered for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Its water resistance comes from a combination of a highly durable AC4-rated wear layer that repels moisture and a precision-milled locking system that forms a tight seal between planks, preventing water intrusion at the seams, minimizing the risk of swelling or warping over time.

Classen

The foundation of the waterproof performance of Classen’s laminate offerings lies in its specially engineered core boards, which are designed specifically for high moisture resistance, and its proprietary locking system—Megaloc Aqua Protect. This advanced system prevents water penetration at the joints, ensuring enhanced durability. Classen laminate floors are built to withstand extended exposure to moisture with the lowest swelling or damage.

Engineered Floors

PureGrain Renew, the new laminate line from Engineered Floors, boasts improved moisture resistance, making the product suitable for active households and areas prone to spills. PureGrain Renew—which is 12mm thick in planks measuring 7 x 48—features a high-density laminate core. It also comes with PawPrint Protection warranties to enhance the protection against common occurrences such as pet scratches and spills.

Eternity Flooring

Eternity Flooring offers a one-two punch with its Sequoia XL and Voila collections. The former, made in Spain, comprises 70-inch-long x 9.5-inch-wide planks touting optimal waterproof performance, an AC6 rating for heavy wear and dent resistance—the highest rating currently available. Voila 5G, manufactured in France, offers waterproof performance along with a TruAC6 rating for heavy scratch and dent-resistance.

Hallmark

Hallmark Waterproof Laminate flooring is designed to combine durability with aesthetic appeal. This type of flooring features a waterproof core that protects against spills and moisture, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

HF Design

AquaProof features an enhanced water-repellent bevel and environmentally friendly, PVC-free, low-swell fiber core. These features combine to form a product that’s extremely resistant to moisture.

Inhaus

Inhaus showcases Ecolam, a 6mm, entry-level but high-quality laminate with a waterproof locking system and an edge sealant and optional attached pad. The product, which is PVC-free, is engineered with a dense, highly durable, sustainable core that uses less resources and produces less waste in its manufacturing process. Other standouts in Inhaus’ lineup of waterproof/water-resistant products include its Visions, Landmark and Manor laminate lines.

Mannington

The popular Restoration collection from Mannington is protected by SpillShield Plus Waterproof Technology. That means no need to worry about spills, melting ice cubes, water accidents—making the product ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and mudrooms.

Mohawk

The popular RevWood Plus and RevWood Premier lines from Mohawk aim to give retailers trade-up opportunities via enhanced features. This includes the company’s signature WetProtect technology, which creates water-tight joints to seal out moisture caused by everyday accidents and spills. On top of that, the products feature Mohawk’s proprietary waterproof finish and a lifetime surface and subfloor warranty.

MSI

MSI is looking to raise the ante on waterproof performance via the introduction of Shorecliffs, billed as a “next-generation” laminate/rigid hybrid that aims to offer the best of both worlds. Engineered to be 100% waterproof thanks to a polymerized fortified core with patent-pending DryLuxe technology. Also features a 2mm attached, close-cell waterproof acoustic pad.

Provenza

Modessa, which marks Provenza’s entry into the laminate arena, features an AC4/Class 32 rating for proven durability in addition to 80-hour, built-in Water Block technology to resist household accidents such as spills.

Shaw

Oak Crest and Oak Grove headline Shaw’s re-entry into the laminate flooring market—specifically the waterproof laminate arena. Oak Crest is 12mm thick (10mm +2mm pad), and Oak Grove measures 10mm thick (8mm + 2mm pad). Both come in a 7.5 x 50 plank format. The former is AC5 rated, while the latter is AC4 rated.

SLCC

The Pacific Vineyard collection offers retailers a high-performance, waterproof laminate floor that provides the durability of laminate with protection from spills and issues that come from daily life. The product features a hydrophobic mineral core boasting a swell-rate of less than 6%.

Stanton Design

The NuvoLux, NuvoMax and the award-winning NuvoGrand laminate lines from Stanton Design not only boast high-end visuals but also high performance. The company offers a guarantee whereby the product will see less than 6% swell after 72 hours of exposure—based on a top-down water incursion.

Tarkett

Tarkett Home’s laminate, ShoreFlor, featuring Searenity Waterproof Technology, was engineered for moisture prone rooms in the home. Featuring a hydrophobic coating on the edge of each plank, the watertight locking system prevents any water from reaching the core, maintaining the integrity and appearance of the floor.

TrueTouch Floors

TrueTouch Floors expands its hard surface portfolio with Beachfront, a high-performance, high-style laminate designed to handle spills and common household accidents for 48 hours. The the product comes in a 7 x 60 format, features a 12-mil wear layer and comes with a premium price tag for trade-up opportunities for the specialty retailer and flooring distributor.

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Best of NeoCon 2026 awards submissions now open

Chicago—One of the commercial design industry’s premier awards program, Best of NeoCon, is open for product submissions. Since 1990, the competition has served as a cornerstone of design excellence, honoring holistic, leading-edge solutions that advance performance, sustainability, innovation and user experience within the built environment.

Adding to its robust roster of 46 categories across the workplace, healthcare, hospitality and education sectors, this year’s competition will feature expanded lighting categories aligned with the debut of Illuminate at NeoCon—a show-within-a-show that’s dedicated to lighting innovation.

“Rooted in design advancement, Best of NeoCon convenes a jury of industry leaders and visionary entrants who are actively defining the future of commercial landscapes,” said Eileen McMorrow, director of the Best of NeoCon program. “Each year, the breadth and depth of submissions continue to reflect an industry that’s evolving quickly, underscoring design’s essential role in spatial experience, wellness, efficiency and artistic expression.”

Before NeoCon, all entries are reviewed in person at The Mart by a multidisciplinary jury composed of approximately 50 architects, designers, facility managers and industry decision makers. Jurors are selected for their expertise in specification, design leadership and operational performance across commercial design sectors. The hands-on evaluation process directly encourages meaningful dialogue between jurors and manufacturers. Jurors for the 2026 program will be announced in April.

Awards ceremony and recognition

The Best of NeoCon Awards Ceremony takes place on the morning of Monday, June 8, at The Mart in Chicago and officially kicks off NeoCon 2026, which runs June 8-10 (with a new Preview Day on June 7). Competing for Gold, Silver and Best of Competition honors, alongside distinctions for Innovation, Sustainability and Business Impact, 2026 winners will join an esteemed lineup of past honorees, including leaders like Andreu World, Davis Furniture, HALCON, Haworth and Momentum.

Business Impact Awards

Entrants may also opt into the prestigious Business Impact Awards, which recognize products with the potential to drive measurable business outcomes—enhancing workflows, reducing costs and/or optimizing space. Submissions are vetted by facility managers, end users, real estate planners and specifiers, and the finalists are evaluated on-site by a panel of leading business journalists. Previous jurors have represented notable publications including Fast Company, Bloomberg CityLab, Crain’s Chicago Business, Forbes, Newsweek, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, among others.

The return of People’s Choice Awards

For the second year, the People’s Choice Awards will once again give the design community a voice. Following the June 8 awards ceremony, attendees will vote online or on-site via QR codes for their favorite Best of NeoCon honorees. Five People’s Choice winners will be announced at the BIFMA breakfast and across NeoCon’s social media channels on Wednesday, June 10.

Submission rules, deadlines and fees

Best of NeoCon submissions are open exclusively to NeoCon 2026 exhibitors via the online awards portal. Eligible products must have entered the U.S. market since June 2025, be on display at NeoCon 2026, and must not have been submitted to Best of NeoCon 2025.

Entry submission deadlines and fees are as follows:

• March 1-31 (early):          $900 per entry
• April 1-30 (standard):     $1,000 per entry
• May 1-20 (late):               $1,100 per entry
• Business Impact Opt-In:  $500 per entry

More information on categories, criteria, and the submission process is available at neocon.com/awards/best-of-neocon.

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