Infloormation

BREAKING NEWS!!!

STAINMASTER®, introduced in 1986, is the most recognized brand name in carpet. They have recently made the decision to pull out of Home Depot.

What does this mean for you?

Pierce Flooring & Design has been chosen as the ONLY Exclusive STAINMASTER® Flooring Center in the state of Montana! We are letting you know that we are here to take care of ALL loyal STAINMASTER® customers!

About STAINMASTER®

STAINMASTER® carpet lasts up to 50% longer and stays up to 30% cleaner than other carpets because of its exclusive fiber technology, lasting durability and Lotus fiber shield, lasting stain protection and lifetime static protection.

You can visit the STAINMASTER® flooring section of our website for additional information. Click here to browse STAINMASTER® carpet styles.

We look forward to being your source for STAINMASTER® carpet in Montana!

Dal-Tile has launched its new OutStand Technology, a patent-pending glaze technique that provides tile with unparalleled surface wear and stain resistance while infusing the tile with Microban® antimicrobial product protection, which provides a layer of protection from stain- and odor- causing bacteria that won’t wash off or wear away. Dal-Tile Corp. has been awarded the exclusive rights in North America to manufacture tiles with Microban technology.

Additionally, tiles made with OutStand Technology contain some of the highest pre- and post-consumer recycled material contents (RMC) in the industry, which may help building and remodeling projects achieve credits and/or points in a variety of green building programs, such as LEED.

As part of the launch, Dal-Tile Corp. has unveiled two new product collections under the Daltile and American Olean brands that are the first to be manufactured with OutStand Technology: Daltile’s Colour Scheme and American Olean’s Urban Tones. The new collections are American-made and contain more than 60% RMC, including post-consumer recycled glass.

“Our objective is to manufacture the most innovative and sustainable products in the marketplace today,” said Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director for Dal-Tile Corp. “Our Color Scheme and Urban Tones’ product collections contain more than 60% pre-consumer recycled materials content, more than any other glazed porcelain tile in the industry, and are scratch- and stain- resistant, and features Microban® antimicrobial protection.”

During the manufacturing process, OutStand Technology’s patent pending glaze technique creates a crystalline-shield-like protection, which results in superior surface wear resistance. This protection will last the life of the tile, never needing to be reapplied and making the tiles perfect for heavy commercial applications. Tiles with OutStand Technology also have a high wet coefficient of friction, and are frost and chemical resistant.

One of the key ingredients in Dal-Tile Corp.’s new OutStand Technology is Microban protection. On an unprotected surface, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes. Microban protection works continuously to keep tile surfaces cleaner for longer by inhibiting the growth of stain- and odor- causing bacteria. Additionally, unlike other antimicrobial agents on the market, Microban technology doesn’t require UV light to be effective. It won’t wash off or wear away, giving the tile an added level of durable, long lasting protection.

“Microban protection  makes the Colour Scheme and Urban Tones collections a great fit for use in education, healthcare, hospitality and other high traffic environments where protection against odor and stain causing bacteria  is a concern,” said Kirk-Rolley.

Additionally, depending on the building site, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones may help projects earn additional points in some green certifications for materials transportation, because they are manufactured in Dal-Tile Corp.’s state-of-the-art plant in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Also, since some government-funded projects or contracts mandate the use of American-made products, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones field tiles meet that requirement.

The new Colour Scheme and Urban Tones collections have been certified by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA). Some foreign imports entering the market today claim to be porcelain tile, but do not actually meet the U.S. standards for porcelain, putting those who specify tile at risk of choosing an inferior product for their projects. PTCA protects them by guaranteeing the products specified are, in fact, porcelain tiles.

New Product Introductions:

Daltile’s Colour Scheme – Glazed Porcelain Floor Tile

Colour Scheme is a glazed porcelain floor tile that pairs a sleek, contemporary look with the high-performance and eco-friendly benefits of OutStand Technology, which includes Microban Technology.

The new collection is available in a wide color palette, including 12 solid colors (Arctic White, Black, Urban Putty, Biscuit, Uptown Taupe, Desert Gray, Suede Gray, Galaxy, Cityline Kohl, Artisan Brown, Garden Spot and Luminary Gold) and 11 “salt and pepper” colors (Arctic White Speckle, Black Speckle, Urban Putty Speckle, Uptown Taupe Speckle, Desert Gray Speckle, Suede Gray Speckle, Galaxy Speckle, Cityline Kohl Speckle, Artisan Brown Speckle, Garden Spot and Luminary Gold Speckle). Colour Scheme is available in three modular field tile sizes (6”x 6”, 12”x 12” and 18”x 18”) and is designed to coordinate with Daltile’s Keystones floor and wall mosaic tiles and Semi-gloss and Modern Dimensions wall and mosaic tile collections, as well as mosaics that feature the same colors. A full commercial trim package completes the collection and is available in all solid colors.

The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval program recently certified multiple new vacuums, solutions, and one cleaning system.

Oreck Manufacturing Company of Cookeville, Tennessee adds seven new vacuums to to its collection of SOA-approved vacuums.

Johnson Diversey Company of Sturtevant, Wisconsin has had its Taski Ergo Disc w/Malish Brush system approved at the Bronze Level.

Three new solutions from Shaw Industries have received SOA certification, including:

• Shaw’s R2X Green Stain and Soil Remover Concentrate
• R2xtra Carpet Cleaner and Odor Eliminator Concentrate
• R2X Stain and Soil Remover Concentrate

For more information on the Carpet and Rug Institute, click here. To view our product offerings from Shaw, please click here.

What are your thoughts? Is it important to have a vacuum certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute? Is your vacuum on the list? Was this a factor when purchasing your vacuum?

The authentic hardwood looks are breathtaking. The water-resistant performance is superior. The installation is incredibly simple. But the real beauty of Armstrong’s new Luxe Plank™ with patent pending Lynx™ Technology is the flexibility it provides, thanks to its revolutionary design and construction.

Luxe Plank, launching to retail now, is the best option for a beautiful, high performance floor, according to Armstrong Resilient Vice President Allen Cubell.  “A combination of beauty, performance and simplicity makes Luxe Plank superior to any other luxury vinyl tile glue-down or floating system available today,” he said.  “It’s the easiest LVT floating installation on the market.  Luxe Plank with Lynx Technology allows the installer to reposition planks as many times as needed, and still maintain the integrity and appearance of the installation – a practice unheard of until now.”

Lynx Technology, the next generation in floating floor engineering, starts with specially formulated super thick LVT planks combined with a manufactured rigid film with a highly advanced performance oriented pressure sensitive adhesive.

“Flexibility without compromise means fewer call backs because the installation is right the first time,” said Yon Hinkle, Product Manager, Armstrong.  “With Luxe Plank, the end result is always a beautiful, high integrity installation that our dealers and their customers can count on.”

“This is a true game-changer,” said Buddy Faircloth, president, Cain & Bultman.  “The genius behind Luxe is that it improves upon existing technology to offer the retailer a truly unique product – unbelievably realistic looks, superior performance and a fail-safe installation. This adds up to not only happy customers, but repeat customers.  It’s a product that promises to be easy to sell.”

“Luxe Plank fills a gap in the market by being more than just about installation,” said Ray Mancini, president, BelknapWhite.  “It clearly establishes a style/beauty first position that speaks volumes to the consumer.”

The vibrant hardwood colors and textures of Luxe Plank™ add instant luxury to any room and feature the most realistic hardwood visuals available in the category. Authentic plank lengths, along with beveled edges and ends, combine to make the visuals incredibly natural. Consumers can choose from a stunning array of the most popular traditional, exotic, rustic and distressed looks to recreate the style of genuine hardwood.

Luxe Plank is available across 33 SKU’s at three price points, in a total of 14 design categories. Its distinctive looks include the undulating textures of Exotic Fruitwood, with vibrant colors and cosmopolitan elegance, and English Walnut inspired by Europe’s great country estates, with a  rich palette and contrasting stained edges (Best Collection).  Peruvian Walnut captures the beauty of the species’ natural variations in color and graining, and the distinct pattern of Empire Bamboo adds a modern flair to any space (Better Collection).  Jefferson Oak seizes the character and versatility of traditional oak in four classic wood tones that enhance any room (Good collection).

“The wow factor is that this is one beautiful flooring collection, a sure crowd pleaser,” said Mancini.  “There is an amazing breadth of design, and just the finest looking and top performing planks I’ve seen.  It is clearly designed to be the best.”

With Luxe Plank, even bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms can have a natural hardwood look. The thicker, more durable top layer features enhanced urethane coatings that resist scratches, stains and wear, making Luxe Plank perfect for high traffic areas as well as high moisture areas.  One of the attributes of the pressure sensitive adhesive is that it also is resistant to various factors – water or chemical.  Plus, the floor’s bond only gets stronger and stronger with time, offering superior adhesion strength with a grip that is virtually unbreakable.

Installing is as easy as 1-2-3

Lynx™ Technology, with its exclusive pressure-sensitive adhesive, makes Luxe Plank incredibly versatile and simple to install. Because each plank attaches to the planks beside and above it – not the floor beneath it – it installs quickly and easily, over practically any surface in any home or business.

With the technology to revolutionize floating floor installation and design options to meet any decorating need, Luxe Plank™ ensures high referral rates and repeat business.

“Luxe Plank wins where it counts – better wear layer, more features, better visuals and great warranties,” added Faircloth.  “Plus, it’s developed and backed by Armstrong, the brand our customers can trust.”

Anderson Hardwood Floors said it is one of the first hardwood flooring manufacturers to be awarded Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification for all of its flooring.

The Greenguard Environmental Institute was founded in June of 2001 to establish a true third-party product certification program based on proven emissions standards and to provide specifying and procurement professionals with a resource for low-emitting products.

“We are pleased to welcome Anderson Hardwood Floors, as a participating manufacturer,” said Marilyn Black, founder of GEI.

To view Anderson products we carry, please visit our product catalog by clicking here.

Dallas, TX, July 25, 2009–Dal-Tile has launched a customized cutting service that allows any Daltile or American Olean ceramic or porcelain floor tile to be custom ordered in linear and rectangular sizes, ranging from a minimum of 2” wide to a maximum of 24” long. With the launch, a core assortment of products from top-selling collections in a variety of popular sizes is being offered with a short lead-time. Any of the brands’ other ceramic or porcelain floor tiles can be special ordered.

The service, called Linear Options under the Daltile brand and Linear Express for American Olean, uses the company’s automated cutting equipment to create the custom sizes at the Dallas factory. Tiles can be specified with straight or beveled edges so that all four sides have the same visual appearance. In preparation for the launch of this service, Dal-Tile has made significant investments in new equipment and space at its manufacturing facilities.

“Before our linear-cutting service, anyone looking for linear shapes and rectangular sizes were either limited to a handful of collections that offered those options premade or they had to have the tiles cut down at the job site by their installer. Now, any Daltile or American Olean rectified porcelain tile or glazed floor tile can be ordered in popular linear and rectangular sizes, making the design options virtually endless,” said Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director for Daltile.  “And since the custom cuts are done at the factory, the quality of the cuts is more consistent and higher quality than doing it by hand.  Additionally, we’re helping reduce labor costs at the jobsite by removing this extra step in the installation process.”

The core assortment of products were selected from many popular porcelain tile collections and are being offered in a range sizes with a three-week lead time, including floor tiles from Daltile’s City View (2” x 24”, 4” x 24”, 6” x 24”), Concrete Connection (3 ¼” x 20”), Metal Effects (3 ¼” x 20”), Fabrique (2” x 24”, 4” x 24”, 6” x 24”), Monticito (6” x 18”), Veranda (3 ¼” x 20”) and Vibe (2” x 24”, 4” x 24”, 6” x 24”) collections and American Olean’s St. Germain (2” x 24”, 4” x 24”, 6” x 24”), Avenue One (2” x 24”, 4” x 24”, 6” x 24”), Nouveau (2” x 24”, 4” x 24”, 6” x 24”) and Ultra Tech (2” x 24”, 4” x 24”, 6” x 24”) collections. However, any ceramic floor tile, including these core offerings, can be custom cut to any size within the minimum width (2”) and maximum length (24”) limits, with lead times to be determined at the time of the order.

At Pierce Flooring, we want to make sure that our customers and readers are kept up to date on flooring industry news and happenings. Below is the latest from Armstrong.

On the 100th anniversary of Armstrong linoleum’s introduction to North America, Armstrong introduces an expanded color line of five patterns and 126 colors of linoleum flooring, combining the timeless beauty of its most sustainable product with the superior performance of its exclusive NATURCote™ UV-cured, low-maintenance coating. All colors are designed in a new, organized tonal step system trademarked as Color Continuum™, which unites hue, value and chroma.

More than a century ago, Armstrong ceased discarding post-industrial cork waste and began recycling it – first into corkboard insulation, and soon afterwards into the green product on which its modern flooring business was built: linoleum. Armstrong® linoleum is still made of the same renewable raw ingredients, including cork powder, linseed oil, limestone, organic pigments and jute backing. Armstrong’s line of linoleum has expanded by more than 50%, with MARMORETTE™, LINORETTE™, COLORETTE™, GRANETTE™ and UNI WALTON™ coming together as a collection of inspiring choices.

Armstrong linoleum is a sound choice that supports the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) building rating system. It contributes to three LEED® Credits: MR6.0 (Rapidly Renewable Resources—linoleum contains 36% rapidly renewable content); MR4.1 and MR4.2 (Recycled Content – 10% & 20% post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer) and also is compliant with EQ4.3 (Indoor Air Quality). It is independently tested and certified as a low-emitting product under the FloorScore™ program and is compliant with California Section 01350 for low VOC emissions, recognized as the strictest in the country. NEOCON Booth # 7-4042

For more information on Armstrong linoleum, visit http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/.