Coverings Winter 2025/2026

Winter 2025/2026

THEN & NOW

Canadian Commercial Corporation

FLOOR FAQS

PM#40063056

Carpet industry experts address trending questions

TISE 2026 SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE WOOL CARPET: FROM FARM TO FLOOR INSTALLER SHORTAGE DEMANDS ATTENTION

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Vol.50, No.3 www.coveringscanada.ca

CONTENTS WINTER 2025/2026

FEATURES

12 20

AN ENDURING ESSENTIAL What’s in, what’s out for carpet in 2026 HE WONDERS OF WOOL T A health-forward, sustainable floor covering

Photo courtesy Kevin Belanger

DEPARTMENTS

4 FROM THE EDITOR Carpet for the win

8 22

ONTRACTOR’S CORNER C Taking ownership of, action on the floor covering installer shortage I NSTALLATION MATTERS Bonded versus unbonded mortar beds for tile floors

Winter 2025/2026

THEN & NOW

Canadian Commercial Corporation

FLOOR FAQS

Carpet industry experts address trending questions

HEN & NOW T New workspace blends Canadian modesty with global sophistication Cover photo by Kevin Belanger

PM#40063056

6

TISE 2026 SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE WOOL CARPET: FROM FARM TO FLOOR INSTALLER SHORTAGE DEMANDS ATTENTION

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\ Coverings 3

FROM THE EDITOR

CARPET FOR THE WIN ARE YOU EVER dead set on something and then changed your mind?

Admittedly, this doesn’t happen often, but when it comes to replacing the flooring in my basement, I’ve flipped. I originally wanted luxury vinyl ­­— it’s waterproof, dent, scratch and wear resistant, antimicrobial and easy to maintain. What’s more, it’s available in wood-look planks, enabling me to ‘match’ the oak flooring found on other floors in my home for a more seamless transition. But despite all its benefits, vinyl is not warm underfoot when compared to carpet, which can also contribute positively to a room’s temperature regulation, especially in colder months. Sure, a quality padded underlay beneath vinyl can improve that warm feeling, but it’s not the same. Plus, carpet, being a softer material, offers a cushioned surface and superior sound absorption.

Carpet remains a popular choice among homeowners in areas where comfort is a priority — bedrooms, playrooms and family rooms. It’s also a go-to in commercial applications, particularly reception areas, hallways, office spaces and conference rooms. Given this, we asked six carpet manufacturers — Beaulieu Canada, Interface, Mannington, Mohawk Industries, Shaw and Tarkett — what will be trending in 2026, what’s fuelling the trends and what’s falling out of fashion.

Keeping with the topic of carpet, our flooring focus this issue, Jenny De Castris of Nature’s Carpet in Vancouver explores why wool carpet is worth it in The Wonders of Wool. The article was inspired by her seminar at last year’s The International Surface Event (TISE).

Included in this edition of Coverings is the official seminar program for TISE 2026, which features an impressive lineup of speakers and topics. The highly anticipated event will bring together influential professionals from across the flooring, stone and tile sectors for four days, Jan. 26-29, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas. Show-goers will discover ground-breaking products, connect with industry visionaries and build the relationships that drive business success. If attending, be sure to drop by Coverings’ booth in the Media Village.

Clare Tattersall

PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca

ART DIRECTOR Annette Carlucci annettec@mediaedge.ca

EDITOR Clare Tattersall claret@mediaedge.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Thuy Huynh-Guinane roxyh@mediaedge.ca

PRESIDENT Kevin Brown kevinb@mediaedge.ca

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Ines Louis Inesl@mediaedge.ca

CIRCULATION circulation@mediaedge.ca

Coverings is published four times annually — Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter — for Canada’s floor covering industry. Subscriptions are free to qualified participants in Canada’s floor covering industry. Subscribe at www.coveringscanada.ca. Readers from outside Canada may purchase subscriptions for $55 Cdn. For subscription inquiries, e-mail circulation@mediaedge.ca. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Coverings 251 Consumers Road, Suite 1020, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4R3 MediaEdge Communications and Coverings disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. The opinions of the columnists and writers are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Coverings or MediaEdge Communications.

Copyright 2026 Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40063056 ISSN 0834-3357

Published by 251 Consumers Road, Suite 1020, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4R3 © 2026 by MediaEdge Communications. All rights reserved.

4 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Expo Hall: January 27-29, 2026 Education: January 26-29, 2026 SURFACES + TILE + STONE

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CONTRACTOR’S CORNER

IN SHORT SUPPLY

Taking ownership of, action on the floor covering installer shortage

BY CHRIS MASKELL

D

We need to bring the world of the floor covering installer to them — give them a reason to look, try, get involved and perhaps see new possibilities where they can carve out a fulfilling career and experience a sense of accomplishment and pride in what they’ve created.

BUILDING AWARENESS The skilled trade of floor covering installer is up against a slew of much higher profile trades, such as electrician, plumber and welder, and is largely hidden under the umbrella of carpentry.

In general, awareness among youth is low. However, there are signs of life all over the place if people look. But there’s the crux of it — if people look.

STIGMA AND EDUCATION Trades often suffer from a societal bias favouring university education over vocational paths. They’re the ‘last resort’ career.

In elementary and high schools, exposure to trades is low: limited shop class offerings, few role models or unclear pathways into trades, including installer vocations.

Post-secondary, there is no nationwide structure for education, training and funding, and that’s a challenge.

And while there’s plenty of good work being done by organizations across the country to promote trades, not enough of it includes the skilled trade of floor covering installer.

We also run up against capacity constraints in training institutions (vocational and trade schools) and a limited number of trainers/ instructors, as well as delays in completing schooling, a lack of seats or geographic access, all of which hamper the ability to train sufficient numbers.

iscussion around the shortage of skilled, trained installers is a constant behind the scenes in the flooring industry, as it is for all trades. Conversations take place in flooring shops, on construction sites, in lunchrooms, socially between friends and at home among families. They’re always the same: lots of passion and concern but not enough action.

The solutions are both simple and complex.

Skilled, trained installers are needed to manage and execute challenging installation work of expensive floor covering materials on busy, demanding projects. Getting it wrong can be worse than not installing at all. Bottom line: neither is acceptable.

There are a myriad of issues that are easily identified but more difficult to resolve, including awareness, stigma, education, employer participation and doing our part.

6 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

CONTRACTOR’S CORNER

EMPLOYER PARTICIPATION Employer support is spotty at best. There’s a feeling that if they invest in their installers, they could leave for other opportunities or be poached by the competition. Bigger picture thinking is required but the immediate needs of the business often take precedence.

However, this is slowly changing.

DOING OUR PART In North America, university has always been seen as the golden ticket to a fulfilling, profitable and honourable career. While there is still truth to this, opportunities have diminished and the cost has exploded. More importantly, university does not meet everyone’s needs, interests and personalities.

Meanwhile, the yellow brick road of careers offers a world of possibilities that include the trades. With a little help from industry members and partners, we can make sure the floor covering trade is included in that world and seen as a solid career option.

For the National Floor Covering Association (NFCA) of Canada’s part, we invited both members and non-members to participate in one of two committees that are taking actions to nudge the needle in our trade’s favour and share the spotlight with other trades.

COMMITTEE WORK Trades have so often been referred to as the option of last resort. That is a tired and wholly misleading idea. It’s way past time to bury old notions of work that in fact builds cities, communities and quality of life.

The Tier 1 committee seeks to connect with schools to help ensure parents, teachers, counsellors and students from first grade up are not only aware of the floor covering installer trade but to also help spark curiosity that may one day translate into a career. It means visiting schools and talking to students, demonstrating and offering hands-on experiences.

We also want to help promote our trade to people seeking new career opportunities.

This grassroots committee is currently putting together a floor covering installer career pathways document that will highlight all the routes a person can take, from installer to business owner and everything in-between. We hope to have that ready to promote in early 2026. In addition, we are working on a dedicated portal on NFCA’s website that will share all relevant information.

Working with the award-winning founder of the non-profit Honour the Work, Angela Coldwell, we will begin to make inroads by providing flooring materials for inclusion in schools’ curriculum specific STEAMS (science, technology, engineering, arts, math, skills) kits that are currently being distributed to classrooms in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, supported by donations from across the construction industry.

Shannon Cupskey, director of commercial specifications at Division 9, a Shnier company, and Lyndsey Gavin, account manager at Shaw Industries (Patcraft and Philadelphia), are in the midst of preparing a presentation for elementary school classrooms.

The Tier 2 committee’s mandate is to upskill existing installers through manufacturing training, and identify and support comprehensive education programs for apprentices that can lead to Red Seal certification.

As a non-partisan body, NFCA acknowledges and supports both non-union and union training.

Currently, a comprehensive flooring installation program is not offered at polytechnic colleges. Work is currently being done to address this but it’s still in the planning stages.

However, Alberta Carpenters’ Training Centre has introduced a flooring installer program with two dates in 2026: Jan. 12-Feb. 27, in Calgary; and June 22-Aug. 7, in Edmonton. Both United Brotherhood of Carpenters members and non-members can register for this education, which is a combination of theory, shop apprenticeship and industry training. NFCA is contributing to the education by presenting on flooring standards as they relate to correct site conditions, process, testing requirements and scope of work.

MEANINGFUL CHANGE NFCA is always looking for people who want to make a difference and participate on committees. We’re always looking for opportunities to introduce and showcase our trade and the craftsmanship it requires.

And we’re always looking for new partnerships and collaborators to help us do that.

The art of floor covering installation requires imagination, ingenuity, critical thinking, problem-solving and skilled hands. We’ve just got started waving our flag and telling our stories.

Change takes time — as good things usually do. But we’re going to use that time in better ways. We’ll be more deliberate, strategic and always passionate.

Chris Maskell is CEO of the National Floor Covering Association (NFCA) of Canada. Chris has worked in the floor covering industry for more than 30 years. During this time, he has been a flooring contractor, manufacturer’s representative and business owner. As CEO of NFCA, he works with the board of directors to promote NFCA standards and updated specifications for commercial floor covering installations. He also operates NFCA’s quality assurance program, a specifiable third-party inspection review service for commercial projects, and is a certified floor covering inspector.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\ Coverings 7

INSTALLATION MATTERS

TO BOND OR NOT

Bonded versus unbonded mortar beds for tile floors

BY SCOTT CONWELL

T

ile set in mortar beds are among the best performing floor methods, often used for areas where precise elevations are critical, such as elevator lobbies; where floor flatness is imperative like for large-format tile; and with in-slab hydronic tubing for radiant heat.

There are two general subcategories within mortar bed installation methods: bonded mortar beds and unbonded mortar beds. Each has unique design and construction requirements.

A bonded mortar bed is adhered to the substrate with a cementitious bond coat of modified portland cement mortar or a slurry of neat portland cement. An unbonded mortar bed has a cleavage membrane, crack isolation membrane or other mechanism to intentionally break the bond between the mortar bed and substrate.

In bonded mortar bed installations, the entire tile assembly — mortar bed, topical waterproof membrane, if present, bond coat and tile ­— is 8 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

bonded to the substrate and will move with it; they do not receive cleavage membrane or reinforcement. Essentially, the bonded mortar bed becomes an extension of the substrate. An example of a bonded mortar bed method is Tile Council of North America (TCNA) handbook method F112, on-ground or above ground concrete, bonded mortar bed, tile.

In unbonded mortar bed installations, the tile assembly is separated from the substrate by a bond-breaking membrane and allowed to move independently. An example of an unbonded mortar bed method is TCNA F111, on-ground or above ground concrete, unbonded mortar bed, tile.

Cleavage membranes in unbonded mortar bed systems are often paper-based, delicate and easily damaged. A skilled tile installer will take care not to tear, puncture or otherwise damage the cleavage membrane during the installation process. Trained installers also provide the required four-inch overlaps in the cleavage membrane.

INSTALLATION MATTERS

Another requirement of unbonded mortar bed systems is wire reinforcement to impart flexural strength, control shrinkage of the mortar and prevent cracking. This reinforcement is typically two-inch by two-inch galvanized wire mesh placed near the centre of the setting bed.

A number of factors will help determine whether to use a bonded or unbonded mortar bed method like type of substrate and its condition, possible thickness limitations of the mortar bed, whether or not a pitch is required, fresh-set versus cured mortar bed installation methods, and sometimes the finish material.

SUBSTRATE TYPE AND CONDITION Unbonded mortar bed systems are appropriate for concrete substrates that are severely cracked or present bonding issues, such as concrete that has been treated with curing compounds. For unbonded mortar beds, a steel trowel finish is acceptable since the pores of the concrete don’t need to be open.

Unbonded mortar bed systems are suitable for elevated slabs prone to deflection. They may also be used for concrete slabs on ground. Wood substrates require unbonded mortar bed systems since they typically expand and contract more than the tile assembly.

Bonded mortar bed systems are appropriate for substrates of stable concrete slabs on ground with no bending stresses or for elevated slabs receiving less than 100 square feet of tile. The concrete to receive a bonded mortar bed system should have a broom finish to facilitate bond with the tile assembly.

HEIGHT AND THICKNESS REQUIREMENTS In some circumstances, bonded mortar bed methods may be preferred due to their thinner profiles. Because they don’t need to accommodate wire reinforcement, the mortar may be applied to a thinner minimum thickness than that required of unbonded mortar bed methods. For example, the bonded method TCNA F112 requires a minimum mortar bed thickness of three-quarters inch. The unbonded method TCNA F111 requires a minimum mortar bed thickness of 1 1/4 inch to provide adequate mortar cover around the reinforcement. If minimum floor-toceiling height must be maintained, bonded mortar beds can shave up to a half-inch off the thickness of the tile assembly. Further, the ability to taper bonded mortar beds to a thinner profile can make them the preferred method for sloping to drains.

In all cases, expansion joints should continue through the tile, bond coat, topical waterproofing membrane, if present, and mortar bed.

FRESH-SET INSTALLATIONS IN WET AREAS For fresh-set installations like tile or stone laid in an uncured mortar bed per the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) specifications for the installation of ceramic tile in wet areas, the location of the waterproof membrane is directly over the substrate and not the mortar bed. Therefore, a cleavage membrane with waterproof properties is typically selected. Marble slab and other dimension stone floors are typically fresh-set, so they would use an unbonded method when waterproof membrane is required. Fresh-set ceramic and stone tile requiring a waterproof membrane would also take an unbonded mortar bed method.

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS Topical waterproofing, for example, sheet or liquid waterproofing applied over a cured mortar bed as in installation method ANSI A108.1B, can be used in both bonded and unbonded mortar bed methods.

Because they are an extension of the substrate and provide additional rigidity, all bonded mortar bed systems carry the performance rating of extra-heavy as defined by the TCNA handbook for ceramic, glass and stone tile installation. Unbonded mortar bed systems may be rated extra-heavy or heavy, depending on the presence of a topical waterproof membrane.

Both bonded and unbonded mortar bed systems require expansion joints at the conditions and intervals specified in the TCNA EJ171 methods. In all cases, expansion joints should continue through the tile, bond coat, topical waterproofing membrane, if present, and mortar bed. For unbonded mortar bed systems, the cleavage membrane is continuous below the expansion joint, allowing the tile assembly to move independently of the substrate.

Scott Conwell is director of industry development and technical services at the International Masonry Institute (IMI), whose training and education foundation and joint apprenticeship and training committees teach the skills required of bonded and unbonded mortar beds, along with all types of tile installations. Scott leads IMI’s tile, marble and terrazzo industry development program and is the creator of its masonry detailing series, an online collection of construction details and technical information that sets the industry standard for architectural details on masonry, tile, stone and terrazzo. He is a registered architect, and fellow of the American Institute of Architects and Construction Specifications Institute.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\ Coverings 9

TILE AND STONE INSTALLATION P R E M I U M M O R TA R S Y S T E M S

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CARPET

AN ENDURING ESSENTIAL What’s in, what’s out for carpet in 2026

BY CLARE TATTERSALL

W

ith every new year bringing fresh inspiration to interior design, Coverings spoke with six major carpet manufacturers to uncover what’s trending for 2026. Katherine Cohen, associate creative director at Interface; Liz Crow, vice-president of design at Shaw Residential; Christine Cunningham, product manager at Beaulieu Canada; Roby Isaac, design insights leader at Mannington Commercial; Pilar Romero Bruno, soft surface design manager at Patcraft, a Shaw Industries brand; Omoleye Simmons, vice-president of design at Tarkett; and Ryan Swift, senior product director, fashion, at Mohawk Industries, share their expert insights on which colours, textures and patterns will dominate, including what’s driving the top commercial and residential carpet trends.

12 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

What are the top commercial carpet trends for 2026?

Cohen: Building on 2024’s earth-derived palettes, I expect to see cocoa browns, pine greens, mauves, black and soft neutrals leading colour schemes in 2026. Patterns are evolving into refined stripes, architectural grids and fractured geometrics — structured yet inviting. Texture will be the year’s defining feature with high-low loops and sculptural surfaces, plus colour blocking to visually define zones within open spaces. Sustainability remains a priority, with emphasis on recycled and lowcarbon materials.

Cunningham: Biophilic influence continues in 2026, and evolves beyond botanical motifs.

Commercial carpet embraces the abstract parts of nature with mineral veining, bark pat-

terns and topographic influences. Colours skew toward soft eucalyptus, atmospheric blues and warm neutrals.

Solution dyed nylons remain dominant in commercial settings for performance, cleanability and fade resistance. The next evolution of these fibres will be higher recycled content in the yarn system that offers the same performance benefits.

Isaac: For 2026, commercial carpet is moving toward an elevated sense of natural warmth, comfort and tactility. In colour, we’re seeing a strong return to warm, earthy neutrals that connect back to the natural world, shades inspired by sand, clay, terracotta, mushroom and even animal-referenced tones like camel and fawn. These hues complement the continued momentum around biophilic design,

CARPET

while rich, saturated accents like navy, charcoal, teal, rust, eggplant, olive and mustard help define zones and support wayfinding without introducing bright or primary colours.

The biggest story of the year, however, is texture. In many ways, texture is the pattern.

Designers are seeking carpets with dimension and depth, especially in workplace environments where comfort and sensory engagement matter. Multi-level constructions with high-low pile variation bring softness and warmth to collaboration areas, lounges and focus spaces, while visually textured but more streamlined constructions support performance in high-traffic zones. This heightened interest in tactility reflects a response to our technologyheavy lives; people crave materials that feel soft, warm and human.

Patterns still play an important role but they’re becoming more supportive and intentional. Large-scale patterns help activate gathering spaces, while smaller, more organic motifs visually recede in quiet areas. These patterns often draw inspiration from water, stone and other layered natural forms, delivering a subtle biophilic influence while keeping workspaces elevated, refined and inviting.

Romero Bruno: In 2026, we will see an amplification of monochrome layers — quiet yet sophisticated palettes that allow texture and form to lead the design. Monochromatic palettes will become more complex, featuring tonal shifts and variation, creating visual interest through layered textures rather than high contrast patterns. We will also see a lot of soft contrast with pattern-on-pattern effects similar to woven visuals and linen textures that create depth without overwhelming a space.

There will be a fresh take of black tones, for example, inky black colours paired with warm pastels or subtle hues to add depth and dimension. The black colours will be used as a refined design element to define edges or provide graphic clarity alongside warmer hues.

Modular carpet tiles will continue to be a top solution for design flexibility, ease of replacement and sustainable features, especially within corporate, tenant design and education environments. Throughout these spaces, carpet is taking on a more supportive role with its patterning and design — less about making a bold statement and more about working in harmony with other interior materials.

Simmons: 2026 is all about texture and dimension. Carpet design will discover its sweet

spot, where texture does the heavy lifting and pattern steps in just enough to keep things interesting. Texture becomes a primary design tool, with layered pile heights and sculpted surfaces adding quiet depth to commercial interiors. Patterns shift toward tone-on-tone geometry, dynamic colour gradi-ents and motifs that speak to untold stories.

Colour palettes draw from mineral neutrals and soft, nature-inspired hues, offering a sense of calm while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Modular formats continue to evolve, blending mixed scales and complementary textures for a composed yet dynamic aesthetic.

All of this culminates in more tactile, dimensional floors that offer a multisensory surface — one that is engaging to the eye, grounding to the mind and resonant to the experience of space.

What are the top residential carpet trends?

Crow: In 2026, residential carpet trends are shaped by a desire for spaces that reflect both personal identity and a shared commitment to sustainability. Consumers are seeking designs that foster genuine connection, with a strong emphasis on personalization and cus-

tomization. Timeless, high-quality and heritage pieces are especially prized, reflecting a move toward products that feel both meaningful and lasting.

From a colours and materials perspective, carpet design is evolving toward warmer tones and richly textured surfaces, celebrating the beauty of imperfection. Products are increasingly valued for their character and authenticity, featuring deep colours that are connected to nature and bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the home.

Cunningham: Residential trends in 2026 will be heavily influenced by customers seeking touchable luxury with cozy plush textures, chunkyloop-inspiredconstructionsandmodern friezes. Neutrals will continue to be the colour family of choice but they will be warming up to include tones like muted terracotta, olive-khaki green and oat milk cream. Greys will continue to have a place but they will be warming up as well to include mushroom tones, taupe-greys and bronzed charcoals.

Swift: Heavier loops, chunky wool-inspired feels and soft tonal patterns like crosshatch, modern plaids and organic scrolls are all trend-

\\ LEFT TO RIGHT: The Intangible style from the Reverie collection by Tarkett (top left). Beaulieu Canada’s Artsy from its Tryesse Couture collection (bottom left). Karastan Collins SmartStrand silk carpet in Timeless (right).

OPPOSITE PAGE: Leaps and Bounds from the Flor collection of commercial carpet tiles by Interface.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\ Coverings 13

CARPET

\\ TOP: Moon Walk in Pine from the Flor collection by Interface (left). The Deree style in Heritage from the Dapper Dialogue collection by Mannington Commercial (right). BOTTOM: The Reverie style in Ethereal from the Liminal Space collection by Mannington Commercial.

ing. Warmer, neutral beiges are huge currently and are not going away anytime soon. We are seeing more of a consumer shift in synthetic fibres toward subtle warm and cool tones blended in multicolour cut piles, as well as a desire for slightly higher lustre finishes.

What’s fuelling these trends?

Cohen: In commercial settings, people want spaces that feel good in addition to looking good. Hybrid work environments demand ver-

satility, while wellness-first thinking and sustainability pressures continue shaping design choices. Gen Z’s influence is clear — they’re championing ‘warm minimalism’ and rejecting sterile spaces for those that feel personal, authentic and enduring.

Crow: Personalization is taking centre stage, as people curate their homes with heritage pieces that tell layered, cross-generational stories — items inherited from family, collected during travels and chosen to express individual

identity. People want flooring that tells a story.

Budget considerations remain important, guiding choices about where to create impactful design moments and where to opt for quieter, more understated areas. Finally, a renewed focus on sustainability is pushing consumers toward more eco-conscious decisions when it comes to their homes.

Cunningham: Consumers and specifiers alike are looking for interiors that feel calm and restorative. Textures and warmth in commercial spaces are driven by the desire to be in environments that reduce stress and focus on comfort.

Sustainability continues to be a big topic of conversation, especially for specifiers in Canada. They are looking for clear sustainability stories in all product categories, whether it be PVC-free, recycled content and low-impact manufacturing operations.

Isaac: The shift toward warmth, calm and sensory-rich design is rooted in the long-running conversation, about creating more humancentred and comfortable workplaces. Even though many employees now operate in hybrid schedules, the physical office still needs to earn their presence. Employers are recognizing that the workplace must not only support productivity, but also create an environment where people genuinely want to be. As a result, organizations are looking closely at how carpet contributes to the overall experience, from acoustical comfort to the emotional feel of texture underfoot. Many are taking cues from the hospitality segment, which has long understood how materials can set a tone and shape the guest experience.

Romero Bruno: Commercial design is becoming more personalized, creating one-of-akind interiors that offer something different

\\ LEFT TO RIGHT: Katherine Cohen, Interface; Roby Isaac, Mannington Commercial; and Ryan Swift, Mohawk Industries.

14 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

CARPET

from what you might experience within your home. In the workplace, for example, this is often interpreted as curated, comfortable environments designed with intention, creating spaces with a shared focus on crafting in-person experiencesthatcounterthedigitalworld. We’re seeing these trends across all segments, incorporating local influences, tac-tile finishes and layered materials to add to a sense of place. There’s a growing appreciation for designs that feel personal and lasting — products with soul, not just style, telling a story that helps to connect people and place. Flooring plays a key role in the design, grounding a space through visual warmth, layout and material choices.

Simmons: Commercial trends are shaped by a rising commitment to impactful, humancentred environments, paired with manufacturing innovations that make refined geometry and subtle dimensionality more achievable than ever. They also reflect a growing demand for spaces that balance sensory engagement with a sense of calm. Designers are leaning into multisensory surfaces that deliver tactile depth while maintaining visual restraint, signalling a broader move toward nuanced minimalism and authentic material expression.

At the same time, sustainability expectations are steering the industry toward versatile, enduring aesthetics in the form of tone-ontone patterning, layered textures and visuals designed to age with grace and support longterm adaptability.

Swift: People want homes that feel warm and relaxed. The push toward ‘quiet luxury’ and natural materials is driving the shift.

Designers are also using texture as a simple way to add depth without making rooms feel busy.

\\ TOP: Luxurious Statement collection from Karastan. BOTTOM: Beaulieu Canada’s Quiet Cocoon from its Tryesse Heritage collection (left). Mirrored Heights carpet tile from Interface (right).

What innovations are shaping carpet design?

Cohen: Technology is transforming the design process. Artificial intelligence and virtual tools are speeding up visualization and reducing waste by replacing physical prototypes with digital ones. These innovations allow designers to iterate faster and smarter, while advances in more sustainable materials and performance-driven textures ensure beauty meets durability.

Cunningham: Mixed textures and multi-fleck colour are defining carpet innovation in 2026,

delivering depth, softness and organic visual movement.

Isaac: Innovation is centred on how carpet enhances the full experience of a space. Designers are pushing toward multi-dimensional constructions that deliver deeper, sculptural texture while maintaining durability and ease of maintenance. Visual complexity is also evolving, with patterns and textures layered in ways that create depth and tactility even when pile height is intentionally subdued for performance.

\\ LEFT TO RIGHT: Christine Cunningham, Beaulieu Canada; Pilar Romero Bruno, Patcraft; and Omoleye Simmons, Tarkett.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\ Coverings 15

CARPET

pets softer, more durable and better-looking than ever. Improved pattern clarity and advanced tufting techniques are creating richer textures and modern tonal patterns. Wool and fibre blends are also benefitting from advanced tufting technology, giving consumers new design looks with superior performance.

\\ TOP: The Beneath collection in Comfort from Tarkett (left). The Rooted style in Zinnia from the Wild Threads collection by Mannington Commercial (right). BOTTOM: Finery collection in Gold Coin from Anderson Tuftex.

Colour systems are being developed with greater cohesion, ensuring warm neutrals and saturated accents integrate seamlessly across entire environments. Pattern scale is also being used more strategically, shifting from purely aesthetic choices to tools that reinforce zoning, movement and intended use. And as biophilic design continues to influence the built environment, we’re seeing more abstracted, organic interpretations of natural elements within carpet design.

Romero Bruno: A few innovations shaping commercial carpet design include a focus on durability and installation design. For durability, stain-resistant yarns or waterproof backings enhance a product’s performance, providing ease of maintenance within high-traffic spaces.

When it comes to visuals and styles, innovative installation patterns help to create intuitive zones and directional flow within flexible spaces.

Sustainability will also continue to be at the forefront of innovation, focusing on the reclamation and recycling of materials, along with material reuse — taking the material ingredients we have and giving them new life through circular design.

Simmons: Carpet design is being shaped by 16 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

advances that blend sustainability, technology and sensory experience. Manufacturers are pushing fibre innovations like high-recycledcontent nylons, closed-loop materials and recyclable backing systems. Some manufacturers are continuing to develop backing — using lightweight or backing engineered to be separated and recycled. Together, these advancements are redefining carpet not just as a surface but as a forward-thinking material system designed for longevity, performance and a more thoughtful built environment.

In machine technology, innovative tufting systems bring a new level of artistry to carpet construction, allowing designers the ability to manipulate technical details more efficiently.

Also, precision tufting empowers nuanced geometry and sculpted texture, supporting the broader move toward tactile dimensional flooring. This can enable surfaces of layered textures and sculpted effects that feel intentional, elevated and beautifully multidimensional. It’s a rare moment when manufacturing innovation aligns perfectly with design ambition, delivering richer texture without slowing down the process.

Swift: New fibre technologies are making car-

What’s out of fashion for 2026?

Cohen: Cool greys and stark industrial looks are on their way out. Overly theme-heavy designs are fading as designers embrace authenticity and sophistication. The future is layered textures, natural materials and warmth that feels lived-in yet elevated.

Cunningham: Excessively shiny carpet signals an older generation of design because customers now look for more natural and premium feeling carpet. Colour trends have almost completely shifted away from cooltoned pallets, where icy greys and blue tinted neutrals use to dominate.

Isaac: While the industry is clearly moving away from the dominance of cool, flat greys, it’s not as simple as declaring grey is ‘out.’ Many designers still need refined, neutral greys to coordinate with existingcommercialinteriors.Instead,what’sfading is the reliance on cold, monochromatic greys, which are being replaced by warmer, nature-inspired neutrals that better align with today’s focus on comfort and biophilic influence. It’s less about eliminating grey and more about evolving it and introducing warmer undertones, more nuanced palettesandhuesthatfeelconnectedtothenatural world.

Simmons: There are several approaches that are fading as 2026 brings a more refined, materially aware design sensibility. What’s ‘out’ isn’t dramatic but the shift is noticeable. Flat, textureless surfaces are falling out of favour, replaced by carpets with layered dimension and tactile nuance. Cool corporate greys are giving way to warmer neutrals and mineralinflected tones that feel more grounded and contemporary. Overly literal nature motifs have lost their appeal, with designers opting instead for abstracted, atmospheric interpretations.

Also, short-lived statement colours are receding as palettes shift toward hues with longevity, subtlety and refined restraint.

Swift: High-contrast patterns and bold geometrics are fading out. Cool greys are also slipping, replaced by warmer, natural tones.

Also, the simple linear stria is giving way to more modern crosshatch and abstract looks.

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Message de la rédactrice Bonne fête du Canada ! La semaine dernière, nous avons publié notre numéro dʼété, et cette semaine, nous vous proposons du contenu exclusif en ligne tiré de ce même numéro. Consultez les graphiques supplémentaires pour une vue dʼensemble plus complète dans notre rapport sur le logement du premier trimestre de 2025.

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Chervin Kitchen & Bath: 30 Years Young

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It was 1991 when Kevin Bauman shaped his woodworking passion into a custom cabinetry business in Waterloo, Ontario.

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Thursday, October 27

Le SIBO est de retour.

Friday, October 28

LEARN MORE AT woodindustry.ca lemondedubois.com

Faites des plans pour revenir à l’événement le plus important de l’industrie du bois au Québec en 11:00 -- KEYNOTE: Adoption of 11:00du -- KEYNOTE: présenteront les plus grandes technologies bois, du Roboistic’s 2022. Rencontrez des fournisseurs qui vous Industry 4.0 by Quebec Wood et bien plus encore. Le SIBO 2022 Pioneering Robot-Made matériel, de l’outillage, des logiciels, des matériaux fera passer votre Products Manufacturers Cabinetry entreprise à un niveau supérieur.

SIBO is back.

Make plans to return to the Quebec woodworking industry’s largest event in 2022. Engage with vendors featuring the latest in woodworking technology, hardware, tooling, software, materials and much more. SIBO 2022 will take your business to a new level.

Make plans to return to the Quebec woodworking industry’s largest event in 2022. Engage with vendors featuring the latest in woodworking technology, hardware, tooling, software, materials and much more. SIBO 2022 will take your business to a new level.

Learn from your peers and experts in educational sessions dedicated to best practices in manufacturing, marketing, and management. SIBO partners with major industry associations and institutions to deliver a stellar line-up of curriculum.

Le SIBO est de retour.

Apprenez de vos pairs et des experts lors de sessions éducatives consacrées aux meilleures pratiques en Presenter: Christian Galarneau, Presenter: Bastien Laroche, matière de fabrication, de marketing et de gestion. Le SIBO s’associe à des associations et institutions Sectoral Labor Committee for the Founder & President of Roboistic industrielles majeures pour proposer un programme éducatif exceptionnel.

Door and Window, Furniture and RMC Kitchen Cabinet Industries

Horaire/Show Hours: -- Economic Jeudi/Thursday13:00 10:00H - 17:00H for Converting Vendredi/FridayConsiderations 10:00H - 17:00H to Water-based Finishes Samedi/Saturday 10:00H - 15:00H Presenter: Houssein Awada,

Hôtel hôte/Host Hotel: Scientific Director and Head of Hôtel Grand TimesResearch at Inovem 530, rue Saint-Amant, Drummondville (Québec) 819-474-5555 grandtimeshotel.com

Pour de plus amples renseignements For more13:00 information -- The Rules of the Art Contactez-Nous/Contact us Woodworking of Architectural Harry Urban Phone/Téléphone: 708.373.4344 Presenter: Jean Michaud, Email/Courriel: GIS Inspector, Architectural harry.urban@woodworkingnetwork.com Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada

www.siboexpo.ca

All sessions will be held for free at the SIBO Live stage, booth #121.

September, Instagram creator Rasha Abdel Reda ... Read more.

Learn from your peers and experts in educational sessions dedicated to best practices in manufacturing, marketing, and management. SIBO partners with major industry associations and institutions to deliver a stellar line-up of curriculum.

Faites des plans pour revenir à l’événement le plus important de l’industrie du bois au Québec en 2022. Rencontrez des fournisseurs qui vous présenteront les plus grandes technologies du bois, du matériel, de l’outillage, des logiciels, des matériaux et bien plus encore. Le SIBO 2022 fera passer votre entreprise à un niveau supérieur.

ébéniste soutient les femmes Thursday, OctoberUne 27 ballerine devenue Friday, October 28

Le SIBO est de retour.

de métier

Apprenez de vos pairs et des experts lors de sessions éducatives consacrées aux meilleures pratiques en matière de fabrication, de marketing et de gestion. Le SIBO s’associe à des associations et institutions industrielles majeures pour proposer un programme éducatif exceptionnel.

14:15 -- How the Internet of Things Is Changing the Woodworking Industry

A Woodworking Network event 14:15 -- Inovem’s Robotic Sanding Project

Presenter: Christopher Mancliere, Senior Software Specialist, Planit Canada

Presenter: Pierre-Luc Vallières, Productivity 4.0 Project Manager

Over Half of SMEs Still Making Less Than Normal Depuis son premier cours de danse àRevenues lʼâge de huit ans, Brandy

Horaire/Show Hours: Faites des plans pour revenir à l’événement le plus important de l’industrie du bois au Québec enJeudi/Thursday 10:00H - 17:00H 11:00 -- KEYNOTE: Adoption of 11:00du -- KEYNOTE: 10:00H - 17:00H présenteront les plus grandes technologies bois, Vendredi/Friday du Roboistic’s 2022. Rencontrez des fournisseurs qui vous Samedi/Saturday 10:00H - 15:00H Industry 4.0 by Quebec Wood et bien plus encore. Le SIBO 2022 Pioneering Robot-Made matériel, de l’outillage, des logiciels, des matériaux fera passer votre Products Manufacturers Cabinetry Hôtel hôte/Host Hotel: entreprise à un niveau supérieur.

Pour de plus amples renseignements For more information Contactez-Nous/Contact us Harry Urban Phone/Téléphone: 708.373.4344 Email/Courriel: harry.urban@woodworkingnetwork.com

Saturday, October 29

11:00 -- KEYNOTE: The Rules of the Art of Architectural Woodworking

13:00 -- Tips for Buying Your First CNC Machine

Kawulka dit quʼelle était destinée à devenir une danseuse With Parliament backde in session, two-thirds (66%) of small www.siboexpo.ca ballet. Grâce à son engagement et à businesses son ... Lire lawant suite. the federal government to focus on reducing Hôtel Grand Times

530, rue Saint-Amant, Drummondville (Québec) Apprenez de vos pairs et des experts lors de sessions éducatives consacrées aux meilleures pratiques en 819-474-5555 Presenter: Christian Galarneau, Presenter: Bastien Laroche, grandtimeshotel.com matière de fabrication, de marketing et de gestion. Le SIBO s’associe à des associations et institutions Sectoral Labor Committee for the Founder & President of Roboistic industrielles majeures pour proposer un programme éducatif exceptionnel.

Door and Window, Furniture and RMC Kitchen Cabinet Industries

Presenter: Charles Besmargian, Director General, AWMAC Quebec Chapter

Presenter: Christopher Mancliere, Senior Software Specialist, Planit Canada

A Woodworking Network event

ANDERSON STRATOS PROtheFULL LINEtax burden, according to a new survey ... Read more. overall SIBO_WI_Fall_2022.indd 2-3

2022-09-08 1:00 PM

Maximum Throughput, High Volume Nesting CNC Router Solution Job Vacancies Across Canada The Anderson Stratos Pro Full Line CNC Router System is a fully integrated automatic nesting Employers CNC router line that greatly reduces cycle times by shortening the loading & unloadingacross all sectors in Canada sought to fill nearly Hôtel hôte/Host Hotel: one million vacant positions in the second quarter, the highest Hôtel Grand Times operations.

It is equipped with our unique one step loading system that canquarterly grab the panel 530, rue Saint-Amant, Drummondville (Québec) www.siboexpo.ca number on record. Vacancies were up 4.7% from the 819-474-5555 and load it into the machine in a single operation. grandtimeshotel.com first quarter and 42.3% higher than in the second ... Read more.

Horaire/Show Hours: -- Economic Jeudi/Thursday13:00 10:00H - 17:00H for Converting Vendredi/FridayConsiderations 10:00H - 17:00H to Water-based Finishes Samedi/Saturday 10:00H - 15:00H Presenter: Houssein Awada, Scientific Director and Head of Research at Inovem

14:15 -- How the Internet of Things Is Changing the Woodworking Industry Presenter: Christopher

Pour de plus amples renseignements For more13:00 information -- The Rules of the Art Contactez-Nous/Contact us Woodworking of Architectural Harry Urban Phone/Téléphone: 708.373.4344 Presenter: Jean Michaud, Email/Courriel: GIS Inspector, Architectural harry.urban@woodworkingnetwork.com Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada

A Woodworking Network event 14:15 -- Inovem’s Robotic Sanding Project

Office Furniture Market – Growth, Trends, Forecasts

Presenter: Pierre-Luc Vallières, Productivity 4.0 Project Manager

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TISE 2026 SEMINARS

Islander I - North Convention Centre

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM If You Build It, They Will Come: How to Lead Workforce Development in the Community Alison Mullins, Rep Methods LLC This session shares the behind-the-scenes story of Order Maker 2025: Sales & Brand Strategy Summit, a first-time workforce development event in Henrico County, Va. Developed in direct partnership with Henrico County Public Schools’ director of career and technical education, this initiative is designed to connect the community of showrooms, salespeople and trade businesses with high school juniors and seniors, introducing them not only to real career paths in tile, flooring, stone and fabrication, but also to foundational sales and marketing training. By leveraging the district’s existing insured internship program, students will gain hands-on, face-toface access to industry professionals and a clear path toward employment. This session brings you into that journey, from community outreach and school coordination to engaging vendors, recruiting students and shaping meaningful day-of programming. You’ll hear what worked, what didn’t and what came as a surprise, and leave with a practical roadmap to launch a workforce initiative in your own local market. Whether you’re a fabricator, flooring or tile retailer, installer or industry advocate, this is your chance to lead the future of our industry.

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM Digitize or Die (Part 1): AI Basics for the Flooring Business Peter Rincione, Consultant You will learn what artificial intelligence actually is, how it differs from conventional software and where it’s already showing up in the industry. Through real-world examples, this session walks you through tools you can use today to improve estimating, quoting, inventory reordering and basic customer interaction.

The session includes a digital readiness checklist to help each business evaluate its current capabilities, a simple roadmap for next steps and how to augment it to create super closers.

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM Sustainability: Thinking Beyond ‘Going Green’ Jamie Shaw, Karndean Designflooring There’s no doubt about it — consumers are more mindful of sustainability than ever before. But there’s a common misconception that sustainability refers only to products that are ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly.’ That’s why it’s so important for floor covering retailers to understand the concept more holistically, empowering them with additional expertise in conversations with customers. The reality is corporate sustainability strikes a balance between environmental stewardship, social impact and economic growth. Learn how an understanding of this more holistic perspective can help retailers address the needs of sustainability-minded customers, and provide a template for retailers to adopt and refine their own sustainability initiatives.

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM Seizing Growth: Digital Strategies to Scale Your Flooring Business in a Booming Market Welton Hong, RRM@Home With a strong economy and increased demand for home and commercial improvements, now is the time for flooring dealers to capitalize on market momentum. But how do you ensure your business stands out and captures the most valuable opportunities? The answer lies in a well-executed digital marketing strategy. This session will equip flooring dealers with the tools and tactics needed to maximize their online presence, generate high-quality leads and increase conversions.

It explores the latest trends in consumer behaviour, digital advertising and online branding to help businesses accelerate their growth. Rather than just keeping up with the market, you will learn how to position yourself as an industry leader, expand your customer base and drive revenue in a booming economy.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM State of the Industry 2026: Revolution, Shifts and Insights Join the industry’s most influential manufacturers as they reveal how they’re reshaping the flooring world in response to unprecedented market shifts. In this candid, forward-looking panel discussion, leaders from the top flooring manufacturers will cut through the noise to address the fundamental transformations redefining the industry. From supply chain reinvention to the digital revolution changing how products reach consumers, this session delivers the unfiltered insights you need to position your business for success in 2026.

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM How to Win at Marketing and Drive More Customers to Your Business Consumer behaviour is shifting and it is becoming harder than ever to capture the attention and trust of your ideal customers.

This session will go over the proven strategies and principles that will help drive more customers (not leads) to your business and the impact getting it right will have on your business for years to come.

12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Critical Points of Tile Design and Installation Scott Conwell, International Masonry Institute This session takes a close look at the most critical elements of a successful tile project, from preliminary design through the finished installation. Applying the evaluation criteria of the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) to real projects and case studies, this session examines the critical requirements of ACT’s specialty areas of large-format tile, membranes, mud floors and walls, shower receptors, gauged porcelain tile and grouts.

The International Surface Event | January 26 - 29, 2026

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM Digitize or Die (Part 2): Intermediate Users and Beyond Peter Rincione, Consultant Building on Part 1, this session is tailored for those who have already taken some digital steps and want to evolve further. It focuses on how to combine artificial intelligence with existing systems to create real value in forecasting, lead scoring, labour allocation and inventory optimization. You will see how these tools connect to measurable financial gains, including higher margins, improved customer retention and better scalability.

The session includes a planning worksheet to help you define your next level of implementation based on business goals and available data.

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM Solving the Installation Crisis 101 Scott Perron, Floors 4 Pros When you ask flooring dealers what their number 1 issue is, the overwhelming answer is the lack of qualified installation teams for all product types. This session will outline the steps to reverse that challenge and pave the way for dealers to be involved at the local level with national support.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM Beyond the Transaction: Redefining the Sales Process Alison Mullins, Rep Methods LLC Redefining Alison’s top-performing course, Finessing the Sales Process from Lead to Close, and blending it with her award-winning workshop and book, The Art of Selling: We Make Order Makers, Not Order Takers, this session brings two presentations together into one interactive, note-taking, eyeopening seminar. In this coaching-style session, Alison fuses the foundational principles of The Art of Selling with the evolved strategies from Beyond Order Makers: Target Marketing, Branding and Business Development for Entrepreneurs to deliver a full reframe of how you engage, connect and convert.

Designed for representatives, showrooms and small business professionals, the session begins with a mindset inventory and sales self-assessment. You will then move through a competitive analysis, unique value proposition and pitch redevelopment using Alison’s Pitch framework, and wrap with the initial framework of a target marketing plan that’s intuitive, actionable and aligned. You’ll leave with a personal sales blueprint rooted in clarity, confidence and modern execution.

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM Creating Customer Experiences that Convert: AI-powered Personalization Adam Singer, Ability Growth Partners Inc. Today’s customers expect personalization. This session shows how artificial intelligence tools, from chatbots to virtual design assistants, are helping surface retailers and designers offer tailored, data-driven experiences that drive revenue.

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM Lessons from Legacy Leaders Christopher Ramey, Affluent Insights We ask three long-time floor covering leaders what they wish they had known when they got into the flooring business. This session promises many insights into where our leaders have been, where the industry is going and where your firm is headed.

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM The Ultimate Blueprint: How Small Flooring Businesses can Compete and Win Anna McCortney, Ultimate Flooring Sam Robinson, Ultimate Flooring In an ever-changing flooring industry, independent retailers and small businesses must adapt to compete with largescale competitors while maintaining profitability and strong customer relationships. This session will explore real-world strategies for sustainable business growth, effective community engagement and leveraging supplier relationships to maximize margins. Actionable insights on branding, marketing and operational efficiency will be shared to help independent flooring retailers stand out and scale successfully.

12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Laying the Foundation: Proven Marketing Tactics for Flooring Businesses Elena Grant, National Tile Contractors Association Ready to take your flooring business to the next level? In this session, you’ll discover how to build a strong brand, attract more customers and turn leads into loyal clients. From digital marketing and social media strategies to targeted advertising and customer engagement, this session will provide you with practical, actionable tactics to make your business stand out.

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM Eight Keys to Magnifying your Marketing Anthony Milia, Milia Marketing Discover how to avoid common marketing pitfalls, effectively reach new customers and develop strategies for retaining existing ones. You will walk away with tools to enhance marketing experiences both online and in-person as well as action items that will make an impact on your business.

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM Reducing the Risks of Flooring Failure Lewis Migliore, LGM & Associates Flooring failures are the bane of the industry, be it installation, defective product, the wrong product in the wrong place, substrate conditions or environmental influences. The increase in new products, with a variety of characteristics and now more PVC-free products, present unique challenges for the flooring dealer, installer and contractor. The importance of knowing as much as you can to avoid flooring failures and drains on your business profits is imperative. This session will provide insight, information and examples of what to avoid and what happens when you don’t.

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM The Hidden Costs of Call-backs: What Tile Subcontractors Wish You Knew Before the Job Starts Scott Carothers, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation Every call-back chips away at your bottom line, but what if most could be prevented? This panel, featuring certified tile installers, contractors and National Tile Contractors Association representatives, uncovers avoidable missteps that lead to job site failures. Hear directly from the field as seasoned professionals share case studies, project anecdotes and practical communication tools that can help retailers, designers and dealers get it right the first time. Learn how prejob conversations, proper planning and recognition of qualified labour can turn tile headaches into tile success stories.

Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas

CARPET

THE WONDERS OF WOOL A health-forward, sustainable floor covering

BY JENNY DE CASTRIS

A

s sustainability becomes a central priority for homeowners, designers and builders, the flooring industry is undergoing a profound shift. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental footprint of the materials they bring indoors, and this heightened awareness has opened the door for natural, regenerative and health-forward building products to take centre stage. Few materials capture these qualities as completely as wool carpet does.

Wool has been used in textiles for thousands of years but its relevance today is greater than ever. In an era where synthetic flooring options dominate the market, wool stands out as a renewable, biodegradable and exceptionally durable alternative. More importantly, wool’s role in a circular ecosystem positions

20 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

it not just as a ‘green’ choice, but as a material that can actively contribute to environmental restoration.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The flooring industry touches nearly every residential and commercial space, and so does its carbon footprint. Synthetic carpets, vinyl flooring and engineered surfaces represent a massive portion of the materials installed across North America each year. Many of these products are petroleum-based and come with significant environmental costs, such as high embodied carbon (carbon dioxide emissions) associated with manufacturing, chemical additives that can impact indoor air quality, slow degradation in landfills (sometimes taking centuries), and frequent replacement cycles

that generate more waste than natural alternatives.

While the flooring industry has made modest strides in recycling programs and with lower volatile organic compound (VOC) formulations, the long-term environmental burden remains considerable. As global attention turns toward carbon reduction, healthy building materials and regenerative design, flooring manufacturers and retailers are being challenged to think beyond ‘less harm’ to materials that offer a deeper environmental benefit.

This is where wool, one of nature’s most highperformance fibres, comes in.

NATURAL PERFORMANCE POWER Wool carpet is associated with luxury, comfort and timeless style. But its environmental and

CARPET

functional advantages make it far more than a premium aesthetic choice. Wool is one of the most sustainable and naturally capable fibres available for flooring applications, offering benefits that synthetic fibres often attempt to replicate.

Wool is produced annually by sheep, making it one of the only truly renewable soft surface materials. Each year, a sheep grows a new fleece and this annual renewability makes wool a naturally replenishing resource, free from petroleum extraction, chemical synthesis and industrial plastics. And unlike synthetic carpets, wool production does not rely on fossil fuels as its primary ingredient.

Nor does it take wool hundreds of years to decompose like synthetic carpet fibres; it biodegrades in landfills within a relatively short time. As wool breaks down, it releases beneficial nutrients into the soil, contributing to the natural nutrient cycle. It does not fragment into microplastics, adding to persistent waste.

Wool’s inherent flame resistance is one of its most remarkable characteristics. With a high ignition temperature and self-extinguishing behaviour, wool does not melt, drip or emit toxic fumes when exposed to flame. This makes it an inherently safer choice for residential and commercial interiors.

Wool improves indoor air quality. The fibre structure captures dust, pollen and airborne pollutants, storing them until vacuumed. Wool also does not off-gas harmful chemicals because it is naturally low in VOCs and free from harmful additives commonly found in synthetic flooring. It is non-allergenic, too, making it a strong choice for homes with children, pets or sensitive individuals.

Further, wool fibres absorb and release moisture vapour as needed, helping to naturally balance indoor humidity levels. This reduces the risk of mould or mildew growth and contributes to a more comfortable, stable environment.

A wool fibre’s natural structure is crimped, elastic and resilient, allowing it to spring back under foot traffic. As a result, it retains its original appearance for longer. Wool carpets routinely outperform synthetic carpets in longevity, often lasting decades with proper care and maintenance. This extended life span translates into fewer replacements, reduced

\\ Retailers who can articulate wool’s benefits have a significant opportunity to differentiate themselves from their competitors and shift the conversation from comparison shopping to informed, confident decision-making.

environmental waste and lower lifetime costs.

Beyond performance, wool remains one of the most visually desirable carpet materials available. With rich texture, exceptional colour absorption and natural elegance, wool carpet offers a level of sophistication and design versatilityunmatchedbymostsyntheticoptions.

REGENERATIVE BUILDING MATERIAL Today’s sustainability conversation is evolving from ‘doing less harm’ to actively healing and restoring ecosystems. Regenerative materials support this goal by contributing positively to natural systems rather than merely minimizing damage. This is what distinguishes wool carpet from other ‘green’ flooring materials.

Sheep are part of the natural carbon cycle.

By grazing, they play a role in maintaining soil health and promoting vegetation growth, which draws carbon from the atmosphere. The process of sheep eating grass and subsequent accumulation of carbon in the wool fibre actually sequesters carbon from the atmosphere. This biogenic carbon remains locked in the fibre for the life of the carpet, making wool one of the few flooring materials that naturally stores carbon.

Many wool-producing farms operate with regenerative grazing practices like rotating

pastureland,improvingsoilstructure,increasing biodiversity, reducing erosion and restoring natural ecosystems. This makes wool one of the few flooring materials whose production can contribute to healthier land and reduced atmospheric carbon.

Wool requires less industrial processing in comparison to petroleum-based carpets. The production process for wool carpet is simpler, gentler and aligned with natural fibre systems rather than energy-intensive manufacturing. The fibre comes with many built-in high-performance characteristics, reducing the need for added chemical treatments.

When wool carpet finally reaches the end of its usable life, it returns to the earth without creating long-term pollution. Its decomposition contributes nutrients back to the soil — literally returning to the earth what came from it. Wool therefore exceeds the standard sustainability marker of ‘doing less harm.’ It participates in ecological restoration and contributes to healthier natural systems.

By embracing wool, the flooring industry can play a crucial role in shifting consumer expectations toward products that support planetary well-being rather than compromise it.

As director of operations at Nature’s Carpet in Vancouver, Jenny De Castris champions sustainable wool flooring solutions. Since 2017, Jenny has combined industry expertise with advocacy, promoting global wool standards and environmentally conscious interiors. She can be reached at jenny@naturescarpet.com.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\ Coverings 21

THEN & NOW

QUIET CONFIDENCE

New workspace blends Canadian modesty with global sophistication

BY BRYAN WIENS

L

ike many organizations, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) saw a major shift in office use due to the pandemic. The transition to hybrid work, combined with an upcoming lease renewal, prompted a reassessment of its workspace to better align with new work methodologies. Ultimately, the agency that connects Canadian businesses with international governments chose to remain in Constitution Square, a three-tower office complex in Ottawa, but relocate its headquarters to a single floor in a different building.

This move presented an opportunity to craft a design vision that extended far beyond a simple refresh — it was a complete reimagining of how flooring contributes to diplomacy, wellness and flexibility in the modern workplace.

The existing office reflected a conventional government interior: grey broadloom, worn vinyl tile and rigid zoning that amplified noise and fatigue. Circulation paths were visually undefined and the flooring palette did little to support the organization’s evolving hybrid culture.

Staff cited poor acoustics, inconsistent finishes and a lack of warmth as key barriers to comfort and collaboration.

The new 19,600-square-foot headquarters embodies CCC’s role as both a federal agency and global trade facilitator. Flooring became a unifying tool — balancing sophistication with restraint while guiding movement, supporting acoustics and reinforcing spatial identity.

A combination of high-performance carpet tile from Mohawk’s Lichen series, resilient luxury vinyl plank and custom inset area rugs from the Crosswise collection by Flor, an Interface company, creates subtle transitions between collaboration zones, private offices and 22 Coverings \\ Winter 2025/2026

Photos courtesy Kevin Belanger

hospitality-inspired lounges. Warm neutral tones ground the space, while red accents — echoing CCC’s corporate identity — add rhythm and wayfinding cues. The shift to modular flooring allows for easy reconfiguration as workplace needs evolve.

In the central lounge and gathering spaces, woven-backed carpet tile provides acoustic absorption underfoot while visually anchoring the modular red seating. Adjacent corridors feature wood-look luxury vinyl planks from Mohawk’s Hot and Heavy collection, chosen for their durability, tactile warmth and ability to align seamlessly with surrounding millwork. In the staff lounge, a slip-resistant porcelain tile from Ciot’s Ego series complements chainmail drapery and soft lighting, balancing elegance with performance in a high-traffic area.

Floor covering installation posed a challenge. The existing concrete subfloor revealed irregularities after demolition. Close collaboration with the general contractor ensured that surface levelling and phased installation maintained the schedule without compromising finish quality. The result is a flooring system that performs beautifully under both aesthetic and operational demands.

Throughout the project, material restraint and thoughtful detailing were key. Every flooring choice contributes to CCC’s message of quiet confidence — refined, adaptable and distinctly Canadian.

Bryan Wiens, principal at LWG Architectural Interiors Inc., leads awardwinning workplace and institutional projects across Canada. LWG is an Ottawa-based design firm recognized for crafting interiors that combine strategy, storytelling and human-centred performance.

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