Just say no to mow, and take a bet on the (artificial) turf.
We take a view on the market and look at the leaders. – page 33–35
Rolling out for Cormar
12 new DAFs are ready to deliver page 16
Flooring freedom
Moduleo unlocks design potential page 16
RAG time for installers
F Ball’s new adhesive bible is out - page 18
Happy Valentine!
Get up close to the best-sellers that consumers have taken to their hearts - pages 28–32
FEATURE ARTICLE
Future fibres
Eco innovation
Star achievers
Part 2 of our showcase of the 2025 winners of flooring's prestigious awards scheme page 36–54
Environmental initiatives are transforming flooring for the greater good + better business pages 32–37
Rita Bancroft spotlights advancements in both synthetic and natural fibre innovations as consumers look for style. pages 26–27
Smooth debut in store
Abingdon’s Simply Smooth POS page 18
New level for Likewise
Milestone sales exceed £150m - Business news page 24
Rugs raise eco standard LDP transforms rug recycling page 15
Turning the page
Your magazine team bows out page 22
Survive to thrive
Company failures fall
- Business news page 24
With over 6,000 adhesive recommendations from around 200 of the world’s top floorcovering manufacturers, you can tackle any project confidently, knowing your adhesive choice is tested, approved and guaranteed.
TRUST THE YELLOW BUCKET. Scan the QR code to download your FREE RAG® guide or visit f-ball.com/RAG RAG® 2025
Gary Kendall
London W, WC, SW, N, E, EC plus Home Counties 07802 661 944
Tony Mellamphy
Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxon, Isle of Wight, London SE, SW, S 07908 568 532
Sandy Anderson Lancashire, Cheshire Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Wirral, and North Wales 07445 232 345
Blacktex cushion vinyl from Beauflor brings private and social housing a fast and easy flooring option and with brandnew designs for 2025, one that now reflects the latest in home interior style. The popular collection comes in a range of 56 wood and stone looks, including 24 new for this year.
Introduced designs include the classic style of Oakland and Gambel Oak wood planks, the limestone of Pamplona and the elegant, polished concrete of Beton Cire. Whatever the decor, Blacktex brings a floor with numerous advantages, refreshing homes with a welcoming look and a comfortable and practical surface.
With a textile backing that means it can be installed over old floor coverings without glue (up to 35m2), Blacktex can be used to quickly refurbish rooms. Not just kitchens and bathrooms, but living areas, bedrooms and hallways can all benefit from the floor’s easy fitting. With multiple width options (2m, 3m and 4m), Blacktex also reduces installation waste.
The floor’s premium coating reduces the chances of permanent stains and marks and makes maintenance easier for owners and tenants, preserving the floor’s look and enhancing its durability. Along with its water-resistant construction, the floor’s R10 slip-restraint and a Class 32 general commercial wear rating make for a hardwearing floor finish that withstands family use and which can even avoid flooring replacement between tenancies.
Chris Roberts, regional sales director, says: “Fast to install, comfortable and durable, Blacktex is a great flooring choice in both private and social housing. It ensures owners and tenants have a natural looking floor with a homely feel, but without any of the maintenance drawbacks, noise or discomfort of real wood, stone or concrete flooring. For landlords and associations, its fast and easy installation, ability to withstand heavy use and affordability mean it delivers an excellent long-term proposition.” www.beauflor.com
Rugs raise their eco standards
When Louis De Poortere transformed its business with the introduction of the recyclable Ecorugs collection, it set out an ambition to see every new rug made from old rugs reclaimed through its Take Care Program.
As it enters its second generation in the 2025 collection, Ecorugs has taken another step towards achieving its ambition with an increase in the amount of recycled content featuring in every new rug. Now, every 2025 Ecorug comes with 40 per cent recycled polyester and is still fully recyclable through Take Care.
For this year, Louis De Poortere has also tested selected styles as being suitable for outdoor use. Popular designs like Madmen’s Cracks, Griff and Jacob’s Ladder and Fading World’s Medallion can now add style and comfort to outdoor living spaces. By 2026, Louis De Poortere plans for every Ecorug to be outdoor-ready. What’s more all rugs are machine washable, following the cleaning instructions, so that they can be enjoyed for longer.
Industry all-stars
The winners are announced for the Flooring Innovation Awards 2025 – see pages 36–54
Greener grass
Just say no to mow, and take a bet on the (artificial) turf. We take a look at the leaders. – page 34–35
in
The best-sellers that consumers have taken to their hearts – pages 28–32
As you would expect, the 2025 Ecorugs Collection also sees a range of new designs, as well as colourways in existing lines. The hugely popular Antiquarian line sees new designs in Suzani, Tabriz, Kasak, Antalia; while Madmen enjoys two new designs in Sol and Virgin Land. Louis De Poortere has also expanded Structures with Berber and Craft with Ribbon.
Alan Russell, sales director, says: “As well as the improvement in recycled content, these new designs further enhance our Ecorugs 2025 collection –the traditional introductions are particularly beautiful. What’s more, the suitability for outdoor use in some of our best-selling designs should create some new opportunities for our customers to capitalise on the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces.”
The new collection is now available to view in the 2025 Ecorugs Collection catalogue and is live on the website. www.louisdepoortere.com • A Flooring Innovation Award winner – see page 52
Valentine
vogue
FLOORINGNEWS
Total design flexibility and freedom
Moduleo Moods unlocks the design potential of a flooring choice to create a uniquely personal interior with their luxury vinyl collection.
To unlock a world of total design freedom, an additional nine base shapes and the full palette from the Moduleo Roots collection are on hand to give homeowners complete flexibility.
With a completely new range of original patterns from the latest in natural wood and stone effects, Moduleo Moods is ready to help homeowners bring their creative ideas to life.
Moduleo’s in-house designers have developed 15 patterns across a range of natural wood and stone decors to give over 70 different standard floor designs. Homeowners can now enjoy everything from bold, high-contrast diamond patterns and wood and stone chevrons to geometric twists on floral designs or subtle wood hexagons. Moods transforms interior spaces from ordinary to bespoke, simply through four shapes and 12 authentic wood and stone effects. Every choice of wood and stone in Moods – including classics such as Blackjack Oak, Sierra Oak and Triana – also features EIR (emboss in register) and an ultra-matt surface to give a true natural look. Each of these options come in Moduleo’s 0.55mm luxury vinyl specification, with scratch and stain protection to ensure they can withstand use in hallways and living spaces. As Moduleo is also water-resistant, bathrooms too can enjoy any Moods design. Better still, Moduleo Moods is easy to clean, so it stays looking good in the busiest of family homes.
T 01332 851 500 • www.moduleo.co.uk
Rolling out for Cormar
Cormar Carpets has proudly rolled out its new fleet for 2025, representing a significant investment in advanced, efficient, and safe logistics.
This year’s fleet upgrade introduces twelve new DAF models, marking a transformative shift. The retiring vehicles, which have served Cormar reliably for up to seven years, have collectively travelled an incredible 7.5 million kilometres — that’s nearly 200 trips around the Earth!
The newly designed, more environmentally friendly, vehicles are optimised to reduce air drag, directing wind around, through, and under the body. Combined with EURO6 engines, this design enhances fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and lowers running noise. These upgrades align with Cormar’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
Safety has also taken centre stage in this fleet upgrade. The new vehicles are equipped with cutting-edge road safety features tailored for urban distribution. Additionally, Cormar has invested in Progressive Safe Systems, Moving Off Information Systems, and 360° CCTV technology. These features not only meet but exceed Transport for London’s new safety requirements for HGVs operating within Greater London, protecting vulnerable road users and ensuring accident prevention.
In addition to the new vehicles, Cormar Carpets has introduced eight brand-new trailers. The trailers feature easy-access barn doors at both ends and secure internal cages for improved handling and safety. After 17 years of loyal service, the previous trailers have been retired to make way for this modern, efficient design.
This fleet upgrade signals the end of an era as the company’s previous branding, first introduced in 1990, is retired. Cormar’s latest branding is now proudly displayed across the entire fleet, which serves customers across the UK and Ireland. Cormar Carpets continues to lead the way ensuring the highest standards of service for their customers. This new fleet reinforces Cormar’s dedication to operational excellence as they drive into a promising 2025. T 01204 881234 • www.cormarcarpets.co.uk
Woodline is social sensation
LeoLine introduced Woodline in 2024, and the collection has quickly turned into something of a social media sensation, becoming a favourite among LeoLine’s follower base.
And as the range continues to be the star of LeoLine’s feeds, the unique look of its painted wood planks is also perfect for tapping into two of Pinterest’s predicted 2025 hot trends, ‘castlecore’ and ‘rococo revival’. These trends celebrate the gothic and historic glamour with the rich colours of Woodline’s painted floor effect the perfect response.
In 10 colours, ranging from midnight black through dusky pink, moss green and sea blue to beige and pure white, Woodline uses LeoLine’s unique endless wood design and texture to give a feeling of elegance and sophistication in any room. It’s also protected with Superguard for better scratch and stain resistance, so whether a medieval makeover or rococo refresh, Woodline will keep the floor looking just the thing. And unlike painted floorboards, it won’t chip or scratch, so homeowners will never have to reach for their paintbrush. Just like all LeoLine floors, Woodline enjoys the comfort of a cushion backing for a great underfoot feel and is also handy at making rooms feel warmer and quieter than painted floorboards, or any other hard flooring for that matter. Installation is made simpler with Woodline capable of loose lay installation in rooms up to 24m2 – ideal for a quick room refresh. The floor is made in Belgium using high-quality materials and comes with a 15-year residential warranty for peace of mind.
Designer flooring for all Moods
In a wide variety of patterns and designs, there’s a Moods for everyone. From intense, eye-catching colours to muted and shaded tones, the only limitation is the imagination. Moods brings a unique feeing to flooring, without sparing the quality you’ve learned to love.
FLOORINGNEWS
RAG time for expert installations
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has unveiled the latest print edition of its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which lists the compatibility of the company’s adhesives with practically every commercially available floorcovering.
The 2025 RAG enables contractors and specifiers to quickly check the compatibility of F. Ball adhesives and chosen floorcoverings, including new adhesive recommendations for floorcoverings launched by manufacturers over the past 12 months. Featuring recommendations for over 6,000 branded floorcoverings from over 200 leading international manufacturers, it is the most comprehensive publication of its kind.
In addition to the annually updated A5 printed book, a continuously updated version of the guide is available on the F. Ball website, and as a mobile app, which is free to download from the Apple App store or Google Play. The app has emerged as the most popular way to access the guide, with over 1,000 downloads last year.
F. Ball’s Technical Service Manager, Steve Boulton, said: “It is always advisable to check the compatibility of adhesives and chosen floorcoverings to ensure against floor failure. The RAG is designed to make this effortless, with recommendations for any of the listed floorcoverings available in an instant, via the smartphone app.”
Recommendations are only included in the guide after the completion of a rigorous 56-day testing programme at F. Ball’s state-of-the-art testing facilities and require a positive endorsement by the relevant floorcovering manufacturer. Furthermore, every recommendation listed guarantees the resulting bond performance for the entire lifetime of the flooring installation – as long as the advised subfloor preparation and installation procedures are followed – giving flooring professionals peace of mind.
Steve adds: “A recommendation is only included in the guide if we are certain that the resulting bond will perform for the entire lifetime of the floorcovering. With new floorcoverings entering the market all the time, the testing that goes into this is an ongoing task for F. Ball’s Technical Service Department.”
Copies can be requested by e-mailing: mail@f-ball.co.uk T 01583 361 633 • www.f-ball.com
F Ball expert for Essex and beyond
Simply Smooth debuts on display
With the launch of Simply Smooth laminate, LVT and sheet vinyl flooring, Abingdon Flooring is giving retailers the opportunity to capitalise on its reputation for great value flooring ready to take on modern family life.
Previewed at The Flooring Show and enjoying a strong response from retailers, the Simply Smooth collection is now rolling out to stores across the UK in three striking toast rack style displays.
Each display shows off the high-quality designs available in Prestige and Exquisite laminate and Artisan luxury vinyl collections with large boards so that customers get a real sense of how the floor will look in their home. Helpful reference stickers on every board also ensure that no feature or benefit is missed, and the display features a backboard with striking room photography, collection benefits and Simply Smooth branding.
The first of these displays are now installed at retailers looking to take advantage of Abingdon Flooring’s complementing hard flooring options.
Charlotte Coop, head of marketing, says: “Our reputation for carpets that deliver great value and British-made quality makes us a favourite choice for retailers looking to offer customers an affordable carpet that delivers on style and practicality. It’s a reputation that sees our Stainfree, Love Story and Wilton Royal families take pride of place in many stores and one that can now be extended to affordable yet high-quality laminate, LVT and sheet vinyl floors with Simply Smooth.
“The displays show off a range of stylish and authentic natural flooring designs, including popular herringbone patterns available in Artisan luxury vinyl, which are the perfect pairing to our carpets,” says Charlotte. “So, whether it’s a soft and cossetting carpet for a cosy living room right next to a practical wood-look LVT in a smart new kitchen, or tough laminate flooring in a hallway, retailers can now offer the value and quality of Abingdon Flooring in every room.”
By choosing Simply Smooth laminate, LVT and sheet vinyl floors alongside its carpets, existing Abingdon Flooring retailers can also take advantage of ordering and account management through the recently improved trade portal, helping to cut down on admin whatever floor their customer chooses. In fact, with carpet, laminate and LVT all in one order, switching to Simply Smooth also offers better customer service.
T 01274 655 694 • www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has appointed Mike Giles as technical representative for North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex regions.
As one of F. Ball’s regional technical representatives, he will provide expert technical advice, training and assistance to flooring contractors, distributors and retailers across the region on best practice in subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation and how to get the most out of F. Ball products. This will include conducting site visits and producing case-specific reports advising on the best course of action for particular flooring projects.
Mike has a long career in the flooring industry working for floorcovering manufacturers and retailers, including, most recently, as commercial area sales manager for a commercial flooring company. He has also previously held the positions of sales manager and account manager at different flooring companies, where he advised customers on solutions to meet their flooring needs.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “For as long as I’ve worked in the flooring industry, I’ve known F. Ball for its reputation for the highest quality products and best-in-class technical support. I’m looking forward to applying my knowledge to be a part of that.”
T 01583 361 633 • www.f-ball.com
NEW 1 COAT DPM
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS?
UZIN PE 481 COST-EFFECTIVE DPM!
· FOR USE UP TO 99.9% RH* · DRY AFTER 6 HOURS*
Steve Dykes UZIN Technical Manager
DO YOU
LVT FITTER OF THE YEAR?
THE 2025 LVT COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS:
1) You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter. Applicants must be 18 years or over on 30.04.25.
2) NICF Council members and previous Carpet Fitter of The Year winners are excluded from entering.
3) Deadline for entry is midnight on 30.04.25.
4) Entrants are initially required to complete a questionnaire, giving the most full and accurate answers possible. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the answers provided and 12 fitters will then be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials.
5) Semi-Finals take place between 24.06.25 and 26.06.25 at the InstallerSHOW, Birmingham NEC, with 4 fitters taking part on each day. The top 5 fitters will progress to the Grand Final.
6) The Finalists’ briefing information will be supplied digitally in August.
7) The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, on Sunday 21.09.25 and Monday 22.09.25.
Fitter of The Year LVT 2025 Competition is kindly sponsored by ENTER NOW @nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition
The Semi-Finals take place on 24-26 June 2025 at the InstallerSHOW, Birmingham NEC. The Grand Final takes place on 21-22 September 2025 at The Flooring Show, Harrogate.
national institute of carpet & floorlayers HOSTED BY
FLOORINGNEWS FEATURE
New future for retail flooring’s top title
The leading trade press title in the residential flooring market is turning over a new page.
On the retirement of the business owners, The Stocklists magazine has been acquired by Kick-Start Publishing Ltd, publishers of the Contract Flooring Journal.
“We’re leaving the magazine in very capable hands for the future,” says The Stocklists editor David Spragg. “The team at CFJ know the flooring industry inside out and we’ve had some great discussions about how the publication can be developed going forward – and they have the professionalism, energy and enthusiasm to make it happen.”
The Stocklists was started by Roy Spragg in 1973 as a listing of stock positions for carpet manufacturers. Roy’s son and daughter, David and Diane took it over in 1993 and developed it into the sector’s primary source of flooring news, data and information – updated online every day and in print every month.
360 issues, some 30,000 pages, and a zillion clicks later, they’re ready to retire. “It has been great to be such a central part of the super-friendly community that is flooring,” says sales director Diane Martin. “People like doing business with people they like and that’s how it’s been for us for thirty years. We’re so grateful for all the support and immense loyalty shown by our lovely advertisers and readers.”
Contract Flooring Journal is the market leader on the commercial side of the sector. It was launched in 1989 and purchased by Kick-Start in 1999 and is the official magazine of the Contract Flooring Association. A sister publication, Tile & Stone Journal, was launched in 2004.
“We’re really excited to have this opportunity to build on the strength of The Stocklists and serve the residential side of the flooring industry,” says CFJ publisher Stuart Bourne.
“We have lots of plans and ideas for new things to add to the service offered by The Stocklists but our main job is to sustain what they do so well already and keep faith with the huge and loyal readership,” said Stuart.
Brad and Diane Martin, and David
Roy
“It has been great to be such a central part of the super-friendly community that is flooring. We’re so grateful for all the support and immense loyalty shown by our lovely advertisers and readers.” – Diane Martin.
Ownership of The Stocklists will be transferred at the end of January with Kick-Start producing the magazine from the March issue onwards under the editorship of Lauren McCarthy.
www.thestocklists.com
Planning a new future: (left to right) Brad Martin, outgoing director; David Strydom, Editor, CFJ; Karen O’Riordan, new sales manager for The Stocklists; Lauren McCarthy, new editor, The Stocklists; David Spragg, outgoing editorial director; Stuart Bourne, managing director, Kick-Start Publishing; and, Diane Martin, outgoing sales director.
Spragg at their last Harrogate show in 2024.
Spragg (left) is Diane and David’s father who started the The Stocklists in 1973.
BUSINESSNEWS
Likewise grows to reach £150 m milestone
Fast growing UK floor coverings distributor, Likewise, says revenues were up 7.5% during 2024 to reach the “important milestone” of sales in excess of £150m.
In the busy Q4 trading period, total sales were up over 10% the company said in a trading update to shareholders for the 12 months ended December 31.
“Following four years of developing the Group’s Sales and Operational infrastructure, we have stepped up to a new level of performance in H2 2024,” said CEO Tony Brewer.
“With significant new product launches in Q4 and more planned for Q1 and 2 this year, the Group is well placed to continue the exponential sales increase into 2025,” he added.
Likewise was ecouraged that its logistics network created over the last four years was able to process and deliver these increased volumes, notwithstanding the Group has plans to increase capacity in Glasgow, Derby and Newport during 2025 which will create a further c.35% processing capability.
The growth of the company is also marked by the headcount of 94 sales executives, following the recruitement of 14 new people appointed last year.
Likewise plc also announced the launch of a share buyback programme of ordinary shares of £0.01 each in the capital of the company up to a maximum aggregate consideration of £200,000. Under the programme, the company will, at appropriate times, seek to buy back its ordinary shares using the company’s existing cash resources.
Victoria flags better trading
Major flooring manufacturer Victoria plc has confirmed it is expecting stronger trading and a small uplift in consumer demand as the company looks ahead in 2025.
In a trading report to shareholders, the plc commented: “While consumer demand remains subdued, we continue to expect H2 trading to be stronger, driven by management actions alongside a small improvement in demand, with full-year 2025 earnings expected to be in line with consensus market expectations.”
“We are encouraged by the progress of the company’s initiatives to improve productivity and take market share, which continue to positively impact profitability,” it said, offering a schedule which showed strong progress on cost reduction of £12m in the last six months and with additional savings set to total £32m per year.
The company’s financial year ends 30 March 2025.
Victoria’s share price has shown substantial recovery in recent weeks following key investor support, with shares trading at c.120p recently after hitting a low in early December of around 40p.
Lawton Yarns looks to a new future
The UK’s largest woollen yarn spinner, Lawton Yarns, has undergone a new re-structuring to secure its future after the company entered into administration days before Christmas.
West Yorkshire-based Lawtons is a key supplier to UK carpet manufacturers but has been challenged by increasing costs and difficult trading conditions in recent years.
Originally a family-owned business, Lawton Yarns experienced a turbulent period in 2019 which saw its parent group enter insolvency. The yarn manufacturer was acquired by Breal Capital in 2020.
A management buyout backed by Secure Trust Bank followed in 2022 to take the £30m-turnover business back into private ownership but Lawtons announced on December 20 that PricewaterhouseCoopers had been called in as administrators.
A review of the business last year concluded that significant cost savings were needed in order to remain a viable business and Lawtons decided to outsource 50% of production overseas as well as reduce its workforce and sell off surplus assets. Over 100 employees remain with the business.
Now the management team trading as LY Manufacturing Limited have bought the business out of administration in a £3.3m pre-pack deal which settles bank debts and HMRC liabilities but leaves behind some £4m of trade creditor debts.
Double dip in retail flooring prices
Retail prices in flooring stores saw another deflationary drop in December with carpets down double the rate of the previous month.
Latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows prices in the carpets and rugs sector were down 2.9% last month following a drop of 1.3% in November.
Store prices for smooths are about level, showing a 0.5% decline in December and 0% in November.
The flooring statistics run counter to the data for the furniture sector where prices were up 1% after a period of deflation, and the figure for overall consumer price inflation which was 2.5% up for December.
Flooring store spending up in Q4
Pre-Christmas spending on debit and credit cards in furniture and flooring stores was up on the previous year and outperformed general consumer spending.
According to Barclays, who account for about half of all UK card sales, transactions were up 4.3% in furnishing stores for December, compared to this time last year. That was an increase of 1.7% in value, showing the deflation in pricing in the sector over the period.
This result is encouraging as consumer spending overall was flat in December with a reduction in buying essentials offset by an increase in discretionary purchasing.
F L O O R I N G
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S O F T W A R E
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T E X T M E S S A G I N G
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s a l e s @ e G i z m o . c o . u k
Marketing insights Future fibres focus on softness, style and sustainability
This feature continues to spotlight advancements in both synthetic and natural fibre innovations. Progress in synthetic fibres has led to an impressive array of carpet collections that combine exceptional softness, low-maintenance, and increasingly viable recycling solutions. At the same time, there’s a rising demand for natural materials, with consumers placing greater emphasis on sustainable flooring options that bring both style and eco-conscious living into their homes.
Alternative Flooring’s latest award-winning collection, Anywhere Ca-rPET, is crafted using 100% recycled PET yarn, also known as rPET. The fibre used in this innovative collection is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional yarn. By mimicking the beauty and natural appearance of sisal, rPET yarn produces carpets with exceptional longevity, leading to less frequent replacements and lower resource usage – perfect for the eco-conscious homeowner.
“Offering many unique benefits to homeowners, Anywhere Ca-rPET is durable, long-lasting, and stain-resistant. The ideal choice for high-traffic areas.”
Winner of The National Flooring Innovation Award for man-made carpets, this innovative manufacturing process repurposes plastic waste into aesthetically pleasing floor coverings minimising environmental harm. With 50 plastic bottles needed to produce 1kg of yarn, and 1kg of yarn being enough for 1m2 of Anywhere Ca-rPET, this solution is both efficient and sustainable.
Offering many unique benefits to homeowners, Anywhere Ca-rPET is durable, long-lasting, and stain-resistant. The ideal choice for high-traffic
areas, such as hallways, or can easily be made into a bespoke, stylish yet functional rug or runner, plus, there is no need to worry about accidental spills, as it is also stain-resistant. Available in 4 and 5m widths and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, Anywhere Ca-rPET, while hard-wearing, remains incredibly soft and tactile underfoot. This allows for greater design flexibility, enabling it to fit seamlessly into any space.
Abingdon Flooring create worry-free wool looks using a special yarn that combines a matt lustre with a Berber fleck. The Country Collection has the look of a natural wool yarn but with the bleach-cleanable practicality and lifetime stain warranty that comes with Abingdon Flooring’s Stainfree carpet family.
To create its classic country living feel, Abingdon Flooring’s designers have created three textured loop designs for the new collection. Linear, Herringbone and Weave designs capture the charm and rustic texture of chunky wool loop carpets, adding sophisticated detail with subtle textured patterns. Each carpet comes in a range of ‘undyed’ beige tones and restful neutral grey hues like Elephant.
“The Country Collection is a real headline act for Abingdon Flooring and shows just how versatile our Stainfree yarn can be.”
Alternative Flooring – Anywhere Ca-rPET Bouclé Re-source Runner with Tramlines Budapest Border
Abingdon – Country Herringbone
by Rita Bancroft
Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.
Charlotte Coop, head of marketing, Abingdon Flooring: “The Country Collection is a real headline act for Abingdon Flooring and shows just how versatile our Stainfree yarn can be. These chunky loop pile carpets really do look every bit as good as their wool counterparts but are bleached cleanable and more affordable. What’s more, the Berber fleck is also great at covering up dust and dirt between vacuuming.”
Whichever design suits your customers taste, you can rest assured with a 10-year warranty accompanying every selection. Manufactured by Abingdon Flooring, the Country Collection features its signature fleece backing, enhancing underfoot comfort, warmth, and sound reduction. This innovative backing also streamlines installation, providing stability, ease of handling, and minimising the risk of wall and skirting marks. Proudly made in Britain, the Stainfree Country Collection is available in widths of 2.5m, 4m, and 5m, offering versatility to suit any space.
Crucial Trading continue to prioritise natural fibres thanks to their timeless elegance, high-quality feel, durable properties and easy maintenance. When it comes to carpets, they believe natural fibres are unmatched in what they offer.
Their most popular natural fibre products, wool carpets provide warmth, durability and style. Naturally insulating, wool helps regulate temperature, creating a cosy feel in winter whilst keeping rooms cool in summer. A versatile option, wool has tough fibres that naturally resist dirt and debris, making it perfect for busy households or allergy-prone individuals.
Seagrass is another option for those seeking natural flooring alternatives. A renewable resource harvested with minimal environmental impact, Seagrass is made from woven fibres to give earthy textures and chunky patterns. It has a natural wax-like coating, meaning it repels dust and is water-resistant. Providing an organic aesthetic, Seagrass combines form with function, ideal for areas prone to spillages such as dining rooms or utility spaces.
“A
Or Crucial Trading suggest we look to Coir. Expertly crafted from the husks of coconuts, Coir is a tough, low-maintenance and resilient option. Naturally slip, dirt and water resistant thanks to its rough fibres, it is ideal for transitional spaces where interior meets exterior.
Sisal from ITC Natural Luxury Flooring is an environmentally and sociably responsible product that combines sustainability, heat and sound insulating properties with on trend colours and designs to co-ordinate with most décors and styles.
Made from natural plant fibres, Sisal meets the increasing demand for products that are eco-friendly, exceptionally durable and with minimal maintenance.
Stylish and practical, Sisal is offered in herringbone, mini-boucle, and a chunky basket weave design across 21 colour options and comes in both four and five metre widths, available as cut lengths from stock in the UK. With the added benefit of ITC Natural Luxury Flooring’s bespoke rug offer, Sisal is a perfect choice for all locations.
ITC Natural Luxury Flooring – Sisal Habanna
The best-sellers they LOVE
Valentine in vogue
As love is in the air this February, we’re looking at the trade’s most enduring relationships – the best sellers that consumers have taken to their hearts and which retailers know they can rely on through thick and thin...
Cavalier Carpets
♥ Rekindling relationships
Fall back in love with wool… nothing comes close to the underfoot comfort of a quality wool carpet.
For nearly five decades, Cavalier have been passionate about producing the finest floorcoverings, from tactile super fine, pin point twists to the most sumptuous soft velvets.
Wool has natural charm, a sensual warmth and at its heart, strength and longevity.
“A natural charm, a sensual warmth and at its heart, strength and longevity”
Cavalier marry the qualities of wool, to its passion for design and colour to create brands which look and feel exquisite.... what’s not to love about a distinctive wool carpet.
T 01254 268 000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk
Desire
Valentine in vogue – the top products consumers have fallen for The best-sellers they LOVE
Cormar Carpets
♥ The Zenith of true love
Recently launched, Zenith is the latest addition to Cormar’s enduringly popular Easy Clean collection.
Available in both 4m and 5m widths, this brand-new heavyweight twist range is designed to offer unparalleled comfort and style. Stain resistant and bleach cleanable, Zenith is manufactured using new and exclusive Ultralux polypropylene.
This cutting-edge yarn creates a carpet that feels luxurious underfoot, as well as a slight lustre that enhances its overall aesthetic without compromising on performance.
Produced on 10th gauge machinery, Zenith is available in a palette of 18 shades with a focus on popular neutrals such as warm greys, soft beiges, and timeless creams, alongside a selection of interesting pastel hues - ensuring there’s a perfect match for every interior style and preference.
Deliveries are made via Cormar’s own fleet to retailers across the UK and Ireland.
T 01204 881234
www.portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk
“This cutting-edge yarn creates a carpet that feels luxurious underfoot, as well as a slight lustre that enhances its overall aesthetic without compromising on performance.”
Cybergold
♥ Love your rug all over again
What’s not to love about an underlay that’s carefully crafted to meet the needs of the consumer.
Customers everywhere are talking about their love for Cybergold's anti-slip underlays. They produce a range of high quality underlays, made in the UK, designed to stop rugs moving on all hard floors and carpeted floors, using non-slip grip technology - keeping your rugs in place and enhancing their look and feel underfoot. Rugs won’t become a dangerous slip hazard particularly on hard floors.
“Stop your rug from slipping and sliding –keep it in place with the nations best loved anti-slip underlay.”
Cybergold underlays are available on the roll or in handy pre-cut rug sizes ready to hand out with every rug sale you make. Simply cut the underlay with scissors about 1cm smaller than the rug and place on the floor with the rug on top. You can still pick up the rug and underlay to re-position without damaging the floor.
T 01494 761814
www.cybergolduk.com
SPECIAL FEATURE FOR FEBRUARY 14
“The Provence range offers a plush, soft touch that homeowners will fall head over heels for”
Furlong Flooring
♥ Don’t break hearts this Valentine’s Day – stock the carpet they’ll love
Show your customers some love by offering Furlong Flooring’s Provence Classic and Deluxe luxury deep pile carpets. The Provence range offers a plush, soft touch that homeowners will fall head over heels for, blending elegance, comfort, and unbeatable durability.
With 12 stunning colour options, stain-resistant Carefree polypropylene yarn, and versatile widths of 4 and 5 metres, Provence is designed to meet every taste and space. The revolutionary Combi-bac backing ensures flexibility during installation, while its moth-proof and bleachcleanable properties guarantee lasting beauty.
Don’t miss out on the chance to wow your customers with carpets that truly steal their hearts. Stock Provence Classic and Deluxe today – with a 7-year or 10-year warranty, it’s a commitment you’ll be proud of.
Make Valentine’s Day a love story for your customers’ feet with Furlong Flooring’s Provence range.
For more information on the Provence Classic and Deluxe carpets and other carpets from the extensive Furlong range, visit Furlong Flooring online or contact a member of the Furlong Flooring team to discuss requirements for your next project.
T 01322 628700 • www.furlongflooring.co.uk
The best-sellers they LOVE
Valentine in vogue – the top products consumers have fallen for
Abingdon Flooring ♥ Going big on softy
What could be better to add some magic to homes this Valentine’s Day than Abingdon Flooring’s newest Love Story carpets?
With a softness that makes them easy to fall in love with, the comfort of Abingdon Flooring’s Love Story carpets is easy to enjoy thanks to the Stainfree for Life promise that ensures a long-lived romance.
For 2025, Abingdon Flooring is giving even more reasons to strike up a relationship with its Love Story collection with the launch of two brand-new collections. These ultra-soft qualities are exceptional value so that Love Story can be enjoyed in more homes and come with a yarn that bounces back time after time, making them fine for use in heavy traffic areas of the home. Both collections also feature the extra comfort and easier installation that comes with a fleece back.
Soft Whisper and Hidden Depths (pictured left) come in 14 plain and heathered tones in popular colours, so there’s sure to be a look to fall in love with, and both benefit from a 10-year Stainfree for Life warranty against common household spills and mishaps, including dried-in stains. The carpets are available in 2.5m, 4m and 5m wide to cut-down on waste.
T 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk sales@abingdonflooring.co,uk
“These ultra-soft qualities are exceptional value so that Love Story can be enjoyed in more homes and come with a yarn that bounces back time after time,”
STS
♥ Elegance Royale Herringbone
Although herringbone floors may be a recent trend, they have been used for thousands of years and were once considered a symbol of prosperity in ancient Rome and Greece.
Today, a herringbone floor is ideal for creating harmony and balance, adding a pattern that adds visual interest to the floor and makes spaces appear more prominent in your home.
Each herringbone pattern has been skillfully created using a new super matt technology (GraMatt Ultra) that makes the floor visually closer to natural wood, unlike many other glossy LVT products. The herringbone design accurately mimics the texture of natural timber while incorporating multi-tonal variance to give your herringbone floor realistic character and depth.
T 0345 899 1000
www.eleganceroyale.co.uk
“Each herringbone pattern has been skillfully created using a new super matt technology (GraMatt Ultra) that makes the floor visually closer to natural wood, unlike many other glossy LVT products.”
FLOORING FOCUS
Just say no to
mow,
and take a bet on the turf
Artificial turf is big business with one in ten UK homeowners having already replaced their natural lawn with artificial grass and another 29% considering making the switch according to recent research.
The potential to grow the market is enormous and the trend to make more use of outdoor space for busy families and the use of synthetic turf in smaller spaces around patios, in urban gardens and on balconies has accelerated the appeal.
After a period of strong growth, the cost of living pressures have subdued some of the market over the last two years but the premium sector is holding up well and pent-up demand in the middle market is expected to return quickly once consumer confidence improves.
More variable weather also feeds the desire to make the most of the garden. Many feel the UK summer of 2024 was one of the worst for garden use with relatively few days of usable warm, sunny weather –many of which had to be spent on garden maintenance, rather than leisure. And it’s calculated the average Brit spends two months of his or her entire life mowing!
Some of the counter arguments to the convenience of artificial turf are environmental of course – but gains have been made here too. Suppliers are using more sustainable processes for manufacturing and to aid recycling.
And there is an awareness that natural grass is not blame-free in the debate. It needs chemical treatments, energy-hungry mowing and maintenance, and can consume large quantities of scarce water in hot weather. And although grass cuttings make good compost, in practice the clippings make up the third largest component of solid landfill waste.
All these factors have focused suppliers on developing increasingly sophisticated and high quality product portfolios and we focus on three of the market leaders here.
continued on page 34...
Condor Grass
Condor Grass is one of Europe’s largest manufacturer of artificial turf for landscaping, leisure and sports, and can look back on a versatile year in 2024.
It offers every conceivable artificial turf solution, from grass strips for apartment balconies to FIFA-certified football pitches – artificial grass for every budget.
“The strong rise of artificial grass for the residential market may have stagnated, but because of our wide range we were able to deliver enough beautiful projects,” says Kim Koning of Condor.
“Think not only of gardens for ordinary houses, but also those of hotels, schools and companies. But we have also been able to make many athletes happy with beautiful new sports fields throughout England. Something to be proud of!” he adds.
With decades of experience, Condor Grass has reached a leading position in the landscape market and supplies a Dutch quality product at an internationally competitive price.
From pitch to patio, Condor is a European leader in versatile artifical turf.
FLOORING FOCUS
Just say no to mow, and take a bet on the turf continued from page 33
The grass isn’t greener!
Condor Grass staged a world premier at the Flanders event last year with their exclusive Colour Shift collection – an artificial lawn product that changes its colour according the to the ambient temperature.
Lano
Why? So that its beautifully lush green look in the spring and Summer can be toned down in the winter to a more authentic seasonal shade!
Lano’s artificial grass collection has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, businesses, and public spaces.
Made from high-quality materials, the ranges are designed to closely resemble natural grass, with varying shades of green and realistic textures. It provides a clean and uniform appearance, enhancing the beauty of any outdoor space and making it ideal for installation in a variety of settings, from residential lawns and rooftops to commercial spaces and event venues.
Its adaptability makes it a perfect solution for creative pet-friendly landscaping projects. The Lano Landscaping collection is a practical and visually appealing solution for those looking to enjoy the benefits of a green space without the challenges of traditional lawn care. Whether for residential or commercial use, it combines functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics, making it a popular choice in modern landscaping.
Lano’s ensō collection gives artificial grass a second life as all products are 100% recyclable.
Kellars
Novoturf from Kellars has proved to be a UK favourite with a broad portfolio of 15 ranges to suit the widest variety of applications in residential, hospitality and commercial settings.
The family and pet friendly credentials, low maintenance and perfect aesthetics of Novoturf fit well with the vogue to make more use of outdoor spaces beyond the folding doors and patio windows.
Artificial grass is a highly discerning purchase for many buyers to achieve the authenticity they seek so Novoturf’s breadth of choice is important. Ranges roll out in different densities, pile heights from 20 mm to 42mm, varying shades of green and in 2, 4 and 5m width rolls.
GET READY TO BRING THE FAMILY BACK TOGETHER THIS SUMMER, WITH THE NEW NOVOTURf ARTIFICAL GRASS STAND
Kellars offer smart branded showroom stands with large samples to touch and feel and the selection can be tailored to present the best ranges for your local audience, with expert advice from the Kellars grass specialists.
This highly attractive in-store presentation offers an excellent incentive for consumers who are thinking of investing in their outdoor space to finally decide to act – and the versatile options give good trade-up opportunities for the sales team.
Lano Easy Lawn Holly
Lano Easy Lawn Wilder
Don’t stand around!
Get your garden summer-ready with a lawn that works as hard as your gnomes do (well, almost).
Plus Novoturf delivers effortless beauty all year round.
Get yours in time for summer 2025! Order yours today, see your local Kellars Rep for more information.
This month we’re celebrating the winners of the Flooring Innovation Awards 2025 – the showcase of the industry's best and brightest ideas.
The 2025 flooring industry all-stars!
The flooring industry is innovating its way out of a tight market and a record number of entries for this year’s competition shows that new ideas and initiatives are winning through.
Entries to this year’s Flooring Innovation Awards scheme were over 130 – a record since the competition began in 2018 so the judges had plenty of top quality submissions to consider across 10 categories for the distinction of these prestigious awards, covering all flooring types, design, accessories, installation products, environmental, marketing and technology.
“The appetite to innovate is undiminished,” says awards organiser and judge Bridgette Kelly. “The flooring sector has been sluggish but the industry continues to take the initiative to drive forward and invest in a better future. Well done to everyone who made that difference.”
“When the going gets tough, the tough get innovating,” says awards judge David Spragg, of the scheme’s sponsors, The Stocklists magazine. “2024 was about as challenging as it gets but the flooring industry hasn’t just hunkered down in the hope that things can only get better – it has set out to make that happen in 2025.”
“It’s often tempting to think that all the best ideas have been done and the rest is just tinkering around the edges,” says David. “But the winning awards entries demonstrate that that just isn’t the case. There’s plenty that is genuinely new and exciting to tempt consumers to buy in the year ahead – and to help the industry run more efficiently.”
The National Flooring Innovation Awards are designed to be different to the usual ranked prizes given out across the industry and instead sets out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional in the sector.
MEET THE STARS
See what makes a winner in our special feature showcasing the innovation across the industry
See pages 37–54
When the going gets tough, the tough get innovating!
Our FIA 2025 judges
The “star” judges line-up (l to r): Chris Moffat, Laurance Bird, Bridgette Kelly, Brian King and David Spragg.
The worthy innovation winners for 2025
Category 1 • Carpets, Natural
Shetland by Cormar Carpet Co
Fine Malvern Loop by Adam Carpets
Wool Tweed by Cavalier Carpets
Delft Square by Telenzo Carpets
Category 2 • Carpets, Man-Made
Country Collection by Abingdon Flooring
Anywhere Ca-rPET by Alternative Flooring
Alora by Artisan
Desire by Kellars
Category 3 • Smooths
River Laminate by Furlong Flooring
Divine Oak by Invictus (Associated Weavers)
Allura Click Flexcore by Forbo
Woodura Herringbone by Bjelin
Category 4 • Design, Carpets
Romy Collection by Asiatic Carpets
Bespoke Carpet & Rug Edging by Nicola Edwards
Regatta by Grosvenor Wilton
Imagination by Axminster Carpets
Category 5 • Design, Smooths
Woodline by LeoLine
Inspiration Naturals by Tarkett
Signature by Amtico
Modular ONE Herringbone by Parador
Category 6 • Underlay & Accessories
Springbond 8mm Eco-Step by Texfelt
Grand Waltz by Wilsons Underlays
Naturlay by QA Flooring Solutions
Counter-top Profiles Display by Floorwise
LAST MONTH we showcased the carpet categories + marketing + technology. Check our January issue online
Category 7 • Installation Products
Plank Grabber by FloorFix Pro
Geordie Stripper by Stairrods
Stopgap 1400 by F Ball & Co
R3Bond by Bostik
Category 8 • Environmental
BioSisal by fibre
Turtle branding by Metro Group
EcoRugs by Louis de Poortere
Ecoclean by Condor Carpets
Category 9 • Marketing
Tredaire-nauts by Interfloor
Customisable POS by Carpenter Underlay
Supporting Local Retailers by SMG
iD, Interior Design by Greendale
Category 10 • Digital Technology
AI in Carmen by Computers for Flooring
Smart Display by Floorify
Sisal Stain Technology by Woolsafe
GivBax Rewards by Ardex Group UK
THIS MONTH the focus is on smooths + installation + eco See pages 38–54 for details
WINNERS • SMOOTHS
Divine Oak • Invictus (Associated Weavers)
Part of the classy Invictus Maximus LVT collection, Divine Oak combines a sophisticated, muted look with a dash of character in three soft pastel shades. Parquet and herringbone designs lead in popularity. Embossed in register and bevel edges add to the authenticity and an ultrastrong Scratchmaster top layer and waterproof performance add to its credentials.
See page 39 for more…
River Laminate • Furlong Flooring Hardwearing and sustainably sourced, River offers a 72-hour resistance to water making it a laminate suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. The eight on-trend oak decors range from light to dark and are inspired by authentic wood types with a bevelled edge adding to the quality finish. Faster fitting is facilitated by the Uniclic system.
See page 40 for more…
WINNERS • DESIGN, SMOOTHS
Inspiration Naturals • Tarkett
Inspiration Naturals by Tarkett is the first digitally printed, glue-down LVT flooring available to independent retailers, with super matt finish and no pattern repeat within 12m2. The concept is based on the company’s unique high-fidelity digital print technology that means customers can choose from an unrivalled bank of over 84 formats and designs in planks, herringbone, chevron and basketweave plus some more unusual formats such as mansion weave and Parisian weave.
See page 42 for more…
Woodline • LeoLine
New from LeoLine for 2024, the endless plank of Woodline is an exceptional design, available in a range of 10 painted colours including tones of forest green, sky blue and mushroom beige. Giving an alternative to painted wood floors that need careful treatment not to chip and scratch, Woodline cushion vinyl makes full use of LeoLine’s new realistic look that brings defined plank grooves and an improved textured grain.
See page 41 for more…
Woodura Herringbone • Bjelin Woodura Herringbone 2.0 features large panels, which deliver three times the strength of traditional wood options. That’s because, like the whole of Bjelin’s hardened real wood flooring range, it features a patented Woodura technology which provides improved impact resistance and added strength for larger plank sizes – 91 mm x 546 mm. It also benefits from a 5G floor locking solution with click technology for easy installation.
Modular
ONE Herringbone • Parador
Parador launched its Modular ONE Herringbone flooring solution in 2024 – the first PVC- and plasticizer-free design flooring in the market that can be installed as herringbone with a click-system and featuring embossing in register surface texture. Its authentic texture emphasises knots and flowers to enhance its naturalness. A special core construction with increased swelling protection ensures water resistance, making it suitable for wet rooms.
See page 43 for more…
Allura Click Flexcore • Forbo Forbo Flooring System’s brand new Allura Click Flexcore range is an adhesive-free click-format LVT with a flexible core, ideal for quick and easy floor renovations. With 20 different colourways, its integrated foam underlay offers a more flexible solution, able to bridge the gaps in poor, uneven or sloped subfloors for a more forgiving fit. With a 20dB impact sound reduction, Allura Click Flexcore is also effective at minimising transmitted noise
Signature • Amtico
The new Amtico Signature LVT collection has some fascinating product innovations including the use of hyperrealistic metals in four colourways, including an aged Verdigris. These have been manufactured in the UK by using clever layering techniques combined with pearl pigments and inks in a way that interacts with light to create the illusion of real burnished, weathered metals. Also new is with the introduction of two curved cutting designs – a first for residential LVT.
Stylish blend of inspiration and innovation
River Laminate is more than just a flooring solution, it's a harmonious blend of traditional oak laminate features and contemporary innovation.
The Oak collection has a unique style to suit a variety of interior designs and includes eight ontrend oak decors range from light to dark and are inspired by authentic wood types with a bevelled edge adding to the quality finish.
River offers a 72-hour resistance to water making it a laminate suitable for all aspects of modern living. The floor comes with a 15-year residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty.
And it's popular with installers too, faster fitting is facilitated by the Uniclic system on a plank size of 1205mm x 197mm.
River Laminate by Furlong Flooring
Trent Oak
Ganges Oak
Danube Oak Tigris Oak Delaware Oak Ganges Oak Thames Oak Nile Oak Trent Oak Erne Oak
WINNERS • DESIGN, SMOOTHS
Woodline by Leoline
The endless appeal of Woodline
Woodline is the exceptional cushion vinyl collection from LeoLine with a painted wood look.
New from LeoLine for 2024, the endless plank of Woodline is an exceptional design, available in a range of 10 painted colours including tones of forest green, sky blue and mushroom beige to bring something unique to any home. Giving an alternative to painted wood floors that need careful treatment not to chip and scratch, Woodline makes full use of LeoLine’s new realistic look that brings defined plank grooves and an improved textured grain.
“Woodline was a joy to design, its ‘endless’ grain draws the eye through the room and is a twist on the expected, while its trending colours give a super desirable painted look,” says Elise Bylo, design manager, LeoLine. “Floors like this really show how you can be bold in your style choices and get a really unique interior while spending just a couple of hundred pounds.”
Its versatile painted wood look floor makes it easy to mix it up with heritage paint colours from leading brands. The popularity of heritage paint colours is not exclusive to period homes, with newer houses also getting in on the trend. From striking feature walls to doors and even ceilings, no one could have missed that tones of blue, green, neutral and off-white are now big business and delivered to homes affordably with Woodline.
Also, since its launch, the collection has quickly turned into something of a social media sensation, becoming a favourite among LeoLine’s follower base. And as the range continues to be the star of LeoLine’s feeds, the unique look of its painted wood planks is now ready to tap into two of Pinterest’s predicted 2025 hot trends, ‘castlecore’ and ‘rococo revival’. These trends celebrate the gothic and historic glamour with the rich colours of Woodline’s painted floor effect the perfect response.
Woodline, Uniwood W36
Woodline, Uniwood 06
Woodline, Uniwood 99
WINNERS • DESIGN, SMOOTHS
Beyond beautiful floors
As the first ‘digital design floor’ LVT product in the UK, Tarkett are delighted to have won an Flooring Innovation Award for 2025.
Unlike most other LVT floors, Inspiration Naturals by Tarkett is digitally printed and manufactured in its European factories. Digital printing brings a superb level of additional, rich detail to the finished visual but also allows the designers to ‘play’ with a 12 square metre pattern repeat – something like four times the area of an ‘analogue’ LVT. Wih this ‘almost invisible’ pattern repeat, Tarkett can be much more adventurous with the designs they present to the market.
Coupled with this innovation, there is the super matt Tektanium PU surface protection coating, which as well as radically reducing surface glare for a more natural look, offers a best-in-class stain and scratch resistance after installation. And it is super easy to clean.
Inspiration Naturals is available exclusively to Tarkett’s Independent Retailer network & being promoted with a national digital advertising campaign - ‘The Perfect Stage for Life’ - across all key consumer platforms.
Inspiration Naturals by Tarkett
Inspiration Naturals by Tarkett – the perfect stage for life
Inspiration Naturals Traditional Parquet
WINNERS • DESIGN, SMOOTHS
Modular ONE Herringbone by Parador
Smart, safe and sustainable with Parador
Parador, founded in 1977, is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality flooring solutions based in Coesfeld, Germany. With a comprehensive product range that includes laminate, engineered wood, vinyl, and its pioneering Modular ONE flooring, Parador is renowned for its innovative designs and sustainable practices.
Modular ONE Herringbone from Parador is the first PVC - and plasticizer-free design flooring in the market that can be installed as herringbone with a click-system and features embossing in register surface texture.
Modular ONE is a resilient floor that combines the aesthetics of natur al wood with the durability and eco-friendliness of advanced materials. Its herringbone pattern adds a timeless elegance to a space, while its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance. Crafted using sustainable materials that significantly reduce environmental impact, Modular ONE is free from PVC and other harmful substances, making it a safe choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Offering a sophisticated and timeless look, Modular ONE Herringbone promises to enhance an interior design scheme. Its authentic texture, emphasising knots and flowers, enhances the naturalness of the decor.
Modular ONE can be installed on top of underfloor heating and with the integrated cork footfall sound installation, this flooring solution also improves the acoustics of a room. Modular ONE is fitted with a special core board with increased swelling protection that ensures water resistance, making it suitable for wet rooms.
T +49 (0) 2541 736 678 www.parador.de/en
Modular ONE Oak Artemis, Caramel Brown, Herringbone
Oak Artemis Caramel Brown
Oak Artemis Coffee Brown
Grande Waltz • Wilsons Underlays
GrandeWaltz is a high performance underlay combining comfort and durability whilst being sustainable for a greener future. It is part of Wilsons’ luxury eco-conscious range of underlays which features a recycled based brown paper backing with no bleaching processes compared to white paper. It is manufactured with 100% recycled foams making it ideal for those looking to tread softer on the planet. It is available in a choice of 9mm or 11mm thickness.
See page 44 for more…
Geordie Stripper • Stairrods
Geordie Stripper is provocative and professional – and guaranteed to perform. The latest invention of serial inventor John Raine of Stairrods has been two years in development and worth the wait. It is a specialised tool to tackle the tricky task of cutting LVT inlays for borders and trim inlays including nosings. The Geordie Stripper tool is adjustable for the depth and width of the cut and scores the vinyl from both sides to give an accurate cut with speed and safety.
See page 50 for more…
Springbond 8mm Eco-Step • Texfelt
85% of SpringBond is made from recycled PET plastic bottles and other single use plastics. The latest Eco-Step sustainable underlay is suitable for a range of applications, particularly new housing developments as the go-to underlay to meet 8mm industry specifications. It is a sustainable alternative to standard PU foam underlay, which performs better, is 100% chemical free and is precision engineered for no lumps and bumps.
PRODUCTS
WINNERS • ACCESSORIES & UNDERLAY WINNERS
Plank Grabber • Floor-Fix Pro
This tool is designed to solve one of the the most common challenges: fixing gaps in floating floors and navigating tight spaces with ease. Using cutting-edge Nano Suction technology, the Plank Grabber adheres seamlessly to various plank surfaces, even those with textured wood finishes, ensuring a secure grip every time. Made in the UK, Plank Grabber takes the stress out of floating floor installations, offering a practical, efficient solution.
See pages 48-49 for more…
Counter-top
Naturlay • QA Flooring Solutions
Naturlay Carpet Underlay has ultra low environmental impact. It is made from 100% natural materials, namely cotton felt – a construction that has no hard lumps in it, giving a beautifully comfortable and consistent feeling underfoot. Naturlay is made from plant-based fibres – with no chemicals or animal-based materials used in its construction so it is vegan friendly and fully biodegradable at the end of its life.
Profiles Display • Floorwise
Floorwise has elevated the art of accessories with a new, high-quality rotating countertop display for its Max Reflections and Zenith profiles and floorwise underlays. This gives retailers an excellent opportunity to upsell some of the brand’s best-selling profiles and underlays at the point of sale. The display unites underlay and profile options in one location to help the consumer make a more informed choice to obtain the best finish to their project once they have decided on their floor covering options.
See page 46...
R3Bond • Bostik
Stopgap 1400 • F. Ball & Co
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has drawn upon the latest cement formulation technology to create a ‘best-in-class’ high flow smoothing compound: Stopgap 1400. A two-component self-smoothing compound, Stopgap 1400 is walk-on hard after just 90 minutes and ready to receive floorcoverings from 12 hours. It is also suitable for use with underfloor heating systems and its low-odour, protein-free formulation allows it to be used in biologically sensitive areas.
The new Bostik R3BOND System features patented technology that combines a bio-based adhesive with a mesh grid, designed to make it easier to remove vinyl floor coverings without residue. This allows fitters to recover clean subfloors so they require little to no preparation the next time around, and enable vinyl floors to be recycled efficiently at the end of life. With 75% bio-based content, high mechanical performance, temperature resistance and durability under stress, R3BOND delivers exceptional performance with minimal environmental impact.
See page 47 for more…
WINNERS • ACCESSORIES & UNDERLAY
WINNER • UNDERLAY & ACCESSORIES
Counter-top Profiles Display by floorwise
A fantastic display to up-sell in store
floorwise has released a fantastic new countertop display for its Max Reflections and Zenith profiles and floorwise underlays giving retailers the chance to maximise profitable up-sells.
The display can be configured to show either carpet or laminate underlays from the floorwise collection on one side along with compatible profiles on the other. The profiles supported are the floorwise Reflections or Zenith ranges and include samples of all finishes - including the exciting new space grey and brushed black colourways - alongside proven favourites like brushed steel nickel and chrome. This flexibility allows the retailer to customise their display based on local popularity or up-sell potential to a choice of profiles and underlays.
Richard Bailey, managing director, says: “Our new countertop display has been designed to communicate the value, quality and choice of floorwise at a key transactional point, giving retailers and trade counters a valuable opportunity to up-sell customers. It will spark conversations about why better quality profiles and underlays are a shrewd investment. By featuring samples of the profiles and underlays, the display also clearly demonstrates the quality of our products and how they can be the start of a fantastic floor.”
The high-quality rotating countertop display from floorwise gives retailers an excellent opportunity to upsell some of the brand’s best-selling profiles and underlays at the point of sale. The display works by uniting underlay and profile options in one location thereby helping give the consumer a more informed choice to obtain the best finish to their project once they have decided on their floor covering options.
This impressive new display comes in a smart anthracite finish designed to look fantastic on top of any desk or counter. Importantly, it’s designed to be easy to update and customise with ‘hot swappable’ premium A4 display cards, enabling retailers and trade counters alike to tailor the display to showcase the range of best-selling floorwise products..
WINNER • INSTALLATION PRODUCTS
DISTRIBUTORS:
Floor-Fix Pro provides innovative solutions to common flooring problems like loose tiles, creaky stairs floors, and gaps between boards. Our products, including Injectafix Click Lube and Plank Grabber are designed to save time, reduce waste, and keep floors working the way they were designed. Intrigued? Get in touch!
•Self-levelling adhesives
•1.9mm Injection Adhesives
WINNERS • INSTALLATION PRODUCTS
Plank Grabber by Floor-Fix Pro
Transformative tool to ease installation
Plank Grabber’s success in the Installation Tool category of the prestigious Flooring Innovation Awards 2025 has cemented its reputation as a transformative tool in the industry.
Manufactured by Floor-Fix Pro, a UK-based company that has spent six years developing innovative, affordable tools, Plank Grabber is designed to make installing and manoeuvring planks and tiles effortless.
Utilising nano-suction technology, Plank Grabber adheres to any flat, sealed surface, providing a secure grip that allows users to easily reposition planks or tiles. With a few taps of a mallet, it moves planks into position with precision and ease.
It is useful for installing planks in tight places and it can be used in conjuction with a pull bar to pull planks along the long edge , avoiding damaging the edges of the planks and making perfect alignment of floors much faster and easier.
Plank Grabber’s design evolved over a 2-year test period thanks to feedback from professional floor fitters. Enhancements include an ergonomic handle for ease of use, hooks for pull bars to close gaps on plank edges, and a raised strike point to prevent floor scuffing. Built from premium-grade anodised 6063 aluminium, it combines durability with exceptional functionality. Its nano-suction technology grips even uneven or textured surfaces, with suction easily restored by a simple wipe.
For long-term reliability, Floor-Fix Pro offers a service kit with replacement suction pads and end caps, ensuring the tool remains a lifetime asset. Plank Grabber’s innovative design and performance have earned it well-deserved recognition as a must-have tool for flooring professionals.
Geordie Stripper by Stairrods
Exciting performance of the Geordie Stripper
The Geordie Stripper is provocative and professional – and guaranteed to perform!
The latest invention of serial inventor and entrepreneur John Raine of Stairrods has been two years in development and worth the wait. It is a specialised tool to tackle the tricky task of cutting LVT inlays for borders and trim inlays, including nosings.
The tool is adjustable for the depth and width of the cut and scores the vinyl from both sides to give a clean, accurate cut with speed and safety.
“We’ve had some fun with the Geordie Stripper name,” says John, whose company is, of course, based in the North East. “But the attention it’s getting for the way it works has been phenomenal – it’s a fast way to a really professional result.”
The device is a great partner to Stairrods Ali Trims range to make the inlays for their extensive range of premium nosings, transition and border profiles – transforming the quality of LVT and vinyl installations.
Accurate measuring Fast, safe cutting
WINNER
• CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENTAL
BioSisal by fibre
BioSisal: The Future of Sustainable Flooring
fibre’s BioSisal is revolutionising eco-friendly flooring - made entirely from renewable and organic materials, this award-winning product combines sustainability, style and durability like never before.
Natural & Ethical from Start to Finish
The 100% sisal pile is harvested in Brazil from small-scale farms that grow without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. These farms belong to a cooperative that guarantees fair wages while promoting sustainable agriculture and environmentally responsible practices.
While many floor coverings have eco-credentials, BioSisal goes further. Its plant-based backing is made from kenaf, hemp, and recycled sisal coffee sacks. This innovative backing is then needle-punched directly into the pile, eliminating the need for latex, fillers or adhesives, creating a product that’s 100% recyclable and compostable.
A Truly Circular Solution
At the end of its lifecycle, BioSisal can be shredded for mulch or compost, making it a zero-waste flooring option. Vegan, ethically sourced, and completely biodegradable, we believe it’s one of the most sustainable carpets available on the market today.
BioSisal is available in 4m width broadloom or as bespoke rugs and stair runners. For more information and to order free samples visit: fibreflooring.com
Designed for Modern Living
Available in a classic boucle design with five neutral tones, BioSisal’s natural pile helps regulate indoor climates and pairs perfectly with underfloor heating. The durable backing allows for traditional fitting (no glueing required) or as custom rugs and runners. T 01548 436 401 • www.fibreflooring.com
Montverde Daintree Mountfield Dominica Amazon
EcoClean by Condor Carpets
Eco and easy –Condor’s perfect R-PET carpet
Condor’s new EcoClean collection gives households one less worry.
The EcoClean yarn is manufactured to the highest specifications and includes a special primary coating that ensures that stains do not stick permanently. The excellent stain repellent properties of the EcoClean 100% certified recycled PET yarn ensure this.
A nasty stain? In most cases, a damp cloth will do. Of course, a textile cleaner will further simplify cleaning. And the carpet is resistant to the most aggressive cleaning methods, including diluted bleach. But most importantly; no matter how you handle it, the stain will vanish.
Cleaning tests were independently performed by James B.V., the industry specialist in stain removal and maintenance since 1927 and a major partner of Condor Carpets..
T +31 38 477 8911 • www.condor-group.eu
WINNERS • ENVIRONMENTAL
Turtle branding • Metro Group
Lots of manufacturers launch recycled ranges but each one uses their own names and various icons to indicate their environmental credentials. Instore this is difficult to highlight and ranges can be scattered across the store. Buying group Metro, home of the Carpet 1st brand, have come up with a simple concept of using a 'turtle' umbrella symbol to highlight recycled ranges across the store or retailers can group recycled ranges together in one display area.
See page 53 for more…
BioSisal • fibre
BioSisal is made entirely from renewable, natural organic materials – woven from sisal grown in Brazil, without pesticides or fertilizers, and sourced from small-scale farms who get a fair price for their crops. Most carpets have synthetic backings making them difficult to recycle. BioSisal’s backing is made from a 100% plantbased felt made from kenaf, hemp and recycled sisal coffee sacks and then secured using a purely mechanical and environmentally friendly process. See page 51 for more…
EcoClean • Condor Carpets
The EcoClean yarn is manufactured to the highest specifications and includes a special primary coating that ensures that stains do not stick permanently. In most cases, a damp cloth will be enough to clean up, reducing the use of chemical cleaners. The excellent stain repellent properties of the EcoClean fibres are inherent in the 100% recycled PET yarn used in production, making a valuable contribution to reduced CO2 emissions.
See above for more…
EcoRugs • Louis de Poortere
With the launch of Ecorugs and the Take Care programme, Louis De Poortere is transforming the way the retail flooring industry thinks about recycling rugs. For the first time, customers will be able to return their rugs to Louis De Poortere for reuse or recycling into a new rug. To make this possible Louis De Poortere now only makes its rugs from a 100% recyclable construction. Importantly, every part of the rug is made from the same material, even the label can be recycled.
See page 15 for more…
olate milk Shoe polish Tea Coca Cola
offee Red wine Chocolate milk Shoe pol Tea Coca Col
Coffee Red
Before Cleaned with water & cleane
Chocolate milk Shoe polish
Tea Coca Cola
Coffee Red wine
Chocolate milk Shoe polish Tea Coca Cola
Coffee Red wine
Before Cleaned with water & cleaner
WINNERS • ENVIRONMENTAL
EcoRugs by Louis De Poortere
The luxury of rugs with responsibility
At Louis De Poortere, they believe that true luxury goes hand in hand with responsibility.
Following the launch of LDP’s first responsible Ecorugs collection in 2023 with 20% recycled content, the company is proud to announce that it has already doubled this recycled content to 40% for the 2025 collection.
These rugs are not only 100% recyclable but also crafted with an ever-increasing share of recycled materials—a significant step toward LDP’s ultimate goal of creating products made entirely from recycled content.
“Each step forward reflects our unwavering commitment to leaving the world a better place than we found it,” says Alan Russell at Louis De Poortere. “The EcoRugs collection is a celebration of this journey. Every rug is more than just a design piece; it is a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship and our shared responsibility to care for the planet. Together, we are weaving a future that is as sustainable as it is beautiful.”
Going for Gold
Next up in the Flooring Innovation Awards, the 40 category winners go forward to the judging panel to pick a winner in each of the 10 categories – the best of the best.
Packs of samples, swatches and presentations are being collated right now to go to the judges to make their final decisions.
“This is one of the srongest fields we’ve ever had for this competition so the judging is going to be a tough call,” says FIA organiser Bridgette Kelly.
The Gold winners will be announced in this magazine in April.
Check out all the winners at www.flooringinnovationawards.com
FAIRFIELD DESIGN
Designed & produced in Belgium
CHEVRON PARALINE SERENE
FLOORING FACTSHEET ADHESIVES
SELECTION CHECKLIST
The criteria to select an adhesive will cover the following points.
Larger manufacturers offer detailed guides to select the correct adhesive – even indexing floor manufacturer’s products by name to ensure an accurate match. For accurate and up-to-date information consult the F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide.
Open Time:
The time you have to fit the flooring into the adhesive after which the bond will no longer be ideal. The time until the floor may be walked on should be checked.
Odour:
Low odour, solvent-free and low VOC products are increasingly favoured and now have the same performance characteristics of older products.
Coverage: How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.
Application Method: Different adhesives may be applied by roller, trowel or spray.
Strength:
Including how quickly the adhesive will “grab” the floor covering and its strength when fully cured.
Underfloor Heating:
A lot of modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but this criteria must be checked where appropriate.
Subfloor:
What surface will the adhesive stick to most effectively including concrete, sand cement screeds, levelling compounds, plywood and chipboard.
While there are multi-purpose adhesives, specialist products will be better suited to certain surfaces.
The porosity of the floor is a key determinant of the type of adhesive to be used and its performance during installation.
Special Performance:
Certain adhesives are more suitable for damp, humid or high temperature environments.
Air Quality and the Environment:
The old wisdom that the more it smells, the better it sticks is no longer acceptable to modern consumers and solvent-based products are increasingly replaced by water-based adhesives.
Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticised PVC and most modern flooring.
Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics.
Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations.
Polyurethane: An adhesive with rapid bonding characteristics, typically used for wood floors.
Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels.
Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range –of an adhesive.
Water-based Adhesive: Many different types of adhesives now use water as their carrier to avoid odours and flammability issues which are common with chemical solvents.
7.5% CASHBACK ON STOPGAP FAST-TRACK 30, 700 AND ON THESE STYCCOBOND ADHESIVES.*
Flooring factsheet
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a fast growing sector of the flooring market due to its durability at relatively low cost and huge range of designs available. Sheet vinyl and cushion floor by the roll are popular but the sector is dominated by LVT. In reality, most of the products sold today are “LVP”, Luxury Vinyl Planks, as wood decors are more popular than ceramics and stone but the term LVT is still used to cover the whole non-sheet market.
Benefits
• Huge choice in terms of decors across wood, ceramic, stone and geometric designs
• Impressive realism – not just in the design but infinishing techniques that allow for wood knots you can feel, tiles you can grout, etc. See appearance options.
• Excellent performance in durability for high traffic areas, scratch resistance and cleanability. Vinyl also tends to be much more nonslip than natural materials. Some products are water resistant for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Warm and soft to touch compared to ceramic and stone floors - and a good heat insulator anyhow, and suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.
• Sound reduction – vinyl has neglible impact sound compared to the tap/click of laminate and transmits less sound and vibration compared to solid floor.
• Considerably cheaper than the ‘real’ thing – both to buy and to fit – and tile/plank approach minimises wastage.
Installation
Installation preparation
Vinyl requires a dry, sound, level subfloor as the relative thinness of vinyl and its light reflection performance will quickly reveal imperfections after installation as well as cause potential wear issues.
Exisitng wooden/MDF floors may need a plywood underlay up to 6mm thick and then the joints will need to be skimmed or taped. Non-wood sub-floors will need a self-levelling screed to be laid to ensure a suitable base for the floor. A damp-proof membrane may be required depending on sub-floor moisture levels.
However, new rigid core products are less flexible and can be laid more easily over existing floors – see Construction.
Top Coating
Wear Layer
Decor Layer
Product options
• Dry back – a sheet or tile that needs to be fixed to the sub-floor using an adhesive.
• Self-adhesive – tiles with a peel-off backing paper to stick to the sub-floor. Some tiles have adhesive overlaps to stick to each other rather than the sub-floor.
• Loose lay vinyl – tiles that simply drop onto the floor and rely on a high friction backing to keep them in place – they demand a very sound, level sub-floor but are the easiset type of tile to lay or replace.
• Click – tiles that have a mechanical jointing system to attach to one another (like a locked tongue and groove system) and ‘float’ on the sub-floor without being glued down. There are many proprietary versions of the click system which offer fast, clean installation and stability.
Appearance options
Vinyl tiles and planks cover a hugh variety of sizes and shapes and can be mix-and-matched to achieve an infinite number of designs. Current fashions include extra wide and long planks for wood through to very small planks for wood. Border effects can be easy to achieve in LVT.
Other notable options include:
• Embossed – this is where the top clear layer of the tile has been embossed to create a realistic texture that matches the style of the stone of wood decor. Registered embossed is the most authentic –the texture matches the design so that, for example, a wood knot or hand-scraped element in the wood design can be felt on the surface of the flooring.
• Grouting and grooving – vinyl tiles can be laid with grouting inlay strips or beads of vinyl for addewd realism – and there are acrylic grouts that can be applied. In wood decors, planks are available with v-grooves or bevelled edges between planks for added realism.
LVT construction
PVC Middle Layer(s)
Fibre Glass Layer(s)
PVC Base Layer
www.bramptonchase.co.uk
www.invictus.co.uk
www.krausflooring.co.uk
www.myvictoria.co.uk
Top coating – A polyurethane or aluminium oxide coating provides protection against scratches and stains and gives enhances anti-slip.
Wear layer – This is a key layer - determining the performance and resilience of the product. A 0.3mm (12 mil) wear layer is a good for heavy wear areas. Commercial installations need 0.5mm wear layers or above with 0.7mm at the top end. The wear warranties and guarantees carried by products will be based on this thickness.
Decor layer – This is the decor itself - in essence it is a paper- or filmbased photographic inkjet print. (A few LVT floors have the image printed directly to the surface of the floor but this implies less image definition and different wear characteristics.)
PVC and fibre glass layers – The construction ‘sandwich’ can vary between products but a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers for strength and flexibility and fibre glass layers for structural stability may be used. Any click-system profile will be incorporated into these layers. Products often use a combination of recycled vinyl which is cheaper and virgin PVC which lasts longer and is more stable.
Rigid core LVT has a solid, less flexible PVC layer with maximum stability which means it can be laid over exisiting, less even flooring without showing imperfections and therefore avoiding wear problems. Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations.
Flooring factsheet
Carpet trouble-shooter
Colour matching
Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch. However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains ‘within a commercial toleranc e’.
This process if not an exact science and a commercial tolerance is subjective but nevertheless is usually the professional judgement of the head dyer based on his/her experience.
A greater level of tolerance is required on blended colours (Heathers etc). To ensure perfect colour matching it is advisable that a single width be used in any installation requiring exact colour matching.
N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they be from the same batch will appear not to match. For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.
Sprouting
Occasionally an odd tuft or two can work its way to the surface and stand proud of the rest of the pile. This is probably due to one end of the tuft being longer than the other i.e. J shaped tuft instead of V shaped. Remedial action merely requires that the offending tufts be scissor trimmed level with the rest of the pile. They should never be pulled out.
• shedding • pulled loops
Fading on Wool
Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use. The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected.
Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair.
Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics.
A complaint on fading would be considered justified if it failed to meet the required shade standard when tested to the British Standard BS1006 (1990).
Soiling
Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common:
Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.
Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave sticky soap residues in the fibres which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly.
Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on surface might suggest airborne dust vacuum-drawn through poorly fitted floorboards. Sometimes the shape of floorboards can be seen quite clearly. Air borne dust sometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, this is due to the air carried on a draught under the carpet escaping through minute holes both in the underlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited on the pile much like a filter action. In such installations, the use of a lining paper is essential as a preventative measure.
It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise the consumer when the carpet is measured of any poorly fitting doors, skirtings, or floorboards and the consumers responsibility to ensure any remedial work to seal draughts, is carried out before the carpet is fitted, if a resulting complaint is to be avoided.
Static
Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc).
The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions. Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment.
soiling
Flattening
Flattening will occur as a result of traffic which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use.
All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.
Shading
Shading occurs because the pile of the carpet has become crushed, flattened or brushed in a different direction to the natural lie of the pile whilst in situ. This causes light reflection at differing angles resulting in the creation of light and dark patches on the carpet. This will occur on all pile fabrics but can be more noticeable on plainer carpets because the shadows created by pile pressure will not be disguised by a heavy pattern or design.
Pile Reversal
Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive. There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. For further information please check with individual manufacturers recommendations.
Pulling Loops
Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in a pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder.
Shedding
All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’. The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet.
Indentations
When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable.
It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. The underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc. The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet.
The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay.
Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating brush machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be take not to over wet the carpet, of course.
Samples
The samples held by individual retailers may not be from the same batch as current production and therefore should be used as a guide and not an exact colour match.
Installation
Flooring factsheet
Underlay
In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and hard flooring offers retailers one of the best opportunities to add value to every sale – with good profitability, trade-up potential once benefits are understood and high customer satisfaction levels.
The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet.
Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home.
Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results. Some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units and foot testers.
• Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear
• Improve thermal insulation and warmth
• Increase sound insulation
• Smooth out sub-floor imperfections
• Last the lifetime of the carpet
Poor or old underlay will...
• Feel hard and unwelcoming
• Reduce carpet life
• Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots
• Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly
• Not meet British Standards
How thick?
A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.
Types
PU (polyurethane) foam • This is now the market’s most popular underlay and is typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options and densities and provides great insulation – and its light weight helps handling.
Sponge rubber • A more traditionally manufactured underlay available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention.
Crumb rubber • Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall – offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings).
Laminate underlay • There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-floor.
Combination • A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt.
Underfloor heating underlay • Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating of 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0.
Felt • This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets.
Pre-tackified underlay • A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired.
Underlayment for LVT • This provides a smooth surface on which you can glue down immediately. If there is a time or acoustic issue or a problematic underfloor, a stable, smooth dual underlay system will provide the best solution.
www.floorwise.co.uk
www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk
www.unifloor.nl
www.underlay.com
www.wilsons-carpet-underlays.co.uk
Sponge rubber Crumb
Combination PU foam
Flooring factsheet
Buying Groups
Why join?
Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains.
More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing.
While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers.
Pick the right one
How to decide whether to join a buying group – and which one…
• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently
• Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member of the committee
• Get a list of members and call up two or three for a ‘real-world’ view
• Establish your territorial exclusivity – where’s the next nearest member of each buying group
• Ensure you understand the financial arrangements, any fees that would relate to your membership, how the bills are paid and whether your fees are refundable if it doesn’t work out. Ask the buying group for a consultation to estimate your potential savings
• Review all the extra benefits and services to see what you would actually use
• Check out the product ranges offered including the own-label options and the UK/European mix
Contact: Mike Reed Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS Feburary 2022
The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...
Key benefits
Increase margins
• Group purchases to get beneficial rates
• Rebates
• Exclusive higher-margin products
• Special promotions
One of the key reasons to join a buying group is to benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers.
Access professional services
• Business and financial services
• IT and internet support
• Training and workshops
• Professional bodies
Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business. Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loans and insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groups offering marketing packages, software systems to help you run your business operations and customised websites ready to use. Relationships with professional and training organisations can also offer discounts.
• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your flexibility to run your business the way you want
Increase sales
• Best of both worlds’ proposition
• Wider ranges and exclusive products
• POS, displays and merchandising support
Your customers will like the proposition that you are independent but with the buying power of a group –this gives them (and you) the ‘best of both worlds’ with personal service and competitive pricing. Most groups will also offer you ‘own label’ ranges and support with pointof-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer.
Network with other independents
• Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers
• Regular meetings and supplier presentations
• Regional workshops
• Helpline
A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.
Tel: 01942 825520 jon@acgcarpets.com
www.beautifulflooring.co.uk
Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com
The Stocklists
Are you a Wholesaler?
If you’re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396
Wholesale Distribution Directory
NATIONAL
Fells Carpets
Leeds 01827 831412
www.fellscarpets.co.uk
UK Floor Supplies
Leeds 0113 831 3324
team@ukfloorsupplies.co.uk
Xylo Wood Flooring
London - see page 14 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com
Floorwise House, 22 High Street Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841
Joining the NICF has worked really well for my business and me. Customers can find me listed on the NICF website where they can read the reviews of my work, giving peace of mind that the job will be carried out to the highest standard. Getting a big discount on FITA courses helped
Membership gives clients assurance of
Use of NICF logo — promote yourself as a quality installer
FREE NICF website listing — helps to gain work opportunities
FREE Technical Advice and Business Support Helplines
15% OFF FITA* Standard Training Courses/Workshops: Improve your existing skills, learn to fit new flooring types, learn new fitting techniques and reduce the number of complaints
Discounts on tools and workwear
FREE use of the NICF Guide to Domestic Flooring
FREE annual magazine subscription to The Stocklists and CFJ
In an independent survey which asked 450 retailers which of the nine trade titles they actually read, our magazine came top of the pile. Thank you!
Area Sales Manager South-East
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced, Area Sales Manager to join our market leading Underlay & Accessories sales team.
As Areas Sales Manager you will nurture and develop sales opportunities across the South-East, proactively identifying and securing new business, as well as nurturing and developing existing customer accounts. To be successful in this role you will be tenacious and resilient, have a great track record in seeking out new business opportunities and developing lasting relationships with existing retail and trade accounts. You will also pro-actively manage and take pride in your approach to work & customers, by planning and organising your own time.
Previous field sales experience is essential and although flooring experience would be useful, we are keen to hear from candidates from complementary sectors such as the building or home improvements.
If you’re located along the southern half of the M1 corridor (e.g. Herts. Beds. Cambs.) or the west side of Essex and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.
To apply please contact: caroline.taylor@qaflooringsolutions.com
QA Flooring Solutions, 2 Hurricane Drive, Liverpool L24 8RL
