Annual expenditures for improvements and repairs to owner-occupied homes are projected to decrease this year and into the first quarter of 2025, but at a moderating rate, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) recently released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA projects that annual owner spending for home renovations and maintenance will decline by more than 7 percent in the third quarter of this year before easing to just -2.6 percent through the first quarter of 2025. “Residential remodeling is ..read more

Jon Roy Reid, president of Trinity Hardwood Distributors, Galleher’s southwestern hub, has been inducted into the prestigious National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes Reid’s exceptional contributions to the hardwood flooring industry, spanning more than five decades of dedication, innovation, and leadership. The heritage of Trinity Hardwood Distributors, which joined the Galleher family in 2021, dates back to the founding fathers of the NWFA. Reid, a third-generation hardwood master, began his journey in the flooring industry at the age of 13, working for h ..read more

Photos courtesy of NWFA Longwell Floor and Sanding Company out of Omaha, Nebraska, recently donated a wood flooring industry antique to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). The company was started in 1922 by brothers Henry and Floyd Longwell, and the American Universal floor sander dates back to that era, possibly even from the 1910s when Henry was on his own working on wood floors. Jim Longwell bought the family business from his grandfather, Floyd, in 1972 and kept it going until his retirement in 2022. His cousin, Bernie Andrews, and uncle, Pat Andrews, also were part of Longwell ..read more

The 2023 Wood Floor of the Year for Best in Historic Restoration was installed in a refurbished downtown Kansas City, Missouri, warehouse. The flooring material, sourced from the Jim Beam Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, carries a rich history, having been reclaimed from the distillery after it was destroyed by fire in 2019. The pine planks, measuring 1-1/2” thick by 5” wide, presented a unique challenge due to the boards’ damaged tongue and groove. More than 3,000 three-inch screws were used to secure the floor to the subfloor, ensuring a solid foundation. The installation process, which to ..read more

Adobestock © As a business, it is important to review any contract thoroughly before signing. Contracts are legally binding agreements and you want to make sure you are protecting your company properly. Any time you or your company agree to take some action or make a payment in exchange for anything of value, a legal contract has been created, even if the agreement does not seem like a formal contract. This article focuses on some of the common provisions in vendor contracts, what you need to be aware of, and why these clauses matter. 1. Parties, Dates, and Term – The contract must identify th ..read more

Mullican Flooring has added two new collections to its line of engineered hardwood flooring. Haven and Serenity are crafted from hickory and white oak respectively, seamlessly blending durability with environmental friendliness. Each collection offers 7.5-inch-wide, 3/8-inch-thick planks, which provide a modern and minimalistic aesthetic, enhancing any space with enduring elegance and timeless style. “Haven and Serenity are designed to elevate interior spaces with their stunning hickory and white oak offerings,” says Pat Oakley, president of Mullican Flooring. “Together, the two collections sh ..read more

The 2024 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo occurred last week in New Orleans, Louisiana. The industry gathered there for education sessions, technical demonstrations, to see the latest products and trends, and to broaden their networks. This year’s theme was “Raise the Bar,” and the event embraced the fun and uniqueness of the Big Easy throughout the week, including a second line jazz band during the opening session. Juan and Alejandra Zambrano of NewStyle Hardwood Flooring in Toronto, Canada, joined NWFA in February 2024 and were attending the Expo for the first time. “I was looking to improve and dre ..read more

Thanks to a grant from Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) will be offering two full-day compliance training courses for free in 2024. Seats are limited to 250 people for each location. These full-day courses will cover the essential elements of a due diligence program and complying with the Lacey Act. These courses are for CEOs, CFOs, buyers, compliance staff, customs specialists, sales staff, overseas producers, and importers involved in trade and who need to be compliant with Lacey Act Implementation Phases I – VII. In addi ..read more

The Board of Directors of the European Parquet Federation (FEP) met online earlier this month and discussed the parquet situation in the European markets. In general, FEP says the situation continues to be difficult on the European parquet markets although some signs – slightly positive – point to, at least a stabilization of the consumption in the coming months. However, interest rates remain too high and construction activity subdued. Click here to view a brief recap of each country’s market overview. The FEP’s 68th General Assembly and 48th Parquet Congress are scheduled for June 13-14, 202 ..read more

Berger-Seidle® has appointed Stephen Young as its new technical sales manager for North America, focusing on the mountain territory. With extensive experience spanning nearly two decades in the hardwood flooring industry, the company says Young brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Markus M. Adam, chairman of the board and managing partner of Berger-Seidle®, said: “Stephen is a wonderful person, specialist, and match for our team. His experience, standing, and spirit is a huge asset for our Berger-Seidle® family.” Young will focus on building strong customer relationships ..read more