Wood Flooring Continues Strong

Shipments of hardwood flooring in 2005 reached 527.2 mlllion sq. ft.the highest since 1966-according to NOFMA: The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association.

"The willingness of people to invest more in their homes and the desire to use sustainable products bodes well for our industry," said Timm Locke, the association's vice president. "Consumers realize that hardrvood floors add value to their investment," he said. rvhether they are buying a new home or remodeling an existing one.

As demand has risen, the industry has undergone many changes. Oak was the rvood of choice until five or six years ago. Today, hardrvood flooring is manufactured from more species. from more places. including South America. Africa and China. three'directions." The solution is on page 97.

"Engineered products have also gained more importance. and changes in the rvidth and sizes of flooring have had an impact," said Jim Duke. NOFMA's incoming president and sales manager for Memphis Hardrvood Flooring. "The market is strong but there are many challenges facing manufacturers and suppliers. just as there are in any industry."

According to Duke. NOFMA is the only organization that has established grade rules and quality standards. He said that the association actively enforces quality standards for most domestic species of rvood flooring. and inspects member mills to make sure established standards are met.

Currently. the association is conducting a study to better understand the rvood flooring industry in the U.S. "We have X)Vc more hardrvood standing inventory in U.S. forests than we did 60 years ago," said Locke. "The challenge for manufacturers and suppliers is to manage our natural resources rvisely and ensure that U.S. companies are being as competitive as possible."

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