LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Today more than ever, consumers looking to purchase floor covering can find an array of new and exciting products that reflect the most current designs and fashions in the marketplace. Just as technology has improved all of the conveniences we now take for granted and rely on to make our lives easier -- consumer electronics, our automobiles and household appliances -- floor covering has benefited as well. New products are introduced daily that meet the demanding requirements of the most discriminating homeowners. These products resist staining and scratching, install with snap-together ease and are made to higher quality standards than ever before. And they come in colors, patterns and materials to match any taste or decor. With so many options available, how does a consumer make the correct selection?
 
To help consumers learn about the broad range of products on the market, the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) offers free in-depth information and side-by-side comparisons of floor covering materials and specific shopping tips on how to maximize the investment. Consumers are encouraged to contact the WFCA at (800) 624-6880 or visit www.wfca.org.

This treasure trove of information was complied as a result of extensive consumer research conducted by the WFCA. A key finding of the research was that most consumers view their floors as much more than just a place to walk, sit or place furniture. As one consumer said during an interview session, "The floor in our family room is where we live -- it's where we play with our baby, read to our second-grader and cuddle when we watch scary movies."

No wonder making the right selection can be a daunting experience. The WFCA found through its research that the right floor can transform a room into a warm and nurturing environment. An informed decision will not only enhance a family's quality of life, but also last for years and increase the resale value of the home.

To aid a consumer's purchase decision, the WFCA has divided the different floor covering options into six categories: hardwoods, ceramics, stones, laminates, resilients and carpeting. Learning the basics about each material -- durability, compatibility, proper room application, color options, maintenance, and price -- can help insure the right product is purchased for the correct application at the best price to suit the consumer's lifestyle and budget.

Wood floors add warmth and character to almost any room and are available in many different styles, colors and prices. When shopping for a wood floor, you'll find that there is a wide range of varieties -- from solid wood, to engineered planks, to exotic materials like bamboo. There are advantages to each type, depending upon its ultimate room destination, the budget and the condition of the existing sub-floors.

Ceramic flooring, which has been around for centuries, is available today in a wide variety of designs and finishes. It's durable, easy-to-care for, environmentally friendly, fire resistant and very versatile. It's also scratch and water resistant. Marble and stone floors are another popular choice that can help create a natural and elegant look. Varieties include limestone, marble and travertine -- all of which are available in an array of finishes and come in either slabs or tiles. This flooring variety works well in high-traffic areas, as it is extremely durable and easy to care for. Consumers in the market for stone floors are reminded that this type of flooring requires a strong sub-floor.

For exceptional durability and versatility, laminate floors are a great option. They are similar in construction to the laminate countertops found in kitchens with added performance features. Laminate floors can visually replicate a wide variety of other types of flooring, including wood, tile and stone. Laminate floors are relatively easy to install, extremely durable and completely stain resistant.

Resilient floors are well recognized for their high performance, wide assortment of stylish options and for being a tremendous value. They are often used in kitchens and bathrooms because of the variety of colors and styles available, as well as their resistance to moisture. This category includes linoleum, vinyl, rubber and cork.

Finally, for warmth, comfort and ease of installation, carpeting remains a stand-alone favorite. Carpeting comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures and can be a wise choice if noise reduction is a desired goal.

Without a doubt, buying a new floor can be a perplexing and challenging task. The WFCA has designed an online consumer guide to help consumers navigate this exciting process. In addition, the guide offers a listing of certified flooring retailers available to assist consumers in their purchase of the right floor. Consumers can even submit specific flooring questions to the WFCA and receive a personal response from one of the experts at the WFCA. The WFCA is ready to give consumers the confidence when shopping for flooring and help make the experience a more pleasurable one.

To learn more, visit the WFCA website at www.wfca.org.




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Source: World Floor Covering Association