Market Shift from Carpet to Resilient Floor Coverings
The evolution of modern flooring began over 50 years ago. Since then, it’s forever changing and progressing. We continue to look for a cheaper and more efficient way to produce flooring to meet the needs of each desired market. As research and development continue, it’s clear the industry is progressing for the better.
Three main categories have emerged in floor coverings. These are, in order from past to future: Carpeting, natural floor coverings, and resilient flooring.
Tradition of the Carpet Industry
Since its introduction in 1791, carpet leads as the most used option in the flooring industry. At one time, carpet occupied 72% of the total market share of floor coverings. In recent years, it’s loosing popularity.
While carpeting has functions not replaceable by other flooring options, such as comfort and warmth, it’s proven to be less durable and reliable than other floor coverings. Although carpet will always hold a spot in the flooring industry, market share suggests only 46% of floors today are carpeting. This is a substantial decrease in functionality and popularity. With this shift, we’ve seen other flooring options enter and succeed in the marketplace.
Growth of Natural Floor Coverings
Today there is an explosion of installations of natural floor coverings. These include hardwoods, marbles, and ceramic tiling. The recent increase in use of these products is because they are seen as more luxurious. To add to the luxury, the cost of this type of flooring is also very high.
While thick, plush carpeting used to hold the luxurious characteristic, natural flooring now takes this title. Some markets are replacing carpeting with natural elements for its natural beauty and the ability to conceptualize exactly what you’re standing on.
Modern styling also influences the increase in sales. As we move towards more alternative and clean design, carpet is not seen as a luxurious floor covering. Flip open any interior decorating magazine and you’re sure to see more wood, stone, and alternative flooring versus carpet.
Resilient Flooring Alternatives
As we enter a new area of home buyers and a better economy, the introduction of resilient flooring is advancing the market. Resilient flooring options are affordable alternatives that can simultaneously represent luxury and durability.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) perfect the modern look and strength that today’s market seeks. Its production is also more affordable and efficient than working with natural materials or producing carpet.
Continuing Growth for Flooring Industry
Resilient floorings give everyday consumers the ability to style their homes without a large budget. It’s also 100% waterproof and sets a new standard for durability in luxury. LVT technology has been so successful it’s threatening the laminate flooring industry to become obsolete.
As R&D and manufacturing processes develop, we’ll continue to see changes to these existing options and development of other alternatives. The industry moved from carpet to natural floorings, and now we’re seeing it shift into resilient flooring options. While we don’t see any of the flooring options disappearing completely, we will see a shift in design focus towards alternative options.
About the Author: Greg Vanoer
