Square-foot sales of floor coverings in the U.S. increased in 2010 for the first time in six years, according to a report from Catalina Research. The increase was driven by an upturn in existing home sales and remodeling in the first half of the year, along with the restocking of distribution inventories that fell in 2009.
The wood flooring and ceramic tile sectors benefitted from the gains. The vinyl and laminate flooring sectors also outpaced overall industry trends as consumers generally remained value-conscious due to stubbornly high unemployment, Catalina reported.
During the end of 2010 and the first half of 2011, however, sales weakened as the U.S. housing market took a double-dip, which was brought on by continued unemployment problems and declines in home prices, and tight credit. Still, flooring sales remain on an upward trend, according to Catalina Research, as manufacturers push through price increases as material costs rise.
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