Domco

A few years ago, laminate flooring made headlines with new technologies and more convincing natural looks. And while laminates continue to experience significant growth, they're not alone in innovation. During the past year, several vinyl-flooring manufacturers unveiled unique looks and new technologies that give this flooring category a whole new aesthetic and added durability. More

Manufacturers of products from window glass to kitchen and bath fixtures call consumer demand the driving force behind their torrent of low-maintenance products over the past decade. Karie Johnson, senior product development manager of bath products for Delta Faucet Co. in Indianapolis, says, "One of the top take-aways from our consumer research is that consumers want products that are easy to clean and low-maintenance." Likewise, recent market research by DuPont found 97 of 100 participants (all female heads of household), if upgrading, would choose to upgrade from tile to one of DuPont's Wall Surfaces products. All are "smooth, flat surface products with no grout lines," notes Tim Wilson, new-construction marketing manager for DuPont Surfaces, in Newark, Del. More