By Craig Dupra
There is a famous quote often seen on leadership forums: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” The past year’s major world events have forced the evolution of so many things, from the way we do business to what homeowners have come to want and need from their living spaces.
What hasn’t changed is that wood flooring, much like our industry, can stand up to whatever comes its way. Our people and our product are resilient and adaptable. Even in the face of a global pandemic, craftsmanship has lived on, and this year’s NWFA Wood Floor of the Year (WFOY) awards clearly demonstrate that.
These awards continue to be top recognition for innovative craftsmanship and design in wood flooring installations. Since the program began in 1990, more than 300 awards have been presented to companies worldwide.
Through the years, the contest has grown, as have the categories to keep pace with our industry. New to the contest this year is the “Best Staircase” category, highlighting the best in all types of staircase projects. Submissions could include new installations or overlays, in either a residential or commercial application. For this category, NWFA partnered with the Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA) to help judge for quality and craftsmanship.
While we’ve been used to finding out the WFOY winners during the NWFA Wood Flooring Expo, this year’s Expo has been moved to July 7-9 in Orlando, Florida. As this is later than when the announcement is usually made, NWFA released a video announcing the winners, which was made available online and via social media in May. Now you can read more details about each of these projects in this issue of Hardwood Floors, and NWFA’s Brett Miller will be talking with many of the award recipients throughout the upcoming year on the NWFA Wood Talk podcast.
Regardless of what the future holds, wood flooring will continue to offer great long-term value, ease of maintenance, and meet the current design trends – from the continued focus on health and safety to the need for comfort and sanctuary, to the desire for versatility.
The winning entries profiled in this issue starting on page 42 show you, and your customers, all of the possibilities that wood floors offer.