As tariffs disrupt global supply chains, National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)/National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA) certified U.S. and Canadian manufacturers offer the stability, quality, and craftmanship buyers can trust.
There are currently 29 manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada authorized to use the NWFA /NOFMA mark. The certified member base continues to grow, with five new companies joining in the past year alone. These manufacturers vary widely in size, product lines, and go-to market strategies, reflecting the growing diversity of the program.
How did NOFMA begin?
NOFMA was established in 1909 as the Oak Flooring Manufacturers of the United States. Its primary goals were to promote and administer grading rules, provide statistical data, represent the industry, and highlight the unique value of solid hardwood flooring.
In what ways has the organization evolved since that time?
NOFMA expanded its scope by merging with the Southern Oak Flooring Industries in 1933 and went on to develop standards, certification programs, technical publications, and the industry’s first hardwood flooring installation schools. In 2008, it consolidated with NWFA, further strengthening the voice and reach of the wood flooring community.
What is NOFMA most known for today?
Today, NWFA/NOFMA is best known for its rigorous mill certification program, a mark of distinction that ensures consistent quality in solid wood flooring. It also continues to publish its unfinished and factory-finished solid wood flooring standards, which serve as essential guidelines for architects, manufacturers, and sales professionals in specifying products and aligning customer expectations. The standards are perhaps best known and utilized for their grade descriptions of Clear, Select, #1 Common, and #2 Common.
Describe the mill certification process.
Each certified manufacturer undergoes two comprehensive on-site inspections per year. These evaluations verify compliance with standards for configuration, grade, moisture content, bundle square footage, board length, and finish quality. The program also includes a compliance path for manufacturers that develop proprietary grading systems and branded product lines.
Why should customers ask for NOFMA-certified wood flooring?
Genuine North American solid hardwood flooring is beautiful, durable, and sustainable. Amid today’s tariff-driven market uncertainty, U.S. and Canadian manufacturers offer consistency and peace of mind. When you combine those advantages with the trusted quality assurance of NWFA/NOFMA certification, the result is a long-lasting, high-performing product that enhances a home’s value and character.
For More Information Contact:
John Forbes, Director of Manufacturer Services
National Wood Flooring Association
800.422.4556