INTER N ATION AL
FLOORS &DECKS STYLE SUSTAINS, MARKETS GROW
W
hen it comes to exotic wood flooring and decking a yearly trend report does not convey a lot of new information. While fashion changes frequently, exotic hardwoods retain all of the characteristics that make them perennially popular. Yes, in 2012 and beyond, wood flooring and decking will still be organic, renewable and recyclable. It will still sequester carbon. And installing exotic woods continues to be an effective means to increase property value. Just like last year, if a consumer buys exotic wood flooring and decking it will contribute to making forests commercially viable, which protects against deforestation from agriculture or strip mining. In 2012 and beyond, the use of responsibly sourced exotic wood species in any form will continue to bolster the economy in areas where the trees originate. And of course, the material itself will forever be intriguing, enchanting and beautiful.
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TRENDS OF INFLUENCE
So what’s new? One trend that continues to increase over the fiveyear trend cycle is environmental awareness on every level. Indoor air quality is a hot topic that has consumers moving toward natural, hard surfaces that don’t off-gas VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) or harbor allergens. This trend is a huge plus for hardwood flooring and decking. Flooring improves indoor air quality and exotic decking does not require chemicals to achieve long-term performance specifications. Even those not motivated by an ecological conscience are more aware of life cycle in terms of life time use of a product from a simple value perspective. Across the board, people are doing smaller projects with better quality materials. Authenticity and durability are always fashionable. Emerging design trends are celebrating the variety of hardwood flooring colors available from dark and rich to light beech, cinnamon, cherry and caramel as the new style going into 2012. What is telling about these predictions is not just the color but also the material itself. From an aesthetic point of view, longevity is the driving factor for flooring. The same can be said for exotic hardwood decking. Durability, environmental consciousness and design are leading to increased specification and use in residential and commercial applications. There is growth in both traditional uses (think boardwalks and decks) and in innovative applications (think internal and external walls). This guide provides insight into contemporary design trends. It is also an imagination incubator. Use this publication to tweak your next project or provide something new to your clients. There are countless species available globally for use in flooring and decking. Enjoy the journey as you bring these species to play in a way that separates your project from others. For more details about any of the topics discussed in this guide or the publication in general, please visit www.iwpawood.org. ❱
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