The statistics presented in the 2009 statistical study were derived from an extensive research project undertaken by Floor Covering News.
Figures were gathered from a variety of sources to develop the most plausible and credible results. Sources included, but were not limited to, published governmental records (both U.S. and foreign sources); filings from public companies; extensive and confidential interviews with top officials from all levels of the sup- ply chain—manufacturer, distributor, retailer, installer, importer, agent, industry organization, buying group, etc.—historical trends and data; reports published by associations along with private conversations with directors, and previously published reports and stories in FCNews.
Some of the data came from sources such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, Federal Housing Finance Board, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and other federal agencies. Foreign agencies as well as respected international organizations were consulted, including China Wood International, the European Producers of Laminate Flooring, Carpet Export Promotion Council, Tile of Spain, Ceramic Tiles of Italy and other international groups affiliated with the flooring industry.
Data available from U.S. industry associations and groups were also used as part of the evaluation process. These include the National Wood Flooring Association, North American Laminate Flooring Association, Carpet & Rug Institute, Tile Council of North America, Carpet America Recovery Effort and others.
Some trends and historical data gathered came from sources such as the National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Realtors, U.S. Green Building Council, National Association of Manufacturers, etc.
Floor Covering News also held numerous private conversations with high-ranking executives from many of the industry’s leading mills, groups and associations about the overall industry and their respective category(s) of business. While these discussions were off- the-record and confidential, the information gleaned from them was incorporated into the research to help arrive at the final figures.
These numbers do not include sundries or installation but represent goods sold at the first point of sale, meaning products that are private labeled from one mill to another are not counted twice. Also, in the case of the ceramic category, only floor covering sales are included, which account for between 78% and 79% of the segment’s revenues and volume. In some cases percentages do not total 100 due to rounding. Unless noted otherwise, all graphs and charts were derived from FCNews’ research.
FCNews does not claim the numbers presented here to be exact and final. Governmental and company data is often revised—sometimes by more than 5% and as much as five years after being first published. That said, these figures do represent what we believe to be the best and most accurate account of what the floor covering industry accomplished in 2009 in terms of sales, volume and other pertinent information.