New York—Elevations Floors from Raskin Industries was voted the “Most Innovative Product” at Surfaces 2012 in the Best of Surfaces competition. The awards program co-sponsored by Hanley Wood, owners of Surfaces, and Floor Covering News is designed to set a new benchmark for new product excellence at the industry’s premier trade show.
Elevations is the first truly loose lay resilient modular flooring on the market. With an anti-skid rubber Gravity Grip backing system and 25% more weight than competing products, double-sided perimeter fastening tape firmly secures Elevations to the subfloor without any additional tools or materials.
“Winning a Best of Surfaces award validates all the hard work we put into the product,” said Michael Raskin, president of Raskin Industries. “The technology is superior to the competition due to the components we use such as a fiberglass sheet. Along with our styling and marketing, I think we can stand out in a very crowded marketplace.”
The judges who viewed every entry are excited about the impact a product like Elevation Floors can have on the marketplace.
“What I liked most about Elevation Floors was the installation system,” said Peter Messner, president, Messner Flooring Re:Source, Rochester, N.Y. “Essentially, it is a loose lay product that I would have confidence using because of its weight and stability. I am not confident with many of the other loose lay systems out there, but Elevations has a believable story.”
Steve Lewis, owner of Lewis Floor and Home, Northbrook, Ill., agreed. “Of all the new products at Surfaces, Elevation Floors perked my interest. The ability to loose lay a vinyl floor without having to deal with either gluing the strips together or clicking boards together is a real breakthrough.
Lewis also cited environmental benefits. “There are no adhesives and no VOCs, so you don’t have to worry about smells or offgassing.”
The Best of Surfaces judging was conducted by a panel of retailers who prior to Surfaces paired down the entries in each of six categories. Then, a panel of four judges had the opportunity to view each finalist on the first day of Surfaces. They convened with each other after the close of business on Jan. 24 and determined the winners in each category.