After years of scrapping wood that didn't make the grade — pieces with knots, pits, and other disfigurations — flooring manufacturers are now salvaging those imperfect pieces. The trend toward more rustic and country looks means that many homeowners are favoring knotty hickory over clear pine. “It's almost a pleasant surprise for the flooring manufacturers,” says Timm Locke, executive vice president of NOFMA, the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association. “They used to do everything they could to get rid of the lower grade [wood]. Now they are rethinking how they approach manufacturing.”

In addition to tracking trends, NOFMA works to make sure that standards are upheld in the wood flooring industry. “We write and oversee the manufacturing standards for flooring. The reason tongue and groove flooring goes together the way it does is that we wrote rules for how it should be done.” Locke says that remodelers can protect themselves by using NOFMA-certified flooring. “Not everybody commits to the standards,” he explains. “We get calls from homeowners when their flooring buckles,” and if it's NOFMA-certified flooring, the association can work with the manufacturer to get the problem taken care of. If not, Locke tells the homeowner to call their contractor. NOFMA's Web site, www.nofma.org, has a wealth of technical information and literature on wood flooring, and they are putting together a tip sheet specifically for remodelers. Locke says the association's goal is to “educate those who use or design [wood flooring] and show them how can they accomplish what they want.” Remodelers are encouraged to call NOFMA with any questions at 901.526.5016.

Quick-Step.
Natural Stone laminate tiles offer the look of real stone with a softer, warmer touch, says the maker. The “click” installation doesn't require glue, and the tiles have a smooth surface with a narrow grout line. Four colors are available: Como (white), Palermo and Verona (creams), and Trento. 866.220.5933. www.quick-step.com.

Supra Floors.
Ideal for basement remodels, the Subflor Supreme flooring system is designed for use over concrete. A channeled plastic underside allows moisture to flow to floor drains. The planks on top employ a click-and-lock fastening system that seals against dampness and cold. The wood planks are permeated with water-resistant resins and finished with a color-saturated varnish. 866.782.3567. www.subflor.com.

Domco.
The Elite line of sheet flooring offers six designs meant to replicate the look of natural materials like stone, ceramic tile, and hardwood. Extra-thick construction makes for a more comfortable walking experience, the maker says, while a more random pattern repeat ensures an authentic look. Palermo (shown) features a 3-inch square that recreates the handmade look of old-world tiles. 800.367.8275. www.domco.com.

Mohawk Industries.
Smart-Strand fiber, made with DuPont Sorona Polymer, is now used in several of the company's flooring collections. Stain-resistance is engineered into the fiber and won't wear off, the maker says. Tough stains can be washed out with warm water and a mild detergent. 800.241.4494. www.mohawkflooring.com

Robbins Fine Hardwood Flooring.
Hand-sculpted birch imparts stunning natural beauty to the Gatsby series of solid hardwood flooring. The 5-inch planks are distressed by hand and finished with ForEver II, a low-gloss satin that reveals the texture and grain of the wood. The flooring comes with a 25-year residential finish warranty and a full residential lifetime structural warranty. 800.233.3823. www.armstrong.com.

Wilsonart.
Designed for the high-end market, the Red Label Collection offers 15 patterns divided into three main categories: Planks, Woods, and Stones. The Planks have a smaller wood width to accurately resemble real wood, and exact-match moldings are available for all styles and colors. The collection installs with the company's Tap-N-Lock glueless technology. Shown is Smoked Oak. 800.710.8846. www.wilsonartflooring.com.

Pioneer Millworks.
Prefinishing is available on the American Hardwoods and Heart Pine series of floors, which are available in 3- to 10-inch widths (wider widths by special order). The ¾-inch-thick, random length, tongue and groove reclaimed wood flooring offers the look of old-growth wood and the environmental benefits of a recycled product without the finishing hassles of a traditional floor, the maker says. 800. 951.9963. www.pioneermillworks.com.

Tarkett.
The latest addition to the FiberFloor line, Easy Living, was designed especially for the remodeling market. Created with advanced fiberglass technology, the flooring has a 14-mm wear layer and is offered in nine patterns and 16 colors. It promises to be as comfortable as carpet, with the advantage of being easy to maintain and change. 800.367.8275. www.tarkett.com.

For more product information, visit ebuild, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog, www.ebuild.com.