The Mandalay Bay Convention Center was buzzing with optimism during Surfaces ’25, as industry professionals gathered to explore the latest trends and innovations in flooring. After two challenging years, manufacturers and retailers alike arrived with renewed enthusiasm, ready to embrace the improving market conditions.
Renewed Confidence in the Market
Retailers and exhibitors reported a palpable sense of excitement at the show. “The general feeling surrounding Surfaces this year was optimistic and excited,” said Sam O’Krent, president of O’Krent Floors, San Antonio. “There is pent-up consumer demand, and we expect to see an uptick in business in the coming months.”
Exhibitors echoed this sentiment, citing high-quality booth traffic and increased business opportunities. “We’re ahead of last year by 14%, up across all categories,” said Al Boulogne, senior vice president of residential product & marketing at Mannington.
Informa Exhibitions, organizer of The International Surface Event (TISE), reported strong participation, with 700 global brands from 25 countries exhibiting. The event’s return to a Tuesday-through-Thursday schedule allowed for increased engagement, with positive feedback from attendees.
Key Industry Trends
Surfaces ’25 showcased key developments across various flooring categories:
Carpet: High-end carpet offerings gained traction, with mills focusing on affluent consumers who prioritize quality. Custom rug programs also expanded, reflecting the dominance of hard surfaces in flooring trends.
Resilient Flooring: WPC and flexible LVT made a notable resurgence, challenging SPC’s dominance. Leading brands such as AHF Products and MSI introduced new WPC lines, while flex LVT offerings addressed emerging market needs.
Hardwood: Lighter tones and natural wood colors took center stage, with European white oak remaining the top choice. Wide and long plank formats continued to dominate, highlighted by Urbanfloor’s award-winning Timbertop Signature series.
Laminate: The category is experiencing a revival, with major suppliers like Mohawk and Shaw expanding their laminate portfolios. Innovative designs, such as herringbone patterns and reduced pattern repeats, are helping to re-establish laminate as a viable alternative to SPC.
Tile: While tile exhibitors have decreased in number, standout products included Crossville’s Rural Retreat wood-look tile and MSI’s Exotika collection, which introduced bold new colors.
Looking Ahead
Surfaces ’25 set a positive tone for the year ahead, with strong attendance, promising product innovations, and a clear sense of industry momentum. Show director Amie Gilmore confirmed strong rebookings for the 2026 event, underscoring confidence in the market’s continued growth.
As technology, design, and sustainability continue to shape the industry, Surfaces remains a premier platform for flooring professionals to discover new opportunities and trends.
