By 2017, the global laminate flooring market is expected to hit 1.92 billion square meters. This will be driven by a number of factors, including the intrinsic cost-to-value benefit of laminate flooring, the perception as a high durability product and the innovative designs in the market. The global post-recession market for laminate flooring is forecast to see good growth prospects, especially in emerging regions. Demand from the Asia-Pacific market, especially China and India, is expected to increase during the next decade.

The worldwide laminate flooring market registered a phenomenal change over the last few years, led by developments in printing technology, high resolution scanning and finishes that are mirror images of real wood/timber. The market has made significant inroads into the global floor coverings market worldwide over the last decade or so, taking over from other hard surface flooring varieties. The floor coverings industry is witnessing a continuous shift away from vinyl, hardwood and ceramic flooring to laminate flooring. Performance of laminate floorings was instrumental in underpinning strong growth in the overall market for hard surface floorings in the recent years. Increasing concern for environmental protection among consumers and rising preferences for high-end products are the main contributors to the above-average growth in the market. Laminates with close resemblance to wood, and advantageous features of durability, beauty and novel designs capable of replicating granite and stone, are creating myriad decorating possibilities for residential and commercial interiors. Residential replacements (including DIY.) and new housing starts constitute two of the largest end-use segments for laminate flooring. Laminate flooring usage in the DIY installation sector expanded appreciably in the recent past, and is likely to continue in the future. Accelerated growth is projected from the transportation sector, comprising of floor covering applications in operator compartments of industrial equipment.

According to Global Industry Analysts, realistic finishes and designs have helped in keeping laminate flooring one step ahead of other conventional flooring options including timber and carpet. In addition, technological advancements, resistant surfaces, quick fixing and wide variety of designs have lent a big hand in popularizing laminate flooring. Laminate flooring designers are rolling out unique designs ranging from floral motifs to graffiti to logos and even maps. Handscraped and distressed design laminates are currently the most popular designs in the global laminates industry. The pored structure concrete look is another emerging laminate design, which is finding increasing number of takers. Akin to several other industries that embraced the ‘Green' concept, the laminate floorings industry has also been investing in R&D for greener products, anticipating that the green movement might have a positive impact on consumers' flooring choices.

Laminate floorings market was severely challenged by the recent global financial crisis, resulting in decelerated growth and low sales. Since the laminate industry echoes the construction sector, a steep decline in commercial and residential construction sharply slowed down the laminate flooring industry during 2008 and 2009. In the milieu, product innovations and robust brand performance gained high credence, with a host of laminate producers investing heavily in the direction. The trend also cascaded down to the retailers, particularly in Europe, as was seen through their efforts for making the best of the slowdown period by remodeling stores and investing in brand promotions. Despite gradual market recovery, unit sales rebounded faster while laminate revenues remained flat in 2010, compared to the previous year(s). The lackluster performance was mainly on account of the drastic fall in wood prices and increasing popularity of luxury vinyl tiles.

Europe is the largest worldwide market for laminate floorings, with Western European markets of Germany, UK, France and Netherlands dominating the production scenario. Some of emerging markets in Eastern Europe that gained considerable traction in the last few years include Romania, Russia and Poland, among others. The Asian market, driven by rapidly developing markets of China and India, is forecast to surge ahead at a robust CAGR of over 12% through 2017. The Asian market is expected to tremendously benefit from China's increasing strength as the world's largest market for floor coverings (in terms of area). The region is also expected to gain from rapid development in some of the low cost, high volume markets of Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and others.

Key market participants profiled in the report include, Abet, Inc, Alsafloor SA, Armstrong World Industries, Inc, Balterio Laminate Flooring, Beaulieu International Group, BHK of America, Inc, Bruce Flooring, Egger Retail Products GmbH, Formica Corporation, Kaindl Flooring GmbH, Kronotex GmbH & Co KG, Mohawk Industries, Inc, Pfleiderer AG, Pergo AB, Roysol SA, Shaw Industries, Inc., Skema Srl., among several others.

The research report titled Laminate Flooring: A Global Strategic Business Report provides a comprehensive review of industry overview, trends and issues, growth drivers, competitive scenario, product overview, product launches, recent industry activity and profiles of market players worldwide. Analysis and overview is provided for major geographic markets such as US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East, and Latin America. Market analytics are provided in unit (square meters) terms. Key end-use segments analyzed in the report include, New Housing Starts, Residential Replacement (including DIY Inst.) and Commercial Markets. The study also provides historic data for an insight into market evolution over the period 2003 through 2008. Global Industry Analysts

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