Memphis, TN, September 29, 2005--Hardwood flooring shipments from U.S. manufacturers increased 5.5 percent in July over shipments recorded a year ago, but shipments declined 4.8 percent from June to July, according to the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA).
The association said 42.9 million square feet of hardwood flooring was shipped in July 2005, compared to 40.7 million square feet shipped in July 2004.
In the first seven months of the year, shipments were at 297 million square feet, which is on pace with the previous year. Overall 2004 shipments set a 40-year high for the industry.
Hardwood flooring shipments for the past 12 months have totaled 515 million square feet, or about a million feet higher than the same 12-month period one year ago.
NOFMAsaid it believes the pace of shipments reflect both consumer preference for wood flooring products and particularly strong new home construction as well as repair and remodel projects.
