Hardwood Floors April/May 2024

“In New Orleans, you have to put a floor in for July, August, and September because that’s when the floor is going to grow to its widest and not buckle.” John Troendle Crescent Hardwood Supply

We’ve established there will be plenty to see and do while Expo attendees are in New Orleans. Another important takeaway is that the city stands as a testament to the durability of wood floors. Block enjoys working on old floors on both sides of Lake Pontchartrain, many of which are well beyond a century old. “I use that to stress to my customers that a wood floor is a forever floor,” says Block. “I’ve sanded floors that are 150 years old and have lived through hurricanes. So don’t tell me that wood floors don’t survive.” Take in that history and enjoy the food and revelry you can only find in New Orleans, all while networking and learning with your wood flooring industry peers at Expo. You’re sure to pass a good time. Libby White Johnston is the publisher of Hardwood Floors magazine. She can be reached at libby.johnston@ nwfa.org. Disclaimer: Born and raised in Louisiana, Johnston thinks New Orleans is the greatest city around. She hopes y’all will enjoy the city’s etouffee, gumbo, oysters, crawfish, beignets, live music, architecture, and the fun of wandering in the French Quarter.

Vision Wood has been a retailer in the New Orleans area for more than 40 years. They have a hardwood flooring gallery on the city’s popular Magazine Street.

Raise the Bar at Expo

NWFA members based in the New Orleans area are looking forward to being the host city for this year’s Expo. On the following pages, they’ll share tips on how to experience the city like a local. Caldarera says she’s been hoping that Expo would come to her hometown for years. “I’m most excited for people who have never been to New Orleans to use this time to bring someone with them, make a small vacation out of it, and get to tour New Orleans,” she shares. “Walking in the French Quarter brings me warmth. I just love my city. I love the richness, the food, and the old buildings.” Besides attending education sessions at Expo, Block recommends visiting the exhibitors’ booths and learning about their products. He found out about a new machine on the trade show floor last year, bought two, and is using them today. “I call it a shopping area. I love the new gadgets and vendors showing their products because I’m always learning something new,” he says. “It takes me hours to walk the show. I’m 65 years old, and you’d think I’d say, ‘I’m not going to learn anything else,’ but you can learn so much picking a vendor’s brain.” Short feels it’s an important step to expand the reach of NWFA in Louisiana. “I think this is going to be huge for the southeastern region of the hardwood industry,” he says. “We look forward to the Expo like a big family reunion every year. I enjoy seeing everyone and meeting new people. It’s just a little extra awesome that it’s in New Orleans.”

INSPECTION SERVICES

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIE SHORT | WILLIE JAMES QUALITY FLOORING AND COASTAL

Willie Short, left, owner of Willie James Quality Flooring and Coastal Inspection Services, has been in the business for 20 years and is an NWFA Regional Instructor. He feels that having Expo in New Orleans this year is going to be huge for the southeastern region of the hardwood industry and expanding the reach of NWFA in Louisiana.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

85