Hardwood Floors June/July 2026

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“The NWFA is about the people you meet. I am able to meet with people outside my territory, and we are willing to share all our secrets. That enriches us. Iron sharpens iron. My biggest challenge has been just being willing to listen. Something I was told early on but didn't listen to was to 'be careful with the pennies.' It's not always about the big ticket items. Rather, where are you losing a penny here or there? I could have been a little more careful in calculating costs. Since then, we've become a bit leaner, more aggressive, and more careful with the small purchases.” – Oliver Barajas, president of Bridgebay Flooring and general manager of Garibay Hardwood Floors NWFA Real Answers Podcast

“Speaking with installers and contractors, I do see that there is sometimes a disconnect between what we, as designers, understand. There needs to be more back- and-forth communication between the design and technical communities. That said, as a designer, the wood floor is the foundation. It's what we put everything on. When I speak to my clients, the conversation always starts with the idea that the point of connection between your physical body and your home is the floor. Even energetically, you want to be standing on a natural material. There's just something really nice about being able to put your bare feet on a wood floor.” – Karen Asprea, owner of Asprea Studio NWFA Real Answers Podcast