Business Details
Your Trusted Source for Wood Flooring Standards and Education
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) serves as a unifying force for the hardwood flooring industry, dedicated to strengthening the community through technical standards, education, networking, and advocacy. With a global membership base, we provide hands-on and online training programs, industry-recognized certifications, and resources that empower professionals at every career stage. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our development of industry-accepted standards, sustainability initiatives, and consumer education campaigns that promote the value of real wood flooring.Through events like the annual Wood Flooring Expo and leadership programs, we foster professional growth and innovation while maintaining rigorous ethical guidelines for our members. By connecting manufacturers, installers, and retailers across the supply chain, we ensure the industry's long-term success through shared knowledge and collaborative advancement.
Services
Technical Standards
Education Programs
Networking Events
Certification Services
Manufacturing Standards
Highlights and features
- We develop industry-accepted technical standards recognized globally.
- Our hands-on and online training programs cater to all skill levels.
- We offer a Certified Professional program validating industry expertise.
- We provide exclusive access to industry reports and legislative updates.
- Our consumer outreach campaigns promote real wood flooring benefits.
Services
Technical Standards
We develop and maintain industry-accepted technical standards for wood flooring installation, manufacturing, and sustainability. These guidelines ensure quality across the supply chain through expert-developed protocols and regular updates to reflect evolving best practices. Our standards serve as the foundation for professional training and certification programs.
Education Programs
Our comprehensive education programs include hands-on workshops and online courses through NWFA University. With over 130 courses and certification tracks, we help professionals build technical skills and business knowledge. Programs cater to all experience levels, from foundational training to advanced certification for industry leaders.
Certification Services
The Certified Professional program validates expertise through rigorous assessment of installation, sanding, finishing, and inspection skills. This credential enhances career opportunities by demonstrating mastery of NWFA standards. Certified individuals gain access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities within the industry.
Networking Events
We organize major events like the annual Wood Flooring Expo and Leadership Summit to connect professionals across the supply chain. These gatherings facilitate knowledge exchange, business development, and exposure to new products and technologies. Regional training events also provide localized networking and skill-building opportunities.
Consumer Outreach
Our Real Wood. Real Life. campaign educates consumers about the benefits of real wood flooring through educational materials and marketing resources. We provide members with toolkits containing digital ads, print materials, and fact sheets to support local outreach efforts and promote industry growth.
People
John Alford
Owner
With 28 years in the industry, John owns Alfords Custom Hardwood Floors in Ohio. He holds multiple NWFA certifications and contributes expertise to training programs.
Jason Elquest
Owner
Arizona-based owner of Blackhawk Floors, Jason serves on the NWFA Certified Professionals Board. He contributes to industry standards as a certified installer and inspector.
Lenny Hall
President/Owner
With 37 years of experience, Lenny leads Endurance Floor Company in Florida. He shapes industry practices through his board service and technical expertise.
Kjell Nymark
Certification Manager
As NWFA's Certification and Training Manager, Kjell oversees certification program development. He combines management responsibilities with hands-on training and assessment expertise.
Ron Zimmerman
UBC Trainer
With over 40 years in the field, Ron trains carpenters internationally while maintaining his NWFA-certified installer credentials and educational leadership role.
Questions
What benefits does NWFA membership provide?
Members gain access to technical standards, training programs, certification opportunities, industry reports, and networking events that enhance professional development and business growth.
How does NWFA support consumer education?
Our Real Wood. Real Life. campaign provides marketing materials and educational resources to help members promote real wood flooring benefits to homeowners.
What certification programs are available?
The Certified Professional program offers credentials in installation, sanding, finishing, and inspection through rigorous assessment and continuing education requirements.
How can professionals access training?
Training is available through NWFA University's 130+ online courses and regional hands-on workshops led by certified instructors nationwide.
What industry standards does NWFA develop?
We create technical standards for wood flooring installation, manufacturing, and sustainability that are recognized globally by professionals and regulatory bodies.
How does NWFA advocate for the industry?
We monitor legislative developments, provide advocacy tools for members, and represent industry interests through partnerships and policy initiatives.
Videos
