CLEVELAND — According to the new study, Hard Surface Flooring, by The Fredonia Group, United States demand for hard surface flooring is projected to advance 3.9% per year to 11.9 billion square-feet in 2011. Hard surface flooring is expected to gain market share from carpets and rugs, an ongoing trend for the past decade. Demand will be driven by consumer preference for wood, laminates and ceramic tile, as well as increasing interest in natural and environmentally responsible products. Laminate flooring will provide the best opportunities, with demand growing at an annual rate of 10.8%; while vinyl flooring is expected to remain the leading hard surface floor covering. Read more.