Dubuque-based furniture maker Flexsteel Industries Inc. reported last week that net sales declined, but new orders rose, during the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared with the year-earlier period.

In a statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Flexsteel said earnings were flat at $2.4 million, or 34 cents per share, compared with $2.3 million, or 34 cents per share, in the prior-year quarter.

The company reported net sales for the quarter of $81.5 million, a decrease of 6.5 percent. Residential sales declined 4.1 percent from 2010, and commercial sales fell 13.7 percent. However, new orders received during the quarter were 8.4 percent higher than 12 months earlier.

Flexsteel said it believes growth will be modest through fiscal year 2012, which ends June 30. “Macroeconomic conditions, such as high unemployment, minimal job growth, a weak housing market and low levels of consumer confidence, continue to adversely impact our business,” the report said.

However, it also noted improving orders from the commercial office industry and anticipated increased orders “resulting from pent-up demand caused by delays in typical refurbishing cycles for hotel properties.”