When Coverings, The Ultimate Tile + Stone Experience, comes to Atlanta for the first time this spring, more than 900 exhibitors from over 50 countries will pack the Georgia World Congress Center, April 29-May 2, providing attendees with an unrivaled worldwide survey of the latest, most innovative stone and tile products. In addition to the riches to be found on the expo floor, Coverings also offers an extraordinarily wide-ranging conference program comprising more than 70 informative seminars and demonstration sessions targeting every segment of the industry, all free of charge, many with CEU credits.
‘The global perspective on stone and tile design trends and new technologies that Coverings offers is unmatched,’ says Karin Fendrich, the show’s director. ‘From cutting-edge manufacturing processes to innovative iPad apps aimed at designers and showrooms, coming to Coverings 2013 is the best way to stay on top of everything new and exciting in the industry.’
Here is a preview of just a few of the exceptional new products that will be on view at Coverings this year. To learn more please visit www.coverings.com.
New and Noteworthy in Tile & Stone, Adhesives, Membranes and more:
Apavisa (Booth 3223) will unveil its new Vintage Collection of porcelain stoneware that artfully captures the charm of a bygone era with distinctive, contemporary flair. Bright reds, blues, and greens contrast with neutral shades to create an elegant look. www.apavisa.com
Ceramicas Aparici (Booth 3322) blends the warmth and character of reclaimed wood with the contemporariness of cement to create the Sonar collection, porcelain tiles in a 3-foot plank format. Available in five colors from pale Ivory to deeper shades like Vestige and Dark, Sonar tiles can be mixed and matched to make a dramatic design statement. www.aparici.com
Crossville Inc. (Booth 7259) will introduce Hydrotect, an optional invisible coating with antimicrobial, self-cleaning, and air-purifying effects, for most of its porcelain tile collections. With its hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties, Hydrotect effectively kills odor-causing bacteria, significantly reduces dirt and oil accumulation, and rids the air of odors and nitrous oxide. And because it is fired on separately from the glaze, it will not wash or wear off over time. www.crossvilleinc.com
CR Studio 4 (Booth 6937), best known for their handmade artisanal high-fire ceramic and cast-bronze tiles, will be unveiling their 2013 color palette as well as new design introductions. www.crstudio4.com
Duradek (Booth 7665) debuts a new color, Ash?a unique and calming blend of neutral grays and taupes?in its Forest Floor collection of walkable vinyl roofing membranes. This line, reminiscent of actual forest floors, was developed specifically for exterior tile applications and features an anti-fracture/crack insulation barrier, making it a great choice for concrete installations. www.duradek.com
Grespania (Booth 3231) will be showing innovative, ultra-thin Coverlam laminated porcelain tiles. Only 3 mm thick, Coverlam tiles are easier to cut, handle, and transport, while still offering impressive durability against the elements. The tiles are ideal for green building and design since they are fired in a hybrid kiln that reduces CO2 emissions and are recyclable. www.grespania.com
Italgraniti (Booth 2144) will promote Listone D, a collection of highly realistic wood grain porcelain tiles that offers the ultimate in warmth and timeworn beauty. Available in a range of natural colors with different grain patterns, these porcelain tiles are equally suitable for traditional or contemporary interiors. www.italgranitigroup.com
Keraben (Booth 3131) presents the Home Collection of floor tile for indoor and outdoor use. Comprising four series?Madeira, Jazz, Monestir, and Lava?designed to evoke feelings of warmth, creativity, tradition, and perfection, respectively. Each series includes more than 20 tiles, offering solutions for all conceivable design environments. www.keraben.com
Lilywork Ceramic (Booth 7137) reveals four new designs in its Textured and Shaped Field Collections of color-on-color patterned field tiles. Based on historical designs, the entirely hand-made tiles feature delicate raised linework that adds a unique textural element. A new 3′ x 6′ subway textured field tile, available in five designs, will also be shown. www.lilywork.com
Mirage (Booth 2407) is offering Sundeck, a porcelain stoneware collection designed as a zero-maintenance interpretation of wood decking for public and private outdoor spaces. The slip-resistant surfaces are available in three colors and can be installed just about anywhere, including on top of gravel. www.mirage.it
Portinari (Booth 5030) will highlight Crossover, a collection that uses innovative technology and new manufacturing processes to create a product that is stronger and more durable than traditional porcelain tiles. The line is available in a variety of surprising variety of rich, attractive designs. www.ceramicaportinari.com.br
Refin (Booth 2321) collaborated with Studio FM, a Milan-based graphic design agency, to create the Frame Collection. The new line of ceramic tiles takes advantage of cutting edge industry technology to create historically inspired, intricately decorated surfaces. www.refin-ceramic-tiles.com
Schluter Systems (Booth 7656) is promoting a collection of four new prefabricated shower niches designed to save on installation time and costs while providing dependable waterproofing. They are available in four different sizes and can be installed at any height. www.schluter.com
SICIS (Booth 2707), known for its exquisite mosaics of glass, natural stone, porcelain, and stainless steel?a vast product line with a total of more than 500 colors?will launch SiciStone, panels inlaid with a variety of stone and glass, characterized by cutting-edge technology and exemplary design. www.sicis.com
Texrite (Booth 7341) will demonstrate the FS Series, a line of fast-setting mortars created in response to the new rapid-setting requirements in many construction projects, and the new Ac-Cent CHROMA color tile grout, which is uniquely formulated to use in both narrow and wide tile joints. www.texrite.com
Xiamen Xinyan Stone (Booth 6023) will debut a beautiful new line of marble tiles that combine the stately appearance of wood grain with the luxurious texture of marble. They are available in four wood looks: white, athen, grey, and black. www.xiamen-stone.com
About Coverings
Coverings is the largest and most important ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and expo in the United States. It features exhibitors from more than 50 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world.
The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all segments of the industry, with more than 70 informative seminars and live demonstration sessions throughout the show, all free of charge and many with CEU credits.
Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, as well as journalists and bloggers who cover this vital and dynamic industry.
Sponsors of the show are The Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), Tile of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER), Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). The show is managed by National Trade Productions.
Coverings 2013 will be held April 29-May 2 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. For more information visit www.coverings.com or contact National Trade Productions, Coverings Show Management, 703-683-8500.
