

Lindsay Rider, ForzaStone marketing and PR manager, said “Being a new exhibitor and introducing a new product to the industry, our ultra thin, natural stone panels, ForzaStone had high expectations for the show and we’re happy to report, Coverings delivered. We met with everyone from large, well-known distributors to expert installers, which was our main initiative as we develop nationwide distribution. The Coverings Show was the international venue we needed to reach the next level of growth for ForzaStone.”

On the show floor, attendees witnessed many previously unthinkable applications of tile and stone, such as ceilings, to stretching the possibilities of size, including the aptly named “The Size,” which measures 12-ft. x 4-ft. x 1/5-inches.
Geometry played a larger role than in the past in developing the latest collections from Lea’s triangular “Gouache” collection and Apavisa’s hexagonal façade, as did textures for Tagina’s “Wire System,” and hand-carved curves for Artistic Tile’s “Ziva” collection.

To further attest to the current environmental concerns, the number of manufacturers using recycled (pre- and post-consumer) content has markedly increased from previous years, as has the amount of antibacterial tile offerings, including the newly launched “bios” collection” by Casalgrande Padana. In terms of color use, the palette of choice has moved from the “safe” beige neutrals to bold accent tiles surrounded by the new neutral - gray.

Lastly, more than 500,000 pounds of surplus and used tile and stone were ultimately diverted from the dumpsters thanks to the show’s collaboration with Tile Partners for Humanity. Collected from exhibitors after the build of their displays and at the conclusion of the show, these discards are being “recycled” for use in Habitat for Humanity and other building projects undertaken by non-profit community organizations and public agencies benefitting the disadvantaged nationwide. TPFH was aided in the collection by Mountain Re-Source Center.
Coverings 2012 will be held April 17-20 in Orlando, FL. For more information, visitCoverings.com.