Article Number : 2548 |
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| Date | 9/28/2007 8:51:48 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2548 |
| Abstract | By Louis Iannaco As well as the tile segment has done in recent years, you’d figure its producers would be poised with a plethora of new products for the start of the fall selling season. And, you’d be right... |
| Article | By Louis Iannaco As well as the tile segment has done in recent years, you’d figure its producers would be poised with a plethora of new products for the start of the fall selling season. And, you’d be right. The following features some of the new styles and designs tile manufacturers are ready to debut this autumn. From American Marazzi, Hector Narvaez, executive vice president of sales and marketing, pointed to the emergence of stone looks, metallic splashes, dramatic surface textures, rectified edges, as well as porcelain’s ease of maintenance as the impetus for the company’s fall introductions. “Marazzi’s Vanity conveys a definitively contemporary mindset,” he noted. “Stunning slashes of natural stone colors interplay with hints of metallic veining that create dramatic backdrops for today’s ever-evolving urban experience. The feel is well trodden stone; the technology is glazed porcelain stoneware—so it’s strong, frost resistant and simple to maintain.” Sahara from Marazzi brings a line of sight that’s “out of sight,” Narvaez said. “Clean, crisp linear expressions direct the eye and accentuate architectural elements. All colors and sizes are offered in both standard edge and rectified versions. Varied surface treatments in the tile, mesh-mounted mosaics and listello decos bring a full toolbox of design adventures.” A whirlwind of colorful shades, Mannington’s newest tile introduction, Tempest, interprets the excitement and beauty of nature into elegant and durable porcelain tile, noted Zack Zehner, director of porcelain tile business. Tempest is designed to evoke the magnificent beauty of natural sandstone. “This complete collection is rich with a variety of sizes to balance floor, wall and countertop applications and also has a full array of trim pieces. Tempest offers a wide array of options in sizes, colors and trim pieces. It uses color and accent pieces in a unique way that we haven’t explored before.” Unique mosaics and listellos add new options to Mannington’s Accent Gallery of decorative tiles. Available in Sangria Sunset and Sand Dune, the glazed decorative 2-inch listello corners and 2 x 6-1/2-inch listellos harmonize this collection, noted Zehner. Mosaic 2-inch tiles on 13-inch mesh-mounted sheets are also available. “The recently introduced wrapped copper and glass mosaics also make for great accents with this line. It is recommended for residential and light commercial use.” From Dal-Tile comes Valais, a color-body porcelain with the sophisticated, high-end look of natural stone, noted Lori Kirk-Rolley, marketing director. The line features high shade variation within and between each tile, further enhancing the look of natural stone. Valais’ four modular, rectified field tile sizes are available in an unpolished finish. Additionally, the 18-inch size is available in a lightly polished finish. Decorative accents include a 3 x 12-inch border and 12 x 14-inch sheet-mounted, interlocking deco that feature various linear tile sizes and contemporary pewter accent inserts, all in a staggered pattern. All accent pieces are available in two coordinating color combinations. “Valais is appropriate for all residential and commercial applications,” she explained, “including floors, walls, backsplashes, countertops and pool linings.” From Florim USA, Churchill Ridge is a new addition to the Esquire brand. This porcelain collection blends timeless, earthen colors with modern, dramatic shade variation for a very authentic stone look, noted Jim Dougherty, executive vice president of sales and marketing. Available in four colors, the product is offered in 18- and 12-inch field tiles with complimentary 12-inch mosaic tiles and 3 x 12-inch bullnose in each colorway. Vitromex USA is introducing two collections. “The first is an onyx type of stone blend with a cross cut travertine,” said Massimo Balluchi, director of marketing and product development. “This covers the innovation of the onyx stone in the American home.” The other line is a new version of the popular cross cut travertine, he explained. “We have added some new screens to make this travertine a unique and innovative style.” |