By Louis Iannaco
There promises to be a strong crop of impressive new looks and concepts in tile and stone coming from all points around the globe when 1,200-plus exhibitors converge upon Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center from April 29 to May 2 for Coverings 2008. The expo and conference, which last year drew record registered attendance of 37,000, is expected to be equally packed this year.

The show floor is, of course, the epicenter of Coverings activity. Aisle upon aisle can be found the most elaborate and inspirational displays—visionary exhibits that help to sow the seeds for imaginative uses and applications of the materials, and this year should be no exception.

Apavisa Porcelanico, booth #2522, has highly technical porcelain products with updated designs. Showing new collections this season that include: Spectrum, a contemporary sleek look; Oak, various wood-looking tiles; Patina, weathered steel inspired, and Beton, a marbled-stone looking large format tile.
www.apavisa.com

Argenta Ceramica, booth #2608. The 6-year-old Spanish floor, wall and porcelain tile producer features Serie Burgos, a traditional stoneinspired rustic relief ceramic tile, and Serie Bell d,Alba, square and hexagon wall tiles with detail and coordinating decorative listelos.
www.argentaceramica.com

Atlas Concorde, booth #4728. Tune, a new porcelain stoneware collection, offers the look of natural luxury. The surface has a slightly waved texture and satin finish. The chromatic range includes refined and earthy hues as well as three shades inspired by the latest fashion and design trends.
www.atlasconcorde.it

Azteca Ceramica, booth #1428. Fashion, design and image are Azteca’s objectives. DIGITEC technology, their digital printed tiles lead the way for its collections, debuting at Coverings.
www.aztecaceramica.com

Azulejos, booth #2618. Contemporary mosaic tile is their forte with a focus on two new glazed ceramic tile series: Mosaico Griego and Mosiaco Romano.
www.azulejosa.com

Carmel Stone Imports, booth #3669. This importer and wholesaler of unique and exotic first-rate quality natural stone will present Forte de Marmi, a line of white Italian marbles, and its exclusive Pampeano Dolomite series.
www.carmelimports.com

Ceramiche Ascot, booth #4409. Available in a series of warm neutral colors, Link, a throughbody porcelain tile collection from Ascot, has a very rich and alluring aesthetic. The series also boasts a semi-polished version that enhances the overall installation. Tested for ASTM anti-slip purposes, this rectified tile is suitable for residential and commercial environments.
www.ascot.it

Ceramica Campani, booth #4009. Agathae is a new series inspired by precious onyx stones. Its success is attributable to the extreme warmth and naturalness conveyed by its five different shades in various overlapping patterns. The various sizes and extreme honing are elements that complement the suggestiveness of the series.
www.ceramicacampani.com

Casalgrande Padana, booth #4500. Available in six colors and three formats, the Basaltina series of fully vitrified porcelain stoneware, part of the Pietre Native line, is a collection that combines functional efficacy with an attractive appearance. High quality raw materials are used to form these very thick tiles (9.5 mm) and achieve an incredibly compact surface. This makes Basaltina easy to clean, practically indestructible and unaffected by physical and chemical stress.
www.casalgrandepadana.com

Cedir Ceramiche di Romagna, booth #3812. Abaco is inspired by the ancient technique of encaustic painting, a process that consisted of applying color and liquid wax using brushes and broad knives and then fixing them with fire. Abaco offers an aesthetic that combines classical and contemporary. Ideal for residential and commercial settings, this porcelain stoneware series is available in nine colors and two finishes.
www.cedir.it

Cerdomus Ceramiche, booth #5022. The Reef collection comprises a range of seven modular formats and eight colors. Each piece is designed to offer strong stone effects, with veins and chromatic shades that further enhance the structure of the tile.
www.cerdomus.com

Cipa Gres Spa, booth #4913. Eternity was born out of a rich R&D program. It is a new series that redefines the category of through-body porcelain stoneware with an innovative aesthetic created through three surface treatments, each with a distinctive personality. The design joins forces with a technical value, which is created through double pressings, to make this series versatile and stylish enough to be used in residential or commercial settings both indoors and out.
www.cipagres.com

Cotto D’Este, booth #5418. Kerlite Plus is a truly innovative concept in the field of ceramics. Available in three extra-large formats with a thickness of 3.5mm, the tiles can be installed over old wall and floor coverings made of ceramics, marble, stone and cotto.
www.cottodeste.it

Del Conca, booth #4418, recently introduced an “innovative digital coloring system for tiles” borrowed from inkjet technology. This new technique allows the realization of products that closely mirror the myriad of shades found in nature. Pietra Regia is one of the first done with this new technology. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and for high-traffic areas. It comes in six colors and multiple sizes.
www.delconca.com

DolceVita, booth #5425. Teakwood is made of glazed porcelain stoneware with a strong aesthetic impact in which graphic qualities and rich colors combine to produce a material with a very natural look. Inspired by the stone of the same name, Teakwood is available in five color variants and an extended range of sizes and accessories.
www.dolcevita.co.it

Dune, booth #2115, is a Spanish leader in decoration and new trends, such as modern mosaics, stone and glass, coconut and porcelain tiles. It debuts its new lines in Platinum Glass and Spider Glass, both interpretations of metallic-like ceramic tiles. Other new lines include White Sea, Damasco Pure Golden, Limefosil and Chicago-Rio Cinza.
www.dune.es

Edilgres Sirio, booth #4022, is bringing two new collections to Coverings. The iridescent gold and platinum glazed wall tiles from the Luxury series radiate with a luminous glow, while Savanna is distinguished by a surface with delicate textures in real platinum.
www.edilgres-sirio.it

Emilceramica, booth #4718. Marrakech is a glazed porcelain collection with tiles available in: Bianco Riso, Giallo Cumino, Rosso Zenzero and Grigio Pepe. These series are enriched by a selection of formats.
www.emilceramica.it

Ergon Engineered Stone, booth #4718. Four colors and four sizes make up Greentech. The porcelain tiles are available in white (and other colors) in an 11 13/16 x 23 5/8-inch format.
www.ergontile.com

Florida Tile, booth #3216, is adding Urbanite to its portfolio. It features a unique surface that is smooth to the touch, its natural silky feel achieved by mixing atomized powders.
www.floridatile.com

Fraser Clay Works, booth #2936, will launch G Street Loft, a new series of decorative relief wall tiles offered in a choice of eclectic shapes. The combination of varying forms creates a feeling of fluid movement. Color choices include bronze, pewter and weathered white.
www.fraserclayworks.com

GranitiFiandre, booth #3200, will present an expansion of its NewCo.de product line, including a Silk-Touch finish inspired by the softness of silk, and a fiber finish that mimics the coarse texture of raw fabrics.
www.granitifiandreusa.com

Grespania Ceramica, booth #1431, imitates the rustic look of wood with its new Escandinavia porcelain tile collection, available in a range of finishes.
www.grespania.com

Hi Tech Saicis, booth #3513. Cot Antig is a full-body porcelain tile that offers irregular sizes and surfaces. Frost-proof and anti-slip, it’s ideal for outdoor (driveways, pools, paths, walkways, etc.) and indoor use in high-traffic areas.
www.saicis.it

Imola Ceramica, booth #3522. Maxima, a technological evolution, amplifies and revolutionizes design possibilities for wall and floor claddings. Maxima is a glazed porcelain collection with a strong graphic impact. Available in seven colors, four formats and three finishes, it offers a range of different aesthetic possibilities.
www.imolaceramica.it

Impronta Ceramiche, booth #5040, is putting the spotlight on Eden, a tile with an alluring washed wood look.
www.improntaceramiche.com

Inalco, booth #1718, will debut Lounge, a porcelain tile resembling the look of fabric. Created using IPLUS digital technology, it is a sophisticated solution for nearly any home décor or upscale commercial setting.
www.inalco.es

Keraben, booth #2327. Producing both glazed and unglazed ceramic tile, Keraben is premiering two traditional tile lines resembling stone: one with decorative detailing, Augusta, and the other simple and sleek, Senatus.
www.keraben.com

Lafaenza, booth #3522. The physical synthesis of Explorer brings to light the intensity of ferrous surfaces, with the natural elegance of oxidized materials. Made of glazed porcelain stoneware, it has a range of minimalist decors including strips of thin metallic borders that are used to create geometric effects.
www.lafaenza.it

Mediterranea, meeting suite #4, is bringing Bella to Coverings, a glazed porcelain tile series that recreates the natural look and large format of sophisticated travertine stones.
www.mediterranea-usa .com

Meredith Art Tile, booth #3227, will bring the outdoors in with its new Paperwhite Series, an intricate bas relief design featuring its namesake flower and reminiscent of an early 20th century style found in the production of books.
www.meredithtile.com

Monocibec, booth #4016. Enigma, a new porcelain stoneware series, draws its inspiration from linguistic codes. Tiles are available in three colors and three large sizes with assorted specialty pieces. The series is suitable for residential and commercial installations.
www.monocibec.it

New Bronze Age, booth #2937, will showcase its 100% recyclable tiles—all bronze and copper obtained from repurposed scraps.
www.newbronzeagetile.com

Pamesa Ceramica, booth #2600, is the second largest ceramic tile producer in Spain. Pamesa is exhibiting a larger metallic- nfused tile called Dolmen in beige and brown as well as Galia in gray that resembles brick work.
www.pamesa.com

Porcelanosa, booth #1900, is introducing Yakarta, a rectified porcelain tile with a glass-cloth texture that belies its outstanding wear performance.
www.porcelanosa-usa.com

Refin, booth #5015, plans to debut Tagli d’Autore, featuring soft swirling glazed lines and abstract flower motifs. Handmade by trained artisans, the 12 x 48 slabs are designed to fit everyday living spaces plus more sophisticated commercial environments.
www.refin-ceramic-tiles.com

Rex, booth #4080, will be launching a series of ultra-luxe collections of integrated colors, sizes and styles including Glam Wood, Horn, Stripes, Capittoné, New Tribal, Patterns, Extra Light and Gold.
www.rex-cerart.it

Tau Ceramica, booth #1922, is showcasing a few new series: Nappa, a large-format tile that mimics leather; Carbona, steelinspired ceramic tiles; Aluminum, shiny and metalliclooking; Iron Copper, which looks just like it is described, and Parva that gives the perception of stone.
www.tauceramic.com

Ticsa Ceramics, booth #2400, is adding Padralbes, a take on rustic, handmade tile that recreates classic looks found all over Spain.
www.ticsa.net

Vitromex, booth #3206, will launch Angra, a rustic stone look ceramic tile in two colors; Mercury, a porcelain tile featuring a travertine look; Linfa, a porcelain tile that mimics the look of sandstone, and Simen Stone, a modern, cement-like tile designed for use in lofts, condos and contemporary homes.
www.vitromex.com