From the President 

Welcome to the Spring 2012 edition of our E-Newsletter. In this issue, we share a new Product Spotlight that we think you'll love. In addition, we'll give you some feedback from the Coverings Tile and Stone Exhibition held recently in Orlando, Florida. Coverings is a premier event connecting distributors, contractors, architects, designers and manufacturers from around the world. Over 50 countries were represented showcasing the latest styles, textures and designs, and sources for tile and natural stone. Please visit our showroom as there are lots of exciting new products that will be making their way back from Coverings and onto our displays!

-David A. Firkins

  President of Tile Wholesalers

Coverings 2012

Coverings is the stage for introducing some of  the most innovative tile and stone products in the world. In addition, Coverings offers many opportunities to attend seminars ranging from installation methods, to color forecasts and even includes the ability to gain valuable Continuing Education Units or CEU's for those professionals needing credits.

Many of the new tile collections exemplified a trend towards stylish neutrals, particularly in multi-hued whites and shades of black and gray that complement rich accent colors like oranges and blues. Crossville showcased Structure to support this look. Mixing their latest glass collection, Origins Glass Series with Structure is a stunning combination!

As the tile industry speeds into the digital age, the use of inkjet technology allows for more realistic impressions of classic marble to authentic, hand-scraped wood to incredible slate looks. Florida Tile introduced their latest high-definition porcelain, Gallant, creating 6 popular classic stones, Carrara and Botticino Marble, Honey Onyx and Classic Travertine. Imola introduced a range of porcelain products for Coverings this year. Among them was Kalahari, a rustic feel inspired by the intense lights of the African desert. Walker Zanger introduced their version of a wood look with a different variety called Wood Age. Capturing the end-grain version, you can actually make out the concentric circles and graining seen in the cross section of a tree!

New Product Spotlight: Metaphor Bronze

Founded by artist and sculptor, Jay Gibson, Metaphor Bronze is a collection of solid, cast bronze decorative accent tiles and liners. Metaphor's bronze tiles are made from recycled metal and hand finished with proprietary patinas using a  traditional patina technique that allows them to create a wide and luxurious color palette. These products can even be ordered with a special coating to allow them to be used in wet areas, such as showers and tub areas. Choose from traditional architectural shapes such as quarter rounds, ropes and cobblestones. Get as simple as classic Fleur de Lys, Fleurettes and Firenzes. They can even create one of kind mosaic pieces, ovals, ellipticals, rounded edges, and domed tiles. The sky is the limit with this unique real metal offering!