Coverings Delivers Fresh Tile Classics and Innovative Materials

A visit to Coverings for a repeat attendee never fails to deliver fresh tile classics as well as innovation as it relates to tools, materials, and equipment. 

Chris Martin, General Manager of the Sarasota Tile Outlets of America store, has been to four Coverings so far, the last one in 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This recent event didn't disappoint as you'll discover from this article.

How Does Coverings Deliver Fresh Tile Classics?

As the Sarasota General Manager, Chris oversees all functions of the daily store operations. The more knowledgeable he is about tile and tile materials, tools, and equipments, the better he can support the store team so they can provide the materials and resources that customers require to be sucessful.

Overall Impressions of Coverings  

Chris is always interested in seeing all the new and different tile trends, plus seeing how some trends that go out of style will sometimes return back into style.

In many ways, that's the benefit of being a multi-time Coverings visitor. You notice what's new, what's classic, how classic is reinterpreted, and what truly stands out from event to event.

Chris, what were your expectations? Did Coverings meet them? Why/why not?  

"I go into Coverings with the intent to see all the new items available for us to sell.  I expect to see and am always blown away on how the technology and manufacturing of the tiles get better and better every year. 

Comparing the print on a tile, say 20 years ago to now, it is amazing how today’s tiles look so real to the stone they are mimicking."

>> See How Inkjet Technology Has Transformed Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

In terms of most interesting products to see, Chris considered the large panel porcelains as always being amazing to see in terms of how big they are, how thin, and the stunning visuals they feature.

For example, in the image below you see wood look gauged porcelain panels in 10-3/8"x71" formats. That's big!

Chris, what surprised you at Coverings?  

"Being kind of a tool enthusiast, I got very excited about a new machine from Raimondi. It's an automatic grouting machine that is just amazing.  This is a must have for large grouting jobs."

Below, you see details on the Raimondi grouting machine.

Chris also enjoyed seeing some of the latest table saw offerings. This one is from BIHUI.

Coverings Trends  

We asked Chris to describe the trends he noticed at Coverings.

• No surprise, large, thin gauged panel porcelains are hitting hard right now.
• For color, besides the usual neutral colors, some of the more colorful pastels, reds, blues and greens are trending.

Color at Coverings

Here's a 1:49-minute video on color trends from Tile of Spain, one of the major participants and owners of Coverings:

Recap of the video:

From neutral, organic color schemes to extravagant, vibrant motifs, Spanish manufacturers are producing tiles in a wide range of shades, patterns, textures and formats to cater to the diverse preferences, needs and emerging design trends.

According to the video, these fall into the following four unique color stories leading the way in ceramic tiles:

• Earthy Aesthetics
• Organic Elegance
• Radiant Retro
• Dazzling Drama

Tile Shapes, Patterns, Styles and Textures at Coverings

Chris saw many large rectangular tiles and hexagon tiles, as well as bricks and squares.

In the image below, you see examples of the very realistic stone looks in modular shapes that can be assembled in Versailles or French layout patterns.

Notice, too, the textures on these items. Chris saw many deco styles and 3D style tiles.

The other texture he noticed in many interpretations were fluted wall tiles (see image above).

From a grout perspective, Chris noticed that grout lines were becoming smaller depending on the tile being installed and also more colorful. In other words, grout seems to be a design element rather than something that needs to be minimized. 

>> See Selecting Your Grout Color

Differences Between the Italian, Spanish, American, and Other Pavilions   

Tile is certainly a worldwide business.  Although there are many similar items between the different countries there are also some different aspects of each country that make them different and unique.

What was similar?  

Total professionalism from country to country! This came from all the vendors. Furthermore, they’re all passionate about the business.

Different examples of metal listelos featuring patterns and textures

How Coverings Helps Chris With His Role   

If you're wondering how attending Coverings helps Chris in his role, he says,

"I believe customers love to hear about the trends in the business. Customers need to know about the product they are wanting to purchase. Our knowledge of the business drives the customers to buy with confidence."

He can't wait until the next Coverings.