The big tile convention, Coverings, took place in April and this is where manufacturers like to make their new product releases.
Below are The Grinder’s Top 6 Highlights from Coverings 2023. Yes, they are in order.
(or scroll down to watch the video at the bottom of the page)
1. A Spray that Softens Old, Dried Thinset
Hidden in plain sight at one of those booths that screams ‘nothing to see here’ was the most innovative product that I saw at Coverings 2023:
A chemical that you spray on old, dried thinset and, 4 hours later, it scrapes right up.
The company, named Maxxon, had one product for thinset mortar and another for vinyl and carpet glue.
If it works the way that they say then this seems like a game-changer to me. But I’m still skeptical… we’ll see.
2. Mastic Makes a Comeback
What if I told you that you could have a product that looked and acted just like mastic but had none of the drawbacks?
Tec has produced exactly that: an adhesive (don’t call it the m-word) that comes in a can and is ready to use but can be used on exteriors, with large format tile, and submerged in pools.
The drawback? I don’t know what it retails for but I’m guessing it costs a s***-load.
Nonetheless, the future is here.
3. Sicis Glass Panels
The Sicis booth was a show-stopper this year at Coverings 2023.
The new, thin, giant glass panels are as breathtaking as they are fear-inspiring. At least for us installers, that is.
And not all of them are large panels. I saw several 24 x 48 inch (60x120cm) size thin tiles as well as a ton of glass mosaics. All backlit. Very impressive.
These glass panels require special training to cut and install. If you are a subscriber to the newsletter, scroll down and you’ll see two training dates on this month’s schedule.
If you are not a subscriber, well, what are you waiting for?
4. Plastic Honeycomb Backer Board
Although there are plenty of companies that have come out with a foam backer board only one, that I saw, has come out with a plastic backer board.
The plastic honeycomb design seems just like foam board in that it’s light and cuts pretty easily.
However, it differs from foam backer board in that:
- The panel is extremely rigid
- The density grabs screws better so they have more holding power
- The honeycomb core is made from recycled plastic
Right now, it’s for walls only. Assuming that point loads aren’t a problem, I would think a 1/4-inch version for floors would have an advantage over uncoupling membranes when it comes to small tiles.
Showertec board from Profilitec
5. Lighting has Found its Niche
Two companies had prefab, lighted niches available.
- Schluter Systems
- IllumiNiche
Both use LED lighting, can be used in wet or non-wet areas, and have compete systems that include a dimmable Decora-style wall switch.
Schluter Systems Kerdi-Board-SNLT (not officially released yet, link goes to an Instagram post that features the niches)
6. High-Profile um… Profiles
Laticrete International has jumped into the profile and trims game and they already have a full and comprehensive line of profiles available in 5 different materials.
The profiles will be out in the summer of 2023 and apparently available in… Every color?
Those are the 6 products that stood out to me at Coverings 2023. What stands out to you? What did I miss? Let me know in the comments.
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