The first tradeshow of 2023 was quite the event!
It consisted of not only The International Surface Event (TISE) but also included The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), The International Builder Show (IBS), and the National Hardware Show (NHS). The latter three were at the Las Vegas Convention Center down the strip.
Below are a few of the highlights and new things that I saw while I was down there.
MapeLevel EasyClick Leveling System
This leveling clip from Mapei’s new tool line stood out to me. The design is interesting.
It’s a spinner clip that solves two problems with the spinner design:
- There are quick on/off buttons
- It has a built-in scratch protector
The quick release solves the biggest complaint that I hear about the spinners: the slow, tedious removal process.
Additionally, since the spinner moves independently of the base this means that you don’t have to purchase additional plastic protectors.
Ultimately, it’s the execution that matters and it remains to be seen if these will perform out in the field but the design is clever.
Mapei MapeLevel EasyClick System
Ventiques Tile-in Floor Registers
Another option is available to replace that ugly, old heat register in your customer’s home. These tile-in heat vents from Ventiques come in a variety of designs and finishes.
While the price of the part itself is similar to competitors Aria and Chameleon it ends up costing your customer less as you don’t have to cut the tile up to make the vent.
For NTCA members, Ventiques is part of the voucher program this year.
See all designs and finishes at Ventiques website
Acquabella Shower Trays
Tile shower pans are getting some competition. These one piece units are intriguing and can be recessed into the floor for a curbless application.
These particular preformed shower trays are from a company call Acquabella out of Georgia. Scroll down and you’ll see another company’s version of this same concept.
Two Small Tile Saws
I see quite a few posts from people looking for small tile saws. So, these two tile saws stood out to me.
Montolit F2 Small, Portable Tile Saw
I’m not a huge fan of this style of tile saw but it’s remarkably small. I wish that you could see the scale of it. Plus, it weighs only 16lbs.
Further, it looks like it’s under $300. And it’s a Montolit.
Montolit FW Portable, Small Tile Saw
Pearl 7-inch PA7TT Tabletop Wet Saw
This little 22lb saw from Pearl Abrasives reminds me of the old Felker TM75 without the wheeled cart.
The advantage of the cartless design is that you can push longer material through it. Think porcelain planks.
This saw isn’t yet on Pearl’s website but you can see it at Contractor’s Direct here
Duplach Shower Trays
Here is another version of the preformed shower tray that I saw at IBS 2023.
From Duplach Group, these shower trays come in solid colors and also the printed versions, two of which are seen above.
Yes, they are fully customizable so one can print their own one-of-a-kind image on their shower floor.
Do you think these will take away some of your tile shower floors?
Schluter Ditra-Heat-PS Peel & Stick
Schluter’s latest Ditra innovation is Ditra-Heat Peel & Stick. Available in both Ditra-Heat and Ditra-Heat-Duo.
Before you turn your nose up at it consider this: It really sticks.
Schluter Ditra-Heat-PS and Ditra-Heat-Duo-PS
Conclusion
That’s what I saw. What did I miss?
Tell us what stood out to you in the comments.
See my wrap up of previous TISE shows. TISE 2022 and TISE 2021
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