Coverings extends awards deadlines

Las Vegas—Coverings, the most comprehensive tile and stone event in North America, has extended the deadline to Dec. 16 for its two award programs: the Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards and the Coverings Rock Star program. The winners will be recognized at the show, to be held March 30 – April 2, 2026.

CID Awards

The 2026 Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards celebrates outstanding achievements in the design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone in residential and commercial projects. As always, multiple entries are accepted and there is no cost to enter.

Enter Now

Coverings Rock Star

The Coverings Rock Stars honor the best and brightest young talent among distributors, retailers, architects, builders, fabricators, installers, contractors and all those involved in the tile and stone industry. If you know of a young industry talent that has a bright future, nominate them to be a Coverings Rock Star. They must be 35 years or younger and currently working in the industry.

Nominate A Rock Star Now

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Brett Miller joins Olde Wood as general manager

Magnolia, Ohio—Brett Miller joined Olde Wood Ltd., as general manager. Miller brings more than 34 years of experience in the hardwood flooring industry.

“I’m thrilled to join the Olde Wood Ltd team,” Miller said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about quality craftsmanship and continuous education in our industry. Olde Wood’s commitment to reclaimed wood and sustainability aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to working with this talented team to deliver exceptional products while supporting the growth and success of our customers and the industry.”

Miller has worked as an installer, finisher, inspector and educator. Most recently, he served as vice president of technical standards, education, certification and membership at the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). He was the primary author of the group’s technical guidelines and standards, which are widely recognized as the benchmark for installation, sanding and finishing and maintenance.

At the NWFA, Miller also oversaw the Regional Instructor program and Train the Trainer initiatives. He mentored instructors who train thousands of professionals each year across North America. He has written hundreds of articles for industry publications, hosted the Wood Talk podcast and Tech Talk webinars and presented at industry events in the United States and abroad.

Olde Wood Ltd was founded in 1997 by Tommy and Mandy Sancic. The company has grown from a one-man operation into one of the nation’s largest makers of wide plank hardwood flooring. It specializes in transforming vintage barn wood and traditional timber into custom solid and engineered flooring for projects across the country.

“We are excited to welcome Brett to the Olde Wood family,” Tommy Sancic said. “His knowledge, leadership and passion for education make him an invaluable addition to our team. Brett’s expertise and commitment to advancing the craft align with our mission to provide high-quality reclaimed and traditional hardwood flooring. His experience will be essential as we continue to grow and serve our customers with innovation and excellence.”

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Louisville Tile hosts second annual Tile on the Turf event

Louisville, Ky.—Louisville Tile hosted its second annual “Tile on the Turf” event at Club SI at Churchill Downs. The record-breaking gathering brought together nearly 400 industry partners and employees for racing, networking and celebration.

The event, sponsored by 18 industry partners, featured a full day of horse races, food and conversation. Attendees connected with peers, viewed new tile trends and experienced the atmosphere of Churchill Downs. Sponsors also showcased new product offerings that highlighted current innovations in the industry.

Louisville Tile sponsored six of the nine races. Its “Superfecta” sponsors received exclusive experiences that included naming a race that appeared in the official program. They also watched horses saddle in the paddock and presented the winning trophy from the Winner’s Circle.

“We were honored to host such a successful event like Tile on the Turf,” said Crosby Hall, chief administrative officer at Louisville Tile. “Building and maintaining relationships are at the heart of everything we do. This event allows us to strengthen existing bonds and create new partnerships. It’s wonderful to bring everyone together for a day of connection and celebration that inspires our continued success.”

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Tuesday Tips: Supporting the industry matters

Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) released a new “Tuesday Tips” this week. In the series, WFCA experts present short video tips for improving customer service and optimizing staff performance. In the end, it’s all about understanding the importance of doing 100 things just 1% better than your competition.

In this week’s Tuesday Tip, Scott Humphrey shares why Giving Tuesday matters and how you can support the groups that strengthen our industry year-round.

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2026 IUPAT Finishing Industries Forum set for February

Las Vegas—The International Union of Painters (IUPAT) and Allied Trades will host the 2026 Finishing Industries Forum this February, taking place Feb. 16–18 at Caesars Palace. The event is presented with the Finishing Trades Institute and the Painters and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative. The three-day forum will bring together leaders in labor, management, training and innovation. The goal is to advance the finishing trades and prepare for the next era of industry growth.

Speakers will address how unity and innovation can move the finishing trades forward. For decades, the IUPAT has set standards for training, safety and professionalism across North America. FIF builds on that work by gathering contractors, educators and manufacturers to share ideas and strengthen partnerships.

This year’s lineup features experts who will speak on leadership and workforce transformation.

Keynote speaker

Mike Abrashoff, former commander of the USS Benfold and bestselling author of, “It’s Your Ship,” will discuss leadership rooted in trust, accountability and team performance.

Featured speakers

• Dr. Anirban Basu, CEO and chairman of Sage Policy Group
• Dr. Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University
• Daniel Hogan, CEO of the Association of Union Constructor

Jimmy Williams Jr., IUPAT general president, will lead a discussion on jurisdiction and market share in the finishing trades.

FIF will also host panels on major industry challenges. Topics include mental health, substance use disorder and alcoholism in construction. Speakers will address the shared responsibility to create healthier and safer workplaces.

The forum will offer insights for attendees navigating a changing labor and economic landscape. FIF highlights how craftsmanship and innovation shape the future of the finishing trades. The event aims to build partnerships, grow market share and support the next generation of skilled workers.

Details

The forum will bring together professionals, contractors and union leaders from across North America.

Event: 2026 IUPAT Finishing Industries Forum
Dates: Feb. 16–18, 2026
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
Registration: FinishingIndustriesForum.com

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Tarkett extends Masquerade printed wall base collection

Solon, Ohio—Tarkett has expanded its Masquerade printed wall base line with new visuals that build on the brand’s digital printing capabilities. The Masquerade collection is part of Tarkett’s Johnsonite family of wall base systems. The technology offers broad design flexibility.

“The refreshed Masquerade collection aligns with current commercial design trends, especially in luxury vinyl tile and heterogeneous sheet,” said Omoleye Simmons, vice president of design for Tarkett North America. “The customization options are also ideal for tough renovation projects that need precise color matching.”

The extended line includes 14 terrazzo-inspired patterns, 16 wood visuals, two concrete visuals and a painterly abstract design. Digital printing delivers sharp pattern detail and longer repeats in each option. Masquerade is available on 12 profiles across the Johnsonite Millwork and Traditional Base lines. The borders offer the look of natural materials without the installation and maintenance demands of wood or stone. No priming, painting, grouting or finishing is required. The profiles also bend easily around curves and uneven surfaces.

Johnsonite’s digital printing capabilities allow for full customization. Designers can recolor existing visuals to match project palettes. They can also submit original artwork, fabrics or images to create one-of-a-kind wall base designs.

All Johnsonite products are made in America. The Masquerade collection is FloorScore Certified, ortho-phthalate-free and part of Tarkett’s ReStart take-back and recycling program.

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Argenta launches Eterna marble-inspired ceramic collection

Castellon, Spain—Argenta continues to expand its portfolio with the introduced Eterna, a new ceramic collection that highlights the company’s technical precision and material expertise. Visually, Eterna aims to offer a serene and restrained interpretation of marble: refined, balanced and timeless surfaces that naturally complement architecture.

Eterna brings together marbles from around the world and reinterprets them through contemporary ceramics, each crafted to reproduce the essence of the natural material and adapt to various finishes—polished, matte, honed or bush-hammered.

Detail defines the series. Aligned veins, continuous patterns and controlled reflections create balanced surfaces that support modern architecture.

Flavia: Sequence and coherence

Flavia is a travertine reinterpretation with a vertical vein pattern that creates a clean rhythm across facades. The joints align with precision and give the structure an orderly appearance. Its sand tone and linear texture produce a natural look. Light creates soft shadows that add depth.

Inside, the honed finish softens the material. The surface appears continuous, the veins follow the light and the tone remains consistent.

Nesta: A great plane of light

Nesta extends from floors to walls with a white Calacatta-inspired background. Grey and gold veins organize the space and create a calm atmosphere. Large polished slabs increase natural light in the living room. In the bedroom, the glossy texture contrasts with wood and adds visual interest.

The matte, polished, silk and honed finishes offer different interactions with light and expand design options.

Raffaello: Matter as balance

Raffaello is designed to bring balance to kitchens and dining spaces. Its ivory tone and subtle golden veining create a warm, quiet surface. The ceramic pairs well with wood and concrete and distributes natural light evenly.

The veining blends without repetition, providing a unified and stable backdrop. Raffaello serves as the essential surface within Eterna and supports cohesive design.

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