In case you won't be able to attend Coverings 2001 in New Orleans, May 21-23, here is a chance to take a look at a few of the new products that will be unveiled, in some cases for the first time, at the show.

TCA handbook now on CD-ROM

The Tile Council of America has released a CD-ROM version of its 2001 Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation that includes hyperlinks to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications.

The CD-ROM features quick reference CAD details, and outlines most installation methods for interior and exterior applications. Designed for architects, designers, building contractors, specification writers, and independent tile installers, the electronic handbook also serves as a guide on recommended uses, limitations, requirements, materials, job preparation, movement joints, installation specifications, and more

Gayafores introduces Riviera and Niza

Gayafores has released its matching white-bodied Riviera wall tile series and Niza floor tile series. The Riviera Series is a marbleized wall tile designed to complement the Niza floor tile series. Both tile series come in the shades of Crema and Ocre.

With Metalica, Tau goes heavy metal

Tau Ceramica has added a new color to its high-tech Metalica Collection of metallic-coated tiles with studded metal plating or grillwork. The Dore line has a subtle gold tint, as opposed to the steel coloration of Alpax, the collection's signature line. Both lines feature an anti-slip grid and special finish treatment.

Tau produces a full range of porcelain products, including glazed and all-through-body tile, white- and red-body wall tile, and stoneware floor tile.

Alcalagres sails its Isla series to Malta

Alcalagres has added a variety of new names to its signature Isla series. Available in 13-by-24-inch and 20-by-20-inch tiles, both polished and satin-finished, the new additions to the series represent the next generation of Isla tiles, the company says.

Alcalagres recently introduced new models in its Lagos series, as well. The technology used to manufacture the marble-look series was developed to allow for a large selection of tiles in a range of colors and shades. In all, the company offers more than 100 tile lines complemented by an extensive collection of accents.

American Florim intros Gwinnett

Gwinnett, a new line of ceramic wall tile from American Florim, is designed to coordinate with the company's Kennesaw ceramic floor tile line.

Gwinnett offers a rustic stone look with a matte finish and subtle, natural texturing. The three quarry-inspired colors feature moderate shade variations intended to enhance the depth of color. The line is available in 8-by-10-inch field tiles, as well as 8-by-10-inch tiles with printed decos

Mapei products a hit at Air Force Academy

Mapei Corp. was instrumental in the successful installation of a 22,000-square-foot swimming pool at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The installation team from Colorado Tile and Stone selected Mapei's MapeCem mortar bed, Grani/Rapid fast-setting mortar system, and Ultra/Color hydraulic tile grout to complete the project to specifications.

Mapei manufactures a complete line of products for surface preparation, ceramic tile and stone installation, floor covering installation, and masonry and concrete repair and construction

Florida Tile presents the Mendocino portfolio

Styled after the characteristics of its namesake, Mendocino County, this new portfolio series from Florida Tile offers a far-reaching versatility with its textured, chiseled surface, sculpted edges, and muted tone-on-tone color palette. Multiple stone- and marble-resin accents enhance both the wall and matching floor tiles.

The Mendocino portfolio is part of the company's Vintage collection

Eliane's Petra tile series emphasizes the natural

Eliane Ceramic Tiles USA recently introduced the new Petra series, a collection the company says features the variation of stone in soft hues intended to suggest the presence of nature. Offered in a 16-square-inch format, the series is available in an assortment of sundry shades and three different reliefs to allow for a variety of combinations that reflect the randomness of nature.

Interceramic unveils tumbled marble-look combination

Interceramic has debuted Palladio, a rustic, tumbled marble-look collection with two different wall tiles that coordinate with companion floor tile. The 6-inch-square wall tile features relief decos in two colors, and universal decos with a Mediterranean design theme. The 10-by-14-inch wall tile offers the same theme in a slightly different way.

Both wall tiles coordinate with the 14-inch-square floor tile to offer the widest array of stone-look design possibilities, Interceramic says. The floor tile also offers a decorative mosaic

Crossville's Cronos offers different take on terrazzo

Cronos, the latest addition to Crossville Porcelain Stone/USA's Veranda Stone Collection, is a large-particle tile featuring the look of terrazzo with the through-body color of porcelain stone.

Cronos is available in 18-inch-square tiles, which the company says helps enhance the line's stone-like appearance, that are available in eight different colors. The rectified tiles are identical in appearance to allow a combination of polished and unpolished pieces

TEC debuts two new all-in-one kits

TEC Specialty Products has introduced two new all-in-one tool kits created to help installers boost their productivity, and help to ensure perfectly flat floors. Custom designed to work with TEC's Smooth Start and EZ Level underlayments, the company says the new Contract and Premium Self-Leveling Underlayment (SLU) Application Tool Kits provide the tools the installation professional needs for the job, all in one package.

The kits include measuring pails, a mixing barrel, mixing paddles, spreaders, and brooms and cleanup brushes

Impronta line adds the classic touch

The I Marmi di Impronta collection from Impronta/Italgraniti brings a classic and elegant touch to the home, the company says. The advanced porcelain stoneware line is one of the latest additions to the collection. Impronta produces glazed wall and floor tiles for the residential sector.

Italgraniti's entire production is dedicated to porcelain stoneware, a fully vitrified unglazed ceramic tile the company describes as ideally suited for industrial and commercial buildings

American Olean's Calliano offers a travertine look

Calliano, a glazed porcelain wall and floor tile collection from American Olean, offers the look, feel and texture of natural worn, cross-cut travertine, the company says. The surface texture and multiple glaze applications provide visual relief and depth. Non-repeating patterns allow for each piece to retain its own distinct appeal, helping to enhance the floor's overall natural look.