VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 3 • QUARTER 3, 2020 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95
Adapting to Remote Work and Online Supply Channels Page 14
Handling, Fabricating and Installing Porcelain Slabs Page 20 Spotlight on Software, Templating and Technology Page 24 Fabricator Profile: Front Range Stone Page 28
The Changing Face of Quartz Page 32
ISFA Member since 2020
ISFA Member since 2018
CREDITS Letters to the Editor
Photography
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor. If you have questions about the magazine, or would like to make a comment, or voice an opinion about the magazine, ISFA or the industry in general, please feel free to write to us.
Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures.
Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow.org or mail to ISFA, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, attention: Editor.
Photography/graphics provided by: Crossville, Roberto Colonetti, Front Range Stone Countertops.
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About This Magazine Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (ISSN 2372-983X) is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth “Buyers Guide” issue publishing in October. Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the nonmember “newsstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA nonmembers, one year (five issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. Call for details. To subscribe, call (888) 599-ISFA. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. For change of address, please include old label with new information, including both old and new zip codes. Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Ingomar, Pa., post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers. Postmaster: Send address changes to LSC Communications, Care of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 3401 Heartland Drive Liberty, MO 64068.
4 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Magazine Credits Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax Design: V2 Marketing Communications
ISFA Officers of the Board Steve Mast, Vice president Kelley Montana, Treasurer Austin Maxwell, Secretary Jim Callaghan, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Directors Mike Langenderfer, Director Joe Duszka, Director Laura Grandlienard, Director Rodrigo Valazquez, Director Eric Tryon, Director Joe Connolly, Associate Member Representative Paul “Max” Le Pera, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Staff Nancy Busch, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Director of Communications and Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Carol Wilhite, Operations Manager Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Amy Kyriazis, Program Manager Chris Pappenfort, Trainer Fred Hueston, Trainer
Cover Photo The cover photo features a countertop made with State of Grace large format porcelain tile by Crossville, Inc. An elegant, yet durable tile that helps avoid callbacks and offers a lifetime of beauty. Visit http://crossvilleinc.com to discover the vast array of shapes, sizes and trims available for this product and to see Crossville’s complete lineup of tiles.
ISFA Member since 2015
CONTENTS Features 20 Advice on Handling, Fabricating and Installing Porcelain Slabs Insight from an international expert
14
24 Spotlight on Software, Templating and Technology A look at industry advancements 28 ISFA Fabricator Profile: Front Range Stone Diversity and tenacity as two pillars for growth
20
32 Embracing a Crystalline Renaissance The changing face of quartz
Departments
8 From the Editor
24
12 Calendar of Events 14 Education Connection 16 Industry News 36 From the Executive Director 37 ISFA News 41 ISFA Fabricator Directory 46 Product News 49 Classifieds/Ad Index
28
32 6 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
50 From the President
Check us out on social media for more regular information: Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CASMagazine/. Follow us on Twitter as @ISFA.
ISFA Member since 2000
From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director
Time, Technology and Temperament I remember back as I prepared to enter the
So, rather than idling in the time that may have
resolution to take just a little more time for
we are able to work from nearly any setting.
new, promising year of 2020 how I made a myself this year. I planned on extra time to
enjoy life, maybe do some reading, travel or just to make more pleasant memories with
family and friends. I reasoned it would be good for my temperament, make me happier, and
I’d feel more like the hard work (which I’m sure we all put in) was more like a means to an
enjoyable, well-deserved end. Little did I know
back then just how much time I would be given when most of the country fell under “shelter
in place” or quarantine orders caused by the global virus outbreak.
However, while at first I seemed to have more time on my hands, it turned out that I also
had much more to worry about. While it was common for everyone during the first days of quarantine to contemplate the negative
outcomes and uncertainty that we all faced, many of us also had much more to think
been forced upon us, in this technological age Even while we’re sitting in our homes with no place to go, we can relatively easily access plenty of information and work around the
clock if we so choose. As is evidenced in the spotlight on software and other advancing technologies (Page 24), our email is just
down with the shutdown of nearly everything. As such, you, like myself, may have been
even more motivated to dig in and come up
with a plan to push through the pain that was obviously headed toward all of us.
8 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
of their families. However, also make sure that balance keeps you and the people you care about happy as well. Too many times we supplant a feeling of joy for a feeling of
as common as our phones. In this issue you
the pleasure of spending time with your family,
certainly make one feel good, it can’t replace
will also read about working remotely (Page
relaxing with your favorite hobby or perhaps,
14) wherein the author specifically suggests
we set time boundaries and create dedicated spaces. And while I may not be the best at
sometimes, even just getting a good night’s sleep after a hard day’s work.
following my own advice, I urge you also to set
So, take advantage of the benefits that the
Make sure that you are not so engulfed by your
time wisely to achieve your goals, but also
boundaries at the other end of the spectrum.
expanding technologies allow, and use your
business and your career that you sacrifice
make sure your goals include both professional
those things that soothe your temperament and push you toward your better nature.
planning and maybe even investing some
worked so hard to build, didn’t come crashing
working (albeit safely) and able to take care
nearly anywhere, even through something
businesses, the well-being of our employees heavily upon us to make sure what we had
profitably), so you can keep your employees
accomplishment. While accomplishment can
That is not to say that the times we live in
and even their families. The burden weighed
keeps your business running (hopefully
the beginning of what we can access from
about. We not only had our friends and families in mind, but we also needed to consider our
Do what it takes to find that balance that
aren’t going to require plenty of thought,
extra time in unconventional thinking to come up with inventive solutions to developing
problems. However, as the saying goes, you
and personal targets. I’m going to try to make that more of a priority and I hope you will too. Our health and wealth are important, but what good are they without our happiness? As always, I look forward to your feedback. Sincerely,
should be working smarter, not harder. These same technologies that allow you to work
from anywhere at any time can also allow you to share the burden of leadership and better regulate and prioritize your time.
Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor kevin@isfanow.org
ISFA Member since 1998
ISFA Member since 2016
Special Section
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ISFA Online Maker’s Monday Meetings with Virtual Shop Tours Sponsored by Park Industries Every Monday at 2 p.m. EST www.isfanow.org/makersmonday-meetings Green Business Summit Sept. 10 Online www.greenbuildexpo.com (866) 815-9824 NSI Stone Summit Sept. 16 & 17 Online (440) 250-9222 www.naturalstoneinstitute.org
Marmomacc Restart Digital Edition Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 www.marmomacc.com +39 045 829-8561 NSI Stone Summit Oct. 7 & 8 www.naturalstoneinstitute.com (440) 250-9222 Global Health & Wellness Summit Oct. 22 Online www.greenbuildexpo.com (866) 815-9824
Canada Woodworking EAST Oct. 22 – 23 ISFA Gen 2 Roundtable Event Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec Sponsored by Moraware Canada and BACA Systems (888) 454-7469 Fall IWF Connnect Virtual Meeting Oct. 26 – 30 (888) 599-ISFA Online www.isfanow.org www.iwfconnect.com Regent Stone Granite/ (404) 693-8333 Quartz Fabrication Training ISFA Annual Conference Sponsored by ISFA & Meeting Sept. 22 – 23 Sponsored by Park Virginia Beach, Va. Industries, GranQuartz, (866) 233-4877 Regent Stone, Integra www.regentstone Adhesives, Crossville and products.com Infinity Surfaces Regent Stone Granite/ Virtual Event Quartz Repair Training Nov. 3 – 6 Sponsored by ISFA (888) 599-ISFA Sept. 24 – 25 www.isfanow.org Virginia Beach, Va. Greenbuild 2020 (866) 233-4877 Nov. 10 – 12 www.regentstone Online products.com (866) 815-9824 Compact/Porcelain/Sintered www.greenbuildexpo.com Surfaces Training Remodeling Show – & Certification Event Reimagined Sponsored by Park Nov. 16 – 18 Industries, LPI, Crossville, Online Dekton by Cosentino, Infinity Surfaces, LAMINAM, (800) 681-6970 www.remodelingshow.com Lapitec and MSI Sept. 29 & 30 Coverings Connected Virtual Event Nov. 18 www.isfanow.org Online (888) 599-ISFA (571) 313-5801 www.coverings.com
12 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Regent Stone Granite/ Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 1 – 2 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstone products.com Regent Stone Granite/ Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 3 – 4 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstone products.com The International Surface Event (TISE) Jan. 26 – 28, 2021 Las Vegas, Nev. (972) 536-6440 KBIS 2021 Feb. 9 – 11, 2021 Orlando, Fla. (800) 465-5514 NAHB International Builder Show (IBS) Feb. 9 – 11, 2021 Orlando, Fla. (202) 266-8184 Coverings Connected Feb. 23, 2021 Online (571) 313-5801 www.coverings.com
Submit your event for consideration in Calendar of Events by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Education Connection
Adapting to an Era of Remote Work and Online Supply Channels
By Kyle Carpenter
Unfortunately, 2020 has been the year of
Fortunately some have since returned. Some of
set up. Get a decent chair set at a proper height
knew it will likely never be the same.
while simultaneously working. Despite the
surroundings where possible. A dedicated space
COVID-19, and life and work as we once
Businesses are facing challenges that are at the mercy of forces out of their control, with
many employees being forced to work remotely. Suppliers across all industries are challenged
us have also become homeschooling teachers challenges, I make it a point to find ways to remain grateful for what I do have. Working Remotely
at every point of the supply chain to adapt to
While those who must work in the shop or on
continue to operate. End-consumers are stuck at
many who can work from home are doing
scrambling to find ways to cope, and ways to
situation, our patience has been tested, to say
feels as though it may never end, and it’s tiring.
how to work more effectively from your new
ensure their customers’ needs are met and can
jobsites are dealing with a host of new rules,
home with, or sometimes without, their families
just that to help maintain safety. Whatever the
keep life interesting. Frankly, we’re in a crisis that
the least. Hopefully by now, you have learned
Trust me, I feel your pain.
environment. If you are new to remote work, or
So how do we adapt, both professionally and
some pointers based on what worked well for
personally? My familiarity in growing my own remote-based business, and the personal
challenges that have come with it, have provided me with a multitude of experience in dealing with crises of varying nature. And it largely
comes down to awareness of ourselves and
our surroundings, acceptance of our situation, effectively managing communication and expectations, and taking action.
When this all started several months ago,
much of the world’s workforce got kicked out
of the office and into the home, full time. Many who were able to work from home were set
up remotely, and many others lost their jobs. 14 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
are just looking for additional suggestions, I have me and our team, which has worked remotely for more than 10 years. It’s been a journey of
self-discovery in conjunction with learning from others and reading about how to successfully navigate it.
The first step is to create your space. I’ve
experienced a handful of living environments
over the years, so I certainly can’t address them all, but whether you are in a large house with a separate office or a studio apartment working
and minimize distractions in your immediate will get you off to a good start.
My second suggestion is to maintain
strict boundaries with those you live with.
Compassionately convey that this is “work
time,” while also communicating your affections for them (this is important). It is certainly easier said than done, and all of our situations are
different, but I’ve learned that people will respect boundaries if they are clearly defined and
reinforced, which is ultimately your responsibility. The rewards of focus and respect, which carry into other areas of life, are the result.
The third recommendation is to make sure you’re equipped with the right technology. We use Gmail for email, Slack for internal
communication, RingCentral for telephone and
video conferencing (Zoom is also popular these days), Dropbox for file-sharing, a web-based
ERP and CRM for team-wide visibility into all customer, order and financial activity. There
are numerous tools out there that offer these
core functionalities, but they are essential to set yourself up for success.
from the kitchen table, you can apply some
Finally, stay connected! I cannot emphasize this
for work, preferably not where you sleep. Also
find as many ways as you can to connect with
basic principles. Create a dedicated space
make sure it is a comfortable and ergonomic
enough. Connection to others is in our DNA, so your co-workers and employees, as well as
ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR friends and family. The benefits of connection
communicate that to our customers through our
cooler” channel in our internal messaging
us to set expectations for our customers, but
are numerous. Simple tricks like having a “water platform for writing about unrelated work topics, while often ridiculous are sometimes inspiring.
We religiously schedule time every week to have an all-faces meeting, even if there is nothing
on the agenda. That brief but regular facetime
is critical. Meet with your co-workers regularly
to check in. I often feel like I may be disturbing someone, but they may be feeling the same way, so just make time.
Managing Supply Channels Manufacturers and distributors have been
impacted just as much as the rest of the world, but the demands and expectations on them
have not changed as much. In many cases it has become more difficult to source material
because of the inevitable impact of COVID-19 on suppliers caused by changes in the staff
working remotely, as well as changes to the
in-house working environment to limit exposure to essential employees, such as warehouse personnel.
My experience working remotely with my
company for more than 10 years is that we’ve unintentionally been preparing for this type of environment through the use of web-based communication, software and a suite of
home grown tools. This framework facilitates us to work with our supply chain in much
of the same remote fashion. Being a single-
source, centralized online order desk to these
manufacturers and distributors has taken much of the burden off their staff, and has helped to
streamline the flow of information and inventory to our mutual customers. Our ability to procure products from suppliers in a timely fashion is what makes our customers able to do their
jobs effectively. Each delay in the supply chain magnifies the delay to the end-customer.
Working with more than 50 different supply conduits, ranging from distributors to
manufacturers of sheet material and overseas
product manufacturers, has provided a wealth of knowledge in managing various channels. These suppliers are spread across multiple
marketing and sales efforts. This not only allows it also alleviates frustration and stress for our
customer support team in dealing with orders and suppliers.
now gone on for months, likely with many more to come. So how do we keep our heads straight, continue to be patient and present with
practice, but it’s never been more important
and professional obligations?
with your suppliers is always good business than now. Utilizing marketplaces and single-
source procurement solutions can also alleviate much of this burden.
Managing Customer Expectations Customers expect more from businesses now
more than ever, even before COVID-19. Amazon and other online marketplaces changed the way consumers shop and have products delivered, increasing the need-it-right-now mentality.
However, how can we possibly keep up with
these customer expectations when we aren’t Amazon, and don’t have products that fit its model?
Companies like Amazon are successful because they manage, and meet, the
customer expectation. If it’s too difficult to
set exact delivery dates and meet them, our
experience is that it is better to under-promise and over-deliver. Expectation setting is even
more critical during a crisis when tensions are
heightened. Being transparent with customers
and letting them know of uncertainties caused by the crisis makes a difference, and many are very understanding if the expectations
are established ahead of time. Also, frequent
communication of the status of an order, even if delayed, is better than leaving a customer wondering what is happening. We’ve never found over-communicating to be met with
negative feedback, in fact, quite the opposite. Clear communications and expectations
set upfront will ultimately make for repeat customers and referrals. It also creates a
happier sales and customer service team, as they ultimately have to face the brunt of an unhappy customer.
Personal Well-Being
assigned one of our team members to reach
family, children, roommates, chores, a multitude
delays they are facing so that we can clearly
been a little traumatized from this crisis that’s
our families and navigate feelings of anxiety,
These are hard times with a lot of uncertainty.
out to each of our suppliers to understand what
Whether we like to admit it or not, we’ve all
Learning to communicate more effectively
states and countries, with each having different guidelines to deal with this crisis. We’ve
can feel disconnected from our work teams.
Many people have to work from home with
of distractions and or conversely feelings of
complete isolation. Even in a full household, we
while also meeting the demands of our work Awareness, acceptance and action. Those three words carry more power for me than I ever could have imagined. They are part of my daily sanity tool kit. When our team first started working remotely, I struggled with not being in the presence of a team. However, the stress I experienced forced me to learn how to adapt to survive in this new environment, and that is how I can share them with you. While I could write a whole book on this topic (of which there are and I suggest reading), I will just say that I’ve learned to become aware of what is happening in my mind and body, accept that there are certain things out of my control and focus on what I’m responsible for, taking action on the areas where I can make an impact. I apply these simple, but not always easy, principles to all areas of my personal and professional life, and know firsthand the benefits that come from them. Even if we will eventually reintegrate into a team setting, we should make the best of our experience while we’re here. Remote work is here to stay for many, and the businesses we work with are going through the same challenges. Managing expectations, communicating effectively, being aware of our behavior, accepting our present situation and taking decisive action to make a difference are all effective tools. Our team, and I, use them on a daily basis to navigate any crisis that comes our way. Applying these may be just what you need to accomplish the tasks at hand.
About the Author Kyle Carpenter is Co-Founder and President of SolidSurface.com, an online supplier and outlet of solid surface sheet material from leading manufacturers such as Corian®, HI-MACS, Avonite, Staron, Wilsonart, Formica, Meganite, Hanex and more. For more information visit www.solidsurface.com or call (888) 715-3007. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 15
In the Industry Wilsonart Acquires Alpine Sales, Inc.
Karran Launches New Website
Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces signed a
Karran, supplier of quality sinks, recently
definitive agreement to acquire Alpine Sales, Inc., a Columbia, S.C.-based wholesale
launched a newly redesigned website at
www.karran.com. It is a dynamic site that is
distributor to the building and remodeling
Gemstone Moves, Doubling Its Production Space
surfaces, postformed countertops, lacquers and
At the end of June Gemstone ceased its
product review and upload a photo if desired.
Ind., where it has been producing solid
and retailers of Karran’s sinks to write honest
for nearly 15 years. Gemstone grew from
simply typing in the sink model number to
ft. in three buildings during that time. With
page and clicking “Write a review” to the right
started production in a new factory at 2040
industry. Alpine Sales distributes decorative stains, and hardware.
The acquisition of Alpine Sales enhances
Wilsonart’s services with three locations in South Carolina and one in North Carolina. Alpine Sales has distributed Wilsonart surfacing products for
more than 40 years. The transaction is expected to close in September.
SolidSurface.com Partners with DuPont Corian To Offer Discontinued and Custom Colors with Discounts for ISFA Fabricators
The company is asking fabricators/installers
surface sinks under the Gemstone brand
reviews for the site. This can be done by
13,000 sq. ft. to approximately 28,000 sq.
review in the search bar, going to the product
a need for even more space, the company
of the main product image.
Industrial Parkway in Elkhart. The new
Cosentino Opens New West Coast Hub
building provides Gemstone 56,000 sq. ft. of
production, warehousing and shipping space. With the change of address, Gemstone has
also changed its look developing a new logo
of Corian® Solid Surface through its online
became very nervous with the uncertainties
fabricator members, the company is offering
Jeffrey Smith, sales and marketing manager.
wishing to take advantage of the discount must
new facility under one roof where we can now
before placing an order. Non-ISFA fabricators
our customers’ needs.”
the special ISFA member pricing. The company
the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon),
to offer discontinued and custom colors
with the addition of its shower pan line. “We
marketplace at www.solidsurface.com. For ISFA
because of the COVID-19 crisis,” said
exclusive discounted pricing. ISFA members
“However, we are thrilled to be in a beautiful
register as an ISFA fabricator with the company
have so many new opportunities to service
can also order discontinued sheets, but without
and is available on a first-come, first-served
basis. SolidSurface.com’s updated inventory is available online and also includes a variety
Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Utah), and Mid-
Atlantic (Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, DC Metro) regions.
Pearlman Group Names McLendon CEO
of other in-production and discontinued solid surface brands.
Vadara Quartz Announces Territory Expansions
Scott McLendon, an
experienced exec in B2B
Vadara Quartz and Ace Granite have announced
supplies distribution,
an expanded distribution partnership. Under the
is the new CEO of
agreement, Ace Granite, proprietary distributor for Vadara Quartz in Florida, will also be the
dedicated provider in North and South Carolina with their Charlotte, N.C., facility serving
as the hub for these regions. This alliance
focuses on expanding Vadara’s quartz surface line through Ace Granite’s integrated supply
chain and customer-centric sales force. The
expanded agreement further demonstrates both
companies’ willingness to drive growth and build relationships with customers. In addition, Vadara Quartz is actively seeking distributors within
16 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
new feature of this site is the ability to leave a
production at 435 Harrison Street in Elkhart,
SolidSurface.com has partnered with DuPont™
noted that the inventory rotates regularly
both informative and user-friendly. An exciting
Pearlman Group, a
U.S. developer and specialty distributor of supplies, tools and equipment for hard-
surface fabricators. McLendon, who also
joins Pearlman’s board of directors, succeeds outgoing CEO Dan Davidenko. McLendon
Cosentino opened a new Cosentino West
Coast Hub in Vacaville, Calif., just north of San Francisco. One of three in the United
States, the new hub will include more than 157,350 sq. ft. of warehouse and office space, and acts as a central shipping
location for customers in the western United States. The facility catalogs products and acts as a storage center, which in turn,
expedites shipping to regional centers,
home improvement centers, fabricators, and kitchen and bath specialty stores. The new
location also helps meet the growing demand for Cosentino products on the West Coast, which include ultra-compact Dekton®, and
Silestone® quartz surfacing. Other Cosentino locations in California include Cosentino
City Showrooms in Los Angeles and San
Francisco, as well as Cosentino Centers in Anaheim, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.
The L.E. Smith Company Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council The L.E. Smith Company, located in Bryan, Ohio, received a national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the
Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBENC).
brings more than 30 years of experience
The certification is WBENC’s national
products and specialty-industrial distribution
including an in‐depth review of the business
as a senior executive with engineered
companies, including Rexel USA, Gexpro
(formerly GE Supply), Allied Electronics and Phoenix Contact.
standard that covers a meticulous process
and site inspection. The certification process
is designed to confirm the business is at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled
In the Industry by a woman or women. By including women‐ owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies
demonstrate their commitment to fostering
diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs.
IWF 2020 Cancels Live Show, Offers Virtual Event The conditions and circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic —
including accompanying travel restrictions and federal, state and local governmental regulations — have made it impossible to stage IWF 2020 without endangering the
health and safety of all exhibitors, attendees
Neolith Achieves Carbon Neutral Status To attain the highly prized carbon neutral
status, Neolith® followed the internationally
recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) and implemented a dynamic, innovationled sustainability strategy coupled with
tactical, high-value carbon off-setting. These measures led to carbon neutrality across
the entire business, with the brand receiving 100 percent of its electricity in the year
2019 from renewable energy sources. This means no less than 7,690 tons of carbon dioxide emissions have been removed.
Also, 90 percent of the waste generated by Neolith is recycled and given a second life
efficiency, particularly the third production line’s furnace, which was had an O2 and pressure control system installed, significantly reducing the amount of gas consumed. This is complemented by a 40 percent reduction of forklift truck diesel use and a 20 percent decrease in hazardous waste. The company also started several environmental projects to compensate for and/or absorb carbon dioxide. Key among them is an upcoming project in Central America to protect and maintain the unique biodiversity of the Guatemalan Caribbean Conservation Coast.
either with company operations or through
Through this project, Neolith will be working
and exhaustive study and consideration
surfaces also embody sustainable principles,
forests and jungles remaining in the region. As
show, IWF will be offering an online event.
slab produced being made from recycled
tons less of carbon dioxide will be created
for five straight days, IWF Connect will
has been upgraded to improve energy
440,000 homes off the grid for a year.
offering the global woodworking and related
BLANCO North America Announces New Executive Team Appointments
and the Atlanta community at large. The
authorized third-party organizations. The
to protect the unique biodiversity of the
by IWF. However, in lieu of the in-person
with up to 48 percent of the weight of each
a direct result of the project activities, 4 million
Starting Monday, October 26, and continuing
material. Additionally, plant machinery
by 2021, the equivalent of taking more than
decision was made after a long, intense
provide access to hundreds of exhibitors
industries’ newest products, technologies, innovations and solutions in one easy-tonavigate online experience. IWF Connect
will allow networking with exhibitors through
BLANCO has made new leadership
demonstrations and attendance of webinars.
American region along with the addition of
live chat and meetings, viewing live product Complimentary registration opens the door to new product discoveries, online events, exclusive deals and much more on your
schedule, and easily organized through your customized My IWF Connect Show Planner. Registration opens September 1, 2020.
Atlantic Plywood Announces Exclusive Agreement with FENIX
appointments for key executives in its North a new vice president of sales and marketing for the U.S. market. The changes represent
the global organization’s strategic approach to sustainable growth by further increasing
its brand presence and elevating its product portfolio. The BLANCO North America team consists of Jeremy Cressman, U.S. VP of sales and marketing; Wendy McPherson,
Canadian VP of sales and marketing; Edyta
Atlantic Plywood, a wholly-owned subsidiary
Drutis, North American director of brand and
with the addition of FENIX . Created by
director and head of product management;
aesthetic answer to today’s interior design
of finance and administration; and Jake
FENIX is defined by its unique characteristics
of Parksite, has expanded its product mix ®
communications; Tim Maicher, North American
Arpa Industriale, FENIX is a technical and
Mike DiFranco, North American senior VP
trends: smart materials and matte surfaces.
MacDonald, North American director of quality.
such as an extreme matte finish that is anti-
USGBC Develops Pilot Credit for COVID-19 Green Cleaning
repairable, thanks to its innovative surface
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
FENIX features 20 elegant colors and
green building rating system called Safety
materials.
The credit is intended to support buildings
fingerprint and the fact that it is thermally technology. Inspired by Italian tradition,
developed a new pilot credit in the LEED
represents a unique alternative to other
First: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space.
and spaces as they work to respond to the COVID-19 through sustainable, healthy practices. The credit provides guidance on effectively cleaning and disinfecting buildings using green cleaning best practices that also meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines relative to COVID-19. To earn the credit, among the things facilities must do are create a policy and implement practices that focus on a healthy indoor environment and worker safety. USGBC is focused on leveraging LEED as a tool to help protect human health and the environment, while also restoring the economy. The roll-out of this new credit is part of the green building organization’s new economic recovery strategy, called Healthy People in Healthy Places Equals a Healthy Economy.
CMA Provides Election Results The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) announced the results of its annual board of directors election and the installment of their officers for the next year. Members re-elected Matt Wehner of Cabinet Concepts by Design (Springfield, Mo.), and Gregory Paolini of Gregory Paolini Designs (Canton, N.C.) was elected as a new board member. Both will serve three-year terms. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 17
In the Industry In addition, the board appointed the following
to order ATI’s products through distributors,
July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021: Chris Dehmer
industries have not always found a clear
officers who will serve in these roles from
but potential clients outside of commercial
of Dark Horse Woodworks (Atlanta, Ga.) will
path to purchase products the same way.
continue to serve as president; Ken Kumph
of Premier Builders (Georgetown, Mass.) was
Both commercial and residential customers
ChromaLok Adhesives Announces New Hire of Industry Veteran Ray Aleksic
looking for decorative laminates, unique wall
assume the role of secretary. The members-
ChromaLok Adhesives has welcomed
including NuMetal™ high-pressure laminates,
(Maple Ridge, British Columbia); Brian Clancy
to its team. Aleksic has been a part of
nominated to be vice president; James Fox of Fox Woodworking (Phoenixville, Pa.) will serve as treasurer; and Gregory Paolini will at-large are Monika Soos of Sofo Kitchens
seasoned industry veteran Ray Aleksic
of Clancy Woodworking (Sherman, Conn.);
the solid surfacing industry since 1985. A
and Matt Wehner. Exiting the board after six
years including a stint as president is Leland Thomasset of Taghkanic Woodworking (Pawling, N.Y.).
Stone Services Group Welcomes Industry Veteran Dan Lyons Stone Services Group
recognizable face in the industry, Aleksic has worked in every part of it, including sheetmanufacturing, fabrication, distribution, and particularly relevant to his new position,
development into a national organization of commercial countertop installers and
templators. Calling on his experience as a
general contractor, Lyons will initially focus on
tiles, the customizable Fusion line available on many substrates, and LumiSplash™, its
patented ultra-thin, illuminated laminate. Flat rate shipping is available on most orders. In
addition to PayPal, all major credit cards will be accepted.
The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’
navigable and informative website for the
CountertopResource.com Announces Forthcoming Acquisition
of growth and into the next phase of its
MirroFlex™ decorative wall panels and ceiling
knowledge, experience and expertise.
As president, Lyons will
construction to lead SSG through this time
known product lines will be offered online,
Tile of Spain Calls for Awards Entries
division offers project imagery, documents,
utilize his 25 years of experience in commercial
at Shop.ATILaminates.com. All of ATI’s best-
help the company’s customers by sharing his
surfacing adhesives. In his new role he will
(SSG) added Dan Lyons
to its growing workforce.
panels and ceiling tiles can now order online
tools and numerous support services.
CountertopResource.com, an information
portal for countertop professionals working
with any material, announced it has signed a
letter of intent with Resource Publishing, LLC,
the commercial side of the business.
to be acquired for an undisclosed amount. The
HDI Introduces DesignOneSource
web portal at www.countertopresource.
company launched its flagship award-winning com in 2012 and also has a companion
Hardwoods Distribution Inc. (HDI) introduced
website at www.greensurfaceresource.com.
division. This new division is organized to
scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2020,
specification support for decorative surface
However, the company said its main site is
leading global suppliers and front-of-trend
Association (ASCER) is calling for entries for the annual Tile of Spain Awards of
Architecture, Interior Design and Final Degree Project. Sponsored by Endesa and the
Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), the
Tile of Spain Awards have forged a prestigious reputation, promoting the use of Spanish
ceramic tiles in architecture and interior design projects worldwide. The Tile of Spain Awards
have a prize fund of €39,000 ($44,082) shared between three categories. The two main
categories, Architecture and Interior Design,
each have cash prizes of €17,000 ($19,214). The Final Degree Project award has a cash
prize of €5,000 ($5,625). The panel of judges is also entitled to give two special mentions in each category. Entries from Spain and
DesignOneSource, the new specification
The sale, which includes both properties, is
provide architects and designers seamless
and no staff changes are planned at this time.
materials across North America by aligning
currently undergoing an extensive refinement
interior decor products that adhere to
process and upgrade that will add additional
CERSAIE Postpones 2020 Fair
functionality to it, and it expects to relaunch around the time the purchase is finalized.
After exploring the possibility of holding
the 2020 fair, the organizers of CERSAIE
network, providing instant access to design
ATI Decorative Laminates Launches New E-Commerce Site
recognized the general conditions determined
training and technical product support. The
ATI Decorative Laminates, a supplier of
the show’s usual quality standards. Attention
15 experienced industry professionals,
world of e-commerce in a bid to share its
supplied by 66 distribution centers. An easily
and interior designers have always been able
the highest environmental standards. It is supported by a vast internal information
inspiration, trend insight, vendor coordination, DesignOneSource specification team includes
decorative surfacing solutions, entered the
combined with a broad product offering
products with a wider audience. Architects
18 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
abroad are being accepted through October
23, 2020. More information is available on the organization’s website.
by the COVID-19 pandemic make it impossible to organize an event that would come up to and respect for the interests of the global clientele who represent the show’s most
important asset prompted the decision to skip the 2020 edition that was scheduled
In the Industry for November 9 to 13. Given the desire to continue to improve the quality and
international value of the exhibition, attention is now focused on the next installment of CERSAIE in 2021, which will be held in
Bologna from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2021.
The 2021 event will combine the renewed physical exhibition with an immersive
digital experience aimed at promoting and expanding participation by exhibitors and visitors.
Southco Announces Website Relaunch
before. The new and improved site features a user-friendly design with a fully responsive, clean layout that is compatible with all browsers and mobile devices. Created with the user experience in mind, the redesign includes many new features to help users quickly and easily navigate the site to find applications. The redesigned website is also
Braxton-Bragg Changes Name to BB Industries, LLC
globally accessible and is available in eight
In order to reflect the company’s explosive
the appropriate access products for their
languages in addition to English: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese. Additionally, tools
Southco, Inc., a global provider of
and resources such as CAD downloads,
its completely redesigned and refreshed
studies have been made more readily
Southco is delivering an improved user
support pages.
engineered access solutions, relaunched
technical information, brochures and case
website, southco.com. Through this launch,
accessible through relevant product and
growth in people, products and partnerships, Braxton-Bragg, a respected distributor in the stone industry for nearly three decades, has changed its name to BB Industries (BBI). “As our company has grown and evolved to the point where we are nearly unrecognizable, it is time to mirror that change in our name,” said CEO Rick Stimac. “We feel the BBI image
experience to its customer base, enabling
represents our 26 years of experience, while
their design challenges faster than ever
meet our new objectives.”
mechanical engineers to find solutions to
embracing all of our changes, and striving to
ISFA Member since 2005 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 19
Advice on Handling, Fabricating and Installing
PORCELAIN SLABS By Roberto Colonetti
This Marble Gray vanity wtih large mitered edges was fabricated from 6mm porcelain glued to a 20mm WEDI foam core backing board.
The virtues of porcelain slabs are numerous, which has led to its growing popularity. The material is light, thin and
tough, making it suitable for nearly any interior project from bathroom sinks and vanities to
shower trays, kitchen countertops and bathtubs. Because it is lightweight, in can be used in
applications where weight plays a role, such as
yachts, aircraft and recreational vehicles, among many others. It is also highly stain resistant, so
fabricating porcelain and large format porcelain
It’s UV-stable, heat- and frost-resistant, so it can
any natural or engineered stone. However, after
as not to require sealing and is low maintenance. be used outdoors as well.
However, while it has its advantages, there are
slabs was to work with it like I would work with more failures than you can imagine, I decided
Made in 12mm Statuario porcelain with a matte finish, this nearly 20-ft.-long island has a large overhang made possible because the material is so light weight.
I needed to find a new approach. As such, I
some things that any fabricator will need to
started to look deeper to find the best way to
article I hope to share with you some of what I
Cutting
the material.
The first step I took was to learn the cutting
say bad materials, I’m not talking about the print
My first introduction to working with porcelain
process. Cutting porcelain, for some fabricators,
or the finish of them, but rather if the material
could be a real nightmare of a first step, because
is not flat, take warning. A bulge in a porcelain
in this process some very specific rules must
slab will give you MAJOR PROBLEMS. It will
be respected. The first one is that you must
be quite impossible to properly cut slabs that
have a good blade! This can and will make a
are bowed. When you put a slab on the bench
huge difference. A second very important thing
for cutting and you can push it down, you must
to remember is to inspect the material. In many
avoid using this material.
learn before working with the material. In this
have learned over my 15 years of working with
was around 2005. At that time we were trying
to make vanities out of tiles. I can tell you with great certainty that I have come a long way since then.
As a stonemason my first approach to
work with the material.
20 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
years of now working with porcelain slabs, I’ve seen many good materials, but at the same time I’ve also seen numerous bad materials. When I
This 18-ft. island in Calacatta porcelain has a glossy finish and full drop-down ends. The countertop behind it is made of the same material and includes a cooktop and sink. Both use material that is only 6mm thick, which use WEDI foam core backing board and mitered edges. During the cutting process, with most brands (but not all, as there are some manufacturers that have developed methods to produce
stress-free slabs), it is very important to remove
the tension in the slabs all around the perimeter. This is usually done by making relief cuts as specified by the suppliers.
Of key importance slabs MUST BE FLAT.
Remember, as well, that the surface upon
which you are performing the cutting the slabs
must also be flat. In some cases I use a kind of foam to allow for less vibration when cutting a
slab. A very flat cutting bed is critical because if the surface is uneven, when you saw the slab,
a portion of the material would likely drop down before the blade reaches the end of the cut,
causing it to crack. Pay close attention to this because it is extremely important.
In terms of blades now on the market, there are many blades suitable for use. I always prefer to use as small of a blade as I can
because smaller blades create less vibration, and therefore produce a better cut. Another
important thing is getting the right amount of
water on the blade during sawing. Some people do not realize how high the temperature can reach when you cut porcelain.
Questions regarding speed can always be related back to the quality of the blade.
Some blades will have to be sharpened more often than others, but this is not necessarily synonymous with a poor quality blade.
Another system that can be used to cut
porcelain is a waterjet. While these machines are more expensive compared to a saw, they
will allow for faster speeds and can obviously be optimized for the cutting process; plus
they will allow you to cut any shape. However, just with sawing, it is critical for the bed to be flat. Keep in mind that during processes like
mitering using a waterjet, the more accurate
the mapping process of your probe is, the more perfect your miter will be. For the best results, all of the mapping should be done before
making any cut because the slab will still be
clean. Once cutting starts you risk having sand
the water is highly filtered. This will ensure
you get a long life on both your orifice and
your pump. Dirty water can damage a waterjet orifice very quickly.
This island in Statuario porcelain and a matte finish has a fully integral sink that mimics the farmhouse look, and uses material only 6mm thick with foam core backing board and mitered edges.
Adhesives Beyond the cutting process, there are things
that must be learned regarding other parts of the fabrication of porcelain. In many ways, it can be like fabricating natural stone, but in
some ways there are certainly differences. In
addition to blades specifically made for sawing it, the adhesive used must be designed for use with porcelain.
give enough strength to the material. For this reason, there are many types of foam that you can use, as well as several types of glue. Both of these must be chosen very carefully so as to ensure the longevity of the end product. Some fabricators prefer to use thinset mortar, while others will use an epoxy glue. Both are OK, but in a situation that you’re going to glue porcelain
or grit on top that could change measurement
For instance, in fabricating elements using
on any expandable material, such as MDF for
consideration with the waterjet is to make sure
will need to be made in such a manner as to
incurring problems after the installation.
during the mapping. Another very important
thin porcelain of less than 12mm, the structure
example, you must use an elastic glue to avoid International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 21
This highly-custom vanity made from 6mm Calacatta Gold porcelain has a joint on the left where book matching is done at the joint because of its length.
The coverage of the glue on any kind of
substrate must be nearly 99 percent. The
adhesive used on a miter is almost the same, in that the correct glue will provide assurance to
avoid problems in the future. I’ve seen beautiful jobs installed that, after a while, suffer from
material cracking. The proper substrate and right glue play an important part during this
process. As with cutting, when making anything using porcelain, you must keep an eye on the
surface, checking it regularly to make sure it is straight and level during all processes.
Also, if you are fabricating something for an outdoor application, make sure your
glue has been developed for use in outdoor
This unique island made of 12mm Statuario with a matte finish moves up and down with the push of a button to serve either as a working countertop or more like a large coffee table.
Polishing and Installation In regard to polishing, the process is very comparable to polishing stone. Use a
sufficient amount of water and high-quality
polishing pads. Additionally, a few companies have developed special kits to repair light
scratches on the surfaces of porcelain, which can be useful if there are any damages.
The installation process is obviously the
last, and a particularly important part, of the overall process. When you have to install
something like a kitchen countertop, there
are a number of important aspects to keep in mind. Just as when cutting the material,
environments. Consider all the elements – rain,
when installing it, it is critical it remains level
to hold up to expansion and contraction. I
importance that the cabinetry that will hold
because the adhesive chosen was not correct
should have solid support, especially where
sun, etc., and use a glue that is elastic enough
and well supported. As such, it is of great
have seen fascia fall off after only a short time
the tops is level. Additionally, all cutouts
for the project.
you may have a joint. Also, I always prefer to
Regarding the miter, you can perform a simple test to check the strength of the glue in the
miter joint. Simply glue the pieces together and
leave an allowance between the walls and
porcelain to avoid future problems if there is
or above do not require substrate, but we still use it to buildup things above that thickness. As a final thought, watch for and keep up to
date with the latest products and procedures for handling, cutting, gluing, polishing and
installing porcelain slabs, as well as any other
aspect of working with this material. It is likely more and more attention will be paid to the
development of these products as it continues to increase in popularity.
About the Author Roberto Colonetti is a global expert on porcelain with 20 years of experience working with the material. While born and raised in Italy, he currently resides in Australia fabricating porcelain to create functional works of art while also speaking on the subject and training others on porcelain fabrication best practices. For more information, he can be reached at robertocolonetti@gmail.com or via www. colonettiroberto.com. Colonetti will soon be moving to the United States to work for Moderno Porcelain in Houston (www.modernoworks.com).
any expansion.
after the cure time try to break it. If the pieces
One other significant thing to remember is that
strong enough. If the pieces break the porcelain
means treating it different than that which
glue is a suitable one. Also, on thin porcelain it
more attention during the cutting process and
the pieces, especially on the seams.
substrate to support it. Thicknesses of 12mm
will break apart at the glue joint, it means it isn’t
using thin porcelain, such as 3.5mm or 6mm,
and keep the miter joint hold in position, the
is 12mm or thicker. Thin porcelain requires
is always a good thing to allow a gap between
fabrication because of the fact you need a
22 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFA will be hosting an online porcelain training/certification event Sept. 29 and 30. Please see Page 38 for more details.
ISFA Member since 2020
CountertopResource.com CountertopResource.com, launched in 2012, is
Software, Templating & Technology Spotlight
always available. Visit more jobsites in
less time for superior, more profitable results. Digitally integrate templating
the most comprehensive information portal for
with office inventory and job management
countertop fabricators and related
systems, as well as shop equipment.
professionals. With daily updates including new
Additional software licenses are not required to
products, industry news, articles, videos, blog
posts, safety resources and much more, it is a critical outlet for the industry. The award-
winning website is currently undergoing a major upgrade to make it even more user-friendly and offer additional features. Sign up for its monthly newsletter at www.countertopresource.com to
have all of the latest information relevant to your business sent directly to your inbox, or even sign up for daily posts. See our ad on Page 35
EaseEdge by Sarto In less than six years, Sarto Countertops had
grown from $300,000 to more than $6 million in business, with automation equipment greatly
ETemplate Systems ETemplate Systems now offers an “ELaser Xpress Subscription,” a version of the templating system based on making quarterly payments to better manage the cost. The Xpress Subscription lowers the initial investment, and also includes software updates and a laser head warranty over the life of the subscription. Standard features include accuracy of 1mm for a standard space, automated functions for creating countertop templates more quickly, a compact design, digital leveling, enhanced speed, digital leveling and large icons. Basic operation consists of simply setting it up, shooting the points and hitting enter. A finished template that includes dimensions, offsets, overhangs, radii, splashes, etc. is then created for quick and easy export for fabrication.
improving its shop processes. However, the
friendly so those in the field can get the
information they need. A free trial is available at easededge.com.
24 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
toolpaths, maximizes material yield with True Shape Nesting and generates CNC machine
code [G code] for CNC routers. It provides both production speed and agility. Custom one-off pieces are easily modified in the KCD Parts Viewer. One click lets users add cut-outs,
LPI
the table. The software dubbed EaseEdge is
powerful, but also easy to use and mobile
KCD’s Commander calculates and optimizes
design to manufacturing needs.
headaches, inefficiencies and leaving money on
company can use. It was designed to be
with KCD Software’s One-Button Machining.
equipment, software tie-ins and tools for unique
everyone in the company could use to reduce
an affordable option that everyone in a
Go direct from design to CNC manufacturing
to provide suitability with a large selection of
As such, it developed a modern software that
There are no additional costs per user, making it
KCD Software
rest. KCD partners with hundreds of companies
platforms from multiple software subscriptions.
drawing, scheduling and automated job tasks.
which include a laptop, camera and markers.
holes, dados and more, and then nest with the
and job management, while cobbling together
includes job management, estimating, invoicing,
Simply order additional ORGANIZE Field Kits,
change the part shapes, move and remove
company was struggling with communications
now available to other fabricators, and it
expand PHOTOTOP 5 to additional templaters.
Fabricator’s Choice
Fabricator’s Choice PHOTOTOP 5® now has even more capabilities for serious fabricators. New features include Auto-Create Miter Strips, Auto-Create Lamination and Auto-Dimension On PDF Output. Now with ORGANIZE®, it provides immediate on-site confirmation and file delivery of the highly detailed templates. Professional training and online support are
LPI’s LT-2D3D Laser Templator has CNC
integration capabilities designed for quick,
seamless file transfer to
numerous brands of CNC equipment. Files are set up specifically to work
using each brand’s requirements, meaning faster fabrication through less rework or other
modifications. Because of the specific
Prodim
and empowers
suppliers recommend the system. Plus, the
The Prodim
early in the
See our ad on Page 19
measuring
integration capabilities, many respected CNC
consumers
Proliner
LT-2D3D is made in the United States.
sales process
to both design
tool creates
their dream
very accurate digital
templates in a fast and easy way. Prodim Factory
software maintains high quality and ease of use
Moraware
while preparing digital templates for production
Software made by Moraware is designed to
templators and fabricators to design their
and more. The latest improvements enable
meet the needs of countertop fabricators. The company’s CounterGo estimating software
projects while making use of views in 2-D and 3-D. The software will help prevent mistakes
assists thousands of fabricators to
beforehand by alerting the operator when
professionally draw, layout and quote
countertops in minutes. It’s fast and consistent output is designed to increase sales and close rates so users can grow their business.
problems occur, like the collision of solids. This allows for eliminating all uncertainty before installment.
kitchen or
bath, and create a fast and accurate quote, all
before stepping into a showroom or speaking to a salesperson. The software is easily integrated into and promoted on company websites,
social media platforms, digital advertising and email marketing. Recent software updates provide greater value for consumers and
fabricators alike, including full e-commerce
transactions that include contracts, checkout and payments; 4K images and renderings;
additional room templates; an expanded library of stones and other products; associated items and gallery images; instant quoting by square foot or slab; kiosk integration and more.
Additionally, Moraware’s Systemize scheduling software continues to help users grow by
preventing expensive mistakes and increasing
communication both with customers and in the
shop. Visit moraware.com for more information.
QuickQuote by Crystallyne QuickQuote Countertop Software from
Slabsmith
and laying out countertops easier and faster
highly accurate and detailed through
interface that creates a fully labeled scale
slabs are true to life in both color and
flexible pricing system offers multiple pricing
properties of the original slab that was
material can be quoted, and it provides the
and are used to create 3-D visual layouts for
particular business. Quotes can be printed
immediately saved into Slabsmith’s SQL
provides fabricators the tool to capture slab
exported to a number of different formats such
in a company to easily locate and view the
small footprint requirement. The SIDE-SHOT
QuickBooks . The built-in schedule provides a
properties of the slab. Its layout tools allow for
matching and 3-D rendering. The equipment
fabrication to installation, and the internal slab
accuracy of digital slabs, view a vein-matched
slabs for more accurate material counts. For
Crystallyne makes quoting, drawing, scheduling
Slabsmith™ produces digitized slabs that are
than ever. It features a uniquely intuitive
proprietary calibration techniques. The digital
drawing side by side with every quote. Its
dimension, and contain all of the relevant
methods to choose from so virtually any
photographed. The digital slabs are inventoried
option to customize items and services to fit a
customers. When a digital slab is created it is
The all new SIDE-SHOT by Park Industries
alongside the drawings on a single page,
database. This provides the ability for anyone
images right at the machine with an extremely
as .PDF, and transferred directly to
slabs in inventory based on any of the
Park Industries ™
®
®
place to keep track of everything from
easy optimization for aesthetics or yield. The
allows the user to capture high dimensional
inventory lets users lay out the parts on the
that are customized for the specific needs of
project preview before cutting the material
more information and a free trial of QuickQuote
(up to two slabs), and utilize common line
visit quickquotecountertops.com
SolidSurface.com
cutting to optimize material yield with the
ability to communicate with multiple cameras
Quote Countertops
(great for twin table machines). An upgrade to
colors of Corian® Solid Surface through its
the full Slabsmith™ Basic Bundle is available
Quote Countertops is a sales and marketing,
online marketplace. Inventory rotates regularly
at any time.
lead-generating software that modernizes the
way consumers shop for and buy countertops.
and is available on a first-come, first-served
The web-based, white-label software engages
basis. SolidSurface.com is an online supplier
incorporates Slabsmith™ Lite software for vein
See our ad on Page 7
Perfect Match™ layout module provides tools
users to efficiently layout countertops.
SolidSurface.com has teamed up with
Dupont™ to offer discontinued and custom
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 25
and outlet of solid surface sheet material from leading manufacturers such as Corian®, HI-MACS, Avonite, Staron, Wilsonart, Formica, Meganite, Hanex and more. Fabricators not only now have access to full lines of inproduction colors, they’ll find significant cost savings in the often hard-to-find discontinued and overstock full, and partial, sheet material. Powerful search tools allow filtering by brand, color, pattern, size and price. The company also offers a selection of accessories, including color-matched adhesives, tooling and sinks. It also include ProFinder, a free listing service for fabricators that is a resource for specifiers and homeowners to locate local fabricator professionals. Request special fabricator pricing at www.solidsurface.com/contact/.
SPEEDdraw SPEEDdraw is made to expedite turning digital measuring files into completed shop drawings and program-ready files. Whether using a field measurer or a CAD draftsman to finalize your dxf files, SPEEDdraw produces a final shop ticket and creates program ready files in 50 to 75 percent of the time. The system was developed by countertop fabricators for countertop fabricators.
SPEEDlabel SPEEDlabel® is made to track countertops in a shop to maintain accountability for quality control, piece by piece. SPEEDsnip® can create individual parts from a CAD drawing, and parts are automatically named and uploaded to the job within Moraware. There
are customized label designs to choose from including top, bottom and edge formats. User-defined information automatically pulls from Moraware and eliminates the need for data entry. Customized data fields allow pertinent job information (i.e. install date, edge profile, etc.). SPEEDlabel also provides a quick understanding of the status of every part in the shop and helps ensure entire jobs is kept together. The customized labels are tear- and water-proof, with specially formulated adhesive that sticks to countertops in harsh environments, yet still comes off with ease.
Stone Grid USA The StoneApp ERP System by Stone Grid USA is a comprehensive, simple-to-use and powerful software system built for efficiency. It allows users to enter leads, move to a quote, promote
ISFA Member since 2012
26 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
to a job, manage material, create schedules and assign production resources without repetitive data entry. Users can also control margins through price books, built-in cost analysis and commission structures. It is made to reduce errors and manage production with scheduling, parts tracking, field applications and capacity tools. Users can manage purchasing and inventory with reconciliation and valuation reporting tools. It also syncs with QuickBooks and Sage to eliminate data entry time and errors, Slabsmith to bring in photos, and Quote Countertops to work leads.
Stone Profit Systems Stone Profit Systems provides an all-in-one, end-to-end, user-friendly software for the natural stone, tile, quartz and solid surface industries. The ERP system works to manage
all aspects of a business, allowing complete visibility to help companies work efficiently while improving profitability. The software has modules for accounting, estimating, holds, inventory management, purchasing, quotations, reports, sale and scheduling. It is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to meet the complex needs of distributors, fabricators and manufacturers.
concern facing all employers during COVID-19 — social distancing and contact tracing. Arm your crew with active worker proximity alerts, in the form of a visual and audible alarm, so individuals know when to adjust their current distance to a proper social distance along with passive collection of worker interactions for contact tracing should an individual test positive.
Triax Site visibility and safety have always been at the core of the solutions offered by Triax. Leveraging our experience by connecting more than 35,000 workers across our Spot-r labor management platform, we have developed Proximity Trace to support two main areas of
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 27
ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: Front range stone
Front Range Stone Inc. began with the idea of taking advantage of the granite boom that was taking place as the industry moved into 2000. However, as it grew, it focused not only on advanced technology and providing high-quality service, but also on product diversity. Building the Business In May of 2001 Brad Pearce and Clark Lechner started Front Range Stone, operating out of a 2,500-sq.-ft. shop in Englewood, Colo., and
fabricating only granite. Pearce and Lechner
had met working previously for a solid surface
countertop business in Denver and decided to make a jump to start the granite business.
With only seven employees to begin with, the company put its focus on technology and production processes that would lead to
growth and putting out top-quality products. Within just two years of opening its doors,
Front Range was able to make its first major equipment purchase in the form of a Park Industries Tru Edge line polisher. “Our
business has grown over the years and
technology has played an enormous part of
Park Industries Fusion 4245 Sawjets, six Park Titan CNCs, and a Park Industries Saber 5-axis CNC Bridge Saw. Without the
investment in automation and process, our
growth capabilities would have been greatly reduced.”
However, the ability to invest in that amount of high-quality, high-production machinery didn’t happen overnight. The company worked hard
and expanded multiple times to get where it is today. “In 2007 Front Range started back into the solid surface business to support our
builders and box store customers,” explained Pearce, “and in 2012 we made an acquisition
of a postform laminate countertop business to
round out our assortment and to better service our customer base.”
Measuring, cutting and design technologies
our most recent purchases in 2018 of two
Range, so the entire process is digital, more
Titan CNC machines,” said Pearce, president
Starting in 2001 with just a 2,500-sq.-ft. shop, Front Range Stone now has two locations, including this 31,000-sq.-ft. hard surfaces shop.
of the company. “We currently operate three
our success. Park Industries has been an
excellent partner since our first purchase to
By Kevin Cole, Editor
have all been consistently upgraded at Front efficient and profitable. In 2010, Front Range
28 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Brad Pearce, president of Front Range Stone, started with a background in solid surface, but founded the company in 2001, along with Clark Lechner, to take advantage of the granite boom.
While the company originally started out fabricating only granite, over the years quartz surfacing projects, such as this beautiful island fabricated from Coffee Brown Silestone, has become 65 to 70 percent of the hard surfacing work Front Range Stone handles.
Stone went through the NSI Accreditation process, and was the first fabricator in
Colorado to earn that distinction, which
provides guidelines for fabricators on financial aptitude, shop safety/OSHA regulations, and fabrication and installation standards.
“The shop’s advanced technology allows us to offer a quick turn-around time from the day of template/measure for all product lines,”
explained Pearce. “Front Range Stone also has the ability to show our customers how
their countertop project will look before we cut it with our automated process, giving them an exact picture of the finished product.” All of
these things have led the company to be one of the largest fabricators in the state, with
customers covering its entirety. The business
has more than 150 employees today and now operates out of two facilities in Englewood: a 31,000-sq.-ft. hard surfaces shop and a
20,000-sq.-ft. solid surface and laminate facility.
Diversified Products and Pathways to Market
Part of the company’s success can be
attributed to its willingness to meet customer
demands in whatever form that takes, as well as utilizing various B2B pathways to market. “From the beginning we have believed the
more products we can fabricate and install,
the better connection we have with all of our customers,” said Pearce.
As such, the company now offers granite and other natural stone, quartz surfacing, solid
surface, compact surfaces, recycled materials and laminate. It also offers tear-out and
plumbing disconnection and reconnection services as value-added options.
While hard surfaces remain the company’s top products, with it producing and installing on average 38,500 sq. ft. per month, 65 to 70
In 2007 Front Range started back into the solid surface business to support builders and box store customers, as is evidenced by this finely-crafted Corian© island, and in 2012 made an acquisition of a postform laminate business. Today it has a 20,000-sq.-ft. solid surface and laminate facility, separate from its hard surfaces shop. products are Cosentino, LG Hausys and
historically between 12 and 15 percent of the
Cambria.”
company’s total revenue, whereas laminate
The company also produces and installs 7,000
represents about 8 percent.
percent is now quartz surfacing. “Quartz
sq. ft. of solid surface and 6,250 sq. ft. of
Front Range Stone also diversifies the ways it
laminate on average each month as well.
goes to market, handling both residential and
said Pearce. “Our largest suppliers of quartz
Pearce estimates that solid surface is
commercial projects, with the latter
continues to drive the hard surface market,”
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 29
While at first only fabricating granite, Front Range Stone has grown to fabricate all of the major surfacing materials, including marble, soapstone, quartz surfacing, solid surface, compact surfaces, recycled materials and laminate.
representing roughly 25 to 30 percent of its
overall business. “We service all segments of the market including kitchen and bath
designers, millworks, architects, engineers, builders, general contractors and big box stores,” explained Pearce.
By making sure the company is diversified in
both its product offerings and customer types, it helps to ensure that it is not reliant too
heavily on any one segment of the industry. The variety of products and services also
helps to keep its customers happy and coming back as a one-stop location for all of their
surfacing needs. However, the company also
relies on honing its skills and providing quality products to keep the pipeline of projects full. Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future
When asked about the company’s philosophy for success, Pearce said, “We have always excelled by delivering a quality product on
time, which is supported by a very specific scheduling process to ensure on-time
production and delivery/installation. We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and quality craftsmanship.”
Pearce attributes some of the successes the company has had in maintaining excellence
to networking and information sharing efforts. “I have always found being involved in
industry organizations a huge necessity to
ongoing learning and growth of the business. I am fortunate to be a member of The Artisan Group, Rockheads, ISFA and NSI – all of
these have provided many platforms and
relationships to share best practices,” he expounded. “Get involved with industry
groups and don’t be afraid to discuss key
performance indicators with others and strive for improvement every day.”
He also had some thoughts on the pandemic and the current economic environment, 30 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
The company has driven growth by taking advantage of advanced technology, and today has three Park Industries Fusion 4245 Sawjets, six Park Titan CNCs, and a Park Industries Saber 5-axis CNC Bridge Saw.
saying, “We all went through a gut check in March not knowing what the business
climate was going to put us all through; we have been fortunate that we have seen a continued demand in all of our business
segments. I am optimistic that the market will
strengthen as we go through the remainder of the year. Trends with new home sales, as well as remodeling projects at this point look positive as we move towards 2021.
“I feel we need to continue to be more
relevant via online opportunities,” added Pearce. This is why, in the wake of the
uncertainty that does exist, Front Range
Stone has invested in its website. This seems to be an ongoing trend during a time when
people are more likely to conduct research and make purchasing decisions based on information available online vs. in person.
Pearce said the business has partnered with
other various leading-edge tech companies in the industry to make online transactions
easier, allow web-based project quoting, and reviewing the slab and even remnant inventories online.
When asked what advice he might offer to
other fabricators, Pearce said, “If you aren’t
growing you are dying; never be complacent in the pursuit of improvement and greatness
Stone will still be here going strong and ready to take on whatever comes its way.
to the level it is at today, it is certainly fair to
For more information on Front Range Stone, contact Brad Pearce by email at brad@frontrangestone. com or phone at (303) 761-4257, or visit www. denvergranitecountertop.com.
whatever that may look like, Front Range
Editor Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@isfanow. org.
for your business.” With the intelligent moves the company has made over the years to get believe when things return to normalcy,
It’s more than just learning how to be more profitable, saving money on the bottom line and getting great referrals and discounts. Call ISFA today and find out how to make your world a better place. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 31
Some engineered stone companies have been working to tackle issues related to sustainability. Their use of renewable bio-resins that are UV-stable, better allow for their use in outdoor applications, such as this kitchen fabricated from Diresco quartz.
EMBRACING A CRYSTALLINE RENAISSANCE
The changing face of quartz By Paul Max Le Pera and Jessica McNaughton Since the early 2000s, the engineered stone (quartz surfacing) industry has experienced positive, profitable and prolific growth, globally. Relatively speaking, quartz surfacing embraces many attributes that continue to fuel its popularity and specification. That said, the category has also undergone some severe challenges in recent years, necessitating a sort of renaissance to ensure its sustainability. Charles Darwin said, “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.” This statement essentially refers to the No. 1 skill of survival
The Renaissance was a period in history marking the transition from the Middle Ages to Modernity and was a time marked by genius and notable change. Cultural norms, values and even
technology underwent sustainable reformation
– adaptation. It seems that living and being
fueled by rejuvenation.
reside on a fluid foundation. That is to say, just
Now take a look at 2020, a new decade
when you think you are rooted in place, the medium around you begins to move, shift and mutate. Inaction can be as deadly as wrong action, and therefore those businesses who are constantly taking the pulse of cultural norms, personal values and technologies are those best
launched with nearly unprecedented instability: pandemic, potentially life-changed elections,
geo-political tensions, unemployment and racial tensions, just to name a few. The concurrence
of these significant dynamics has, for many, led to an ever-present feeling that the global tide of
brings us back to the point that adaptation is
the top survival skill, and that applies to not only animals, but also businesses.
We can be highly encouraged by several
organizations within the surfacing industry that
are adjusting their rudders as industry currents shift. Many firms are making a distinct effort to embrace sustainability, a movement that
has been re-energized and is rapidly gaining
increased global attention. The term essentially focuses on finding greener alternatives so as not to deplete natural resources and whose
connotation is simple: finding ways to do things that last.
Engineered stone/quartz surfacing, with
its continued growth in popularity among
specifiers, such as architects, designers and
even homeowners, is not immune from a host
of changing conditions that require adaptation.
Prime among these are the hefty tariffs that have been placed on Chinese quartz, ailing global
poised to adapt when the underlying current of
Darwinism is shifting again.
being begins to shift and, it indeed has. We are
That said, we know that change is woven into
re-emergence, of engineered stone’s greatest
thing we can be certain will not change is the
forefront of the product category’s challenges, it
beginning to see a 21st century renaissance and this bodes very well for not only the quartz industry but for all of the surfacing categories.
the fabric of the human race, and the only
fact that everything will eventually change. This
32 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
economies and the emergence, or arguably the hazard, silicosis. With these factors at the
is most certainly experiencing a fluid foundation
The use of newer bio-resins that are free of cobalt allow for the easier development of complex veined patterns when used in quartz surfacing.
shift, necessitating sustainable adaptation. This adaptation will come from numerous avenues with the market ultimately being the judge of what will last.
First among the challenges quartz surfacing has been facing are the anti-dumping and
countervailing duties placed on imports from China. These tariffs range as high as 500
percent, making the abundant supply available there far less attractive. However, this is not
necessarily a bad thing. While for a short time in 2019 it may have had a slight effect on the availability from some suppliers, ultimately it
helped drive the start-up of more lines in North America. This not only created jobs in more
local economies to help defer the economic
downturn in the industry, but it also lessened the carbon footprint caused by shipping
material from such long distances. There are now more quartz surfacing production lines
operating in North America than ever before. Additionally, resins that are used in the
formulation of engineered stone are most often petroleum based, thereby helping to deplete
finite natural resources. Also, some of the resins used may be difficult to recycle or dispose of in a sustainable fashion.
A larger issue that seems to be playing a role within engineered stone circles is silicosis, a
lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of crystalline silica, often referred to as respirable
crystalline silica. Tragically, there is currently no
known cure. Acute, chronic or accelerated cases can lead to lung cancer, tuberculosis, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other
dangerous breathing disorders for which the best current hope is to manage the symptoms, but eradication or reversal is not an option.
crystalline silica mitigation/elimination is a constant source of study, innovation
and enforcement for machine and tool
manufacturers and shop owners alike. However, consistent with the sustainability movement, there may be some engineered stone
formulation alternatives to mitigate, or possibly eliminate the respirable silica hazard.
When it comes to sustainability and engineered stone there are opportunities to modify the
formulation to be eco-friendlier. As mentioned above, there are two primary areas. One is in
the resin used in its manufacture and the other is the crystalline silica content.
At the highest level, we are seeing innovations from the resin companies, such as INEOS
Composites. They have unsaturated polyester
resins that are made from renewable resources instead of finite resources, meaning they replace the petroleum-based resins with
bio-based raw materials without affecting the physical or handling properties of the resin.
Their Envirez resins were among the first on the market in the category. INEOS was also one
The GEOS resin-based recycled glass surface shown here uses larger, terrazzo-like recycled glass aggregates instead of quartz helping lower the amount of crystalline silica versus other engineered stones. As far as innovations in quartz products themselves, there are several brands on the market that have started to pivot and adopt more sustainable practices.
of the first movers on Cobalt-Free Technology,
Diresco, a Belgian company founded by a
the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) was
pioneer and adopter of the Bio-UV resin
and reproductive toxicants. Most resin systems
bio-based resin was needed, and the company
proper cure in a quartz slab. INEOS introduced
based sources instead of petroleum. The resin
degree of curing in the slab without issues.
of applications for Diresco, which combines the
Now a global issue and arguably gaining
of it allows for better color control, enabling
options from traditional quartz to more veined
silicosis is a very hot topic. Respirable
in slabs.
Silicosis has been known about for decades and is not endemic to the fabrication of
engineered stone, and yet because of the high percentage of quartz within the product, the
hazard is significant and the risks are very real. Classified as a human carcinogen in 2000,
crystalline silica dust has been found in various
other products, such as natural stone, concrete, ceramic and brick.
momentum, the current of change in managing
which became increasingly important when
father and son team in 2003, was an early
looking to classify cobalt salts as carcinogens
technology. Diresco recognized that a better
recommend cobalt salts in order to get a
created one using readily renewable plant-
a cobalt-free technology that gets the same
is highly UV stable, allowing for a broader range
Also, since cobalt is dark in color, the removal
resin with quartz to create a variety of design
better veining patterns and even translucency
and terrazzo looking styles. Diresco reclaims and recycles all water used in its manufacturing International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 33
The recently released Obsidiana product from Compac (pictured here in Volcano Pearl) has tackled the issue of silicosis head-on by largely exchanging the use of crystalline silica with amorphous silica, whose dust does not cause adverse health problems. The product contains less than 7 percent crystalline silica, drastically decreasing the chance of silicosis from the fabrication process. It is made using 100 percent recycled glass and minerals as well as UV-stable bio-resin, and is also 100 percent recyclable.
process, generates its own electricity through
material 15 to 25 percent recycled content. It
is also 100 percent recyclable. The material is
wind and solar technologies, and because of
thermoformable as well, making it somewhat
the nature of the Bio-UV resin, all manufacturing
of a hybrid between standard quartz and solid
byproduct waste is repurposed for soil
surface. The company claims it is 50 percent
control and road construction throughout
stronger than composite stone, and is offered
Belgium rather than being sent to landfills. In addition, Diresco can be recycled back into production and used as new particulate in its Terrazzo line. Sustonable, an engineered stone manufactured in Turkey, opts for a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) binder, making the
and allows the use of thinner materials without the drawback of breakage caused by impacts. The recently released Obsidiana product from Compac, which is manufactured in Spain, also
in 6mm, 8mm and 1cm thicknesses. Unlike
uses the Bio-UV resin mentioned previously.
continuous extrusion process, which is said to
using amorphous silica instead of crystalline
waste that is generated can be recycled back
with crystalline silica, does not pose the health
be less brittle than some of its contemporaries,
claims to be both recycled and recyclable and
other products, Sustonable is formed from a
Obsidiana has tackled the issue of silicosis by
reduce waste versus batch processes, and any
silica. Amorphous silica, unless contaminated
into the process. The product is designed to
risks associated with crystalline silica. Obsidiana
ISFA Member since 2018 34 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
which makes cutting and transporting it easier
uses up to 100 percent recycled glass and
GEOS, which is another resin-based recycled
minerals in its composition with a sustainable
glass surface is a product that uses a polymer-
manufacturing process as well. The product
based resin with larger, terrazzo-like recycled
contains less than 7 percent crystalline silica,
glass aggregates instead of quartz. This helps
decreasing the chance of silicosis from the
lower the amount of crystalline silica versus other
fabrication process. The company claims that
engineered stones. GEOS has recently revamped
the product cuts 30 percent faster than standard
its color line, is 55 to 75 percent recycled glass
quartz, and there is no inherent tension in
by weight, and is available in both 2cm and 3cm
the material like there is with many ceramics.
thicknesses.
existing product, or a “new and improved”
IceStone, which is made in Brooklyn, N.Y., from
growth. Those who are able to pivot and adapt
Thicknesses range from 7mm to 30mm. Obsidiana was recognized with the Sustainability Award at KBIS 2020.
100 percent recycled glass and cement instead of quartz, recently improved upon its petroleum-
While the focus of this article has been the
free recipe. New IceStone incorporates process
changes that have been taking place in the
steps that improve the performance of the
quartz surfacing, similarities can be found within
product, retaining its sustainability story, but also
the recycled glass category of hard surfaces,
increasing its stain resistance and durability. This
which are akin to engineered stone.
improved version also is UV stable, making it
Curava is an engineered stone that contains
suitable for outdoor applications.
approximately 30 percent quartz. This is
There has definitely been some visionary re-
significantly less than many quartz surfaces,
strategizing in the engineered stone arena, and
which typically contain in the range of 90 percent
it will be interesting to see how the market will
quartz, meaning it contains a lesser amount of
embrace these innovations. The omnipresent
crystalline silica. The remainder of its make-up
increasing pressure for business and industry
is about 60 percent post-consumer and post-
to embrace renewable energy and sustainable
industrial recycled glass and roughly 10 percent
practices will only add to the options and best
resin binder.
practices here.
Quartz and all other engineered Surfaces
are projected to increase in market share as their formulations can be adjusted to meet
the growing practical and social needs. The
renaissance we are witnessing in the surfacing industry is being heavily influenced by the
growing sustainability movement, and whether it is a new surfacing category, a variant of an
formulation, change can be a springboard for
will be those more firmly rooted when the tide once again ebbs.
About the Authors Jessica McNaughton, a former ISFA board member, is president of CaraGreen, a curator and distributor of best-in-class sustainable materials based in Raleigh, N.C. CaraGreen offers healthy alternatives to traditional building materials and serves as an educator on industry issues that have a human or environmental health impact, with several education courses on the latest green building standards and trends in the industry. She can be reached via email at jessica@caragreen.com or on the web at www.caragreen.com. Paul Max Le Pera is president of Global Surfacing Alliance LLC, a global marketing, business consulting and product sourcing firm specializing in proprietary products and disruptive technologies. He is also on the ISFA Board of Directors and can be reached at PMax@ GlobalSurfacingAlliance.com.
ISFA Member since 2013 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 35
Here.Now.News. From the Desk of Nancy Busch, Executive Director
Focus for the Future “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” — Bruce Lee It is Friday morning of my first week serving
ISFA. As you can imagine, my head is filled with learning, teaching, watching and dreaming.
However, I had to dig deep to find inspiration and focus on what to share in my very first message to you. In fact, it takes laser-like focus to be successful at anything.
Our previous executive director, Amy Miller, wrote to you about unplugging and giving the gift of
your presence to others last December. She has
positively set the stage for me with that message, as with much of her great work for ISFA and I would like to expand on that. Taking time for
personal focus is also critical. I have always used the analogy with my children that when you are
accomplish more. In bull riding, for example, eight seconds are all that are required to qualify. The intensity of risk gives perspective to just how much can occur in only a few moments of focus. You can bet there is not any multitasking going on during that ride! Having grit, determination and courage all require focus. I encourage everyone to consider ways of finding the focus required each day so you can complete your mission, too. Taking even a few seconds for yourself can help you clear your head. Following are some of my favorite ways for reducing the clutter: ■■ Put away anything electronic
preparing for a flight the attendant instructs you
■■ When you are in front of the computer, reduce the number of windows on the screen.
mask on yourself before helping others. This is
■■ Disable pop-ups and alarms.
on your plans, ideas and dreams, how can you
■■ Be mindful of multitasking.
in the event of emergency to put the oxygen
also true of our focus. Without having true focus
■■ Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails.
communicate them to benefit others?
■■ Leave yourself reminders to focus.
Our world is full of distractions, which are rarely
■■ Write in a journal daily.
certainly added many layers to that. How many
■■ Exercise.
considered positive, and the year 2020 has
■■ Go outside.
times did you miss something important because
■■ Make a to-do list for play.
of being distracted? How many accidents occur because someone is distracted? Banners, popup ads, newsfeeds, and the list goes on; they
are constantly directed at influencing us. When
was the last time you went an entire day without seeing any news? It always seeps in everyday, even without watching a newscast. When you break it down, we are bombarded without
really knowing it. When was the last time you
unplugged to be in the presence of just yourself? Spending time finding ways to connect with
yourself is critical to the mission of being present
■■ Create something. ■■ Give yourself some grace. It has been quite a week. When I quiet everything going on inside, I know I am in the right place at the right time for the mission. Focus has given me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone, and I am here to serve you. Looking forward, I am excited how we can focus, both individually and collectively, to accomplish more for our community.
for the needs of others.
The average human has an eight-second
attention span – less than that of a goldfish,
according to a 2015 study by Microsoft. I know we can do better. Being solely focused seems to slow down time, which then allows us to
36 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Nancy Busch, ISFA Executive Director nancy@isfanow.org
ISFA Events & Training
Because of the ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the instruction by the CDC to avoid travel where possible, all ISFA events planned for the remainder of 2020 will either be moved to online platforms or have been put on hold until the best authorities have deemed it safe to travel again. As such, our training and networking events have been rescheduled as follows: Maker’s Monday Meetings w/ Virtual Shop Tours Sponsored by Park Industries Zoom Conference Every Monday 2 p.m. EST www.isfanow.org/makersmondaymeetings Gen 2 Event Sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems Virtual Meeting Fall Compact/Porcelain/Sintered Surfaces Training & Certification Event Sponsored by Park Industries, LPI, Crossville, Dekton by Cosentino, Infinity Surfaces, LAMINAM, Lapitec and MSI Virtual Event Sept. 29-30 ISFA Annual Conference & Meeting Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz, Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Surfaces Virtual Event Nov. 3-6 For additional information and registration options, please visit www. isfanow.org or email nancy@isfanow.org.
ISFANews Nancy Busch Named Executive Director of ISFA Nancy Busch was recently hired to serve as the Executive Director of ISFA and officially began her role on August 3. Previously, Busch was a sales manager for Willis Supply, a North American distributor of world-class building materials including Corian® Solid Surface, Corian® Quartz, Arpa High Pressure Laminate, FENIX NTM®, FENIX NTA® and Artisan sinks. She managed a sales team that covered the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaii, earning several awards during her tenure. She has also been involved with the Architectural Woodworking Institute’s Washington Chapter, was a past Co-Chair of Programs for the Puget Sound Chapter of the NKBA. “Nancy has real-world experience with the products and processes used by our members,” said ISFA Vice President Steve Mast. “She is a real champion for the industry, is enthusiastic and has expressed great interest in serving our membership further advancing the goals of the association. The ISFA Board of Directors is confident that she will perform well in the role.” Having worked 14 years at Willis Supply, with increasingly larger and more diverse responsibilities, Busch has proven herself as a gogetter with a well-established knowledge base. Prior to her work with Willis, she was an independent kitchen & bath designer, earning an NKBA Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) certification. She also studied fine art and design at Pacific Lutheran University after earning an Associates of Arts & Science degree at Pierce College. Busch accepted the position that was recently vacated by Amy Miller who served in the role since 2017 and left to become CEO of a charitable organization in her home town in Ohio. “Amy did an amazing job during her time as ISFA Director,” added Mast. “We wish her the best and she has gracefully agreed to help Nancy transition into the Executive Director position.” “I’m excited to begin my work with ISFA and carry on the advancements it has made over the past several years,” said Busch.
Delivery of Silica Training Program Materials Now Underway ISFA teamed up this year with the
in the process of receiving have
in an effort to improve safety in
training that includes the following
Natural Stone Institute and Daltile fabricating products that contain
silica. ISFA is now in the process of sending ISFA Fabricator Members (new or renewing) credit card
downloadable documents and programs:
■■ Silicosis: An Industry Guide to Awareness and Prevention
sized flash drives that contain
■■ Silica Exposure Standard and
by Daltile and courtesy of ISFA
■■ Toolbox Talk: What is Crystalline
recommended best practices.
■■ Toolbox Talk: Crystalline Silica
of the potential dangers facing
■■ Implementing a Silica Exposure
teamed up and Daltile agreed
■■ How To Use the OSHA
Silica Training Kits sponsored
OSHA Compliance
and NSI which highlight OSHA
Silica?
Because of the critical nature
Exposure Prevention
fabricators, the two organizations
Control Plan for Your Company
to help with the costs involved in creating and distributing the programming.
Voluntary Inspection Program to Monitor Silica Exposure
■■ A Sample Silica Exposure
Workers involved in manufacturing,
Control Plan for General Industry
finishing and installing natural and
■■ An OSHA Inspection Planning
products in fabrication shops and
■■ Creating a Safety Program –
are at risk of exposure to
■■ Basics of OSHA Compliance
manufactured stone countertop
Checklist
during in-home finishing/installation
Where To Start
hazardous airborne crystalline silica
■■ No Place for Complacency
and lifelong health consequences.
OSHA’s new Respirable Crystalline Silica regulations have stringent
requirements for protecting the 2.3
■■ Onsite OSHA Consultation ■■ Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment
million workers who are exposed to
For more information contact carol@ isfanow.org.
The flash drive training kits that
To join ISFA or renew your membership, visit www.ISFAnow.org or call the ISFA office at (888) 599-ISFA.
this hazard at work.
all ISFA Fabricator Members are
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR
“I believe my background in distribution will allow me to roll up my sleeves and quickly get involved in serving the organization and its members.” ISFA Executive Director Nancy Busch can be reached at nancy@isfanow.org. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 37
ISFANews Remaining 2020 ISFA Events Moved Online Because of the and continued uncertainty as to a timeline for safe travel and group gatherings caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ISFA has rolled back its meeting schedule and will conduct all meetings, at least through the end of 2020, via online platforms. The association is working on redesigning its events to fit with a web-based agenda.
Virtual Shop Tours/Maker’s Monday Meetings Since the beginning of the pandemic, ISFA has held Maker’s Monday Meetings via Zoom to give ISFA members a chance to share information and best practices during the pandemic. The event has grown to now include regular Virtual Shop Tours, with members sharing walk-throughs of their businesses and answering questions. The meetings are Mondays at 2 p.m. EST and are sponsored by Park Industries. Anyone is welcome to join the live events, and the nearly dozen previous events have all been recorded and are available online to all ISFA members. For more information, or to have your shop
Large Format Compact/Porcelain/Sintered Surfaces Training/Certification The growing countertop category that includes porcelain, sintered stone and compact surfaces is one in which there is great interest. On Sept. 29 and 30, a virtual training event will be held to offer specific insight into fabricating a variety of these surfaces, including products offered by Crossville, Dekton by Cosentino, Infinity Surfaces, LAMINAM, Lapitec and MSI, all of which are sponsoring the event in addition to Park Industries and LPI. You can help ensure your fabrication company’s future success by becoming an expert in these products today. More information and registration details are available at www.isfanow.org under the “Events” tab.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
featured in a shop tour, visit www.isfanow.org/fabricator-tours/ or email nancy@isfanow. org.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR
Gen2 Leadership Roundtable ISFA’s Gen2 Leadership Roundtable is designed to provide education and networking opportunities for companies that are currently run by 2nd or 3rd generation owners. During this program, participants receive education from speakers on topics specific to 2nd generation needs, and have the opportunity to network and associate with peers from within the fabrication industry that are also within their 2nd/3rd generation. A virtual event is in the works for this fall and is sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems. For more
information, visit www.isfanow.org/generation-2/.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
ISFA Annual Conference and Meeting The ISFA Annual Conference will be a four-day virtual event from Nov. 3 to 6, with live webinars, educational speakers, virtual networking events, new product introductions, speaker panels, the annual award ceremony and much more. Participants will be able to attend some events live and check out other portions at their leisure. The event is sponsored this year by Park Industries, GranQuartz, Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Surfaces, and those who register will receive swag boxes in advance of the event courtesy of the sponsors. For more information visit www.isfanow. org, email nancy@isfanow.org or call the ISFA office at (888) 599-ISFA.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Application Deadline Extended for Mike Nolan Scholarship Each year, ISFA awards the Mike Nolan Scholarship to an individual seeking education for a career in the skilled trades dealing with the decorative surfacing industry, cabinetry or carpentry. The scholarship is awarded in honor of Mike Nolan, one of ISFA’s dear friends, a multi-term board member and former fabrication trainer and ISFA Education Director. The deadline for applications has been extended because of the uncertainty in college and trade school schedules caused by the pandemic. The winner of the $1,200 scholarship and free one-year membership in ISFA can use the funds to help pay for any expenses involved with the cost of education related to the skilled trades. To apply or for more information, email info@isfanow.org or visit
www.isfanow.org.
38 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFA Contacts ISFA PO Box 627 Ingomar, PA 15127 (888) 599-ISFA www.isfanow.org Executive Director Nancy Busch (253) 691-0169 nancy@isfanow.org Director of Communications Kevin Cole Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org
Operations Manager Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207 carol@isfanow.org Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207 amy@isfanow.org
Solid Surface Fabrication Trainer Chris Pappenfort (417) 598-2390 chris@isfanow.org Quartz/Stone Fabrication Trainer Fred Hueston (321) 514-6845 fred@isfanow.org
ISFANews 2020 ISFA Award Nominations Open in September Nominations for the 2020 ISFA Awards open Sept. 1, with all members receiving a nomination ballot via email. These annual awards are given to those in the industry that stand out as the very best. Once the nominations are gathered, a ballot will be sent out and voting on them will follow immediately. The winners will be announced at the ISFA Annual Conference and Meeting, to be held virtually this year, Nov. 3 to 6. Only ISFA members are eligible for nomination except for the ISFA Hall of Fame. The award categories are as follows: The Fabricator of the Year Award is awarded to an individual of a fabricator member company that in the past year has best exemplified the ISFA ideals of quality, innovation, character and exemplary service to ISFA and/or the decorative surfacing industry, with overall excellence. The Innovator Award is for the member firm or individual who goes outside the box to create a product or system that enhances the life or elevates the role of the surface fabricator. The Associate of the Year Award is given to an associate member company that in the past year has best exemplified the role of servicing the needs of fabricator member companies, and who has best supported ISFA in all activities. The Envision Award is given to the manufacturer member that excels in creating something imaginative and special for the surfacing industry.
ISFA Board of Directors Steve Mast Vice President Precision Countertops 26200 S.W. 95th Ave. Ste. 303 Wilsonville, OR 97070 (503) 660-3023 Steve.m@precisioncountertops. com www.precisioncountertops.com Kelley Montana Treasurer Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com
Austin Maxwell Secretary Maxwell Countertops 324 S. Plum St. Farmer City, IL 61842 (309) 928-2848 austin@maxwellcounters.com www.maxwellcounters.com
Jim Callaghan Associate Member Representative and Executive Committee Member GranQuartz 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 (248) 660-3291 jcallaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.com
Mike Langenderfer Director The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net
Joe Duszka Director Carolina Custom Surfaces 100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 (336) 215-5518 Joe@carolinacustom surfaces. com Laura Grandlienard Director ROCKin’teriors 230 Hampton Woods Ln., Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 577-0207 laura@rockinteriors.com
Rodrigo Velazquez Director INDEKO Blvd los charros 1500 Col. Belenes Industrial Nte Zapopan 45150 Mexico 52 331-028-7863 rodrigo@weareindeko.com
Eric Tryon Director Founding Member of Rockheads Group 845 McFarland Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 614-7111 tryonea@gmail.com www.rockheadsusa.com
Joe Connolly Associate Member Representative SASSO 220 N. Smith St. Ste. 414 Palatine, IL 60067 (224) 200-8004 jconnollysassousa@ gmail.com www.sassousa.com Paul “Max” Le Pera Associate Member Representative Global Surfacing Alliance 106 Melrich Rd. Cranbury, NJ 08512 (908) 358-5252 pmlp33@gmail.com
ISFA Booster Club The ISFA Booster Club is a program comprised of ISFA members committed to growing ISFA membership, benefits and programs. Each club member makes a financial contribution and participates in a quarterly conference call led by Executive Director Nancy Busch and Vice President Steve Mast. During the calls new ideas for projects and programs to benefit ISFA members and the industry are discussed, as well as timelines for implementation. Those interested in joining can contact nancy@ isfanow.org for more information.
The ISFA Hall of Fame Award is given to the individual who has, in the course of his/ her career, made significant contributions to the decorative surfacing industry, and has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the ideals of ISFA. For more information on the ISFA Annual Awards call ISFA at (888) 599-ISFA or email nancy@ isfanow.org.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 39
JOINING WILL CROSS THE OTHER ITEMS OFF YOUR LIST. ACCESS COVID-19 RESOURCES ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.ISFANOW.ORG/COVID-19
FOUNDED BY FABRICATORS FOR FABRICATORS To JOIN ISFA and find out more, go to www.isfanow.org I N T ER N AT ION A L SU R FAC E FAB R I C AT O R S ASSO C I AT I O N
International Surface Fabricators Association SERVING OUR MEMBERSHIP SINCE 1997
40 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. ALABAMA
Cutstone Co.
Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing
Delorie Countertops & Doors Inc.
ALASKA
Naresh Tammabatula
Jackson Stoneworks
117 Cloverdale Dr. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-624-3538 www.cutstoneco.com
Cook Inlet Housing Authority 3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org
Vision Construction 17 Adak Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-479-0380 www.visionunited.com
ARIZONA
Classy Closets Etc. Inc. 7073 W. Linda Ln. Chandler, AZ 85226 480-710-1190 www.classyclosets.com
ARKANSAS Qualserv
7400 S. 28th St. Ft. Smith, AR 72908 479-459-5892 www.qualservsolutions.com
American Epoxy Scientific 500 E. 16th St. Mountain Home, AR 72653 870-701-5015 www.stichco.com
CALIFORNIA
America’s Dream HomeWorks 7115 Watt Ave. Ste. 100 North Highlands, CA 95660 916-502-7789 www.dreamhomeworks.com
American Stone Fabricator
9489 Opal Ave. Mentone, CA 92359 909-918-5528 www.americanstonefabricator.com
Artistry Stone Surfaces Inc. 81824 Trader Place, Bldg. D Indio, CA 92201 760-777-2625 www.artistrystonesurfaces.com
Carrara Marble Company of America Inc. 15939 Phoenix Dr. Industry, CA 91745 626-961-6010 www.carrara.com
Fischer Tile & Marble 1800 23rd St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-452-1426 www.fischertile.com
70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-5918 www.humtop.com
1750 Stokes St. 71 San Jose, CA 95126 510-324-6588
Pacifica Wholesale Tile and Stone
620 E. Ball Rd. Anaheim, CA 92805 310-497-3511 www.pacificastone.com
Plastic Tops, Inc.
521 E. Jamie Ave. La Habra, CA 90631 714-738-8128 www.plastictops.com
Quarry House Inc.
217 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, CA 90205 415-482-9094 www.quarryhouseinc.com
The Countertop Factory
2470 E. Coronado St. Anaheim, CA 92806 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net
COLORADO
Front Range Stone
2195 S. Raritan St. Englewood, CO 80110 303-761-4257 www.frontrangestone.com
RW Woodworks LLC
1605 Colorado Ave. Canon City, CO 81212 719-679-7790 www.rwwoodworks.com
The Top Shop Inc. 3300 E. 43rd Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-996-6026 www.tshopinc.com
DELAWARE
Troy Granite Inc.
711 Interchange Blvd. Newark, DE 19711 302-292-1750 www.troygranite.com
2140 N.W. 18th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-970-7661 www.deloriectd.com 11111 S.E. 72nd Gainsville, FL 32641 352-372-6600 www.jacksonllc.com
Firerock Fabrication 59-518A Alapio Rd. Haleiwa HI 96712 607-243-8618
Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc. 1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775
Montage Decor LLC
Mill-Rite Woodworking Co. 6401 47th St. N. Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-528-6305 www.mill-rite.com
NSM Florida Enterprises, LLC 1050 Central Park Dr. Sanford, FL 32771 407-774-0676 www.nsmotif.com
94-117 Malakeke Pl. Unit 102 Waipahu, HI 96797 808-200-7868 www.montage-decor.com
ILLINOIS
4-D Construction of IL, Inc. 1107 E. Cemetery Ave. Chenoa, IL 61726 815-867-2196 www.4-Dconstruction.com
Sterling Mfg.
Custom Marble Inc.***
GEORGIA
Maxwell Counters Inc.
8293 Consumer Circle Sarasota, FL 34240 941-955-8787 www.sterlingmfg.com
Atlanta Kitchen Inc.
196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com
Counter Fitters LLC
1026 Lynes Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 912-231-0103 www.counterfitterssav.com
Countersync
2014 Westside Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net
Craftmark Solid Surfaces Inc. 2772 Simpson Circle Norcross, GA 30071 770-242-8469 craftmarkcountertops.com
PO Box 306 Millstadt, IL 62260 618-476-1345 www.custommarble.net
PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61824 309-928-2848 www.maxwellcounters.com
New Age Surfaces 1237 Naperville Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-226-0011
Pierce Laminated Products Inc.
2430 N. Court St. Rockford, IL 61103 815-968-9651 www.piercelaminated.com
Ravenswood Studio Inc. 6900 N. Central Park Ave. Lincolnwood, IL 60712 707-334-6851 www.ravenswoodstudio.com
Heft Enterprises
Solid Surface Creations Inc.
Premier Surfaces
Stalwart Systems
Stone Center
Stonecrafters
9138 Wheat St. Covington, GA 30014 678-342-9400 www.heftcabinets.com
FLORIDA
845 McFarland Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-614-7111 www.premiersurfaces.com
1108 Palmetto Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-9444 www.beverin.com
1325 Oakbrook Dr. Ste. C Norcross, GA 30093 770-446-5155 www.stonecenteratlanta.com
Beverin Solid Surface
HAWAII
403 S. Sycamore Villa Grove, IL 61956 217-832-8207 www.ssctops.com 7797 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 847-972-1193 www.stalwartsystemsusa.com 430 W. Wegner Rd. Lakemoor, IL 60051 815-363-8730 www.stonecrafters.com
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 41
Fabricator Directory
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. The Countertop Factory Midwest*** 869 S. Rte. 53 Addison, IL 60101 630-606-8055 www.tcfmidwest.com
INDIANA
A. I. A. Countertops LLC 201 S. Huntington St. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com
Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., Inc.
522 W. 22nd St. Marion, IN 46953 800-388-8144 www.hartson-kennedy.com
Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.
711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com
IOWA
Solid Fabrications Inc. 2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com
MAINE
Bangor Wholesale Laminates
355 Target Industrial Circle Bangor, ME 04401 207-945-5928 www.bangorwholesale laminates.com
Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.
11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com
MARYLAND
ASSI Fabricators LLC 11270 Old Baltimore Pike Beltsville, MD 20705 301-937-2800 www.assifab.com
Carefree Kitchens Inc.
2910 Strickland St. Baltimore, MD 21223 410-233-4900 www.carefreeindustries.com
Modular Concepts Inc.
54 Wilmon St. Chesapeake City, MD 20705 410-885-5960 www.modcoinc.com
SolidTops LLC
StoneHouse Quartz & Granite 505 South St. 3901 100th St. Urbandale, IA 50322 515-512-5188 www.stonehousegranite.com
Easton, MD 21601 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com
VT Industries
Discover Marble & Granite
1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 712-368-4381 www.vtindustries.com
KENTUCKY
Granite America
1121 St. Louis Ave. Louisville, KY 40241 502-419-0713
Louisville Lumber & Millwork 1400 Lincoln Ave. Louisville, KY 40213 502-459-8710 www.louisvillelumber.com https://graniteamericausa.com/ louisville/
MASSACHUSETTS
4 Latti Farm Rd. Millbury, MA 01527 508-438-6900 www.discovermarble.com
Jack’s Custom Woodworking/JCW Countertops
3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-1907 www.jcwcountertops.com
Sharp Creative LLC
110 K St. South Boston, MA 02127 781-378-0001 www.sharpcreative.us
StoneMark Granite LLC
Sterling Surfaces
Surfaces Unlimited Inc.
Sterling-Miller Designs Inc.
989 Logan St. Louisville, KY 40204 502-315-5100 www.stonemarkgranite.com
1272 Hwy. 490 E. Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com
76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com 1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com
42 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
MICHIGAN
NEBRASKA
44038 Phoenix Dr. Lake Orion, MI 48362 586-532-7763 www.hardrocstoneworks.com
5633 S. 49th St. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009 www.lincolnlaminating.com
Hard Rock Stone Works
Lincoln Laminating Inc.
Innovative Surface Works
Lycos, Inc.
MKD
Stone Concepts, Inc.
23206 Commerce Dr. Farmington, MI 48335 734-261-3010 www.ISWrocksnow.com 106 E. Oliver Dr. Marshall, MI 49068 269-209-8198 www.mkdkitchens.com
Paxton Countertops & Showers
PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-719-0146 www.paxtonsurfaces.com
Tile & Stone Works
12876 23 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48315 586-254-1234 www.tilenstone.com
MINNESOTA
Elegant Creations
1371 S. State St. Waseca, MN 56093 507-469-9692 www.elegantcreations.com
Innovative Surfaces Inc. 515 Spiral Blvd. Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1004
The Pinske Edge
119 Main St. Plato, MN 55370 320-238-2196 www.pinske-edge.com
MISSISSIPPI
Alexander Counterwrights 3803 Old Mobile Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39581 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounter wrights.com
MISSOURI
Premier Surfaces
4525 N.W. 41st St. Ste. 400 Kansas City, MO 64150 816-767-2075 www.premiersurfaces.com
MONTANA BMC
3200 Hwy. 12 E. Helena, MT 59602 406-444-8721 www.buildwithBMC.com
2445 Deer Park Blvd. Omaha, NE 68105 402-201-2283 www.lycosfinish.com 10802 Sapp Brothers Dr. Omaha, NE 68138 865-523-0967 www.stoneconceptsomaha.com
NEVADA
Carpenters Int’l. Training Fund
6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111
NEW HAMPSHIRE Montes Marble
11 Industrial Way Atkinson, NH 03811 207-671-2542 www.montesmarble.com
Rumford Stone Inc.
278 River Rd. Bow, NH 03304 603-224-9876 www.rumfordstone.com
NEW JERSEY Marvic Corp.
2450 Lorio St. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-4340 www.countertopsofnj.com
New Jersey Stone***
44 Fadem Rd. Springfield, NJ 07081 973-491-5454 https://newjerseystone.com
Spaulding Fabricators Inc. 1136 Industrial Pkwy. Brick, NJ 08724 732-840-4433 www.spauldingfabricators.com
NEW MEXICO
American Countertops
PO Box 10482 Albuquerque, NM 87184 505-897-3141 www.americancountertopsonline.com
Jaynes Structures
2906 Broadway N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-344-8589 www.jaynescorp.com
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. OGB Architectural Millwork 3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com
NEW YORK
Granite and Marble Works Inc.
8 Commercial Park Dr. Wilton, NY 12831 518-857-9720 www.graniteandmarbleworks.com
Marker Systems Inc.
940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102 www.markersys.com
Modern Home Distributing PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523 www.modernhomekitchen andbath.com
Penn Fabricators Inc. 30 Platinum Ct. Medford, NY 11763 631-205-0282 www.pennforcorian.com
Whispering Pines Woodcraft LLC 4150 State Rte. 14 A Penn Yan, NY 14527 607-243-8618
NORTH CAROLINA Atlantic Countertops
4250 Old Wake Forrest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613 919-981-0163 www.atlanticcountertops.com
A Top Above The Rest 121 Wilkie St. Forest City, NC 28043 828-382-0174
BloomDay Granite & Marble 3810 Indiana Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 336-414-0842 www.bloomdaygranite.com
Carolina Custom Surfaces***
Majestic Kitchen & Bath 104 Jeffrey Way Youngsville, NC 27596 919-376-5941 www.gomajestic.com
Metro Woodcrafters of NC, Inc.
PO Box 669488 Charlotte, NC 28266-9488 704-394-9622 www.metrowoodcrafter.com
Onslow Stoneworks
1661 Hwy. 58 PO Box 1239 Swansboro, NC 28584 252-393-2457 www.onslowstoneworks.com
ROCKin’teriors
230 Hampton Woods Ln. Ste. 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 919-577-0207 www.rockinteriors.com
Stoneworks
18623 Northline Dr. Cornelius, NC 28031 704-936-8340 www.stoneworksltd.com
OHIO
Countertops by Nate
5372 Bedford St. Unit C Bedford Heights, OH 44146 216-314-8654
Cutting Edge Countertops Inc.
1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com
L. E. Smith Co.*** 1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 888-537-6484 www.lesmith.com
Laminate Shop, Inc. PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536
100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 336-215-5518 www.carolinacustom surfaces.com
The Countertop Shop LTD***
Carolina Stoneworx LLC
Top Advantage Surfaces Inc.
8313 Poole Rd. Knightdale, NC 27545 919-266-1011 www.carolinastoneworx.com
Coastal Countertops & Tile
1117 N. 20th St. Morehead City, NC 28557 252-247-0015 www.coastalcountertopsnc.com
9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net 12989 Market Ave. N. Hartville, OH 44632 330-877-2138 www.topadvantage.com
Top Designs Inc.
1700 Wall Rd. Wadsworth, OH 44281 330-334-5677 www.topdesignsinc.com
Top Shelf Laminated Products 400 Dietz Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-393-1289
Tower Industries
2101 Ninth St. S.W. Massillon, OH 44647 330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com
OREGON
Crowley’s Granite & Quartz 10100 S.W. Herman Rd. Tualatin, OR 97062 503-850-2496
Nelson Tile and Stone
1875 N.E. Division St. Bend, OR 977701 503-943-9046 www.nelsontileandstone.com
Oregon State University 601 S.W. 35th St. Corvallis, OR 97333 www.oregonstate.edu
Kramer’s Fabrications Inc. PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com
Pence Countertops Inc.
124 Ellis Woods Rd. Pottstown, PA 19465 610-326-6609 www.pencecountertops.com
Pittsburgh Troy Granite 1060 484 Lowries Run Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-446-1060 www.troygranite.com
Rynone Mfg. Corp
297 Dominic Pace Industrial Pkwy. Sayre, PA 18840 570-888-5272 www.rynone.com
RHODE ISLAND
Great In Counters
Precision Countertops Inc.*** PO Box 387 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-692-6660 www.precisioncountertops.com
PENNSYLVANIA ASST
350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 717-630-1251 www.asst.com
100 Whipple St. Providence, RI 02908 401-233-0666 www.greatincounters.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
Custom Architectural Solutions LLC (CAS) 218 Willowgreen Way Greer, SC 29651 864-501-9555 www.casgroups.com
Advanced Surfaces Inc.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Atlantic Custom Granite & Marble
45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com
130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 814-663-0369
3 Windemere Ct. York, PA 17402 717-244-3494 www.AtlanticCustomGranite.com
Eastern Surfaces
601 S. 10th St. Allentown, PA 18103 610-266-3121 www.easternsurfaces.com
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories
2425 New Holland Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-656-2300
Indoor City Granite and Marble 1284 Loop Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 717-368-5604 www.indoorcity.com
DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co.
Granite Accents, Inc. 2821 W. 6th St. PO Box 1111 Sioux Falls, SD 57109 605-338-4088 www.graniteacents.com
TENNESSEE
Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.
1446 S. Cooper St. Ste. 101 Memphis, TN 38114 901-278-9626 www.alexandermarble andgranite.com
Countertops of Memphis
301 W. Olive Ave. Memphis TN 38106 901-602-7115 www.countertopsofmemphis.com International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 43
Fabricator Directory
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.
Giovanni’s Granite and Marble
IntelliStone, LLC
Gunckel Architectural Stoneworks, LLC
919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecounter solutions.com
115 Carr Ave. Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-4833 www.intellistone.com
J&M Cabinetry and Construction 301 Pannell Dr. Millington, TN 38053 910-596-3610
Kitchen Tops Inc.
1300 Ault Rd. Knoxville, TN 37914 865-523-0967 www.kitchentops.net
TEXAS
Alpha Granite
915 W. Howard Ln. Austin, TX 78753 505-814-5354 www.alphagraniteaustin.com
Cirrus Asset Management 5347 Spring Valley Rd. Dallas, TX 75254 661-857-0722 www.cirrusami.com
Classic Counter Tops 2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234
Counterscapes, Inc.
2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676 www.counterscapes.com
Countertop Solutions LLC
PO Box 82087 Houston, TX 77282 713-204-0080
Dirk Foster
921 Morton St. Mineral Wells, TX 76067 206-898-8163
Durcon
206 Allison Dr. Taylor, TX 76574 512-595-8054 www.durcon.com
Eframe Asrat
6807 Miller Shadow Sugarland, TX 77479 713-530-3673
Gecko Solid Surface Solutions*** 4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 210-227-3100 www.geckosss.com
18886 IH 10 Vidor, TX 77772 409-554-5991 www.giovannisgranite.com 5085 Elm Creek Rd. Seguin, TX 78155 830-303-0688 www.gastonework.com
Legacy Granite and Marble 6214 Keyko St. Houston, TX 77041 832-834-7459
Legacy Stone
210 James St. Roanoke, TX 76262 817-345-7044 www.legacystonetx.com
New Stone Concepts
11311 Conroy Ln. Manchaca, TX 78652 512-851-3185 www.newstoneconcepts.com
Off Grid Builds
PO Box 22 Barksdale, TX 78828 830-834-9878 offgridbuilds.lilserengeti.com
True Blue Granite
3626 Binz Engleman Rd. San Antonio, TX 78219 210-281-5520 www.tbgranite.com
Uppercut Granite
1235 JC Ln. Pilot Point, TX 76258 940-765-3525
W.R. Watson Inc.
12902 Mula Ln. Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-3664 www.wrwatson.com
UTAH
Accent Countertops
4103 S. 500 W. Murray, UT 84123 801-867-9133 www.accentcountertops.com
Countertop Source
Valley View Granite
Lakewood Countertops
Westwood Carpet and Tile
Topline Counters, LLC
905 N. 2000 W. Tremont, UT 84337 435-452-1570 www.valleyviewgranite.com 575 N. 3050 East St. George, UT 84790 435-313-9414
VERMONT
Vermont Solid Surface
PO Box 602 852 Portland St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-535-4986 www.vermontsolidsurface.com
VIRGINIA
Ellis Page Co., LLC 10481 Colonel Ct. Manassas, VA 20110 703-346-9404 www.ellispageco.com
Metro Stone Works LLC 9115 Digital Dr. Unit 12 Manassas Park, VA 20111 703-396-866 www.metrostoneworks.com
Mid Atlantic Surfaces
2559 Turkey Creek Rd. Oilville, VA 23129 804-798-7462 www.midatlanticsurfaces.com
Surface Link Corp.
4200 Lafayette Center Dr. Ste. A Chantilly, VA 20151 301-482-1717 www.surfacelinkcorp.com
WASHINGTON
Distinctive Tile & Stone
7009 Martin Way E. Olympia, WA 98516 360-455-7276 www.distinctivetilestone.com
Expression Stone Construction
7116 Stinson Ave. A207 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 360-551-3851 www.expressionstone.com
FloForm Countertops
459 N. Old Hwy. 91 Ste. 1 Hurricane, UT 54737 435-210-4253 www.countertopsource.com
22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 253-639-4567 www.floform.com
1640 S. Redwood Rd. Salt Lake City, UT 84104 801-746-1212 www.psitops.com
2301 Ahtanum Rd. Yakima, WA 98903 509-469-8678 www.italstone-us.com
Plastic Specialties Inc.
Italstone Marble & Granite
Rock Tops
King County Library System
451 N. 1650 W Springville, UT 84663 385-685-9043 www.rocktopsutah.com
44 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
960 Newport Way N.W. Issaqua, WA 98027 425-369-3300 www.kcls.org
10513 Lakeview Ave. SW Lakewood, WA 98498 253-588-2169 www.lakewoodcountertops.com PO Box 2156 Sumner, WA 98390 253-826-5480 www.toplinecounters.com
WISCONSIN
Bisley Fabrication Inc.*** 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 800-424-7539 www.bisleyfabrication.com
Counter-Form LLC
2001 E. 29th St. Marshfield, WI 54449 715-384-2131 www.counter-form.com
K.G. Stevents
11100 W. Silver Springs Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53225 262-432-8711 www.kgstevens.com
The Kopfmann Co. Inc. 3142 W. Mill Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209 414-352-7870 www.kopfmanntops.com
McDermott Top Shop LLC 420 Generac Way Jefferson, WI 53549 262-593-2456 www.mcdermotttopshop.com
AFRICA
AMCO-CDA
Long St. Tiko B.P. 378 Camaroon Africa +237677192762
CANADA
Elite Food Equipment 4 Fielding Ct. Ajax, ON L1T 4W5 Canada
FloForm Countertops 125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada 204-474-2334 www.floform.com
FloForm Countertops 10-710 Cynthia St. Saskatoon, SK S7l 6A2 Canada 306-665-7733 www.floform.com
FloForm Countertops 7630 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5B 1G3 Canada 780-474-7999 www.floform.com
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Paragon Surfacing LTD
6720 Graybar Rd. Richmond, BC V6W1J1 Canada 604-278-2225 www.paragonsurfacing.com
PF Custom Countertops Ltd.
14017 174 St. N.W. Edmonton, AB T5S 1H1 Canada 780-484-0831 www.pfcustomcountertops.com
Shape Industries
10 McPhillips St. Winnipeg, MB R3E 2J7 Canada 204-947-0409 www.shapeinc.com
Summum Granit Inc.
460 Principale St. Saint-Sebastien, QC G0Y 1M0 Canada 819-625-2333 www.summumgranit.com
CHINA
G. M. Jurohue Fabrication Co. Ltd. China +86 1861 173 7199
FRANCE
MEXICO
Bond Interiors
ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.com
Boulevard de los Charros 1500 Col. Belenes Ind. Nte. Zapopan, Jalisco Mexico 45150 52-3310287863 www.indeko.com.mx
UNITED KINGDOM
CREA Diffusion
INDIA
Western Fabrications
1805, 18th Floor, Gundecha Premier, Thakur Village Borivali East Mumbai Maharashtra 400066 India 91-9136229909 www.infinihybrid.com
ITALY
Legnopan SPA (Starkryl Solid Surface)
Via Dell’Industria 13-15 Piovene Rocchette, VI, 36013 Italy 39-0445-551500 www.legnopan.com
INDEKO***
QATAR
Closet World LLC
Salwa Rd. next to Ansar City PO Box 91692 Qatar +974 44516311 www.closetworld-qatar.net
RUSSIA
AKRILIKA HOLDING Svobody St. 29 Moscow Russia 125362 +7(495)782-84-75 http://akrilika.com/en
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Alubond Solid Surfaces
PO Box 15758 Dubai U.A.E. 04 2711727, 06 5343222 www.bondinteriors.com
Interfab LTD
Unit 9 Willersey Business Park Willersey, Nr. Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7RR United Kingdom 441-386-858100 www.interfab.co.uk
Sheridan Fabrications Limited
New Sheridan House, Don Pedro Ave. Normanton, West Yorkshire WF6 1TD United Kingdom 448-456-182800 www.sheridan-uk.com
PO Box 42642 Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah U.A.E +971 6 526 2202 www.alubondsolidsurface.com
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 45
Product News Cosentino Debuts Three New Silestone Colors colorways – each design bringing an artful,
Corian Design Offers Widesheet Solid Surface Dimensions
after marbles and stones. Two of the three
in Widesheet Dimensions that enables the
Bella, are the latest to join the Silestone Eternal
It helps optimize the fabrication process for
elegance and warmth, featuring gray strokes
required multiple seams. For the typical project,
space; Silestone Et D’Or (left) features soft
periods, and less material for fabricators to
(right) joins the new Silestone Artika Series and
and businesses, including healthcare, food
gray background. Its partial translucence is
type of application. In addition to allowing for
drama to any application.
waste, they also contribute to Green Building
Cosentino debuted three new Silestone
dramatic interpretation to the most sought-
Corian® Design now offers Corian Solid Surface
new hues, Silestone Et D’Or and Silestone Et
fabrication of larger, more complex applications.
Collection: Silestone Et Bella (center) combines
faster installations in applications that previously
across a striking white background as negative
this means faster, less labor-intensive installation
golden strokes across a white hue; and Polaris
inventory. Large scale commercial applications
features white veins that subtly contrast a darker
service and retail, are ideal candidates for this
what truly sets it apart and can be backlit to add
coverage of more space with less material and LEED building accreditation.
extra option fulfilling a modern architectural trend! Durable, elegant and essential, the colors include: Modern, Urban, Columbia Gray, Ceres, Contrali, Everest White and Whitney Gray.
BB Industries Adds Stain Proof by Dry-Treat to Cleaner/ Sealer Lineup
front and offset drain, is a great option for your
BB Industries (formerly Braxton-Bragg) added the recently re-branded Stain Proof by DryTreat premium line of cleaners and sealers to its offerings. Dry-Treat makes 13 products, half of which are stone and masonry sealers and cleaners used for everything from the Sydney Opera House and Dallas Cowboys stadium to homeowners’ showers and backsplashes. Stain Proof by Dry-Treat is not a new line, just a refresh of the same brand that has been made in North Carolina for years and originated in Australia in 1991. No original Dry-Treat formulas have been changed. STAIN-PROOF impregnators permanently bond to stone, providing quality stain protection from oil and water, plus premium protection from efflorescence, salt spalling, freeze-thaw spalling and picture framing. The penetrating sealers even stand up to commercial cleaning techniques such as high-pressure hosing.
etched surfaces. It is suitable for lifting a wide
commercial bathroom projects.
polished granite, porcelain, glass and more. It
LOTTE Releases Matte Finish for Radianz Quartz
LG Hausys Introduces New HI-MACS Collections and Viatera Colors
a hard shell case, backup battery, carry strap,
Radianz® matte finish is a brushed texture with
New Nemo Grabo Electric Suction Cup Available from GranQuartz, GMR Quality Stone Products The world’s first battery-powered, hand-held
suction cup, the Nemo Grabo, is now available from both GMR Quality Stone Products and GranQuartz. Unlike traditional suction cups
that are only capable of creating a good seal
with flat, clean and airtight surfaces, Grabo’s
unique seal allows the tool to adhere to rough, variety of surfaces including textured stone,
features a built-in vacuum gauge and ships with replacement foam ring, charger and replacement filter. Each suction cup is capable of handling
up to 375 lbs. (perpendicular) and up to 265 lbs. (parallel) when moving polished granite.
Karran Presents New Stainless Steel Undermount Vanity Bowls Karran now stocks two new stainless steel undermount vanity
bowls. Constructed
from durable 18-gauge stainless steel with
a soft satin brushed finish, these designs are
suitable for all solid surface, granite and quartz
countertops. The UV-1715 is a modern rectangle design with a bowl featuring an elegant half circle curve. The UV-1816, with its sloped
a uniquely soft touch that offers high-quality
color consistency. For seven colors ranging
from rustic concrete finish to white aesthetics, Radianz® Quartz is pleased to announce the
46 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
LG Hausys introduced 10 new colors in two new HI-MACS collections: Aurora Collection and Terrazzo Collection. Inspired by natural wonder and nostalgic patterns respectively, these two collections can add a fresh visual texture into
Product News adhesive is packaged in 250ml cartridges for ease of use and for the confidence in
consistently dispensing the right proportional
mix. Each Join.It glue match has been assigned a Match Grade, making it easy to select the
color needed and eliminate waste. Using Join. spaces. The Aurora Collection includes Aurora
Blanc, Aurora Cream, Aurora Gray, Aurora Pavia and Aurora Sanremo. The Terrazzo Collection
consists of: Terrazzo Classico, Terrazzo Grigio,
Terrazzo Luna, Terrazzo Moderna and Terrazzo Venato. LG Hausys also developed new
Viatera quartz surface technology that has long
diagonal veins inspired by nature. The four new Viatera colors in the Masterpiece collection are
Ribera, Arion, Sabbia and Carbo, which capture the essence of calm with the silent waves of organic lines.
Wilsonart’s Virtual Design Library Embraces Separate But Connected Selections
number of colors needed in fabrication and the
reduced inventory to result in lower overall costs and increased profits.
The Connected Collection, now available in the
Wilsonart boutique Virtual Design Library (VDL), is based on a “separate but connected” story.
Wilsonart’s in-house designers drew inspiration from the exploration of how individual surface designs with threads of similarities can work
beautifully together, while also stand on their own in a given space. The new VDL release
includes 16 abstracts and unique wood grains selected to coordinate with each other. The
Durasein Offers Brilliant Collection
to experiment, mix, match or use individually.
The Brilliant collection of solid surface
collection’s inherent connections make it easy Now with nearly 600 designs and more
launching each quarter, the Virtual Design
Library offers unprecedented design choices for
Alpha Profession Tools Expands Ecoguard Dust Collection Line
It’s Match Grade can drastically reduce the
commercial and residential applications.
from Durasein is not for the faint of heart or wallflowers. This collection is for the loud
and proud, those who never shy away from the center stage. From the perfect purple
to an outrageous orange, these decors are determined to dazzle and delight.
BLANCO Offers Latest Model of Hygienic SILIGRANIT Sink
Alpha Professional Tools® expanded its
Ecoguard Dust Collection line to include
Ecoguard G7 and Ecoguard W9, which are
designed for larger grinders such as 7- and
9-in. versions. Ecoguard G7 fits on most 7- and 9-in. angle grinders and is built for heavy-duty applications. It has several unique features
such as a flexible head that allows for a natural grinding motion. The positioning collar makes
installation simple and quick and the clear cover provides for visibility. Ecoguard W9 extends the range of the Ecoguard W Series to larger sizes covering up to 9-in. blades. It contains unique
features including a new multi-adapter system for easy installation, a front brush to contain
dust when plunge cutting and support bars and
wheels to reduce surface friction during cutting. The maximum cutting depth is 2 3/8-in., it fits most 7- and 9-in. angle grinders and must be used with a vacuum or other dust collection
system. In addition, for convenient attachment to a vacuum, the company offers a 54-in.
flexible hose separately or together with an Ecoguard as a kit.
Princeton Chemical Company Offers Join.It Premium Surfacing Adhesive Princeton Chemical Company is now
offering its flagship product Join.It™ direct to fabricators in the surfacing industry. Join.It is
proudly manufactured in the USA. Join.It is a methacrylate-based adhesive that produces
strong, durable bonds for solid surfaces, quartz, natural stones, ceramic and sintered materials, as well as a wide range of other surfaces.
It is made for professional use in seaming
countertops, backsplashes, wall panels, integral sinks and bowls, and other on-trend designs to satisfy today’s discriminating consumers. The adhesives are available exclusively to
fabricators through the online store located
Kitchen sinks and faucets are on the front lines of keeping a home clean and safe. BLANCO’s patented SILGRANIT kitchen sink is made of a proprietary Hygienic Plus surface that acts as a shield against dirt and bacteria while
reducing bacterial growth by up to 98 percent.
The company’s latest model is the IKON 33-in. basin with a low 1 3/4-in. divide. It is designed to make prepping, cooking and cleaning a
more seamless and comfortable experience for users.
at www.princetonchemical.com. The 10:1
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 47
Product News giving way to lighter colors and a special texture,
further enhancing its natural qualities; Winter Dala and Summer Dala, which are named after one of the country’s national symbols, Dalecarlian Horses, are inspired by the majestic, slow-
growing pines surrounding Sweden’s breathtaking Lake Siljan – one represents profile of freshly
cut timber, the other a weathered look with both
Lapitec Introduces Musa Collection Lapitec, an authentic through-body sintered
material whose internal coloring matches its
surface, introduced the Musa Collection. The
recreating cross sections of real trees.
Sarto Countertops Releases Easeedge Sarto Countertops released its Easeedge, a new software for fabricators. In less than six years,
collection has three veined variations, all on a
Sarto Countertops grew from $300,000 to more
angular, intersecting veining; Bianco Vittoria, with
had greatly improved its process in the shop,
veining on a white background with a delicate
and management of jobs were very inefficient.
dimensions with through-body veining allows
trying to handle data across several platforms,
processes in sintered stone. It is also versatile,
money on the table. So, the fabricator developed
printing.
could use. It is designed to be powerful, easy-to-
Bianco Assoluto base: Bianco Elettra, with
than $6 million in business. Automation equipment
thicker gray veining; and Bianco Aurora, with gray
but the company realized its communication
pattern. The possibility of having slabs of large
It had multiple software subscriptions and was
architects to be daring with projects and
which management felt was troublesome and left
100 percent natural and has no resin or digital
a modern software that everyone in the company
AKEMI Offers Non-yellowing Outdoor Glue InnoChem, a member of the AKEMI Group,
offers Hyperclear Adhesive which can be safely used in outdoor applications without the worry of yellowing. The adhesive features a zero
bleeding, colorless, clear knife-grade formula
with a fast cure time, allowing for five to eight minutes of working time. With a 1:1 ratio, it is
easy to mix and can be used both indoor and outdoor on all hard surfaces including stone,
porcelain, ceramic, quartzite, quartz and others. It is non-hazardous and VOC-free.
use and mobile-friendly, so even those in the field
could access necessary information. The software is now available to other fabricators, and includes scheduling and automated job tasks. There is no
Formica Now Supplying FENIX
integrate companywide.
Formica Corporation expanded its surfacing
job management, estimating, invoicing, drawing, additional cost per user, making it affordable to
materials offering with a line of Italian-designed surfaces. The company markets, manufactures
Neolith Launches Six•S Collection
and sells Arpa Industriale’s FENIX® innovative materials for interior design in North America.
Neolith has unveiled its newest collection: SIX•S.
The integration with Formica brings new options
COVID-19 pandemic, evokes six essential
residential interiors to North America. The FENIX
®
for durable, sustainable commercial and
This new color range, influenced by the ongoing
Neolith characteristics: Solidary, Sanitary, Strong,
IceStone Presents New Color
NTM color palette is inspired by nature and it
consists of: Himalaya Crystal, which pays homage
Eco-friendly countertop manufacturer IceStone
interior design to offer a range of opportunities
veining contrasting with subtle spontaneity and
which consists of large blue glass with tiny
magic and mysticism of 1,001 Arabian Nights,
white background. IceStone incorporates 100
and tones; Abu Dhabi White, which stands out
cement and non-toxic pigment as the three core
gray, combined with the texture of natural
use of recycled materials, IceStone’s product
which encapsulates dark and mysterious tones,
materials are available. The company also has
Stylish, Sensory and Sustainability. The collection
to the region’s famous salt crystals and have bold
introduced a vibrant new color, Ocean Grass,
a slight translucency; Layla, which evokes the
hints of clear and emerald green glass in a
combining an array of light and dark gray hues
percent pre-consumer recycled glass along with
for its soft golden veining and flecks of flinty
ingredients for its product. Because of the careful
unpolished stone; Amazonico (shown here),
offerings sometimes change based on what
representing the dense forest floor gradually
Cradle to Cradle, B Corp and NSF certifications.
48 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
interprets and anticipates trends and tastes in
for expression. With low light reflectivity, FENIX surfaces are opaque, soft touch and anti-
fingerprint. Plus, thermal healing of superficial micro-scratches is also possible. FENIX
products have a core structure of paper (more
than 60 percent) impregnated with thermosetting resins (30 to 40 percent). The outer surface is
treated with next generation acrylic resins, which are hardened and fixed through an Electron Beam Curing process. It can be used for a
variety of vertical or horizontal applications.
Classifieds
TAKE NOTE! ISFA Events & Training
Because of the ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the instruction by the CDC to avoid travel where possible, all ISFA events planned for the remainder of 2020 will either be moved to online platforms or have been put on hold until the best authorities have deemed it safe to travel again. As such, our training and networking events have been rescheduled as follows: Maker’s Monday Meetings w/ Virtual Shop Tours Sponsored by Park Industries Zoom Conference Every Monday 2 p.m. EST www.isfanow.org/makersmondaymeetings Gen 2 Event Sponsored by Moraware Virtual Meeting Fall Compact/Porcelain/Sintered Surfaces Training & Certification Event Sponsored by Park Industries, LPI, Crossville, Dekton by Cosentino, Infinity Surfaces, LAMINAM, Lapitec and MSI Virtual Event Sept. 29-30 ISFA Annual Conference & Meeting Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz, Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Surfaces Virtual Event Nov. 3-6
HELP WANTED
The Countertop Shop based in the Toledo, Ohio, area is hiring an inside sales person. Must have good people skills, some design ability and basic math skills. Full time position with benefits. Meet with customers, discuss needs, quote prices and follow up. Immediate start.
Apply to mike@countertopshop.net
FABRICATORS! ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment you would like to sell?
Looking to fill a key position? Why not submit a FREE classified ad?
That’s right, relevant classifieds in this
publication are free to ISFA fabricator members! Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest.
Email us today at editor@isfanow.org. For those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507 to get a quote.
For additional information and registration options, please visit www. isfanow.org or email nancy@isfanow.org.
HELP WANTED
ASST (pronounced ASSIST) is an industry leader in commercial architectural surfacing fabrications. We provide surfacing solutions coordinating a wide variety of materials. Our headquarters are located in beautiful McSherrystown (near Gettysburg) Pennsylvania. ASST is presently seeking an energetic Installer as well as a Fabrication Team Members for our growing, ambitious company. ASST specializes in complex surface fabrications utilizing solid surface, translucent resins and other materials. Cabinetmaking, woodworking skills and/or experience with sheet materials such as 3Form® or DuPont Corian® are a definite plus. Experience with thermoforming solid surface, and resin materials are also a definite plus. You will be expected to coordinate and communicate with your direct supervisor to ensure Work Orders are properly fulfilled with the goal of a successfully completed project.
Fabricator The successful candidate will have experience with solid surface fabrication and/or commercial architectural millwork in a busy shop environment.
Installer The successful candidate will have installation experience with solid surface fabrication and/ or commercial architectural millwork in a busy construction site environment. If qualified for either of these positions, please forward your resume in confidence to: stevenstoddard@asst.com
Ad Index Advertiser Page
Advertiser Page
Advertiser Page
BB Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Integra Adhesives. . . . . . . Back Cover
Park Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Beckart Environmental, Inc.. . . . . . 35
ISFA Membership. . . . . . . . . . . 31, 40
Princeton Chemical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Betterly Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
IWF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Regent Stone Products . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chromalok. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Karran USA. . . . . . Inside Back Cover
SATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Cosentino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
LPI Laser Products Industries . . . . 19
Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
CountertopResource.com . . . . . . . 35
MSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hyundai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Natural Stone Institute . . . . . . . . . . 45
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • 49
From the Vice President From the Desk of Steve Mast, ISFA Vice President
Stepping Up by Stepping In It’s hard to step into a position where the prior
My history with ISFA began more than 23
to be a member of this organization. In July,
countertop industry. I showed up a little
had to step down. As ISFA Vice President, I
welcoming bunch who were eager to share
left. I only hope I can come close to doing as
me. It was a great introduction to fabrication
months as president.
and pick up a few ideas. So much has
Augie is unrivaled in building relationships
growth in the popularity of stone and quartz,
opportunities to learn from others by hosting
into the digital age, and more advanced and
aren’t conducive to travel and large gatherings.
But really, at its heart, much of the industry
at www.ISFAnow.org. Non-members can view
of thousands of small businesses across
Zoom conferences live (which are generally
fabricating and installing countertops. We still
members can log in and view a whole host
happen every day, but the one constant that I
participate in the live events. We have received
leader perfectly exemplifies what it means
years ago, when I had just started in the
ISFA President Augie Chavez unfortunately
green to my first meeting, only to find a
will be stepping in to try to fill the void he has
their stories and industry knowledge with
great of a job as he has done in his nearly 20
and a wonderful opportunity to meet people
and relentlessly connecting with and helping
others. He seeks out knowledge and friendship within the industry and sees the value in
learning as much as he can from others, while
sharing his experience at the same time. I have witnessed him traveling to faraway seminars to seek new ideas and in turn implement them in his own shop. He is extremely generous with
the knowledge he has attained along his way. Augie even went so far as to drop everything a few years ago to go run a fellow ISFA
member’s shop when he wasn’t able to. I have
also always admired the way he empowers his own employees, giving them the confidence and knowledge to run his shop effectively without him being present.
one that is pre-recorded or participate in the
America and around the world measuring,
held on Mondays at 11 a.m. EST), whereas
continue to run into the “fun” challenges that
of them we have already collected and
am so grateful for is the variety of friendships I have made that now span more than two decades.
and interact with the company as they walk
again and again over the years. If you are
I also encourage everyone to join and be part
valuable tool I have. I’ve relied on them
colleague you can contact to see what
My hope for ISFA in the future is that it will
they have already been down that path
50 • Vol. 13 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
the live events participants can ask questions
us through their operations. I promise it will be
wish him the absolute best going forward.
and help others to climb along with you.
wonderful feedback on their value, and during
These friendships are by far the most
new product, it is so nice to have a trusted
much more satisfying when you extend a hand
as all of us.”
remains the same. It’s still largely made up
skill he provided to the association, and we all
and teach others. The journey to success is so
Blanchard once said, “None of us is as smart
I invite you to check them out on our website
thinking of expanding your business with a
level, and it’s imperative that we learn from
fresh new ideas. As business author Ken
automated equipment, just to name a few.
staff are thankful for the time, dedication and
succeed and take our businesses to the next
mentors and new fabricators who have
virtual shop tours during these trying times that
having trouble with some new material or
friends we make along the way. We all want to
long-time fabricators who have been great
a variety of new software to further lead us
within it, and the ISFA Board of Directors and
learn from many and in turn share it with the
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know
ISFA is currently offering new valuable
considering a new piece of equipment,
exactly what Augie does so naturally, to
game-changers that increase our profitability.
changed in the industry since then, such as
Augie is a true friend to the industry and those
continue to provide the foundation to mimic
witnessed practices that have been total
experience they’ve had with it. Oftentimes, and have discovered some of the pitfalls. One of my favorite things to do is visit a
well worth the 30 minutes or so it takes.
of ISFA. It offers a great place to be able to
meet others, visit other’s shops, share, learn from a variety of available resources and, of course, have some fun. Not only will it help make your countertop/surfacing business
better and more profitable, the journey will be
much more enjoyable when you are supported by friends.
fellow shop and see what ideas I can pick up to implement in my own business. It’s
important to get out of your own world to
gain perspective on what others are doing. Sometimes what seems to be the smallest thing that I discover ends up having a big
impact on our operations. Other times, I’ve
Steve Mast, ISFA Vice President steve.m@precisioncountertops.com
ISFA Member since 1998
ISFA Member since 1998
