Surface & Panel Q4 2025

UNITING MATERIALS, TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

• Designing Next Gen Commercial Spaces

• Adhesive Advancements Drive Smarter, Stronger Surface Solutions

• Annual Surface Design Guide

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Patrick Adams

PH: 714-486-2735 padams@526mediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT Shelly Adams

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Williams PH: 714-486-2735 jwilliams@526mediagroup.com

David Koenig, DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL Sara Graves, SENIOR EDITOR

GUEST COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Keith Christman, Meghan Howell, Denise Williams

SALES

Nick Kosan

PH: 714-486-2735 nkosan@526mediagroup.com

Chuck Casey

PH: 714-486-2735 ccasey@526mediagroup.com

John Haugh

PH: 714-486-2735 jhaugh@526mediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Greg Lane

DIGITAL SUPPORT

Katherine Williams kwilliams@526mediagroup.com

CIRCULATION/SUPPORT

PH: 714-486-2735 info@526mediagroup.com

151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. J3 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 PH: 714-486-2735

FEATURES

10 Retail Reimagined

High-performance surfaces that drive visual impact and durability

16 Luxury in Layers

How textured panels are elevating hospitality interiors

20 Beyond Aesthetics

Using antimicrobial and self-healing surfaces in commercial design

22 Designing For More

How commercial surfacing is evolving for flexibility, sustainability and impact

24 Sticking with Innovation

How adhesives are driving smarter, stronger surface solutions

28 Shaping the Future of Commercial Architecture

The enduring appeal of hardwood plywood in commercial spaces

32 Surface Design Guide

An annual showcase of the design trends and latest products that are shaping the industry, both today and moving into the future.

56 Supply Chain Resiliency

Hurricane-strength spirit in North Carolina

60 @ The Show

SICAM 2025

High Point Fall Market 2025

IDD Cologne 2025

NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention 2025

AWFS Fair Recap

DEPARTMENTS

8 From the President

Surprised at Myself

64 Ad Index

66 S&P By Design

Doordacht Ontwerp (Thoughtful Design) — a closer look at the Huis van de Kappers retail salon in Belgium

FLEXIBLE TAMBOUR PANELS:

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• IN STOCK: 19 profiles, 5 species, and 3 panel sizes.

RIGID PANELS:

• For INlay applications - use rigid panels on the face of cabinetry and furniture for effortless natural texture.

• Custom species, sizes, and profiles available.

• IN STOCK: 9 profiles, 8 hardwood species (with select profiles available in HDF) all sized at 24”W x 46”L.

FULL SIZE RIGID PANELS:

• 8’ X 4’ Beaded Panels made with 1/2” plywood core.

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• 1/4” hardwood beads.

Surprised at Myself

I’ve spent much of my life consumed with “what if” scenarios. Part survival mechanism, part goal setting, part dreaming — it’s how my mind works.

Anyone who knows me eventually says, usually with a laugh, “I feel sorry for your daughter.” They’re half-joking, but fully aware of how protective I am of my family — especially her. My standard reply?

Something about having a big backyard, plenty of shovels, and a few friends who never ask questions when I call for a favor.

My daughter recently started high school. Her life — and ours — feels like a whirlwind of volleyball and endless activities. This summer was barely a week long: club volleyball ended in mid-June, high school tryouts came in July, followed by club tryouts, then straight into daily practices. But strangely, that’s not what has me surprised.

Over the summer, she started “talking” (the teenage code for something beyond friendship) with a boy she’s known for years. Then I had to drop her off with 400 other freshmen for her school’s twoday mountain retreat. Friends were checking in on me, and even my wife gave me curious looks — waiting for me to snap into full “dad in war mode.”

But to my own surprise, the opposite happened.

At 14, she’s not perfect — she’s made mistakes and had her share of disappointments. Yet each time, I’ve found myself responding with calm, recognizing that it’s part of growing up. I think often of something my wife’s father once told me. I had asked how on earth he allowed her to date me when I showed up for our first official date. His answer stunned me: it had nothing to do with me. He said he trusted his daughter because he knew how she was raised, who she had become, and that she would make good choices. Simple.

I’ve carried that wisdom with me. I used to joke about the day my daughter’s version of “me” showed up at the door — friends placed bets, and my wife probably started a defense fund in secret. Yet when I dropped her off for that retreat, I smiled, told her to have fun, and drove away without stress, fear or tears.

Even when I learned she was “talking” to that boy, I wasn’t angry. I was happy. Not because I’ve forgotten what 14-year-old boys are like, but because he’s genuinely a good young man, and I’m glad they chose each other to “talk” to — whatever that means.

This doesn’t mean I don’t worry. I do and always will. I still run

This doesn’t mean I don’t worry. I do and always will. I still run through plenty of “what ifs.” But now, they’re less about fear and more about excitement ….

through plenty of “what ifs.” But now, they’re less about fear and more about excitement — excitement to see how she applies the lessons we’ve tried to teach her. She’s an amazing young woman, and like every proud father, I believe she’ll change the world. Still, the world should know — her dad is right behind her, with more than enough shovels.

And to those of you reading, I know many of you smile remembering your own journeys. I’ve met your now-grown children, and they are nothing short of incredible. Thank you for letting me serve you and this great industry — and for the wisdom and advice you’ve shared with this still-“young” parent along the way.

Patrick S. Adams, Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com

Send your thoughts and messages on this issue and article to Patrick at padams@526mediagroup.com

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Retail Reimagined

High-Performance Surfaces That Drive Visual Impact and Durability

BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

In today’s fast-evolving retail landscape, the space around the product has become just as important as the product itself.

Retailers are under pressure to create immersive, branded environments that not only attract customers but also withstand heavy foot traffic and constant reconfiguration. Surface materials — particularly decorative panels — are stepping into the spotlight as a critical tool for delivering both visual storytelling and long-term performance.

“Retailers today want it all: durability, beautiful design and easy maintenance,” says Olivia Dawson, marketing and communications specialist with EGGER. “High-traffic environments demand materials that can handle wear and tear without sacrificing the look and feel of the space.”

From flagship stores to modular pop-ups, high-performance surfaces are redefining what’s possible in modern retail environments.

A Balancing Act

Retail design has always been about the experience, but today’s materials must do double duty — capturing brand identity while standing up to the rigors of daily use. Whether in high-traffic fitting rooms, point-of-sale counters, or custom display walls,

EGGER

EGGER’s PerfectSense and Feelwood collections are especially popular for checkout counters and display elements, offering anti-fingerprint properties, deep texture and design flexibility. For fitting rooms and accent walls, light-toned woodgrains like Casella Oak and darker, dramatic looks like Halifax Oak are on trend, bringing depth and contrast without visual clutter.

decorative panels are increasingly specified not just for their aesthetic variety, but for their technical performance.

“Retailers today are balancing performance with elevated aesthetics,” says Kate Grossman, Vice President of Marketing and Design with Wilsonart. “There’s a strong push toward surfaces that deliver long-term durability, easy maintenance, and strong visual appeal, particularly in high-traffic environments. We’re seeing growing demand for materials that help tell a brand’s story and create cohesive design across multiple locations — especially textured finishes like woodgrains, which can reflect

brand heritage and character.”

Panel products like TFL (thermally fused laminate), HPL (highpressure laminate), and compact laminates are popular choices in retail thanks to their improved scratch resistance, cleanability, and ability to mimic everything from natural wood to stone or textiles — without the maintenance headaches.

“Today’s stores, from pop-ups to flagship destinations, are designed to tell a story, evoke emotion, and embody a brand’s identity,” says Richelieu Marketing Manager Nathalie Langlois. “Surfaces play a central role in that narrative. They must be durable enough to withstand heavy traffic, visually striking to capture attention, and easy to maintain so the space looks fresh day after day. Increasingly, designers are also harnessing the interplay of lighting and surface finishes to transform the atmosphere.”

Branding Through Surfaces

Modern consumers expect retail environments to reflect the ethos of the brand — and decorative panels play a key role in delivering that visual message. Through digital printing, embossed-in-register textures, and a wide array of finishes, designers can achieve highly customized looks that can be replicated and recognized across multiple store locations.

Wilsonart recently worked with the design team on the Fossil Outlet store in Citadel, California, to create a new concept to

Wilsonart

Wilsonart Woodgrains in Walnut Heights delivered Fossil’s vision for a rich woodgrain with warm brown undertones. Its straight grain and minimal knotting offer consistency, ensuring that outlet stores across the country can easily replicate the look. In fact, it was used for nearly every surface including tables, displays, cabinets, and countertops.

refresh the design of its stores, shares Grossman. The result was a cohesive, immersive brand experience that outlet stores across the country can easily replicate and has helped drive an increase in foot traffic.

Customization has become a major trend in retail spaces, she adds. “More brands are requesting digital print laminates to feature logos, patterns or location-specific artwork that enhances brand consistency while allowing for localized design,” she says. “Color-matching services are also growing in demand, especially when brands want cohesion across surfaces, signage and displays.”

Dackor officials say they also have noted an increased demand for color-matched surfaces, especially to branded Pantones or paint colors, such as Coca-Cola’s signature red, adding that ease of application and maintenance is becoming more important as retail buildouts get faster and leaner.

This creative momentum extends into 3D embossed patterns, from fluted profiles to geometric designs, says Langlois. “These tactile surfaces not only add depth and visual intrigue, they also help tell a brand’s story in ways that resonate with customers.”

“Color remains a powerful design language, and when paired with distinctive patterns, textures, and architectural detailing, it

creates a signature look that’s unmistakably tied to the brand,” she adds. “These unexpected touches are often what set retail apart from residential interiors, offering shoppers a visual treat and an experience worth leaving home for.”

Walmart’s recent store updates across the country, which involved a shift in panel colors from plain white to a predominantly gray palette not only modernizes the spaces but also enhances the overall customer experience and better aligns with the retailer’s current branding goals,” says Debra Malick, Marketing Manager with MJB Wood.

Another large retailer, Lowe’s, consistently reinforces its brand identity through its use of custom colors such as storm gray and light blue, she explains. “These colors are integrated across fixtures and surfaces to create a consistent and recognizable environment for shoppers.”

Trending Materials and Finishes

Retailers today are taking note of some of the more welcoming residential trends, incorporating them into their spaces. Grossman says retailers are gravitating toward warm woodgrains, matte finishes and natural textures that reflect a more residential, inviting feel.

“Many are choosing engineered surfaces like high-pressure laminate for their lower environmental impact compared to natural materials, as well as their durability and ease of maintenance,” she says. “This has driven growth in both high-end laminates and digitally printed panels that allow for custom colors, logos, and storytelling elements baked right into the surface material. For global brands, this ensures consistency across locations while allowing for regional variation when needed.”

Allison Jenesky, Design & Marketing Manager with TOPPAN Interamerica, says she’s noticed a move towards organic, curved forms and shapes in retail and commercial spaces, along with highly tactile surfaces: plush, velvet, boucle even on walls and in seating areas. “This softness contrasts the rough-hewn textures of plaster, stone and wood which can be chiseled, etched or raw,” she says, adding that she’s also noticed the use of more natural materials and soothing palettes, soft lighting and greenery elements for the biophilic touch.

In retail design today, color, texture, and abstract prints are playing a bigger role than ever in shaping the customer experience, says Langlois. “Many designers are reinterpreting the warmth and tactility of fabrics in vertical applications, using panels that deliver the same inviting feel with the added benefit of superior durability. The sophistication of natural stone continues to inspire as well — but here, too, panels offer practical advantages: lighter weight, easier fabrication, and greater flexibility in achieving the desired look.”

Dackor

Flat laminated panels continue to dominate retail spaces, especially in point-of-purchase areas due to their clean aesthetic and cost-efficiency. Designers are leaning into scratch-resistant finishes as well as natural tones that create a calming, upscale look.

Modularity and Flexibility in Design

Retail spaces are no longer static. Seasonal shifts, product launches, and evolving trends require spaces that can be reconfigured quickly — making lightweight, modular panel systems increasingly valuable.

Fabricators and fixture manufacturers are using CNC-cut panels, click-in systems, and pre-finished materials to streamline installation and create displays that can be assembled, taken down, and reused across store formats.

Ease of application and maintenance is becoming more important as retail buildouts get faster and leaner, according to Dackor officials, who add that they’ve noticed a shift toward flexibility over perfect coordination.

The rise of omnichannel and experiential retail has only increased the demand for branded, immersive environments that can perform over time in various configurations, says Dawson. “Prefabricated panel systems offer a faster, more predictable path from design to installation. Delivering materials that are pre-finished and ready for fabrication helps eliminate multiple on-site trades and reduces coordination challenges. This means less downtime waiting for materials, fewer errors

Richelieu

Tactile surfaces like Richelieu’s Total White BO73 (Cheope) not only add depth and visual intrigue, they also help tell a brand’s story in ways that resonate with customers

Decorative wall moldings, like Richelieu’s Model LB 3821 are emerging as a favorite tool for adding that extra layer of architectural intrigue and building dimensional wall compositions that feel dynamic and memorable.

and more consistent quality. For designers and contractors, this can translate into lower labor costs, reduced waste and compressed buildout schedules without compromising the look or performance of the space.”

EGGER is seeing tremendous value in fast-turn sectors like retail and hospitality, where speed to market is critical, adds Dawson. “Office environments also benefit from quick turnarounds and the ability to scale standardized solutions across locations. In healthcare, where hygiene, durability and time matter, prefabricated systems reduce construction disruptions and allow for phased renovations that keep facilities operational. Across all these sectors, our decorative surfaces bring a cohesive aesthetic while meeting technical demands like impact resistance and easy cleanability.”

One common misconception is that prefab equals cookiecutter, she says, while in reality, prefabrication actually enhances customization. “It enables repeatable precision without sacrificing aesthetic intent. Plus, with digital tools and availability of matching surfaces across materials, designers can maintain brand consistency across multiple locations or adapt looks to regional preferences.”

Where We’re Headed

The next era of retail panels is being defined by innovation that blends durability, design, and digital interactivity. As remodel cycles shift across the retail industry, brands are searching for materials that not only last but also inspire immersive, experience-driven spaces. This shift also fuels interest in more advanced panel technologies that reimagine how fixtures connect with consumers.

"While HPL has been a common choice, advancements in technology have led to highperformance resin systems on particleboard that surpass HPL in impact resistance,” says Beverly Crichton, Director of Marketing: Panels & Components for Stevens Industries. “These nextgeneration materials are ideal for retail fixtures, displays, and surfaces where both performance and aesthetics matter most."

Multilayer thermally fused laminates are quickly emerging as a potential replacement for HPL in many store fixture applications, says Malick, meeting KCMA standards for impact and abrasion resistance and offering significant cost advantages by eliminating the need for two-part panels, reducing labor, and minimizing scrap.

“While some of these products are still in testing stages, they are gaining interest from display and furniture manufacturers,” she explains. “Harder and smoother paint finishes on pegboard and steel components, as seen in Walmart remodels, are also becoming more popular for their enhanced durability. Solid dark gray finishes are gaining attention for their premium look and performance, offering a cost-effective alternative to HPL.”

Malick says there is no specific ETA at this time, as the Multilayer TFLs are very new to the market. “These products are close to market-ready, but adoption depends heavily on color palette trends and demand from retailers and fixture manufacturers.”

Retail design is constantly evolving in response to shifting consumer behaviors, says Malick. “In some global markets — like Monterrey, Mexico — retail centers are thriving and fully modernized. Meanwhile, in the U.S., retail stores are becoming less crowded and more experience focused as consumers rely more heavily on online shopping.”

“The challenge now,” she adds, “is to rebrand and re-engage customers in ways that drive traffic and deliver a compelling in-store experience.” S P

Luxury in Layers How

Textured Panels Are Elevating Hospitality Interiors

BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

In high-end hospitality design, luxury is no longer defined by lavish ornamentation alone —it’s about the full sensory experience.

Today’s hotel lobbies, lounges, and fine dining spaces aim to create warm, inviting environments that feel personalized, immersive, and tactile. As a result, decorative panels have become key players in achieving that effect — not just through color and form, but through texture, depth, and material innovation.

“The most unforgettable spaces are those that appeal to much more than just the eye,’ says Meghan Howell, Design and Creative Director for Formica Group North America. “We remember the scent in a hotel lobby, the sound of a busy steakhouse kitchen – and now, we’re remembering how the surfaces felt. Surfaced panels that invite touch add another dimension to the experience. They reinforce the brand, signal quality and create lasting impressions. From matte finishes to embossed textures, they help tell the story of a space in a way that guests can feel.”

From deeply embossed woodgrains to velvety soft-touch matte finishes, the latest generation of decorative panels helps designers craft elegant environments that appeal to both the eye and the hand. And as sustainability, durability, and speed of

installation remain priorities, engineered surfaces offer a unique opportunity to balance beauty with practicality.

“Advancements in surface technology have transformed textured and embossed materials into remarkably lifelike alternatives to natural finishes,” says Nathalie Langlois, Marketing Manager with Richelieu. “Far from the plasticky, artificial aesthetics of past decades, today’s engineered surfaces offer a level of realism and sophistication that’s redefining design possibilities; particularly in hospitality environments.”

The Tactile Turn in Hospitality Design

In high-end hospitality, it’s often the details — like texture — that leave a lasting impression, says Beverly Crichton, Director of Marketing: Panels & Components for Stevens Industries. “Textured panels, like realistic woodgrains, bring warmth and dimension to hospitality spaces — elevating surfaces from functional to truly refined. Their tactile quality adds a subtle layer of luxury that enhances the guest experience through both visual and sensory impact.”

Decorative panels with dimensional, realistic texture can achieve looks that natural material may not fully deliver or that have limited applications, adds Allison Jenesky, Design &

Marketing Manager with TOPPAN Interamerica. “Highly textured and embossed surfaces invite touch, creating a multi-sensory experience emphasizing a feeling of indulgence and comfort” that can help create a memorable guest experience.

Modern textured surfaces lend an effortlessly chic and timeless appeal to any hotel, retail, or commercial space, says Marta Molga, Revenue Marketing Manager for UCS Forest Group. “Increasingly, synchronized textures are gaining traction as technology continues to develop more natural looking designs and textures,” she adds. “Hospitality market segments seek materials that realistically look and feel like natural wood with the unique additional benefits of availability, design flexibility, and durability.”

This shift aligns with broader trends in hospitality — where guests expect boutique-level detailing even in larger chains. Surfaces that look and feel like real wood, brushed metals, leather, or stone — but offer better performance — are bridging the gap between aspiration and durability.

“Designers are leaning into tactile innovation,” says Howell. “Technologies like synchronized texture—where the surface feel aligns perfectly with the visual pattern—are redefining realism in materials. Formica’s InDepth Surfacing offers the look of real wood or stone with the durability of laminate. Metallic overlays like those in our Homapal line are also on the rise, offering everything from brushed steel to bold brass in authentic metal finishes. These innovations let designers deliver high-end aesthetics with commercial-grade performance.”

Performance with Prestige

Of course, beauty isn’t enough in high-traffic hospitality settings. Whether it’s a bustling hotel bar or a spa dressing

room, surfaces need to withstand moisture, cleaning chemicals, abrasion, and constant contact. Decorative panels such as highpressure laminate (HPL), thermally fused laminate (TFL), PET films, and 3D foils are engineered for exactly that — offering premium aesthetics with the durability to back it up.

Materials like embossed-in-register TFL or acrylic-topped MDF can mimic real wood grain or stone, while being easier to clean, more consistent in color, and available at scale. Compact laminates and specialty surfaces are often used in vanity surrounds, closet interiors, and elevator panels where strength and hygiene are critical.

“Luxury loses its luster when materials wear prematurely,” says Crystal Morris, Product and Decor Manager at EGGER North America. “But today’s designers don’t have to choose between beauty and durability — they can have both, thanks to advanced engineering and thoughtful design.”

In hospitality, longevity is as critical as aesthetics, adds Langlois. “The average hotel renovation cycle spans at least eight years-regardless of whether the property is luxury or midscale. Over that time, the materials used must endure the relentless pace of guest turnover, daily maintenance, and constant interaction.”

“Few things age a space faster than worn-out finishes,” she adds. “Scuffed surfaces, faded colors, or peeling textures instantly dull the guest experience, signaling neglect even in an otherwise well-maintained environment. Whether it's the first guest or the millionth, every visitor should encounter a space that feels fresh, polished, and cared for. When finishes retain their integrity over time, they don’t just protect the investment-they preserve the experience.”

Luxury and timelessness are synonymous, meaning that

To seamlessly complete the kitchenettes and vanities, Wilsonart Quartz in Madeira Beach was used to create a high-end, luxurious space. For highimpact zones like restrooms, Wilsonart HPL was chosen to deliver striking visuals and robust performance – ideal for long-term wear in heavy-use environments.

In common areas, Smoky

high-end surfaces must have long-term visual appeal and lifetime use, says Molga. “Today, textured panels are durable enough to withstand both horizontal and vertical applications, are easily maintained, and their modern technological fabrication prevents delamination. By combining classic and sophisticated textures with durable cores, modern surfaces deliver strong and beautiful solutions.”

Creating Identity Through Surfaces

“When someone walks into a luxury hotel or an upscale restaurant, the goal is to deliver that instant ‘wow,’” says Langlois. “A sensory impact that speaks before a single word is exchanged or a dish is served. The welcome moment is as crucial as the meal or the suite itself. It sets the tone, builds anticipation, and signals quality.”

“Crafting such a space requires more than good lighting or layout,” she explains. “It demands materials that bring beauty, texture, and emotion. Choosing refined, innovative surfaces is the first step in creating an environment that resonates long after the visit ends.”

At the Aiden Hotel San Antonio, surface materials were central to creating a boutique-meets-antique luxury vibe that feels both inviting and sophisticated, says Kate Grossman, Vice President of Marketing and Design with Wilsonart. “HIS Design Group brings Best Western’s new boutique concept to life with a bold mix of European style and industrial glam, set in a historic 1910 building, using Wilsonart Woodgrains throughout guestrooms — on cabinets, desks and closets — achieving the warm look of real wood with enhanced durability and consistency,” she says. “In common areas, Smoky Velvet Elm, a matte-finish panel from Wilsonart Traceless, delivered a high-end ultra matte aesthetic

that is fingerprint-resistant.”

“[And] to seamlessly complete the kitchenettes and vanities, Wilsonart Quartz in Madeira Beach was used to create a highend, luxurious space,” Grossman continues. “For high-impact zones like restrooms Wilsonart HPL was chosen to deliver striking visuals and robust performance — ideal for long-term wear in heavy-use environments.”

At Marigold, an upscale English-Indian public house in Cincinnati, surface material selection played a central role in establishing a distinctive and luxurious brand identity, says Howell.

“Designed by Vikki Nutter of Nutter Group Design, Marigold transformed a stark, gutted department store into a richly layered dining destination,” she says, “relying heavily on FENIX Innovative Materials, specifically the ultra-matte Verde Comodoro to bring warmth, intimacy, and sophistication to the space.”

“This deep green tone, combined with FENIX’s low-light reflectivity and velvety texture, created a ‘spatial hug’ effect that softened the restaurant’s soaring 19-foot ceilings and concrete shell,” continues Howell. “The material was used extensively across cabinetry, wait stations, countertops and even millwork integrated with LED lighting to bring a seamless, cohesive quality to every guest-facing touchpoint.”

“In this case, FENIX wasn’t just a surface,” she explains, “it was a foundational element in delivering a brand identity rooted in elegance, heritage, and experiential design.”

Evolving Design

Ultimately, surfaced panels are more than just construction materials — they’re tools for shaping atmosphere and emotion. Whether it’s a dark woodgrain wall behind a hotel reception desk, a velvet-touch drawer front in a boutique suite, or a high-gloss

feature wall in a rooftop bar, these surfaces tell a story about the space and the brand.

With new textures, tones, and technologies coming to market, the possibilities are expanding — and so is the creativity of the designers and fabricators who bring these interiors to life.

The hospitality sector has long been a canvas for boundarypushing design, says Langlois. “Unlike residential or commercial projects that often follow prevailing trends, hospitality spaces embrace individuality. Bold, expressive, and always evolving.

They’re not just designed; they’re curated experiences.”

“One of the most popular design movements emerging in this space is the rise of fluted and slatted surfaces,” she says. “Whether in wood or stone-inspired finishes, these linear textures introduce rhythm and dimension, breaking away from flat, predictable planes. To meet this growing demand, collections like Richelieu’s Nature+ by Cleaf Collection have introduced advanced 3D-effect textures, like RIGA that capture the essence of fluting without the bulk or installation challenges of traditional materials. The result is a dynamic aesthetic that’s easier to work with, yet no less impactful.”

And innovations including EGGER’s Synchronized pore (EIR) technology are leading the way in hospitality because it offers the depth and drama of real woodgrain in a durable, consistent and budget-conscious format, says Morris. “Our Feelwood line exemplifies this, offering textures that are synchronized to the printed decor layer for an ultra-realistic result. We’re also seeing interest in high-contrast woodgrain textures like Halifax Oak, which show cracks, knots and tactile grain structure in fine detail.”

As hospitality brands seek to elevate guest experiences and make lasting impressions, they’re increasingly turning to layered, textured, and high-performance surfaces that bring together luxury and longevity. Decorative panels, once seen as merely functional, are now central to defining ambiance, storytelling, and identity in commercial spaces designed to impress. S P

I Beyond Aesthetics

Antimicrobial and Self-Healing Surfaces in Commercial Design

BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

n modern commercial interiors, design is no longer just about appearance — it’s about performance. From healthcare and hospitality to corporate and retail spaces, surfaced panels are being engineered to do more than look good. They’re built to protect, endure, and respond to realworld environments.

Jesse Collins, Director of Marketing Communications at REHAU, notes that current priorities in commercial design have expanded to include features like fingerprint resistance and self-healing surfaces that reduce the need for cleaning and maintain a sleek appearance.

There has been a marked increase in demand from end users for materials that meet very specific performance criteria, prompting design firms to play a more active role in material specification and recommendation, particularly in high-traffic environments including healthcare, hospitality and even education, where hygiene and safety are important.

In fact, post-pandemic “clean” has shifted from being a background standard to a core part of the guest experience, says Nathalie Langlois, Marketing Manager with Richelieu. “In healthcare,” she explains, ‘the priorities were historically

Ricehelieu's Agave-Zenit

reversed: hygiene came first, often at the expense of warmth and design. The assumption was that if it felt cozy, it couldn’t be sterile. But materials like Richelieu’s Lino Esteiro (part of the Duo Collection) defy that trade-off, offering antimicrobial, easy-toclean performance with the inviting look of textiles and linens.”

These innovations are reshaping expectations in both sectors, adds Langlois. “Imagine a dentist’s office that feels like a living room — proof that health and beauty can coexist, and that design plays a vital role in how we feel in the spaces that care for us.”

Designing for More

How Commercial Surfacing is Evolving for Flexibility, Sustainability and Impact

BY MEGHAN HOWELL PHOTOS FROM FORMICA CORPORATION

Commercial surfacing has always played a critical role in shaping how spaces function and feel. Today, that role is more dynamic and innovative than ever. At the heart of this transformation is a growing demand for more. From hybrid corporate offices to bustling hospitality spaces, the surfacing industry is entering a new era shaped by flexibility, performance and meaningful sustainability.

With so many demands on modern surfaces, designers are walking a tightrope as performance alone doesn’t satisfy. This intersection of needs is driving innovation across substrates, core materials, finishes and even manufacturing processes. From scratch-resistant laminates to high-pressure decorative surfaces that mimic stone or metal, materials are being asked to do more, last longer and tell better stories.

Modularity as the New Standard

Modularity dominated at design shows like NeoCon this year, not just as a furniture trend, but as a mindset influencing surfacing and material selection. Spaces are no longer static but are fluid environments that must respond to shifting workflows, hybrid schedules and multipurpose demands.

Surfacing materials are now expected to support this movement whether through lightweight construction, mobile applications or multi-functional finishes. The show saw this functionality in the form of nesting tables, modular seating

systems and surfaces integrated with writable, high-gloss layers designed for teamwork.

Gloss Makes a Comeback

While function reigns, form isn’t falling behind. Gloss finishes, once retired for their fingerprint woes, are making a purposeful return. This time they’re more intentional, often appearing as accent materials to deliver visual impact, highlight key areas or add a multifunctional element such as a writable surface in collaborative zones. There's a clear desire to create focal points to bring some contrast into commercial spaces.

At NeoCon, gloss reappeared in small but powerful ways: high-shine accent walls, chrome-like side tables and glossy

panels used as message centers with writable surfaces. Often achieved with glossy surfaces like glass, these finishes focus less on tradition and more on creating visual energy and defining anchors in spaces designed for greater usability.

Surface Sustainability, Evolved

Sustainability is non-negotiable in today’s surfacing industry. Designers and specifiers are seeking not just materials that reduce harm, but those that actively contribute to circular economies and regenerative design. There is added emphasis not just on how products are made, but on how they can be “unmade” at the end of their lifecycle.

From biodegradable vinyl that decomposes in landfill conditions to terrazzo-like surfaces made from post-consumer plastics that can be recycled, the future of commercial surfacing lies in sustainable material stories. Some of the most exciting innovations are happening where science, art and design converge. This trend is especially relevant in sectors like education, healthcare and corporate environments where environmental, social and governance goals are influencing procurement and material selection. Brands that can quantify their impact, whether through water savings, carbon offsets or material reclamation will increasingly have the competitive edge.

Aesthetics That Feel Like Home

Another shift shaping commercial surfacing is the growing influence of hospitality and residential aesthetics. Workplaces, healthcare and education venues are borrowing cozy, comforting cues such as warm wood tones, plush textiles and more tactile surfaces to create spaces that feel welcoming and lived in.

That doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Instead, it’s about selecting materials that balance emotional resonance with technical requirements. Expect to see warm woodgrains, rounded edges and surfaces that feel as good as they look. This hybrid aesthetic bridges the gap between utility and comfort.

Looking Ahead: The Symbiotic Shift

Looking ahead, the next three to five years promise more disruption and innovation. As artificial intelligence, immersive platforms and digital integration become embedded in our everyday lives, the materials that define those environments will need to evolve in tandem. It’s no longer just about surface performance but also connection. Whether it’s embedded technology, responsive finishes, design or materials that interact with both people and digital systems, design will need to support the merging of physical and virtual experience.

The future of commercial surfacing isn’t about a single material or aesthetic. It’s about materials that fuse form and function — those that adapt, respond and offer more than just a surface solution. As the industry navigates new expectations, from climate challenges to redesigned workspaces, the most impactful solutions will be those that evolve and deliver more resilience, intentionality and more design-forward thinking. S P

Meghan Howell is the North American Design & Creative Director at Formica Corporation, where she leads the company’s visual identity, product development, and storytelling across its decorative surfacing brands. With over a decade at Formica, she has spearheaded initiatives like the Beyond Boomerang book—celebrating the cultural impact of Formica Group’s iconic patterns— and most recently launched the award-winning InDepth Surfacing line, which showcases layered, tactile design rooted in material innovation. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), Meghan is passionate about connecting design legacy with forward-looking, research-driven strategies that keep Formica Groups product portfolio at the forefront of the industry.

Sticking with Innovation

Franklin’s Laminating 465 is not only optimized for borated substrates, delivering strong bonds while maintaining fire retardancy and no-added formaldehyde with excellent shelf-life capacity, but it also reduces the need for multiple adhesives and supports water-based cleanup to help minimize downtime on the plant floor and improve efficiency.

How Adhesives Are Driving Smarter, Stronger Surface Solutions

BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

In the world of surfaced panels, it’s easy to focus on what’s seen — the textures, patterns, and finishes that define a project’s aesthetic. But behind every bonded panel, edgebanded component, or laminated substrate is a critical, often invisible contributor: the adhesive.

Today, adhesives are doing more than just holding materials together — they’re actively shaping how surfaces perform, how sustainably they’re produced, and how efficiently they’re fabricated.

“Adhesive technologies have become more specialized in performance, stability, and ease of use to meet specific production needs to improve product strength, shelf life, content, and production speed,” says Audrey Albright, Technical Marketing Specialist, A&P with Franklin Adhesives & Polymers.

From formaldehyde-free chemistries to hot-melt systems built for automation, adhesive innovation is helping the industry evolve to meet the demands of speed, sustainability, and precision.

More Than Glue

Adhesives in panel manufacturing have come a long way from the traditional urea-formaldehyde and solvent-based systems of the past. Modern options are tailored for specific substrates and production needs.

“Perhaps the biggest change in the past few years has been the explosive growth of PUR hot melt for all aspects of lamination, edgebanding and assembly,” says John Elder, Jowat Vice

President - Furniture and Building Elements. “PUR has always been known for powerful bonds and resistance to heat and moisture. However, recent advancements have dramatically improved the processing user friendliness — to the point where in some cases the PUR can be applied without the need for specialized application equipment.”

DAUBOND PUR STRONGER BONDS FOR PANEL FABRICATION:

Strength, reliability, and a clean finish are non-negotiable elements of panel adhesion. That’s why Daubond® PUR adhesives from Daubert Chemical are the premier option for panel production and manufacturing. Our high-performance bonding solutions are engineered to elevate panel fabrication for a wide range of industries and materials.

Whether you’re producing decorative wall panels, engineered wood products, architectural composites, or specialty cladding, Daubond® PUR adhesives deliver the reliable strength and visual quality that modern panel production demands, without compromising on sustainability or process efficiency.

SMART PROCESS FOR A CLEAN FINISH

Traditional panel construction methods, like mechanical fasteners or contact adhesives, often require extra finishing or create aesthetic challenges. Daubond® PUR changes that. Its precise, clean application results in smoother, more visually appealing panels. It can even be used in place of nails for stair tread panels, reducing post-assembly touch-ups like patching and sanding.

ENGINEERED FOR THE SUBSTRATES YOU WORK WITH

From MDF and laminates to composites, metals, and high-pressure surfaces, Daubond® PUR adhesives bond reliably across a wide range of substrates and skins. The moisture-cure formulation develops a permanent, durable bond that stands up to thermal cycling, mechanical stress, and long-term use, perfect for high-demand architectural, industrial, and OEM panel applications.

OUR BOND GOES BEYOND THE ADHESIVE

Switching panel materials? Rethinking your lamination line? We don’t just formulate. We support your full production process. Daubert’s technical team works directly with panel producers to test new materials, evaluate process improvements, and find ways to optimize efficiency while reducing waste and labor.

SUSTAINABLE STRENGTH

Regulatory pressure and customer expectations are always evolving. Daubond® PUR adhesives are formulated to support low-VOC, environmentally responsible production, helping panel manufacturers meet sustainability goals without sacrificing speed, strength, or finish quality.

A BETTER BOND, A BETTER PANEL

With Daubond®, we go beyond bonding. Our focus is advancing panel performance. From simplifying production to improving aesthetics and long-term durability, Daubond® PUR adhesives give panel manufacturers a smarter, more capable alternative to traditional bonding methods.

adhesive application allows a better experience for the machine operators.”

Albright points to Franklin’s Laminating 465 as an example of evolving adhesive technology. “[Not only is it] optimized for borated substrates, delivering strong bonds while maintaining fire retardancy and no-added formaldehyde with excellent shelf-life capacity,” she says, “But it works across various core materials and substrates, reducing the need for multiple adhesives. It also supports water-based cleanup which helps minimize downtime on the plant floor and improve efficiency.”

Cleaner, Safer Chemistry

Sustainability is a growing focus with manufacturers adapting to evolving state regulations and reducing environmental impact, says Albright, who adds that demand for no-added formaldehyde and low/no VOC formulations continue to grow.

The demand for environmentally friendly products is growing continuously, according to Kleiberit’s Alan Shuey, Sales Engineer and Hot Coating Specialist, and Brad Larken, VP for USA and Canada. Technologically, it has been demonstrated that PUR adhesives can be manufactured entirely without a petrochemical base.

One recent result of this development is PUR adhesives based on recycled PET, they say. These adhesives demonstrate how Cabinet refacing lamination has been consistently successful with epoxy adhesives for decades, but it is slow. Daubert’s PURHM adhesive saves customers a lot of valuable time and helped put PUR on the map as a solid substitute for epoxy.

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Some substrates were never made to be bonded, explains Mike VandenBerg, Director of Commercial Adhesives with Daubert Chemical. “The use of highly plasticized PVC foils, ultralow basis weight papers and low surface energy olefines can be difficult for adhesive formulations to adapt. The opportunity to pretreat a material to increase its quality of bonding is key in the discussion between adhesive vendor and customer at a project’s inception.” Daubert had seen success with various pretreatment options (plasma/non-chlorinated primers, etc.) that “have helped overcome some, and maybe ultimately all, substrate-dependent issues,” he says.

“Daubert is a believer in low temperature application hot melt polyurethane (PURHM),” adds VandenBerg. “Improved raw materials, combinations of raws and creative R&D have allowed better formulas that bridge the high strength/low temp pendulum. The desire is always to produce the best-looking panel which means no distortion of the decorative material due to excessive heat in the lamination process which a low temperature adhesive provides.”

“A PUR applied at 180F (80C) is not only good for the substrates but also the melter, lamination machine and the adhesive benefits as well,” he continues. “Plus reducing the temperature of the

An example of Jowat's Bubble- Free PUR [top, middle], and an image [bottom]from one of Jowat’s recent customer tests, where heat resistance tests actually showed the adhesive outperforming the vinyl (vinyl separated from itself). Jowat’s NEXT (for next generation) RTF adhesive has solved some heat resistance and process consistency issues for many customers in warmer climates who often struggled to attain consistent adhesive coverage on porous MDF edges. NEXT has a new edge sealing technology that streamlines the spraying process, allowing for more consistent adhesive application on porous edges, dramatically improving consistency and heat resistance, as customers now routinely see heat resistance values of 110C-120C.

resources can be conserved while at the same time creating high-performance adhesive systems that meet the highest international standards. Kleiberit responds with adhesive solutions that use raw materials efficiently, return recycling material into the production cycle, while ensuring a consistent high quality. Particularly noteworthy is the development of non-labeling variants, which guarantee maximum safety and process stability.

Elder adds that as a hot melt adhesive manufacturer, Jowat’s entire portfolio is designed to be an alternative to formaldehyde and high VOC adhesives. “We incorporate a substantial amount of bio-based ingredients in our hot melt formulations,” he says. “For customers using primer as part of their profile wrapping adhesion process, we have launched a new VOC Free primer which is now available thoughout North, Central and South America.”

Sticking With Progress

Among the latest innovations in the adhesives space, reactive products show particularly strong promise for market expansion, says Albright. “These hot melt adhesives will have a major impact by speeding up lamination processes without losing bond quality. Franklin is investing in this technology to help manufacturers increase line speeds and efficiency.”

“Additionally, sourcing raw materials domestically improves supply chain reliability and cost control, benefiting the entire production chain,” she says. “These innovations are designed to deliver value and operational advantages to throughout the supply chain to help pricing and performance stay competitive and responsive to market demands.”

Panel producers who laminate with PUR Hot Melt Adhesive during periods of high humidity have routinely battled conditions commonly described as “bubbling” or “outgassing,” explains Elder. “[Jowat has] developed new ‘all season’ formulas which resolve this issue. Heat resistance remains a challenge for the RTF lamination process, and our newest RTF adhesives now routinely offer heat resistance of up to 120C — a new benchmark for the RTF industry.

“Bubble Free PUR technology will offer major benefits to PUR hot melt users in the coming years,” he predicts, “as they can maintain process quality and consistency even during challenging periods of high temperature/high humidity.”

Cabinet refacing lamination has been consistently successful with epoxy adhesives for decades, explains VandenBerg. “It’s a tricky application to bond a thin flexible material with a thin wobbly material — but while this adhesive technology works perfectly, it is slow.”

“The desire for faster line speeds and quicker time to next processing steps has made high initial strength adhesive a looked-for benefit and now Daubert has been able to tackle the

nuances of these thin substrates creating a more repeatable process using PURHM adhesive,” he says.

“With the correct adhesive and a lamination machine equipped to handle these slim materials without coating rollers that should always be free of adhesive,” says VandenBerg, “Daubert PUR saves customers a lot of valuable time and put PUR on the map as a solid substitute for epoxy.

He predicts the ability to apply adhesive to the decorative substrate, not the rigid panel, efficiently at wide widths will benefit the appearance, consistency and ultimate cost of the laminated board, adding, “this unique PURHM adhesive application process will create a positive growth for the machine manufacturers and happy customers.” S P

Shaping the Future of Commercial Architecture

The Enduring Appeal of Hardwood Plywood in Commercial Spaces

BY KEITH CHRISTMAN

In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial architecture, materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional consistently rise to the top. Hardwood plywood has emerged as a favorite among architects and designers for its versatility, strength, natural beauty, and powerful sustainability story. Whether used for wall and ceiling panels, cabinetry, display fixtures, or furniture, hardwood plywood offers a unique blend of qualities that can transform commercial interiors into memorable experiences.

Benefits of Hardwood Plywood in Commercial Architecture

1. Decorative Wall and Ceiling Panels: Hardwood plywood is prized for its ability to create stunning visual effects. The layered construction and natural woodgrain patterns lend warmth and texture to interiors, making spaces feel inviting without sacrificing modern sophistication. Specialty panels, often custom fabricated, can serve as architectural focal points while enhancing acoustics and durability.

2. Cabinets and Display Walls : The strength and screwholding capability of hardwood plywood make it ideal for cabinetry and display walls in retail and office settings. Its clean machining and joinery results ensure that fixtures remain robust and visually appealing over time. The exposed edges of premium plywood, like Columbia Forest Products’ DesignEdge, add a handcrafted, authentic touch that sets commercial displays apart.

3. Furniture: From conference tables to custom shelving, hardwood plywood offers designers the flexibility to create pieces that are both functional and beautiful. Its ability to be CNC routed, drilled, and finished cleanly means that even the most intricate designs can be brought to life with durability and style.

Hardwoods in Design

At Seasalt Cornwall’s Shrewsbury location, the brand’s coastal-inspired aesthetic is brought to life through the use of Columbia's DesignEdge plywood, a premium, domestically produced hardwood plywood designed specifically for exposed edge applications. Fixtures throughout the store benefit from

SOME SEE WOOD...

WE SEE PURPOSE

With strong industry partnerships, a commitment to sustainability, and an eye for biophilic design, we aim to enhance your business and the health of the planet. As North America's leading distributor and importer of hardwood lumber, specialty softwoods, and panel products, we are proud to partner with you to build unique solutions for the market.

the natural warmth and textured character of the material, which evokes the wild Cornish landscape and reinforces the store’s creative heritage vibe. The exposed edges are a subtle design choice with a big impact, infusing the space with authenticity and handcrafted appeal.

When travelers pass through Sacramento International Airport, they encounter a space transformed by a $1.03 billion renovation that included the installation of specialty hardwood plywood ceiling panels. These panels, chosen for their architectural pizazz and durability, help create an environment that is both visually striking and comfortingly warm compared to many other pieces of public infrastructure. The collaboration between Corgan Associates, Fentress Architects, and 9 Wood, Inc. highlights the creative potential of hardwood plywood in large-scale projects.

A testament to the versatility and structural integrity of hardwood plywood can be seen at Armstrong Teasdale’s conference center in St. Louis. Here, a richly designed, undulating wood element — 12 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter — serves as the centerpiece. Made from layers of Columbia Forest Products’ plywood, this architectural feature houses a conference room, vestibule, and service pantry. The intricate form and assembly demonstrate how hardwood plywood enables bold, innovative design while maintaining lasting performance.

Innovation and Sustainability

Modern hardwood plywood, particularly North Americanmade like DesignEdge, represents a significant advancement in material technology. Unlike traditional Baltic Birch, DesignEdge is produced with North American maple and manufactured to stringent standards, resulting in substantially void-free cores and reliable availability. This focus on responsible manufacturing ensures that designers and fabricators can specify hardwood plywood with confidence, knowing they are choosing a product that supports environmental stewardship and domestic craftsmanship.

Hardwood plywood continues to redefine what is possible in commercial architecture. Its combination of beauty, strength, and adaptability makes it a go-to material for projects that demand both aesthetics and performance. From retail stores to airports and law firms, the case studies above illustrate how hardwood plywood is helping designers create spaces that are memorable, functional, and future-ready.

Keith Christman is president of the Decorative Hardwoods Association, formerly known as Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association. He welcomes your thoughts and questions at kchristman@decorativehardwoods.org. Visit the DHA at www.decorativehardwoods.org.

Looking for new inspiration for extraordinary furniture design?

Discover entirely new possibilities with the innovative FurnSpin fitting – for rotating solutions that impress in kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces alike.

Maximum functionality meets elegant design: FurnSpin transforms furniture into dynamic highlights – surprising, intuitive, and space-saving. DISCOVER THE FULL POTENTIAL NOW.

SURFACE& PA NELANNUAL SURFACE DE SIGNGUIDE S P

3A Composites

The creators of ALUCOBOND present the newest aluminum composite solution – MONARC Wall Panels for interior applications. They feature high-resolution designs on a fire rated (ASTM E84) waterproof metal panel, making them ideal for use in the design of bath & shower enclosures, kitchens, living rooms & other interior spaces. The premium properties of MONARC ensure an extremely flat, lightweight, and low-maintenance panel. 3acompositesusa.com/monarc

The S&P Surface Design Guide is an annual showcase of the design trends and latest products that are shaping the industry, both today and moving into the future.

Surface & Panel reached out to leading decorative surfacing companies and asked them to share their latest advances in materials, designs and services. The guide also reflects some of the newest products that were showcased at events including KBIS, interzum, LIGNA, NeoCon and AWFS, and is intended to inform fabricators and specifiers of the best possible solutions available to them. From personalizing surfaces with every color, finish and even texture imaginable, the S&P Surface Design Guide is the industry’s go-to resource for specifiers and fabricators across the globe.

Ambtra

AMBTRA introduces EcoFlex! An eco-friendly decorative film for 2D lamination made by combining PET with printed impregnated paper. Multiple finishes available, with a UV coating technology that ensures excellent surface durability. No formaldehyde or TVOCs. Contact your rep to learn more.

ambtra.com

Arauco

ARAUCO Prism TFL invites you to design with intention through a distinctive palette of authentic woodgrains, rich solids, and tactile textures. Create cohesive, elevated spaces with matched HPL, edgebanding, doors, and molding. Sustainably crafted in North America, Prism delivers trend-forward design, lasting durability, and sustainability—without compromise. prismtfl.com

Arclin

Arclin’s Sienti treated papers offer a high-performance super-matte and anti-fingerprint decorative surface that protects the surface against UV, scratches, moisture, and impacts. Sienti is designed to provide an exceptional tactile feel while providing great performance for any indoor applications throughout the home.

arclin.com

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Uline

Uline’s cushioning gives you the best seat in the house. And with tons of products always in stock, you’ll love our variety. Order by 6 PM for same day shipping. Best service, products and selection – experience the difference! Please call 1-800-295-5510 or visit uline.com

SURFACE&

Azdel

Azdel Onboard composite panels are quite versatile in their applications. While using unfinished versions for laminated substrates, the use of Azdel sheets for interior applications continues to increase. Whether needing a finished decorative product or having one custom-printed, the options are nearly unlimited. Interior panels, backsplash, soft-touch areas and more! azdelonboard.com

BASF

acForm from BASF is a revolutionary additive to MDF that makes the panel thermoformable. Now instead of spending hours on a surface design with a CNC router that leaves a fuzzy, imperfect surface, the design can be embossed in seconds with a heated press. Designs that were once impossible due to

the cost of running one router are now within reach, all without sacrificing quality.

basf.us

Bierson Corp

Our PET acoustic felt, shaped using our proprietary innovative method, absorbs sound while adding style. Lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly, it offers versatile design options for modern spaces. Created in collaboration with Patternine.com.

bierson.com

Origins by Uniboard® draws inspiration from what takes root— nature and craftsmanship — to tell the story of textures, colors, and evolving traditions. Each of its 12 shades expresses a heritage, a transformation, a connection between past and present. Origins is an ode to the nobility of skilled work and the enduring beauty of authenticity.

Boyut

WOOD Series is produced from ABS or PVC where the surface embossing is made of wood textures in nature. Woodgrain edging with decors of oak, maple, birch, walnut, pine etc. is a reflection of wood patterns. Developed with different finishing applications from Super Matt to High Gloss, a color swatch with a wide variety of decor and texture. boyutplastik.com.tr/main-page

Chemetal

Chemetal, quite possibly the easiest way to use metal in interior spaces, has introduced three new designs to its popular 600 Series Architectural Metals Collection. Two of these high-performance printed aluminum sheets feature blackened metals with subtle and shimmering blue and bronze backgrounds. A third authentically emulates antiqued brass. They’re part of Chemetal’s massive collection of metal designs. chemetal.com

Conestoga Wood

Rift Cut White Oak is the hottest specie in the kitchen industry. The clean, linear grain pattern creates a very modern look that is in high demand. Our Vogue TTS colors mirror the characteristics of this favored species — Essenza Oak, Sostanza Oak, and Roble Torigo are now available with all doors and drawer fronts.

conestogawood.com

COMTRAD STRATEGIC SOURCING

CGS Acoustic Panels bring noise control and modern design to offices and commercial spaces. Built with premium sound-absorbing felt, versatile finishes, B1 flame-retardant safety, and eco-friendly CARB P2 fiberboard, they reduce echo, enhance focus, and create healthier, more productive environments — helping businesses perform at their best. comtradsourcing.com

Dackor

Dackor’s Ceramic Stone Series combines modern style with exceptional durability for high-traffic spaces like elevators, retail fixtures, and point-of-purchase areas. Featuring a lightweight, scratch-resistant, matte finish that mimics natural stone, it resists wear and fingerprints. The series is ideal for designers seeking a sophisticated stone look with the easy fabrication and performance benefits of advanced laminate technology. dackor.com

Designs of Distinction

Designs of Distinction introduces Full Size Rigid Panels, a 3/4" x 4-ft x 8-ft solution that combines a tambour face (A), 1/2" plywood core (B), and cross-grain veneer backer (C) for strength and stability. Lightweight yet durable, these panels deliver premium texture and a finished appearance for cabinetry, wall treatments, and furniture — ideal for architects, builders, and designers. brownwoodinc.com/dod

DVUV

Discover a world of design flexibility and durability with UVMax UV-cured powder coatings. A 20-minute single coat finishing process for wood components. End uses include work surfaces, kiosks, desks, shelving, cabinets, store fixtures and displays, healthcare components, office & educational furniture and more. You send us the drawings; we send you a finished part. Request a sample today.

dvuv.com

WOOD GRAIN LINE

LA PACIFICA

La Pacifica , from our wood grain collection, brings the essence of natural oak into a refined, modern space. With its soft, linear grain and balanced warmth, this finish exudes an organic sophistication that pairs effortlessly with both contemporary and classic designs. The subtle texture enhances its natural depth, offering a tactile experience that complements its visual appeal.

TIMBERLINE

Timberline captures the raw beauty of natural wood with an elevated, modern sensibility. Its bold grain patterns and textured surface add dimension and authenticity, creating a finish that feels both grounded and sophisticated. The interplay of linear and organic grain details brings a dynamic yet balanced aesthetic, making it a versatile choice for spaces that embrace warmth and character.

M.C. WALNUT

Mid-Century Walnut brings the perfect balance of warmth and refinement, offering a smooth wood grain with an understated elegance. Its clean, linear pattern enhances the depth of the finish, creating a sophisticated look that seamlessly integrates into both modern and timeless interiors. With a nod to mid-century design, this finish pairs beautifully with sleek hardware, minimalist forms, and bold contrasts.

Formica

Since 1913, Formica Brand products have set the standard in surfacing. The portfolio includes durable, design-forward solutions: Formica Laminate, Homapal Metal Laminates, Everform Solid Surface, ColorCore2, HardStop Panels, TRESPA TopLab, the textural richness of InDepth Surfacing, and true-to-scale 180fx stone visuals. Formica Laminates feature new fresh woodgrains and on-trend patterns. Built to last, HPL offerings are certified 72 percent biobased. formica.com

Genesis

The Genesis Products Surface Synergies material matching program ensures that every surface and every component is covered with complete matches of HPL, TFL, 2DL, 3DL and Edgeband – everything you need to create premium touchpoints for your customers. See the complete program in person at the 2026 IBS/KBIS South Hall Booth S11049 or visit genesisproductsinc.com

Funder

EverPly solves previous challenges of TFL on Plywood by offering a virtually void-free solution that meets the high quality requirements of premium manufacturers. Our proprietary core has been specially engineered for TFL lamination and is available in over 70 decorative woodgrains and solids from FUNDER by Genesis. Elevate with EverPly! genesisproductsinc.com

IFS Coatings

Delivering a beautiful, scratch and water-resistant and more sustainable finish to wood and MDF has never been easier. Now also available in trending fine-texture baby blue, PureClad powder coating delivers the ultimate coating protection. It’s available as a single coat powder, with powder primer/liquid top coat solutions also available. Discover more about improving performance, efficiencies and your environmental footprint.

Hymmen

Hymmen's digital decorative and structure printing (Digital Lacquer Embossing DLEplus), is successful in the flooring and in the furniture sector. The special properties of this production technology are convincing: Flexibility, short setup times, customization, fewer decor repetitions, faster design development cycles. No matter what decor you want – wood, stone or artificial designs – everything can be reproduced exactly at any time.

hymmen.com

Ifscoatings.com/pureclad

Impress Decor

In today’s ever-evolving world, it’s more important than ever to define our roles and perspectives around modern trend influencers such as climate change, globalization, urbanization, and AI integration. At Impress, we are the trend experts for printed papers, guiding our customers through the dynamic landscape of design. Our globally sourced collection of decors is curated to elevate any surface it touches, transforming it for the future.

impress.biz

Interprint

Balancing white oak’s clean character with a generous amount of straight grain, Trisu Oak by Interprint offers vintage styling in a contemporary layout. After brushing to open the grain, the original material was then soft sanded to achieve a worn, nostalgic feel. Trisu Oak’s cloudlike color modulation supports a return to warmer hues for kitchen cabinets, office furniture and fixtures.

interprint.com

JB Cutting

JB Cutting blends high-volume precision with design agility. New Cambridge, Marin, Riviera, and Verona door profiles spotlight our membrane-pressing, 5pc and CNC mastery, while floating and robust shelves demonstrate advanced miter-fold techniques. These profiles paired with finishes ranging from velvety supermattes to deeply textured woodgrains make for an on-trend, fully customizable solution for your most demanding projects.

jbcutting.com

Kronospan

Primavera Oak introduces an exclusive aesthetic that represents nature’s uniqueness. It provides a continuous oak pattern throughout the whole length and width of the board. The linear woodgrain offers a no-repeat design, conveying the organic irregularities found in genuine wood. The design is integrated seamlessly with the synchronized embossed texture, creating an unparalleled tactile and visual appeal This sensory experience elevates spaces, setting a new standard for interior wood decors. kronospan.com

Laminam

The twO Series from Laminam features the world’s thinnest porcelain slabs. The Slate Collection is ideal for bathroom walls, vanities, and wraparound applications, offering the texture and visual weight of natural slate stone without the heavy installation requirements. With five nature-inspired shades and up to 60 percent recycled content, it’s a sustainable, stain- and UV-resistant option perfect for wall cladding. laminam.com/en/two-by-laminam

Melaminetex

Introducing Blonde Wood, a warm, modern texture that pairs beautifully with both warm and cool solid tones — ideal for any space. Explore our expanded palette and request samples. Now available on Material Bank, with fast access through our Stock Program providing surfaces ready when your project demands them.

melaminetex.com

Mirlux

MIRLUX Premium Panel introduces the all-new 1” Shaker Door, offered in our wide array of Super Matte finishes to bring refined sophistication to any space by merging the minimal appeal of slab doors with the character of classic shakers. PET-laminated to TSCA Title VI certified cores, these panels are durable, scratch and water-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic areas. mirluxpanel.com

NAPLY

North American Plywood Corporation is proud to introduce our new Whitewashed Birch panels option as a product offering to the design community. These stylish panels are perfect for any interior wood panel project from cabinetry to furniture and as always come standard coated with our furniture grade UV finish. Available in crate quantities. naply.com

Northern Contours

Northern Contours specializes in cabinet doors, surfaces, and furniture components. Our capabilities include advanced techniques like membrane pressing, miter folding, laminating, and precise machining and routing. We offer extensive customization options, supporting a wide range of design and material preferences for residential and commercial projects.

northerncontours.com

Olon

Olon Industries introduces UrbanTouch Specialty Panels, a collection of high-fidelity woodgrain colors with an ultrarealistic touch and appearance. Luxurious and on trend, add an Urban edge to your designed spaces. UrbanTouch is part of Olon’s renowned synergy components program offering complete building solutions. Includes five-piece door, accessory & wall mouldings, case good & door specialty panels as well as DecoLINK formable laminate. olon.com

Onyx

Onyx Specialty Papers is a premier supplier of solid colored décor paper. Now the market is demanding abstract patterns and brilliant effects. Lustralite offers unparalleled innovations: from rustic looking fiber patterns to space-age lusters to nighton-the-town sexy metallics and more. We can help you produce a product that is unique, design-driven and competitive. onyxpapers.com

Panel Processing

Slatwall Panels can transform a room, display, or fixture into a useful storage space. Our Slatwall is available in a wide variety of finish options, including Melamine Paper, High Pressure Laminate, Thermally Fused Laminate, Eco-Finish, Chalkboard, and Markerboard Coatings. All of our Slatwall is made to order, creating custom retail and storage solutions. panel.com

Premier Eurocase

Introducing NeoMatte — our newest high-performance, economical matte PET surface offering style, durability, and value. Available in seven stunning colors, it’s perfect for kitchen cabinets, vanities, closets, furniture, and wall panels — delivering a cost-effective alternative to acrylic without sacrificing quality or design. Built for beauty. Built to last. premiereurocase.com

Rehau

RAUVISIO shade super-matte PET surface line is a sustainable and cost-conscious decorative solution for modern millwork and cabinetry. Updated features include a refreshed color palette and an eco-friendly design, made with up to 80 percent recycled material. This line now offers double-sided boards in a 4 x 10 ft board size.

rehau.com

Paged Plywood

Integrity Baltic Birch Platforms from Paged Plywood offer exceptional surface quality and dimensional stability. Virtually void-free inner plies and FSC-certified birch veneers make them ideal for overlaying decorative hardwoods. Designed for architectural and cabinetry applications, these platforms ensure high bond strength, smooth machining, and reliable performance — all backed by sustainable European manufacturing. www.pagedplywood.us

Richelieu

Richelieu’s high-quality, anti-slip Grip Panels combine elegant aesthetics with great protective properties. Perfect for adding a differential value to your kitchen. Discover Richelieu’s decorative selection that takes inspiration from the latest trends. Select between four unique colors carefully chosen to integrate harmoniously with the elements that make up the world of kitchen furniture: White, Grey, Anthracite and Black. richelieu.com

Richwood

You bring the decorative laminate, and we’ll bring the support. PolyBak is formaldehyde-free verified, red list free, and has extremely low embodied carbon, making it the most sustainable balancing backer available. Also known for flexibility and strength, PolyBak reduces waste and loss of profits due to cracking, outperforming alternative products.

polybak.com

Riken

Leveraging advanced technology, Riken is committed to providing high-quality 3D laminates, creating precise matching programs in collaboration with leading TFL board manufacturers. This year, we've expanded our offerings to include 2D laminates, giving customers a convenient one-stop solution for coordinating materials. Our stock collection features woodgrain and granite designs, along with solid colors available in super matte, satin, and high gloss finishes.

riken-usa.com/products.html

Schattdecor

Schattdecor provides high-quality impregnated surfaces for furniture, flooring, countertops, and interior design projects. With global capacity, local service, and decades of expertise, we offer print plus impregnation and toll processing services through our strategically located facilities. Our precisely crafted recipes ensure durability, aesthetic appeal, and processing efficiency. We support these offerings with exceptional U.S.-based service and a commitment to innovation.

schattdecor.com

Specialty Laminates

Specialty Laminates, a family-owned manufacturer since 1991, delivers innovative thermally fused laminates crafted for both commercial and residential design. Our Classic and Lifestyle collections feature over 700 colors and six textures, combining durability, modern style, and authentic woodgrain realism. specialtylaminates.com

SIMONA

SIMONA Polygrain is a weatherproof polymer HDPE sheet ideal for outdoor furniture and cabinetry. Easy to fabricate with standard woodworking tools, it sets a high standard for long-term performance and durability. As a solid sheet — not a laminate — Polygrain is designed for effortless CNC machining, and it won't delaminate, rot, or splinter. Available in five unique woodgrain colors, simonapolygrain.com

StevensWood

StevensWood's new EIR Walnut collection offers unmatched realism, created from scans of genuine wood veneer. Featuring nine rich color tones, including three modern planked designs, these TFL surfaces deliver the beauty of walnut with the durability and consistency of laminate — perfect for today’s furniture, cabinetry, and interior design projects.

stevens-wood.com/new-eir-walnuts

Tafisa

Always at the forefront of trends, Tafisa is expanding its Lummia collection with four new earthy shades in warm tones, making it the most comprehensive offering of high gloss and matte decorative surfaces. The Lummia collection offers excellent machinability, superior resistance to scratches and fingerprints, and a wide range of colours suitable for a multitude of applications.

tafisa.ca/fr/lummia-technologie

Timber Products

Timber Products, a fully integrated domestic manufacturer, brings online a 5’ x 24’ TFL press to elevate focus on specialty panel sizes and volume production capacity. Our TFL offerings are available in a wide range of colors, textures and decorative patterns. In addition, our ability for joint shipments with all products allows the customer flexibility and high-level service. timberproducts.com

Toppan

PrimaLUXE redefines performance and sustainability delivering perfect water and oil holdout, flawless wrapping, and premium printability. Fully compatible with existing paper glues and equipment, it’s a cost-effective, eco-conscious upgrade, offering unmatched beauty, efficiency, and environmental care over plastic films.

tia.toppan.com

Treefrog Veneer

Made in Italy and stocked in the USA, Treefrog celebrates over 20 years with new designer veneers, a new color matched wood back and FSC certification for the entire collection. With a sublime European design aesthetic, prefinished veneers from Treefrog are ideal for vertical use in interior spaces and feature many white oaks, walnuts and specialty veneers. treefrogveneer.com

Uniboard

Origins by Uniboard draws inspiration from what takes root –nature and craftsmanship – to tell the story of textures, colors, and evolving traditions. Each of its 12 shades expresses a heritage, a transformation, a connection between past and present. Origins is an ode to the nobility of skilled work, and the enduring beauty of authenticity. Discover Uniboard’s new 2026 Origins collection: uniboard.com

USply

Using durable UV-based paints and coatings, USply has you covered with Primed and Painted Panels. Our innovative paint technology provides more cost-effective, time-saving, and convenient ways to get you the products you need, the way you need them. Learn more on our website about our Painted MDF in White, Black, and Hard Rock Maple, as well as our Primed White Panels. usply.net/usply-line

Lamination equipment designed to maximize production output while maintaining precision quality control. The system shown above includes a Union Hot Melt Roller Coater, Union Powered Lay-up Conveyor, and a Union Rotary laminator.

Our high-speed lamination systems are used in a variety of industries for a variety of different applications.

PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY OUR LAMINATION EQUIPMENT INCLUDE: Acoustic panels, cabinets, decorative wall paneling, doors, flooring, store fixtures and displays, windows, work space dividers, and work tops.

APPLICATIONS INCLUDE: Both sheet to sheet and roll to sheet laminations.

CORE SUBSTRATE PANELS INCLUDE: Plywood, MDF, particle board, and composites.

LAMINATE MATERIALS INCLUDE: Veneers, HPL, vinyl, paper, film, and pre-applied adhesive backed materials.

West Wood Products

The Fluted Walnut decorative panel is an easy and economical option to transform any room. It has a natural walnut pattern and tone that compliments most existing décor and will give your space an air of luxury. This panel is finished with an acrylic coating that resists staining, fading, and mildew.

Dimensions: 0.205 inch x 4 foot x 8 foot. decpanels.com

Wilsonart

Emulating the natural beauty of Ash and Teak, the four new woodgrain designs from The LUJO Collection deliver bold texture and refined elegance to today’s interiors, making them ideal for cabinets and casegoods, closet systems, open shelving, storage cubbies, fixtures, furniture and wall panels. Meticulously crafted, the designs deliver a strikingly real surface that outperforms wood veneers.

wilsonart.com

Supply Chain Resiliency Hurricane-Strength Spirit

BY DENISE WILLIAMS

Many challenges to supply-chain stability — tariffs and geopolitical strife, for example — are problems of mankind’s own making; but weather is one factor that’s outside of human control.

As a case in point, we are currently in the midst of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane cycle, which started June 1 and runs through November 30. Whatever the storm season brings this year, however, it’s unlikely to match the devastation that rocked North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia after Hurricane Helene ripped through the region in October 2024. But even if, by some amazing circumstance, there is a repeat of this unusual disaster, rest assured that distributors will do whatever it takes to help their people and their community.

As seen through the eyes of Richard “Rene” Taylor Jr., that tenacious spirit was clearly demonstrated by Columbia Forest Products (CFP) — whose hardwood plywood mill in Old Fort, North Carolina, was situated directly in the path of destruction last fall.

Double Whammy

Hurricanes are par for the course in this part of the country; distributors don’t take them lightly, but they’re confident in their ability to manage them year after year. Helene, however, wasn’t just another hurricane.

For one, explains Taylor, log procurement manager at Columbia Forest Products, the tempest made landfall as the region was in the throes of a 500-year flood event. Between the

flooding and the hurricane, it poured relentlessly for three days in some locations without pause. The unfathomable volume of rain, 40-50 inches, turned tiny mountain creeks about an inch deep into raging bodies of water 150 feet wide and 10 feet deep. The pressure was more than the oversaturated ground could bear; it gave way, unleashing hundreds of mud and landslides that rushed down from the mountains, taking homes, vehicles, and roads with them.

As if things weren’t dire enough, Helene introduced fiercer-than-usual winds to an already catastrophic scenario. The additional dynamic brought down trees, along with whatever power lines hadn’t already been taken out as a result of the flooding. Taylor, who surveyed the aftermath with his own eyes as he criss-crossed between the hardest-hit counties, recalls the countless trees that were felled, blocking the roadways

and preventing emergency responders, power crews, and locals from getting to where they were needed.

Apart from the flood-hurricane combo, the second big differentiator separating Helene from previous storms was the region’s complete loss of communication with the rest of the world. Not only were the power lines down, the cell phone towers had been disabled — even the sub-units that normally would’ve functioned as backup. “You couldn’t call anybody, you couldn’t check on anybody, you couldn’t coordinate anything,” Taylor says, disbelief still lingering in his voice. The grim task of rescue/recovery, service restoration, and cleanup suddenly became more complicated and daunting than anyone, even FEMA, could ever have imagined. Still, CFP took it in stride.

Priority #1: People

“The first thing that we wanted to do at Columbia was check on all of our people — employees, contractors,” Taylor notes. “All of our efforts went into figuring that out first. Before we addressed the mill or anything, we worked to find out if everybody was okay.” Staff knew

instinctively to come to the mill, where they mobilized face to face before dispersing to confirm the whereabouts of everyone else. “It took us a week to figure that out, that’s how bad communication was,” Taylor says, estimating that three days passed before he was able to reach all seven individuals on his own team. He’s happy to report that there was no loss of life in the mill or among the procurement team, although he believes just about all those employees were touched by tragedy in some way on a personal level.

CFP rallied, as a company and as individual members of the community, to help in any way possible. Taylor and others went out daily for two weeks, helping people locate their

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loved ones, taking generators and food/water supplies where they could, and doing the grunt work of clearing roads. At the corporate level, CFP worked with churches in affected counties to provide assistance. Internally, every employee of the Old Fort mill was gifted $2,000 to use as they saw fit during the trying days ahead. Other meaningful gestures would follow later, like renegotiating haul rates, with the understanding that, due to road outages, trucks were going to have to travel longer distances to reach their destination.

Mending The Mill

It was well over a week before the focus finally turned to the Old Fort facility — which was, well, a mess. The hurricane and punishing winds did not automatically knock the power out, according to Taylor, who says instead there were a series of surges. “There was many thousands of dollars’ worth of electrical damage because of those multiple surges,” he confirms. “You can only test that one machine at time, by firing it back up. It took a long time to get all that figured out.” It didn’t help that flooding had ravaged the mill, too. Timber that was already bought and paid for was ruined, and heavy equipment — from excavators to tractor trailers — had been swept away by the waters. It would take a fortnight before the plant was back online.

By the second week, the mill still wasn’t in a position to buy logs; but with his staff finally intact, Taylor was able to crank that part of the business back up not long after — which was

important for CFP’s contractors, who don’t get paid unless they’re delivering product. More frustration was in store, though, because although some of the roads had been opened up to let in emergency vehicles and smaller utility trucks, they weren’t necessarily passable for tractor trailers. Having viable roadways was pointless, meanwhile, when the bridges connecting them no longer were.

The Lessons

“I did not see a hurricane coming,” Taylor admits. “I did not see rain of this nature coming.” Like many other people in the area, the sheer brunt of pounding rain combined with Helene’s savage winds created a weather event the magnitude of which he had never seen. Still, he isn’t sure there’s anything CFP could have done — or done differently — even if there was a clue about what was in store. “We haven’t changed anything as far as what we would do in an emergency,” he reports. “I think everything we had in place already worked the way it was supposed to.”

But the catastrophe did highlight some vulnerabilities, for sure, starting with the supply chain’s heavy reliance on bridges. “When those go out,” Taylor says bluntly, “there is no easy fix. I don’t know what you do for a back-up.”

Perhaps the biggest takeaway was the importance of being able to reach people and, often, a lot of them all at once. Text messaging was one of the first platforms to be restored after Helene; but even then, Taylor says it was clear that “we needed a better tool to communicate with our vendors.” That’s something

Contractors supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remove sediment from Lake Lure and the Broad River in support of Hurricane Helene recovery operations in Western North Carolina, July 16, 2025 — nine months after the storm. Using heavy equipment such as excavators and rock trucks, crews are creating a passable waterway for barges to access and remove submerged debris. This sediment removal effort is a key step toward restoring safe conditions for the local community and facilitating long-term recovery. So far, more than 50,000 cubic yards and 632,000+ tons of soil and debris have been removed.

Army Corps of Engineers photo by Michael Maddoc

CFP began looking into immediately: switching from a standard SMS plan to a group texting service capable of messaging hundreds of people at a time.

“We’ve learned that even though we can send out a mass email, a lot of our people don’t communicate that way; they don’t see the messages,” he acknowledges. “Everybody does everything by cell

phone and text, though.” The tool would be of immense help, Taylor suspects, even with day-to-day business, such as if a road is shut down due to an accident and that delay is going to affect vendors.

The value of social media was highlighted as well, with Facebook in particular becoming an important resource for identifying closed bridges and alternative truck routes.

Going forward, one change Taylor would like to see is a different inventory management strategy. He’s worried for a couple of years that CFP doesn’t keep enough product on hand to carry it through weather events, and Helene reinforced the need to have some more pressing conversations around that.

Given its violent collision with a 500-year flood event, there’s no expectation that another Helene-level storm will hit the region in this lifetime, or even the next. But whatever future challenge presents to the supply chain — because there’s always going to be another flood, another wind event, another something — CFP will be ready to respond with hurricane-strength grit and determination. S P

Denise Williams is the Editorial Senior Manager at the North American Building Material Distribution Association. Visit www. nbmda.org for more information.

AT THE SHOW

October 14-17, 2025

Pordenone, Italy exposicam.it

SICAM 2025 is a key international tradeshow for components, accessories, and semi-finished materials in furniture production. It’s already sold out and will feature hundreds of exhibitors from many countries, showcasing innovations in hardware, surfaces,

October 25-29, 2025 High Point, North Carolina highpointmarket.org

High Point Fall Market 2025 is the premier semiannual trade show for the home furnishings industry. Spanning more than 11.5 million square feet of showroom space with thousands of exhibitors, it offers a deep dive into new furniture,

adhesives, panels, fabrics/leathers, and finishes. Featuring the motto, “All the ideas for the furniture of the future,” themes at the show will include sustainability, design trends, product functionality, and emerging materials.

lighting, décor, and trend forecasts. The event combines buying opportunities with education, networking, and inspiration — making it a must-attend for designers, retailers, manufacturers, and brands.

AT THE SHOW

Debuting October 26-29, 2025 in Cologne, idd cologne (Interior Design Days Cologne) is a new premium trade fair focused on high-end interior design solutions across residential, hospitality, and contract sectors. The event will combine curated showroom-style exhibits, creative brand presentations, and trend

discussions in both dedicated fair venues at Koelnmesse and select hotspots across Cologne via its “idd cologne downtown” program. With inspiring design, high-quality brands and a unique “urban-only” concept, idd cologne is sending a clear signal for the future, right from its very first edition in the heart of Cologne.

The AWFS Fair 2025 brought together thousands of woodworking professionals for one of the industry’s largest showcases of tools, technology, and materials. With nearly 500 exhibitors, the event highlighted advances in CNC machinery, software integration, hardware systems, and finishing solutions, all aimed at improving efficiency and production quality. Live equipment demonstrations kept the aisles buzzing, while

educational sessions offered insights into everything from shop safety to scaling a business in a shifting market. Beyond the products, the show fostered valuable networking, with suppliers, distributors, and fabricators connecting to share ideas and strategies. The energy on the floor underscored a strong sense of optimism — positioning the woodworking industry to embrace innovation and growth well beyond 2025. S P

Recognizing Fresh Designs

The 2025 Fresh Wood Student competition winners honored high school and postsecondary students from across the country, showcasing the latest talent in woodworking at AWFS. Winners included:

A. Best of Show and Case Goods – 1st Place, Post-Secondary Eliot Childress “The Next Chapter” Center for Furniture Craftsmanship

B. Tables – 1st Place, High School Jacob Hamblin “Grain & Goal Foosball Table” Corner Canyon High School

C. Design for Production – 1st Place, Overall Ky Frederick “Tension & Flow” Lincoln East High School

D. Tables – 1st Place, Post-Secondary Wesley Terrell “Side Table” Center for Furniture Craftsmanship

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A strong example of performance-driven design can be found in the medical wing of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) Careerline Tech Center. The project’s interior designer, Katrina Wrobleski from GMB, recognized that students would be learning about various healthcare fields and prioritized selecting a hard-wearing surface material that could withstand the demands of an educational environment.

“I selected REHAU RAUVISIO noir in Midnight Dash for the casework at OAISD’s Careerline Tech Center,” she says. “The material comes in a matte finish which provides a modern design aesthetic as well as durability for an education setting. The students are learning

about various healthcare fields at the remodeled facility, so I looked for a hard-wearing material that has some very cool features such as antimicrobial properties, fingerprint resistance and self-healing capabilities! The color went with our design concept of providing a healthcare centric palette within an education space.”

Looking Ahead

In commercial design, trends may shift, but the expectation remains the same, says Langlois. “A space should look as exceptional on day 1,000 as it did on day one. A well-maintained appearance isn’t just aesthetic — it directly impacts brand perception, customer experience, and even profitability. That’s why high-quality, high-tech surfaces are seeing growing demand across sectors.”

“With today’s technological advancements and global manufacturing ingenuity, the possibilities for surface design — specifically in the wood-based panels world — are virtually limitless,” says Langlois. “In the near future, this sector is expected to see an even greater variety of design expressions.

“Already, collections are taking inspiration from a wide range of materials — and because these are printed technologies, the design and artistic possibilities are endless,” she adds. “With their enhanced technical performance, sustainable attributes, and more accessible price point compared to other materials, [these collections] offer a true playground for designers.”

“Imagine a panel that takes cues from the visual rhythm of artisanal tile, translates the ornate beauty of a woven rug into a new medium, or presents a woodgrain in a colour never found on tree bark,” continues Langlois. “These innovations are particularly well-suited to applications such as wall cladding, where a distinctive aesthetic can be paired with the superior technical properties of modern panel collections.” S P

BY DESIGN S P DOORDACHT ONTWERP (THOUGHTFUL DESIGN)

We at Surface & Panel are constantly amazed by the new products and their applications in our industry. S&P By Design showcasess some of those innovations used in real projects around the world.

The Huis van de Kappers (House of the Hairdressers) retail salon in Belgium turned to architect Tom Vanwynsberghe with Fugazzi Spatial Design for a new interior that breathes warmth and class. He says he had recently learned about Unilin’s Master Oak and was impressed with the high-quality wood look and feel. “Master Oak is also extremely strong and more affordable than real oak,” he says. “The price/performance ratio is very good."

The fact that Master Oak is scratch-resistant was a decisive factor in the choice of architectural firm and customer. “The average veneer wood is actually unsuitable for hairdressing shops,” explains Vanwynsberghe. "The airborne hairs are razor sharp and destroy everything. By comparison, only all-ceramic tiles are strong enough

to be used as a hairdresser’s flooring. The hairs can even ruthlessly lift a cast floor. Then you also need something scratchresistant for the rest of the interior."

"The interior of a hairdresser’s shop must also be easy to clean, so real oak is not an option,” he continues. “Laminate (HPL) can handle this, but I never suggest it if a customer asks for wood. With Master Oak, there is finally a product that is both sturdy and feels like real wood. No other product comes anywhere near it. You don't feel like you’re dealing with laminate. The flawless finish with edging in the same color completes this interior project — aesthetically and functionally." S P

Share your interesting and innovative projects with us to be featured in S&P By Design! Submit 1-3 images and a brief explanation of the project, including materials used, along with your company name and URL to jwilliams@526mediagroup.com. You will be contacted if your project is selected for publication in an upcoming issue.

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