TileLetter

As part of its central “Living Home” theme at Coverings 2026, Portobello America unveiled the DUAL collection. Proudly Made in the USA, DUAL is a high-definition black and white porcelain system that transforms an essential palette into deep, architectural textures, bringing a bold, tactile character to contemporary living spaces. By shifting the focus from color to the expressive power of surface, DUAL proves that restraint can be a powerful catalyst for innovation.

Builder sentiment remains subdued as rising material costs, elevated mortgage rates, and ongoing affordability challenges continue to strain the housing market. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 35 in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This is the 14th straight month that sentiment has remained below 40, a streak not seen since 2011-2012 during the foreclosure crisis.

LATICRETE, a manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has launched its Blue Premier™ Rewards, a new digital loyalty platform designed to strengthen relationships with contractors, installers, and dealers. Designed to recognize both loyalty and long-term engagement with the brand, the program reflects the LATICRETE commitment to supporting the professionals who use its products every day.

Leading companies from across the flooring industry are once again demonstrating their commitment to advancing sustainability by sponsoring the 2026 Flooring Sustainability Summit, taking place July 15–16 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. As returning headline sponsors, MAPEI and Daltile/Mohawk Group are continuing their commitment to the summit and its mission of fostering industry-wide engagement around responsible manufacturing, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices...

Dave Gobis was a legendary technical expert, mentor and advocate in the tile industry. The tile industry has lost one of its most respected—and legendary—technical experts, mentors, and advocates with Dave Gobis’s passing on July 8, 2026. A third-generation tile setter, Gobis dedicated his career to advancing the tile industry through education, technical excellence, and a willingness to share his knowledge with others.

Garis (Gary) F. Distelhorst, 84, former CEO of the Marble Institute of America (MIA), passed away on July 6 in Avon Lake, Ohio. Visitation is Thursday, July 9 from 4-7 PM at Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon Belden Road, in Avon Lake. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, July 10 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 32929 Lake Road in Avon Lake. Interment will be at a later date at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.

The construction industry added 11,000 jobs on net in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data released this week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 64,000 jobs, an increase of 0.8%. Nonresidential construction employment increased by 19,900 positions, with gains in all three subcategories. Nonresidential specialty traded added the most jobs, increasing by 14,100 net positions.

Houzz, Inc., a leading AI-driven platform for construction and design, has announced a new suite of mobile documentation and communication tools within Houzz Pro, an all-in-one project management and design software that helps professionals win projects, collaborate with clients and teams, and run more efficient and profitable businesses.

For centuries, lattice screens have been part of the Mediterranean building language as a resource capable of regulating the relationship between interior and exterior. With Lumina, Durstone revives this element and reinterprets it through a collection of extruded stoneware designed to respond to the needs of contemporary architecture.

GRABO, a leader in professional-grade premium power tools, is expanding its accessories ecosystem with two new products built to work in tandem with its electric vacuum lifters: the TILE VIBRATION attachment and the BORE MOUNT. Designed to improve speed, precision, and control on the jobsite, both additions help trade professionals tackle demanding applications with greater efficiency and confidence, from smoother tile installations to stable, hands-free drilling.