The Metalica Collection by Tau Ceramica is a glazed porcelain series of metallic-coated tiles styled to emulate the look of studded metal plating or grillwork.

The collection includes Dore, which has subtle gold tint, and Alpax, which features a steel coloration. Both series are available in 8-inch-square and 12-by-24-inch formats. In addition, the floor tiles feature an anti-slip grid and a special finish treatment, Tau says.

Alcalagres recently introduced its Isla series of porcelain wood tile. The Isla tile series features through-body porcelain with veining throughout. For interior flooring applications, the tile is available in 19 1/2- and 15 3/5-inch-square formats.

Custom Building Products has updated its line of surface preparation products in the waterproofing and anti-fracture membrane, self-leveling underlayment, and patching compound and bedding mortar categories.

RedGard Waterproofing and Anti-Fracture Membrane (formerly known as LevelQuik), is the flagship in its product category. In addition, Custom offers Trowel & Seal, a two-part, cement-based system for horizontal and vertical installations.

LevelQuik self-leveling underlayments are cement-based products available in Rapid Setting, Deep Pour and Extended Set formulations to meet a variety of requirements.

Skim Coat & Patch Cement Underlayment is a polymer-modified compound designed to repair surface imperfections on a wide variety of substrates. The product can be mixed with Patching & Leveling Latex Additive.

Safe-T Sheet vinyl flooring from Tarkett Sommer is designed with a slip-retardant component to aid in the prevention of slips and falls. Safe-T Sheet incorporates a ceramic technology embedded in the PUR-reinforced surface of the floor.

The PUR wearlayer is designed to change the cleaning characteristics of the floor by minimizing the need for wet cleaning methods and eliminating the need for polish and wax, Tarkett Sommer says.

Safe-T Sheet features heat-welded seams, stain resistance, indentation resistance, and low-contrasting visuals for hospital and healthcare facility environments, the company says.

Tai Ping Carpets and Rugs has blended wools and silks to create new carpet collections and looks. Zen Silks is a handmade Wools of New Zealand introduction featuring four styles. Classic & Chic is another Wools of New Zealand introduction available with two textures.

Four additional collections are updates to existing handmade product lines. They include D?r II (six patterns and textures), Timeless II (six styles), Crossroads II (six textures) and Park Lane II (eight patterns).

Flexco has rolled out new WoodTones Premium Wood Vinyl, a line of solid vinyl tile styled to realistically provide the look of natural wood. WoodTones combines a printed film layer with a wear-resistant vinyl surface, the company says.

Available in an assortment of eight popular wood types and colors, WoodTones is engineered to meet design needs in traditional, contemporary, commercial, and residential applications.

WoodTones is a 100 percent vinyl construction and comes with a 10-year limited wear warranty.

Witex USA recently debuted Laura Ashley ceramic tile, a selection of porcelain tile for home and commercial settings, whether for high-traffic areas or designer focal points.

A wide variety of large- and small-format floor tiles -- as well as wall tiles, borders, inserts, trims, listellos and a full palette of complementary grout colors -- is available.

Initial floor tile sizes include 12-, 13-, 16-, and 20-inch squares.

Elements of the Mohawk Ceramic program are now being formalized nationally, with more product, merchandising, training and promotional ideas slated for 2003, according to the company.

Mohawk Ceramic now offers a loose tile program to all Mohawk dealers nationwide, and has just unveiled a new display. The wing type display holds 26-by-24-inch samples divided among the company's Classic, Natural, Rustic, and Slate collections. Samples are color coded for cross-referencing, and usage icons indicate acceptable applications -- such as indoor, outdoor, walls, and floors -- for the tile.

Eliane has produced a Porcellanato Antico brochure that showcases the Fuoco Della Terra series of porcelain tile. The collection offers a mix of natural hues, a non-slip finish and the new Fuoco Della Terra earth tones, Eliane says.

Fuoco is described in the brochure as containing "glowing and ravishing colors." Terra features colors that are "historical, erosive and everlasting," the brochure posits.

Spanish porcelain tile manufacturer Gayafores has released Ordesa, a PEI-IV rated glazed porcelain tile series offered in a 13-by-13-inch format. The series features a wide tone variation for additional rustic effect.