Issuu

Fall • 2026

U N I T I N G M AT E R I A L S , T E C H N O L O GY A N D D E S I G N

• Beyond Sustainable: The Story We’re Not Telling • The Science of Surfacing: Next-Gen Adhesives, Coatings and Finishes • 2026 Surface Design Guide

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

12HP HSD Spindle 5,000–24,000 RPM

Multi-Zone Universal Vacuum Table

Helical X,Y Axis Rack and Pinion

8-Position Automatic Tool Changing System

Do Less. Produce More.

When your work revolves around sheets and panels, precision and speed can’t be optional. The SmartShop® 2 Elite pairs a 12HP HSD Spindle (5,000–24,000 RPM) with a multi-zone universal vacuum table to keep full sheets flat, secure, and perfectly registered from the first cut to the last. Its Helical X,Y Rack and Pinion drive delivers smooth, accurate motion across the entire table, ideal for nested-based manufacturing and repeatable panel processing. With an 8-position automatic tool changer, you can move from drilling to cutting to profiling without breaking your workflow.

SCAN HERE

FOR INQUIRIES (800) 234-1976

LAGUNATOOLS.COM

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THE FUTURE OF LIGHTING DOESN’T HANG FROM THE CEILING

NeoLoop 4 (N4) is redefining how designers shape light. Integrated into furniture, cabinetry, millwork, and architectural details, its f lexible form creates seamless illumination that moves with the design vision. From subtle toe-kick lighting to bold architectural statements, NeoLoop 4 allows light to become part of the material palette itself.

Discover more at: trescolighting.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

Fa l l • 2 0 2 6

CONTENTS

VO L 2 4 • I S S 5

U N I T I N G M AT E R I A L S , T E C H N O L O G Y A N D D E S I G N

FEATURES 10 It’s Time to Forget About ‘Sustainability’ As an industry, we’re failing miserably where we should be winning bigly.

12 The Science of Surfacing How next-generation adhesives, coatings and finishes are redefining performance — and changing manufacturing

16 Translating the European Kitchen Global design ideas are reshaping the North American kitchen

20 Investing in Sustainable Performance Through Long Term R&D The future of sustainable products will not be created by substituting one material for another.

22 The New Risks of Offshore Plywood Federal trade actions are changing the calculus for hardwood plywood sourcing and putting a renewed spotlight on domestic manufacturing.

26 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.

46 @TheShow

SICAM 2026 High Point Fall Market 2026 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention 2026 ACTE CareerTech VISION 2026

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12 DEPARTMENTS 8 From the President Our biggest step yet

24 Distribution Matters Building a winning team from scratch

48 Ad Index 50 S&P By Design Learning among the trees ON THE COVER: Kronospan’s ColorTouch decorative surface pairs solid color with the tactile character of a realistic wood texture, bringing added depth and warmth to contemporary cabinetry. Featured on this issue’s cover, the application demonstrates how texture can transform a monochromatic palette, creating visual dimension while maintaining the clean, refined aesthetic of a solid-color surface.

Cover image courtesy of Kronospan

LAMINATING 55 High-Performance Wood Adhesive LAMINATING | VENEERING | ASSEMBLY

FAST SETTING. HIGH TACK. VERSATILE USE. Laminating 55 is a vinyl acetate copolymer adhesive designed to bond HPL to particleboard and fiberboard. This dynamic adhesive can be used in a variety of ways, including continuous heated-panel laminating systems, pinch roll and dead stack or limited lay-up time cold-press operations. This product offers a short set time and high tack with no-added formaldehyde.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Used for a variety of laminating, veneering, and assembly applications including HP and wood bonding for cabinetry, case goods, countertops, flooring, furniture, wood components, wall treatments, and decorative surfaces. L

BONDING OPERATIONS

Excellent for use in heated nip roll, dead stack operations, and cold pressing operations. Can be sprayed, brushed, extruded, roll coated and transfer coated.

PH SICAL PROPERTIES Y

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inyl Acetate Copolymer

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3000 4200 cP 4, 60 rpm, 73 F

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55% - 5 %

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41.7 F / 5.4 C

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Like all ad esi$es, proper use, storage, and manufacturing conditions are required to ac ie$e stated performance

PRODUCT FEATURES High Tac Fast Settin ide Éange of Uses k

Excellent Gre

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NAF for CARB and TSCA Title VI

STORAGE¼ SHELF LIFE Á HANDLING

Shelf life: Best if used within twelve months of date of manufacture. Mix before use. Product is not freeze thaw stable. Consult our technical service team, SDS, and PDS to confirm compatibility with application needs before use of product. Contact our team by scanning the ÷É code below or emailing IASCSôfranklininternational.com.

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN ADHESION | franklinap.com | 1.800.877.4583 As with all products, proper use, storage, and handling are required to achieve stated compliance, end use product capabilities, and performance. The information provided in this Product Guide is based on data believed to be reliable; however, it is offered without guarantee, as methods and conditions of use are beyond Franklin’s control. Customers are responsible for evaluating product suitability prior to commercial use. Substrate appearance and performance including potential surface marking, discoloration, or coating variation may be influenced by material composition, application conditions, or environmental exposure. Franklin assumes no responsibility for such effects. All purchases are subject to Franklin International, Inc.’s Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale; any additional or differing terms are expressly rejected. Contact us for a copy of these Terms if needed. © 2026 Franklin International. All rights reserved. Franklin International, 2020 Bruck Street, Columbus, OH 43207, USA.

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

P R E S I D E N T/ P U B L I S H E R

Patrick Adams PH: 714-486-2735

padams@526mediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Shelly Adams M A N AG I N G E D I T O R

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

David Koenig, DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL Sara Graves, SENIOR EDITOR G U E S T C O LU M N I S T S & CONTRIBUTORS

Kenn Busch Keith Christman Bryce Cole Michael Wilbur 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 D I G I TA L S U P P O R T

Katherine Williams kwilliams@526mediagroup.com C I R C U L AT I O N / S U P P O R T PH: 714-486-2735 info@526mediagroup.com 526 MEDIA GROUP 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. J3 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 PH: 714-486-2735

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Surface & Panel is published quarterly by 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. J3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, telephone 714-486-2735. © 2026 by 526 Media Group. Patrick Adams, President. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical without written permission from the publisher. Subscription policy: Individual subscriptions are available without charge to manufacturers who engage in panel processing, qualified service providers, and suppliers. Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualified subscribers. One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: U.S. $50, Canada/Mexico $75, all other countries $100, payable in U.S. funds. Single issues are $15, and must be prepaid. 526 Media Group does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. Printed in the U.S.A. Change of Address Send address label from recent issue, new address, and 9-digit zip to address below. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Surface & Panel, 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. J3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Surface & Panel (USPS 223) is published quarterly at 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. J3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 by 526 Media Group, Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Santa Ana, CA, and additional post offices. Fall 2026 • Volume 24 • Number 5

INVISIBLE TECHNOLOGY.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN. Hide the Technology. Not the Signal.

Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Pass-Through + Acoustically Transparent + Ventilation Friendly.

1. Nexus Wide Gallery Rail in Knurled Polished Nickel. 2. RF Transparent Panels offer a refined alternative to traditional black speaker mesh for cabinetry housing technology. Featuring acoustic material with 95% acoustic transparency, perforated interior panels, and RF-friendly construction, the Cut-to-Size panels support both audio performance and wireless connectivity.

@designsofdistinction_kbh info@brownwoodinc.com 888.480.1752 • dod.brownwoodinc.com SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

F R O M

T H E

P R E S I D E N T

Our Biggest Step Yet

ifteen years ago, my wife and I left corporate America. I had worked for some of the largest organizations in the world. I learned what scale looks like, what process looks like, and what a machine capable of producing results looks like. I also learned that scale, process and machines are not enough. At least not for me. We wanted something we couldn’t find inside those buildings: a company anchored in values, where the people mattered, the work mattered, and success could be measured by more than a spreadsheet. So we left. We risked everything on our first acquisition. Our savings. Our careers. Our reputations. Our family’s security. Everything we had built was suddenly riding on an idea we couldn’t prove would work. I wish I could tell you I was fearless. I wasn’t. There were plenty of moments when I wondered if I had made the biggest mistake of my life. But we believed in what we were building more than we feared what could happen if we failed. And it worked. Then we did it again. And again. For 15 years, one careful step at a time, through acquisitions, recessions, a pandemic, industry changes, successes, mistakes and more sleepless nights than I care to count, we built 526 Media Group into a company I am deeply proud of. And now, we have taken our biggest step yet. 526 Media Group has acquired ARCHITECT, Journal of Light Construction, and a portfolio of additional Hanley Wood titles from Zonda. That includes two actively published iconic brands — ARCHITECT and Journal of Light Construction — along with ProSales, Professional Deck Builder, Remodeling, Public Works, Residential Architect, Concrete Construction, Replacement Contractor, and Tools of the Trade, which we intend to bring back to market. It also includes ArchitectU, the P/A Awards, and the Residential Architecture and Design Awards. Combined with the brands we have already been entrusted to steward — Surface & Panel, The Merchant Magazine, Building Products Digest, Deck Specialist, Red Book Lumber Data, Lumberman Coffee, and the Brand Visibility Power Ranking — 526 Media Group is now the largest B2B media platform serving the

entire North American building materials and construction industry. But the size isn’t what excites me most. It’s what we can now do with it. For the first time, our company can serve this industry across virtually its entire journey — from the architect sitting at a drafting table specifying a product, to the manufacturer making it, the distributor moving it, the dealer stocking it, and the builder, remodeler or contractor putting it to work on the jobsite. Print. Digital. Newsletters. Video. Events. Continuing education. Awards. Research. Market intelligence. Data. And soon, something I am particularly excited about: the Lumber Price Report within Red Book Lumber Data. For generations, this industry has relied on lumber pricing information to make some of its most important decisions. We now have the opportunity to bring a new independent pricing resource to the market, built around the same philosophy behind everything else we do: serve the industry first, provide information people can trust, and build tools that help them make better decisions. That matters to me. Because somewhere along the way, we stopped thinking of ourselves as simply a media company. Our job isn’t just to publish magazines or websites. Our job is to help this industry know more, see farther, make better decisions, connect more effectively, and ultimately become stronger. This acquisition dramatically expands our ability to do that. It also changes the responsibility we carry. Being the largest is not the accomplishment. Being worthy of it is. Leadership means people watch what you do. It means your mistakes become more consequential. It means you have an obligation to invest, innovate, listen, protect trust, and occasionally take a position when it would be easier to remain quiet. I welcome that responsibility.

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

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Our job is to help this industry know more, see farther, make better decisions, connect more effectively, and ultimately become stronger. Because this gives us the opportunity to prove something we have believed since the day we left corporate America: you can humbly serve an industry you love and, at the same time, build a thriving organization filled with amazing, passionate people who care deeply about what they do. Those two things are not in tension. They are the same thing. There is another part of this story that means even more to me personally. My family has lived every chapter of this journey. They lived through the late nights, missed dinners, calls during vacations, deals that worked, and deals that didn’t. They saw the excitement, but they also carried the uncertainty. When an entrepreneur says, “I’m willing to risk everything,” the truth is that “everything” rarely belongs only to them. They may not always realize it, but your family takes that risk with you. My wife has stood beside me through all of it. My children have grown up alongside this company. Fifteen years ago, this was a dream their parents were chasing. Today, it is part of their story too. There is no accomplishment this company could ever achieve that would mean more to me than knowing we built it without sacrificing the values we set out to protect. And then there is our team. To the 526 Media Group team: look behind you today. Fifteen years of work is standing there. Every deadline met when nobody was watching. Every customer taken care of. Every flight, event, late night, difficult conversation, new idea, mistake corrected, and extra effort when it would have been easier to say, “good enough.” You built this. And to the talented teams joining us: these publications have histories and reputations that existed long before this transaction. Generations of talented people built and protected them. We understand what has been entrusted to us. Our commitment is not to change what made them great. It is to invest in what makes them great — and give them the resources to serve this industry for generations to come. We also did not get here alone. This industry has been extraordinarily generous with me. Countless fearless people have blessed me with their time, stories, friendship, and advice — people whose names shape how I lead every day. Industry executives who showed me what fearless leadership actually looks like. Not

reckless. Fearless. There is a difference, and it matters. They taught me that courage isn’t ignoring risk. It is understanding the risk, doing the work, knowing what you stand for, and then moving forward when fear is the only thing left telling you to stop. More importantly, they taught me that when people place their trust in you, you return that trust through action — with honesty, hard truths, real commitments, and your best effort every single day. So to this industry: thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your stories. Thank you for answering my calls, challenging my thinking, forgiving our mistakes, celebrating our successes, and allowing us to become part of your family. We intend to be worthy of what you have given us. Fifteen years ago, my family and I stepped into the unknown with little more than faith, values and the belief that something better was possible. Today I’m looking at what was waiting on the other side of that fear. And somehow, it feels like we’re just getting started. As always, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve you and this great industry. Patrick S. Adams, Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

BIOBASED

It’s Time to Forget About ‘Sustainability’ BY KENN BUSCH

BIOCARBON

ho’s in the mood for a little tough love? Everyone? Good. Buckle up. As an industry, we’re failing miserably where we should be winning bigly. We’re leaving our best plays in the playbook; our best scenes on the cutting room floor; our best story well below the fold; insert your own favorite “close-but-no-cigar” analogy here. I’m talking specifically about the climate-positive impacts of composite wood-based materials, the only materials in the world that actually go beyond sustainability, by storing more naturally captured carbon than is released in their production and use. The A&D community, knowing that their projects account for about 40 percent of all global C02 emissions annually, is searching for ways mitigate this impact, hunting a mythical beast that might somehow leave the world a better place, even as we use more of it. The answer, obviously, is forest-fiber products, particularly wood composites like particleboard and MDF, and all of the surfaces and finishes they carry. TFL is arguably THE most sustainable material in the furniture and construction industries.

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RENEWABLE

BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY

Whether the core is particleboard, MDF or plywood, studies consistently show that: 1. The amount of carbon sequestered from the atmosphere source trees as they grow literally outweighs, by as much as 40 percent, the carbon released in converting fiber into a laminated panel. 2. The amount of carbon stored in these panels, until they burn or rot, is enough to offset carbon emissions from downstream conversion into cabinetry, millwork and furniture. 3. TFL’s decorative surfaces replace finishes that have higher negative environmental impacts, including solid wood, wood veneers, metals, lacquer and paint. 4. TFL’s durability leads to longer useful lifespans and less energy spent on cleaning and replacement. And that's only a partial list of TFL's climate-positive advantages. In 25 years of writing CEUs (the continuing education courses, often delivered as lunch-and-learns, that are accredited by the AIA and IDCEC), I've found few materials that check as many of the boxes A&D specifiers say they're looking for.

And yet, when you ask architects and interior designers, “How is TFL helping you meet your environmental impact goals?” the answer too often is: ‘What’s TFL?’ You read that right. This summer I was brainstorming CEU topics with the materials and sustainability specialist for one of the top 10 architectural firms in the world. I suggested TFL, and they said: “None of our designers even know what it is.” This, from the leadership of a huge firm you’ve all heard of, but I’m not allowed to mention here. Further: “They…we…our entire industry…really needs CEUs on TFL. I know it’s probably showing up in most or all of our projects, but it’s not being used properly, or everywhere it should be, because our teams are not intentionally specifying it; it’s just showing up because some of our venders are using it.” Here, a warning: The “everything we think you should know about our products” approach is NOT the way to get a CEU on the radar of firms of this caliber. I’ve had several specifiers tell me these CEUs are “snoozers,” to be avoided at all costs. Today’s generation of specifiers is looking for content that’s more focused on their needs, not a dump of everything a supplier thinks they should be interested in. CEUs that profile real-world projects and feature case-study conversations with specifiers – this is what we need to offer. An architect from another firm, this one in the global top five, offers this: “Connecting the technical aspects of a product to something that's real life in terms of application is particularly interesting. I'm interested in how things perform and why they are the way they are, and then I love the detailing of it. But I also want to know the real-world application, how you sell it, or how it connects to other things, or how it coexists with other elements. “The other focal point is to lower embodied carbon usage in built environments.” Biobased. Biocarbon. Regenerative. Infinitely Renewable. Climate Positive. If you sell or build with composite wood, you should be using these terms. What? You’re not? Shame on you. This is a small sampling of the lingua franca of today’s architects and designers. It’s the perfect place to start our education journey with this audience. And it’s your story, whether you make the panels, supply the edgebanding, build the cabinets or install the millwork. The suppliers most successful in A&D specification are the ones that have carved out their own health-safety-wellness stories and connected them to real-world successes. And I can tell you: NONE of their stories are as powerful as ours, from supporting managed forestry through long-term carbon storage to commercial-grade durability in critical applications.

TFL is arguably THE most “sustainable material in the furniture and construction industries.

”

If you want to connect with this important audience, launch a CEU that celebrates how your climate-positive materials are moving the needle in the built environment. Your angle: Our products go beyond sustainability. For a great perspective on our shared opportunity, listen to Berkley-based architect Gavin Knowles, who is featured in one of my upcoming CEUs: ‘Everything we build must make the world better.’ He traces his skepticism of the word “sustainability” back to before most of the industry had learned it. Merely sustaining something isn't the goal, Gavin argues. You want to grow. You want to thrive. “Sustainability, I feel, has lost its impact as a word, and I'm kind of excited that people are starting to use ‘regenerative.’ “It's our goal as designers or makers of things to be sure that storing carbon is integral to the things we create, so that achieving the clients' goals also stores carbon, and supports bioregional economies, and heals local ecosystems.” And this, from environmental engineer and writer Clara Fang, from all the way back in 2013: “In nature, 'sustainability' is not a healthy state of things. A healthy ecosystem is vibrant, thriving, dynamic and creative. Human societies are the same way. A society that merely sustains itself is in trouble; it is on the verge of collapsing.” We have the best climate-positive materials story in the world. Let’s share it. S P Kenn Busch is the publisher of MaterialIntelligence.com, ClimatePostiveNOW.org, and hosts the Material IQ podcast. He curates the Destination: NeoCon materials exhibit, and is a frequent public speaker on materials and sustainability. Kenn has been a journalist in the furniture and interiors industries since 1990 and has produced dozens of CEUs.

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

COATINGS & ADHESIVES

The Science of Surfacing How Next-Generation Adhesives, Coatings and Finishes Are Redefining Performance—and Changing Manufacturing BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

finished surface may be judged first by what can be seen and touched, but increasingly, its performance is being determined by what happens behind the scenes. Across panel processing, cabinetry, furniture and architectural products, advances in adhesive chemistry, curing technologies, coatings and automated finishing systems are changing both what surfaces can do and how efficiently manufacturers can produce them. Stronger bonds, lower curing temperatures, faster line speeds and increasingly precise application systems are converging with demands for better aesthetics, improved durability and reduced environmental impact. The result is a new generation of surfacing technology in which chemistry and process control are becoming as important as the decorative material itself. Reactive adhesives move forward One of the clearest shifts is the continued evolution of reactive adhesive systems, particularly polyurethane (PUR) technologies. John Elder, vice president of Furniture and Building Elements at Jowat, said PUR itself is hardly new. But what has changed is its practicality on the manufacturing floor.

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“Perhaps the most dramatic innovation impact we see for surface manufacturing involves the improved user friendliness of reactive (crosslinking) adhesive technology,” Elder said. PUR hot melts and dispersions offer strong bonds and resistance to heat and moisture, but historically those advantages could come with higher adhesive and maintenance costs. New formulations, cleaning products and processes are reducing those barriers. The technology is also becoming more adaptable. Elder said manufacturers once might have needed two or three adhesive formulations to accommodate changing factory climates, laminates or substrates. Newer PUR formulations can operate across broader processing conditions, reducing changeovers and improving both production and procurement efficiency. Reactive hot melts are also gaining attention at Franklin Adhesives & Polymers. Audrey Albright, technical marketing manager, sees the technology as an important development for the panel industry over the next several years. “These products offer manufacturers the opportunity to combine fast processing speeds with strong bond performance and durability,” she said. Audrey Albright

DVUV Wood Powder Coating Line

That combination becomes particularly valuable as manufacturers pursue faster lines and increasingly varied surface applications. When the adhesive can't show As decorative surfaces become thinner and more sophisticated, adhesive performance is also becoming an aesthetic consideration. Josh Savage, account executive at Daubert Chemical Company, noted that increasingly realistic textures leave little room for the adhesive layer to interfere with the finished product. “Low operating temperatures and low Josh Savage coat weights are essential for hot melt adhesives such as PUR to create the most realistic touch and feel of the finished panel and not degrade the decorative surface or have the glue line telegraph through,” Savage said. At the same time, faster-setting adhesives with high green strength allow panels to move sooner into machining, assembly and other downstream operations. That makes bond performance part of the broader effort to increase throughput

rather than simply a step in the lamination process. Kleiberit Adhesives USA Technical Sales Engineer Brian Janke sees similar opportunities as adhesive and coating technologies increasingly work together. Developments in hot coating, for example, can add durability to laminated products and expand their potential applications, including flat lamination and profile wrapping. Curing faster — and cooler The evolution is happening on the coating side as well. For heat-sensitive substrates, one particularly significant development is UV-cured powder coating. Traditional powder coating has been associated largely with metal because conventional curing temperatures can be problematic for woodbased materials. UV curing changes the equation. “One of the greatest opportunities for UV cured powder coating is in applications involving heat-sensitive substrates — specifically wood,” said David Palange, general manager of DVUV Wood Powder David Palange Coating. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12›

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

By minimizing both the heat and time required for curing, the process expands powder coating opportunities for MDF and other wood-based products, as well as plastics and composites. Potential applications range from cabinetry and furniture to architectural products, retail fixtures, healthcare environments and building products. The speed of UV curing can also translate into smaller finishing footprints, lower energy use and faster production cycles. Those gains illustrate a broader direction in coatings development: achieving higher performance with fewer resources. “New and improved coating chemistries provide enhanced resistance to scratches, chemicals, stains, moisture, weathering and everyday wear,” Palange said. At the same time, shorter cure cycles and reduced heat requirements can increase throughput and move parts more quickly into assembly, packaging or shipping. Automation changes the equation Chemistry, however, is only part of the transformation.

Automation is changing how those chemistries are applied and controlled. Automatic adhesive spray systems are increasingly replacing manual application in 3D lamination, according to Elder. That transition can expose the limitations of traditional two-component systems that require mixing and have defined pot lives. Singlecomponent technologies that provide crosslinking performance without manual mixing can therefore fit more readily into automated production. Daubert's Savage points to another advantage: repeatability. Robotic spray systems can apply uniform coatings, while vision systems paired with UV indicators can identify missing or lightly coated areas before a component moves farther down the line. That precision becomes especially important as automated handling speeds increase. If an adhesive has not cured sufficiently before automated stacking, for example, vacuum handling can damage or pull a decorative surface from the board. On finishing lines, digital controls are extending that precision beyond application. “Automation is making finishing processes more consistent, measurable and repeatable,” Palange said. Manufacturers can increasingly monitor variables including

UV Cured Powder Coating Line from DVUV

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film thickness, oven and part temperatures, conveyor speed and cure parameters, making adjustments before deviations become larger quality problems. The production data generated can also reveal trends that help reduce scrap, rework and unplanned maintenance. Sustainability moves into the process Environmental considerations are similarly moving beyond individual product claims and into the overall manufacturing process. Waterborne and 100 percent solids adhesives continue to gain ground as manufacturers seek alternatives to solvent-based products, Savage said. Those technologies can reduce concerns surrounding VOCs and occupational exposure while offering a range of cure times and processing characteristics. Franklin's Albright also reports increasing demand for no-added-formaldehyde and low-VOC adhesive systems. Formaldehyde-emissions requirements, including CARB and TSCA Title VI, have already helped accelerate adhesive development, pushing suppliers to balance regulatory compliance with bond performance and production efficiency. That balance is important. Sustainability improvements that slow a line or compromise durability are difficult to implement at scale. Increasingly, the objective is to improve several measures simultaneously. Rebecca Lonczak, marketing manager at DVUV Wood Powder Coating, described the goal as enabling manufacturers to “do more with less” — improving performance and quality while shortening process times and Rebecca Lonczak reducing energy use, material consumption and environmental impact. Surfaces get smarter Over the next five to 10 years, the definition of surface performance is likely to expand further. Elder expects continued development of self-healing, softtouch and matte finishes, along with growing use of bio-based and environmentally responsible materials. Those new surfaces and substrates will, in turn, require adhesives capable of bonding them reliably. Savage likewise anticipates more composite and bio-based materials entering the market. Because those materials can present new bonding challenges, adhesive chemistry will have to evolve alongside substrate innovation. Coatings, meanwhile, are becoming increasingly functional. Lonczak points to continued development in chemical and scratch resistance, weatherability, specialty textures and antimicrobial properties. The manufacturing systems applying those technologies will

UV Powder Coating System from DVUV

become smarter as well. Sensors, robotics and digital controls are moving finishing toward connected systems capable of collecting and responding to production data in real time. “Finishing lines will become increasingly data-driven systems capable of continuously monitoring, adjusting and optimizing operations for greater efficiency, quality and sustainability,” Lonczak said. That may ultimately be the biggest change taking place in the science of surfacing. Adhesives, coatings and finishes are no longer isolated consumables applied near the end of production. They are increasingly integrated pieces of a larger manufacturing system: one in which chemistry, automation, data and design must work together. For manufacturers, that creates opportunities well beyond a better-looking panel. The next generation of surfacing technology promises products that last longer and perform better, coupled with processes that move faster, consume fewer resources and adapt more readily to whatever designers — and customers — ask surfaces to do next. S P

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

DESIGN ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Translating the European Kitchen From integrated lighting and disappearing hardware to micro-Shakers and smarter storage, global design ideas are reshaping the North American kitchen — but adaptation matters more than imitation. BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

uropean kitchen design continues to exert an outsized influence on the North American market. Sleek cabinetry, disappearing hardware, integrated lighting and increasingly architectural interiors are making their way from international trade shows into American showrooms — and onto customers’ wish lists. But Eric Marshall believes the opportunity isn’t in copying the European kitchen. It’s in translating it. Marshall, known throughout the storage industry as “The Closet Guru,” is co-founder of the Closet Training Institute, past president of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals and a current NKBA Global Connect Advisor. During his “European Trends in American Kitchen Remodels” presentation at IWF 2026, he challenged manufacturers and designers to look beyond the aesthetics of what Europe is doing and consider why those kitchens look and function the way they do. The distinction matters because European and American kitchens have evolved around very different lifestyles. European households generally shop more frequently and live with smaller refrigerators and less food storage, while Americans have embraced larger appliances, bulk shopping and kitchens

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PHOTOS COURTESY ERIC MARSHALL

designed to hold considerably more. As Marshall put it, when looking at European trends, “You’re going to go, ‘Oh, that’ll never work in the U.S.’ You’re right. It’ll never work in the U.S. That’s fine.” His advice is to ask a different question: Which parts will? “You get to decide whether you want to take this stuff home to your own shop, to your own sales team, to your own design team,” Marshall said. “But think about it. Does it work for you in your market?” European Influence, American Scale That translation is already happening. Marshall pointed to markets such as Florida and Los Angeles, where customers are increasingly requesting the flat-panel, handleless aesthetic they encounter online. Other regions remain more attached to familiar styles such as the Shaker door. The answer may be neither wholly European nor traditionally American. Instead, Marshall sees designers and manufacturers borrowing the cleaner architecture of European cabinetry while introducing more texture, warmth and familiarity. The goal, he said, is “translating the European into larger, warmer, more American kitchens.”

One example is the micro-Shaker. Rather than abandoning the Shaker aesthetic altogether, manufacturers can reduce it to a much slimmer profile. Marshall described producing the look using an edge bander to apply thin wood to a flat panel, potentially allowing shops to bring a door style in-house that they might otherwise outsource. “You can make a Shaker door,” he told attendees, describing the ability of many edge banders to handle 6-, 8- or even 12-mm material. For panel processors, it is a telling example of how European minimalism can influence manufacturing without requiring American consumers to make an abrupt leap from traditional to ultra-modern design. Hardware Is Disappearing At the same time, cabinetry is becoming visually quieter. Gola channels and recessed pulls helped establish the handleless kitchen, but Marshall sees the movement progressing toward push-to-open and push-to-close systems. By extending a door beyond the cabinet box, the panel itself can even become the pull. “You put a 26-inch door on the 24-inch [cabinet],” Marshall explained. “Now you’ve got it to stick out. It becomes the handle.” The implications extend beyond aesthetics. Eliminating projecting hardware creates cleaner planes across large banks of cabinetry while putting more emphasis on the surface itself — its color, texture, edge treatment and precision. Larger doors also demand better movement systems. Marshall highlighted rack-and-pinion mechanisms that allow oversized doors to move evenly rather than rack when pressure is applied on one side. And despite the rise of handle-less cabinetry, even Gola may eventually become a transitional step.

“Gola was the trend,” Marshall said. “Now it’s trending towards push-to-open.” Lighting Becomes Part of the Cabinet Perhaps Marshall’s strongest message involved lighting. In the European-inspired kitchen, illumination is no longer treated as an accessory added after cabinetry is designed. It is increasingly integrated into channels, shelves, cabinet interiors and other components from the beginning. “Illuminated lighting has become not an upgrade anymore,” Marshall said. “Lighting is standard.” His advice to cabinet manufacturers was equally emphatic: “You don’t put a kitchen without lighting. You just add the lighting. It’s part of the case.” Even wiring is being reconsidered. Instead of automatically concealing every connection, some European systems use thin, finished wiring as an intentional component of the cabinet or shelving system. Sensors can further remove visible controls, allowing lighting to respond automatically to conditions. For manufacturers, that shift changes lighting from an aftermarket option into another element that must be considered alongside machining, hardware and panel construction.

"Illumination is no longer treated as an accessory added after cabinetry is designed .... It is integrated from the beginning."

"Eliminating projecting hardware creates cleaner planes across large banks of cabinetry putting more emphasis on the surface itself...."

Rethinking Storage — Including the Corner Minimalism does not necessarily mean sacrificing function. But it may mean questioning long-standing assumptions about how storage should be created. Marshall is particularly skeptical of one kitchen staple: the corner cabinet. “[The] Lazy Susan is the worst storage thing ever made,” he told attendees, arguing that fitting circular storage into a square cabinet inevitably compromises usable space. He pointed instead to straight cabinet runs and islands — layouts that reduce problematic corners and simplify storage.

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

The same thinking applies to waste systems. Rather than automatically specifying a predetermined number of equal-size bins, Marshall suggested designing around how an individual household actually generates trash and recyclables. “Instead of saying we need four trash cans, let’s design waste storage around how a household actually produces [waste],” he said. It is a small example of a much larger theme running through the European influence: design around behavior rather than convention. Less Cabinetry, More Architecture Perhaps the most significant shift is that the kitchen itself is becoming less visibly “cabinet-like.” Open shelving, oversized panels, tall doors, concealed storage, curved forms and uninterrupted surfaces are creating rooms in which cabinetry increasingly becomes part of the architecture. Marshall described the direction simply as “less cabinetry and more architectural stuff.” Even the familiar toe kick is being reconsidered. European systems using plastic feet with metal skins and rubber seals can help protect cabinetry from water intrusion, while some designs eliminate the visual toe kick altogether, allowing doors and panels to extend nearly to the floor. For North American manufacturers, not every one of those ideas will translate — and Marshall would argue that they shouldn’t.

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"Cabinetry is increasingly becoming part of the architecture." The bigger opportunity is to understand what sits behind them: fewer visual interruptions, more integrated technology, more efficient manufacturing, smarter storage and greater emphasis on the materials and surfaces themselves. European kitchens may provide the leading edge. What emerges here will inevitably look different. And that, Marshall suggests, is precisely the point. S P

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

SUSTAINABILITY ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Investing in

Sustainable Performance

Through Long Term R&D

BY BRYCE COLE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FORMICA

ustainability in the surfacing industry is entering a more complicated phase. For years, companies have invested in reducing energy use, improving manufacturing efficiency and pursuing certifications. Those efforts remain important, but as organizations face tighter budgets and shifting priorities, some sustainability initiatives are being scaled back. That makes continued investment in research and development even more important. The future of sustainable products will not be created by substituting one material for another. It will require science, testing, process innovation, and in many cases, a willingness to accept that the first solution will not be the final one. Innovation Begins with Investment Recent sustainable surfacing launches, including Formica Group’s FENIX NTX, illustrate what this process can look like in practice. The concept evolved through years of environmental research and investment, centered on making more responsible material choices while maintaining the durability, performance and aesthetics customers expect. The important lesson, however, is not the material itself, but the investment in the development process behind it.

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Bringing a new sustainable product to market requires organizations to rethink established manufacturing approaches and develop new parameters for processing materials. Processes established and optimized over many years may not transfer directly to a new product. These processes have to be questioned, tested and reconstructed. That is often what meaningful innovation looks like: taking something that works and asking whether it can work differently. Sustainable Products Still Have to Perform Reshaping the manufacturing process reinforces a broader point about sustainable product development — the material is only one part of the innovation. In the development of FENIX NTX, creating a new approach to processing a product incorporating bio-based materials required sustained investment in material science and manufacturing technology. The goal was to develop a more material-conscious solution while maintaining the qualities customers already know and value. Manufacturing processes, installation characteristics, durability, aesthetics and end-use expectations all have to be considered together. Improving one environmental attribute

or adjustments across the supply chain. Many concepts may not make it to market at all. But even then, the knowledge generated through that work can be valuable, creating new opportunities, informing future products and positioning companies to respond as customer expectations, technology and market conditions change.

cannot come at the expense of the fundamental qualities that make a surfacing product useful in the first place. A successful product must also perform in the real world. This creates a necessary balance between environmental improvement and performance. Sustainable innovation is not about developing a product that looks better on paper. It’s about developing materials that meet the same real-world demands as comparable commercial surfacing products in addition to offering enhanced sustainability benefits.

Sustainability as Product Development From the surfacing industry, the question should move beyond “is this product sustainable?” Sustainability should not be treated as a separate initiative that competes with product development. It should become part of product development itself. The companies that embrace that approach will be better positioned not only to reduce environmental impact, but to create surfaces that are technically differentiated, commercially resilient and prepared for the next decade of design and construction. S P Bryce Cole is an R&D Project Engineer at Formica Corporation with decades of experience in product development, innovation, and product optimization. Throughout his career, he has helped bring new solutions to market while advancing the performance and quality of existing products through engineering expertise and customer-focused innovation.

Testing is Part of the Innovation This is where testing is equally critical. A sustainability claim needs substantiation. Depending on the product and its intended application, that can include evaluating bio-based content, indoor air quality, material ingredients and other environmental attributes. At the same time, traditional performance testing remains essential, including abrasion, scratch resistance, fire performance and durability, for example. The science behind these evaluations can sometimes be less visible than the finished product, but it is fundamental to creating credibility among industry professionals. The Value of Thinking Long Term Sustainable innovation often requires a longer view than the next product cycle. Companies that stop investing in research and development risk more than missing the next sustainability milestone. They risk falling behind technologically, extending development timelines and becoming dependent on aging processes and equipment. By contrast, continued investment creates opportunities to solve the challenges facing manufacturers today while preparing for what comes next. That long-term view matters because not every investment will produce an immediate return. New materials may initially cost more to produce. New processes may require equipment changes, additional testing SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

Specifying Domestic Hardwood and Decorative Plywood Helps Prevent Legal Liability BY KEITH CHRISTMAN

or years, the case for buying hardwood plywood from Decorative Hardwoods Association member mills was mostly an appeal to quality, lead times, and supporting American manufacturing jobs. That case still holds. But over the past several months, the federal government has added a much sharper argument: buying offshore hardwood plywood — particularly from China, Indonesia, or Vietnam — now carries real legal and financial exposure for anyone in the supply chain, from importer to distributor to the fabricator installing the panel. The trade case is closed, and the numbers are large On July 16, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued final affirmative determinations in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The margins are not symbolic. China faces an antidumping rate of 187.27 percent and a countervailing duty rate of 88.96 percent, both calculated using adverse facts available after Commerce found

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Chinese producers uncooperative. Vietnam received a uniform antidumping rate of 90.12 percent, with countervailing duties predominantly at 47.68 percent (one producer was assessed 165.39 percent). Indonesia's rates vary by exporter, with antidumping margins ranging from 15.40 to 84.94 percent and countervailing duties from 4.22 to 128.66 percent. On August 19, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission voted to make its injury determination final, clearing the way for Commerce to issue formal antidumping and countervailing duty orders on hardwood and decorative plywood from all three countries. The Commission also found that softwood structural plywood imports were negligible and terminated that portion of the investigation — this case is squarely about the hardwood and decorative plywood market that DHA members compete in every day. In plain terms: plywood from these three countries is now formally recognized by the U.S. government as dumped, subsidized, or both — and the duties owed on it are large enough to change the economics of a project overnight if they're

assessed retroactively or if a shipment is reclassified. Enforcement has teeth now What makes this moment different from prior trade cases is that the Trump Administration has paired the determinations with a visible enforcement push, and the government is following through with prosecutions and seizures rather than settling for paper penalties. In April 2026, Boise Cascade pleaded guilty to a felony Lacey Act violation and was sentenced to a $6.38 million fine for its role in a scheme that ran from 2018 to 2021, in which the company purchased more than $30 million worth of hardwood and softwood plywood that had been illegally transshipped through Malaysia to disguise its Chinese origin and dodge antidumping and countervailing duties. Prosecutors say the broader scheme moved between $25 million and $65 million of illegally imported plywood into the U.S. market — and that Boise Cascade kept buying even after federal agents executed a search warrant on its supplier's warehouse. Just this month, CBP officers in Baltimore seized more than 8,500 sheets of plywood that had been declared at roughly $19,000 but was valued by CBP at $142,372. The importer's identity had been fraudulently used, the shipping invoice had been altered, and the plywood — labeled as Indonesian falcata — was actually determined to have originated in China, making it subject to the antidumping and countervailing duties imposed in 2018. The shipment was detained in July and formally seized in late August. These cases are not outliers; they are the leading edge of a broader enforcement posture. A June 2026 White House fact sheet on strengthening customs enforcement outlines an executive order that raises bonding requirements for importers of record, requires importers to demonstrate "good standing" and maintain minimum domestic assets, restricts foreign importers from filing informal entries, and — notably — imposes a 50 percent minimum penalty floor that limits CBP's discretion to reduce penalties on violators. The message from Washington is consistent: duty evasion and transshipment fraud are being treated as prosecutable conduct, not a cost of doing business. What this means for specifiers and buyers Every one of these enforcement actions traces back to the same underlying problem: mislabeled or transshipped plywood entering the U.S. market to avoid duties that are legally owed. Anyone who specifies, purchases, or installs hardwood plywood is now part of that chain of custody, whether they intend to be or not. A buyer who unknowingly sources duty-evading plywood can face retroactive duty assessments, supply disruptions when a shipment is seized mid-transit, and reputational exposure if a supplier's origin claims turn out to be fraudulent — as they did in Baltimore.

Buying from a Decorative Hardwoods Association member mill sidesteps all of that risk entirely. DHA members manufacture in the United States, under U.S. labor and environmental law, with verifiable chain-of-custody documentation. There is no transshipment question to ask, no exposure to a duty order that could reshape a project's cost structure after the fact. That certainty has always had value. Given where trade enforcement stands today, it is now also a form of risk management that architects, fabricators, and distributors should be building into their sourcing decisions — not as a patriotic preference, but as a practical safeguard for their own businesses and their clients. The determinations are final, the orders are coming, and the government has shown in both the courtroom and at the port that it intends to enforce them. Domestic hardwood plywood was already the safer bet on quality and reliability. It is now, unambiguously, the safer bet on legal exposure too. S P 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

Discover RENOLIT’s new interiorsurfaces-na@renolit.com foundation for inspiring product design.

interiorsurfaces-na@renolit.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

Building a Winning Team, From Scratch BY MICHAEL WILBUR

nyone who’s ever talked to me for more than 15 minutes knows what my other job is: coaching my kids’ various sports teams. Since 2016, that has included tee-ball, soccer, baseball, basketball, flag football, and tackle football. While youth sports might seem a far cry from running a company like the ones that make up the NBMDA membership, at the most basic level they’re actually surprisingly alike. When I got my roster for tackle football this fall, I’ll confess to being initially frustrated by the seeming limitations of my young players. Through the first few grueling weeks of practice, we were clearly in short supply of receivers with speed and good hands, and our linemen were lacking the physicality to protect the quarterback long enough to throw a pass. Bottom line: we didn’t have the squad we needed to execute our existing playbook. My gut reaction, I’m willing to admit, was to lament not having a faster and stronger team. The right response, my wife quickly reminded me, was to acknowledge that just because my preferred strategy wasn’t going to be effective for our squad

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didn’t mean there wasn’t a strategy that would be. The mindset became, how do we put these players in positions where they – and the team – can have success? That principle is the same in wholesale distribution, or any industry or business, for that matter: work with the team you have, not the team you WISH you had. At a time when finding and retaining talent is a real challenge, focus on meeting people where they are. How can you help them continue to develop within their role at your organization? How can you put them in a position that will help them grow while also better supporting your team? Adopt that mindset — leading with empathy instead of resignation — and watch the way it changes: How you coach your players. It’s important to recognize that the quarterback isn’t the only one who deserves attention. A single player can’t win the game. So, for distributors, that means getting junior and middle managers plenty of continuing education and professional development opportunities. They aren’t running the company, but they are running a key aspect of it; and that matters for the Big

Picture. Keeping them on top of the latest trends and practices related to operational efficiency, hiring challenges, inventory management, and other frontline hurdles is therefore essential. Because these employees are integral to day-to-day operations, however, it can be difficult to get them out of the office for onsite training. The onus is on leadership to meet staff where they are. Find alternative ways to bring the learning to them. For example, after recognizing that many companies tend to send only executives to larger events like annual convention and University of Innovative Distribution (UID), NBMDA and NAFCD worked together to introduce new regional Distributor Forums this fall. These one-day South, Southeast, North, and Northeast events were planned within driving distance of members in those regions and offered condensed workshops that cater to those key employees who may not be in the C-suite but are so important to helping your business succeed. The final forum in the series is taking place in Dallas, Texas, as the kickoff to November’s 2026 Annual Convention, offering rank-and-file members an exceptional opportunity to experience the flagship event on a smaller scale. What the morale of your team looks like. The motivation and incentive to excel is elevated when leadership

"It’s important to recognize that the quarterback isn’t the only one who deserves attention."

has invested time, energy, and resources — not to mention confidence and trust — in an employee. So, put in the face time with operational staff. Visit your company’s different branches on a regular cadence and get to know your team. Teams work harder for leaders they know, like, and respect. The outlook for what is achievable with a winning attitude. In sports or in business, when you see another team kicking butt and taking names, understand that they likely didn’t start out that way. Rather, their coaches evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of their players, figured out where to put them for maximum contribution, delivered the tailored coaching necessary to help them improve, and built a championship roster from the ground up. As with anything, strategy is nothing without execution. Stay focused on building a team that knows the game, knows their role, and supports one another. They’re still going to drop a ball. They’re still going to miss an assignment. But they’ll keep improving, and you’ll have a team that keeps fighting for success season after season. S P Michael Wilbur is Executive Vice President of the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA).

CUSTOM TOOLS BACKED BY WORLD CLASS SERVICE ,

IT’S WHO WE ARE.

800.457.7468 PEAKTOOLWORKS.COM 800-457-7468 • peaktoolworks.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

SDG

Quietude is ARAUCO's newest Prism TFL collection, featuring seven woodgrain and solid designs rooted in quiet luxury, natural warmth, and intentional design. From rift-cut white oak to rich walnut tones and a deep brownblack solid, each design balances authentic texture with quiet architectural restraint. Available on a variety of quality substrates, Quietude suits residential, hospitality, workplace, and commercial spaces seeking calm, wellness-driven interiors today. prismTFL.com

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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, NeoCon, High Point Market and IWF, 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.

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CHEMETAL Known for making metal remarkably easy to use in interior spaces, Chemetal reimagines Transparency, its thicker laser cut panels. New designs feature popular metal tones throughout Chemetal’s collection, like brass, bronze, black and clear. These new powder coated panels mechanically fasten to walls, dividers ceilings. Backlighting and custom design, size and color options. chemetal.com/transparency-transformed

CONESTOGA WOOD SPECIALTIES Conestoga's Thermally Textured Surfaces — Intrigue, Vogue, and Strata — are now available in Closet Systems. This durable, on-trend material comes in over 30 TLF colors, bringing style and organization to custom closets. Beyond closets, laundry and mud rooms are popular applications, offering the same scratch and moisture-resistant performance with a clean, modern finish that holds up to daily wear. conestogawood.com

ELEGANCE IN MOTION

ENGINEERED FOR SEAMLESS OPERATION Designed for premium interiors, the PS23 sliding bifold system brings together sleek aesthetics and effortless functionality. Ideal for two or four tall wood-panel doors, it offers flexible left- or right-folding configurations, concealed hardware, and smooth, frictionless movement.

DACKOR Introducing Velvet Touch, a new collection of 13 super matte colors designed to match with the Tafisa Materia series. We’ve been working hard to create a refined, soft-touch surface while keeping costs as competitive as possible. dackor.com

TALK TO AN EXPERT

service@richelieu.com 1 800-876-7454 SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

G U I D E

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. dvuv.com

DC DISTRIBUTING Our Metal Edgebanding consists of real metal foil on top of an ABS or PVC backing giving an authentic metallic look with added flexibility. dc-dist.com

DECORAL SYSTEM Decoral America builds on decades of pioneering industry expertise to redefine MDF finishing, fusing high-definition sublimation directly into durable protective coatings. Our advanced technology embeds rich woodgrains, marbles, and custom graphics deep beneath the surface, ensuring superior resistance to scratches, moisture, and daily wear. Backed by a

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long-standing history of surface-finishing innovation, we deliver unlimited design versatility and a seamless, high-performance aesthetic for any architectural or furniture project. decoralamerica.com

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NEW COLLECTION

WOOD GRAIN LINE OAK - WOOD GRAIN

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.

OAK - WOOD GRAIN

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. WALNUT - WOOD GRAIN

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.

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FORMICA Since 1913, Formica Brand has set the standard in surfacing. The portfolio includes Formica Laminate, Homapal Metal Laminates, Everform Solid Surface, ColorCore2, HardStop Panels, TRESPA TopLab, the textural richness of InDepth Surfacing, and true-to-scale 180fx stones. Introducing the 2026 Formica Stone Collection, five new decors with the refined look of natural stone and the durability and performance of Formica Laminate. formica.com

EGGER WOOD PRODUCTS EGGER’s Decorative Collection 26+ introduces 12 new finishes and two new textures including warm woodgrains, softer beiges and nature-inspired colors. The latest additions reflect the growing demand for balanced interiors across residential and commercial projects. Enhanced by the Finish Match System and EGGER’s digital services, the collection supports more efficient workflows and cohesive finishes from surface to edge. egger.com

FENIX INNOVATIVE MATERIALS

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FENIX Innovative Materials deliver high-performance surfaces with proprietary nanotechnology, featuring ultra-matte, soft-touch, anti-fingerprint properties and thermal repair of superficial micro-scratches. Introducing FENIX NTX, a new generation of decorative materials unveiled at NeoCon 2026. Combining up to 90 percent bio-based material, NTX is available in nine decors, including the first woodgrains in the FENIX portfolio. fenixforinteriors-na.com

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FUNDER BY GENESIS Discover the new Atelier Walnut and Patina Oak collections from Funder by Genesis, where craftsmanship meets contemporary design. Atelier Walnut brings bold cathedrals and linear movement in Havana, Siena, and Champagne colorways. Patina Oak showcases natural character through Limed, Bronzed and Weathered Oak. Together, they create timeless interiors for cabinetry, closets, furniture, retail, hospitality and commercial spaces. funderamerica.com

POWDER COATED WOOD COMPONENTS YOU SEND US THE DRAWINGS WE SEND YOU A FINISHED PART

HOMAPAL METAL LAMINATES Homapal Metal Laminates combine German engineering with design innovation, offering premium real metal and magnetic laminates for distinctive interior applications. With refined finishes, handcrafted details and dimensional textures, Homapal provides versatile options for commercial spaces. Recent additions expand the Elements, Gestures and Perspectives collections, giving designers new ways to bring depth, warmth and architectural character. Available in North America through Formica Corporation. homapal.com

Learn more about the process at www.dvuv.com

Scan for a Sample

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

G U I D E IFS Delivering a beautiful, durable finish for wood and engineered wood has never been easier. PureClad powder coatings provide outstanding scratch and water resistance and gorgeous finishes, in hundreds of RAL colors, making it simple to achieve the perfect look. Available as a single-coat system or with powder primer/liquid topcoat options, PureClad helps improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Discover what's possible. ifscoatings.com/pureclad

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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

KRONOSPAN Solid Colors. Natural Touch. A contemporary collection of nine décors, blending timeless solid colors with the authentic elegance of Primavera wood texture. Kronospan’s Color Touch collection redefines unicolor design with a natural woodgrain relief that adds depth, warmth, and sophistication to any interior. kronospan.com

LAMINAM RARE by LAMINAM redefines the surface through DNA, an innovative finish that transforms the slab’s very structure, bringing natural patterns to life in remarkable three-dimensional relief. Each surface is inherently unique an immersive interplay of texture, light, and movement, where Italian design, advanced technology, and the raw beauty of Nature become one.tion and practicality to both commercial and residential interiors. laminam.com

LIOCHEM Gravure inks and coatings formulated specifically for decorative paper and film printing — engineered for consistent color, clean release, and the process reliability that keeps your press running. Working directly with decorative laminate printers since 1988, we’ve developed ink and coating systems for woodgrain, stone, abstract, and specialty patterns across conventional and energy-curable technologies. Your decorative laminate isn’t generic — your ink and coating shouldn’t be either. artience-liochem.com

MELAMINETEX Introducing Ivory, a crisp white melamine with a subtly textured finish that adds warmth and depth to any space. Ivory pairs effortlessly with bold or neutral palettes. Explore our expanded collection and request samples — now available on Material Bank, with fast access through our Stock Program. Keeping surfaces ready when your project demands them. melaminetex.com

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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 offers UV cured edge finishing on most of our panel products. This finish enhances aesthetics as well as seals the panels for additional longevity and durability while providing a natural, craftsman appearance for various furniture, cabinetry, and interior design applications. naply.com

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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

PANEL PROCESSING, INC. Introducing two new stock melamine colors available on slatwall, shiplap, pegboard, and flat panels. Natural Ash Plank brings a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired lightness with its tight linear grain and soft blonde hue, while Sterling Oak grounds the palette with rich honey tones, natural knots, and reclaimed-wood texture that feels lived-in and authentic. www.panel.com

PANOLAM SURFACE SYSTEMS Ebb and Flow – a collection of eight woodgrains, three abstracts, and five solid colors, inspired by the eternal dance between opposing forces— the delicate balance that shapes our world. Ebb & Flow captures the essence of duality. Where tranquility meets turbulence, and light surrenders to shadow, a harmonious balance emerges. The Ebb and Flow collection is an invitation to embrace the contrasting forces that shape our world. panolam.com

PREMIER EUROCASE NeoMatte – our newest high-performance, economy matte PET surface is stylish, durable and a great value. Available now in nine popular finishes. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, closets, furniture and wall panels – delivering a cost-effective alternative to painted or acrylic finishes without sacrificing on durability or design. premiereurocase.com/

PINNACLE DECORATIVE LAMINATES Pinnacle Decorative Laminates manufactures high-pressure decorative laminate sheets in over 150 styles across five design families: woods, stones, solids, particulates/metallics, and fibers/ patterns. Fourteen finish options are available, including the proprietary NO MARKS finish — a zero-reflection surface resistant to chemicals and fingerprints. The line also includes backer materials, with sheets offered in 5' x 12' sizes for horizontal and vertical interior applications. pinnaclelaminates.com

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RICHWOOD Refresh what’s there and get it SurfaceReady. Richwood’s new peel-and-stick PSA concept is currently in new product development for resurfacing applications including laminate, paint, raw materials, skim-coated drywall, and vinyl finishes. Designed to help create a fresh foundation for what comes next. Performance, compatibility, and applications remain subject to testing and validation. polybak.com

RIKEN USA CORPORATION RICHELIEU Where Lighting Meets Design. Transform lighting into a sophisticated design element with Richelieu’s Windlight. This minimalist aluminum LED profile, available with solid or microperforated covers, delivers precise illumination or a soft glow, while mix-and-match finishes allow for a customized look. The flexible system can be tailored to accent lighting, highlight architectural details, or create a warm, ambient atmosphere. Make an impact by seamlessly combining lighting with acoustic panels. richelieu.com

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REHAU INTERIOR SOLUTIONS REHAU introduces RAUVISIO crystal Strong, expanding its RAUVISIO crystal acrylic surface line with a nature-inspired collection tailored for quiet luxury interiors. The new collection enhances flexibility across residential and hospitality spaces with understated, organic patterns. Available in four colors, RAUVISIO crystal Strong is part of a broader evolution of the RAUVISIO crystal portfolio, alongside the new RAUVISIO crystal Deep collection. rehau.com/us-en/millwork

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The latest additions to the SM6 Series bring warm, earthy color palettes to our Super Matte collection. With its sophisticated lowsheen finish and silky-smooth surface, the SM6 Series remains a preferred selection for modern interior applications. riken-usa.com

DAUBOND PUR: ALL ANGLES COVERED. M ADE TO FIT THE MOLD No matter what kind of lamination you need, Daubond® PUR adhesives are made to fit the mold. We’re committed to finding the best solution for you, offering guidance and support every step of the way. When you work with Daubert®, you get a team dedicated to meeting your needs and helping you achieve success that sticks.

- 3 D L A M I N AT I N G & T H E R M O F O I L

- AUTOMOTIVE

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LE A RN MORE AT DAUBERTCHEMICAL .COM /ADHESIVES 4700 S . CENTR A L AV EN U E • CH ICAGO, I L 606 3 8 • 1 - 8 3 3 - 82 2- 8141 SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

Family-owned since 1991, Specialty Laminates offers Classic and Lifestyle collections featuring a wide range of thermally fused laminates with captivating textures, realistic woodgrains, and rich solids. Perfect for commercial and residential applications, these versatile laminates help you create stunning, durable spaces. Discover the perfect blend of style and functionality with Specialty Laminates TFL. specialtylaminates.com

SCHATTDECOR Engineered for performance and designed for visual impact, Interior Essentials, Schattdecor’s latest lacquered innovation (patent-pending), delivers a high-quality, natural finish at a competitive price. Produced in the USA, it provides shorter lead times, consistent quality, and the substantial feel of an 80 gsm material. Interior Essentials offers robust, reliable surface coverage in a streamlined, high-value solution. schattdecor.com

SIMONA SIMONA Polygrain is a weatherproof polymer woodgrain sheet perfect for outdoor furniture and cabinetry. Polygrain is easy to fabricate using standard woodworking materials and sets the bar high for longterm performance and durability. SIMONA Polygrain won’t delaminate, rot or splinter, and is offered in five unique woodgrain colors for lasting appearance and functionality. Our new Polygrain offering features a contrasting black interior layer revealed through CNC machining, creating bold, high-contrast details for custom designs, lettering, patterns, and more. simonapolygrain.com

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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. S U R F A C E & P A N E L • Q 4 2 0 2 65

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OPTAMATTE by STEVENSWOOD is the perfect solution for those seeking a sleek, super matte finish that stays pristine, even with heavy use. Its anti-fingerprint technology ensures the surface remains clean and smudge-free, making it ideal for residential interiors, hospitality spaces, and commercial environments. With 19 colors available, OPTAMATTE offers the flexibility to complement any design aesthetic. stevens-wood.com

TAFISA CANADA Inspired by the distinctive visual signature of oak, ICONIQ is a synchronized texture that combines timeless elegance with contemporary refinement. tafisa.ca/en

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SYNERGY THERMAL FOILS Synergy Thermal Foils’ new Legend 3DL captures the refined elegance of quarter-sawn oak. It effortlessly enhances interior spaces by bringing brightness without sacrificing warmth. Legend is the newest member of a family of matching Uniboard TFL designs that includes Natura, Ecru and Taupe. synergythermofoils.com

TOPPAN INTERAMERICA INC. PrimaLUXE is an innovative, high-performance paper solution that raises the standard for water and oil resistance, exceptional wrapping performance, and premium aesthetics. Fully compatible with existing paper adhesive and equipment, PrimaLUXE offers a cost-effective, eco-conscious alternative to film, combining beauty, versatility, and environmental responsibility. tia.toppan.com

TIMBER PRODUCTS Timber Products, a fully integrated domestic manufacturer, brings online an entirely automated 5’x24’ TFL press to elevate focus on specialty panel sizes and production capacity. Timber Products TFL comes in a wide range of colors and decorative patterns. In addition, Timber Products’ full line of panel products are available for joint shipments allowing customers vast flexibility and high-level service. timberproducts.com timberproducts.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

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TREEFROG Made in Italy and stocked in the USA, Treefrog brings the beauty of prefinished real wood veneers to interiors. Treefrog’s unique process (recon veneer) allows design and fabrication professionals consistency, sheet after sheet, in design spaces of any size. Plus, our new color matched wood backer is lighter, more flexible and creates a more seamless edge. FSC-certified. treefrogveneer.com

ULTRAPAN Two Ultrapan high-gloss favorites – Amalfi Noce and Metallic Elm – are now also available with a Soft Touch matte finish. Amalfi Noce Matte is a modern walnut brown with olive undertones and flowing grain. Its synchronized grain texture delivers remarkable realism. Metallic Elm Matte is a deep charcoal-to-black elm grain finished with a soft metallic shimmer. ultrapan.com

We Specialize In:

ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ˨˦ʔ

www.dackor.com

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where designs form.

2D & 3D Laminates Custom Colors Toll Coating Peel & Stick HPL Sheets

UNIBOARD For over 40 years, Uniboard has delivered innovative wood-based solutions across North America for the furniture, cabinetry, and construction industries. Now featuring two new colors, the Origins Collection combines carefully curated woodgrains and solid colors inspired by nature and craftsmanship. Designed for architects, designers, kitchen designers, and manufacturers, Origins offers versatile solutions that balance authenticity, performance, and style. uniboard.com

UNILIN Master Oak performance veneer brings the authentic look and feel of oak veneer to a complete decorative surface solution, including panels, laminates and matching long-grain and end-grain edging. Its deep wood texture, ultra-matte finish and repetition-free design create a remarkably realistic surface. Prefinished and consistent from panel to panel, Master Oak combines the character of oak with greater durability and predictability. masteroak.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

Looking for Birch options? USply has a World of Options available, including several new panels in our growing portfolio of Birch plywood. Be sure to reach out to our team to see what we can offer that will work for your next project. usply.net

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VENEER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. As nature-inspired interiors continue to shape design trends into 2027, natural wood veneer delivers a level of warmth, character, and authenticity that few materials can match. Veneer Technologies pairs the authentic beauty and variation of real wood veneer with precision-matched edgebanding, giving designers and fabricators a cohesive solution for carrying the same species, grain and aesthetic from the panel face through the edge. stevens-wood.com/new-eir-walnuts

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The Fluted Walnut decorative panel is an easy and economical option to transform any room. It has a natural walnut pattern and tone that complements 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: .205-in x 4ft x 8ft. decpanels.com

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WILSONART Designed as a versatile collection to be used across industries and applications, and warm and cool palettes, Wilsonart’s latest High Pressure Laminate introduction includes 21 new designs: 11 woodgrains, six linear patterns, and four textile-inspired surfaces. The collection coordinates seamlessly with Wilsonart’s Solid Surface, Quartz, Thinscape, and Wetwall products, allowing specifiers to build cohesive material palettes across multiple product categories. wilsonart.com 25_000541_Surface_Panel_Q2 Mod: February 21, 2025 10:01 AM Print: 02/24/25 3:18:56 PM page 1 v7

Uline

All box sizes always in stock! And with thousands of other products also in stock, you’ll love our variety. Order by 6 PM for same day shipping. The best service, products and selection – that’s how we do business. Please call 1-800-295-5510 or visit uline.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

@ THE SHOW

Fall Shows Put Materials, Design and the Industry’s Future in Focus BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS

rom the latest materials and components in Italy to emerging home furnishings trends in High Point — and from distribution strategy in Dallas to workforce development in New Orleans — the fall calendar offers Surface & Panel readers plenty of reasons to get out of the office. Four events round out 2026 with distinctly different perspectives on where the industry is headed. Here’s what to watch:

SICAM 2026

exposicam.it/en/ Oct. 20-23 | Pordenone, Italy For anyone tracking the materials, components and technologies likely to influence furniture and interior design in the years ahead, SICAM remains an important

window into the European market. The International Exhibition of Components, Accessories and Semi-finished Products for the Furniture Industry will host approximately 700 exhibitors, representing more than 30 countries with roughly 35 percent coming from outside Italy. For the S&P audience, the attraction is SICAM’s position upstream in the design process. Rather than focusing solely on finished furniture, the show brings together the surfaces, panels, hardware, fittings, components and technologies that manufacturers and designers will use to create what comes next. Expect a close look at new decorative materials and finishes, increasingly integrated hardware and component systems, and solutions serving furniture, kitchens, baths, contract interiors and residential design. With European influences increasingly crossing into North American interiors, SICAM also offers a chance to see ideas at their source — and consider which materials, colors, textures and construction details may make the jump across the Atlantic.

Fall High Point Market

highpointmarket.org Oct. 17-21 | High Point, North Carolina At nearly the same time, another side of the product-development equation will be unfolding in North Carolina. Fall High Point Market brings the home

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furnishings industry together across 11.5 million square feet of showroom space and some 2,000 exhibitors. For surface and panel professionals, High Point offers an opportunity to see where materials ultimately land: on furniture, casegoods and other finished products — and in the residential environments influencing what consumers want next. One event should be particularly relevant this fall. The High Point Market Authority and National Kitchen & Bath Association will unveil findings from their inaugural 2026 Whole-Home Design Study during the opening-day keynote, “Evolution of the Home: The Consumer Shifts Reshaping Design & What It Means for Your Business.” The research will examine changing consumer preferences and growing connections among kitchen and bath, interior design and home furnishings. NKBA will also return to Broad Hall with a reimagined immersive showroom focused on kitchen trends and wholehome design. Taken together, High Point and SICAM provide an intriguing October pairing: one showing the materials and components feeding furniture design, the other showing how materials and design trends are reaching the finished-product market.

The gathering will again center on one-on-one business meetings, education, networking and product discovery. Rather than functioning as a conventional trade show, the event is structured to encourage direct interaction between distribution executives and their supplier partners. For companies serving the decorative surfacing and panel industries, those conversations come as distributors navigate changing customer expectations, supply-chain pressures and evolving product categories. New for 2026 is NAFCD and NBMDA’s regional Distributor Forum series, which concludes with the Southwest forum Nov. 3 in Dallas. The initiative expands leadership development and peer-to-peer learning for emerging distribution professionals.

ACTE CareerTech VISION 2026

acte.org December 2-5 | New Orleans The final stop looks further ahead — to the people who will make, engineer, sell and support the products of tomorrow. The Association for Career and Technical Education will mark its 100th anniversary during CareerTech VISION 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The centennial event will bring together CTE educators, administrators, industry partners and other workforcedevelopment stakeholders for hundreds of educational sessions, an expo and special anniversary programming.

NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention

distributorconvention.org November 3-5 | Dallas Attention turns from product design to the distribution channel in November, when the 2026 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention convenes distributors, suppliers and service providers at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.

Its connection to the surface and panel industry is increasingly important. As manufacturers continue to seek skilled employees capable of working with advanced machinery, automation and digital manufacturing systems, the relationship between industry and career education is becoming an essential part of workforce development. From the materials being introduced today to the people who will manufacture tomorrow’s products, this fall’s show calendar provides a fitting cross-section of an industry in transition — and plenty to watch as 2026 draws to a close. S P

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2026

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American Renolit

www. chemcraft.com 29

Cascade Distribution Group www.mirluxpanel.com

Climate Positive Now www.climatepositivenow.org

Liochem www.artience-liochem.com

Panel Processing www.panel.com

Peak Toolworks www.peaktoolworks.com

Dackor www.dackor.com

RedBook www. redbooklumberdata.com

Daubert www.daubertchemical.com

www. rev-a-shelf.com

Designs of Distinction www.brownwoodinc.com/dod

Richelieu Hardware www.richelieu.com

DVUV www.dvuv.com

Tresco Lighting from Rev-A-Shelf

Salice www.salice.com

Formica www.formica.com IBC

Franklin

Stevenswood www.stevens-wood.com

www.franklinap.com 39 33

Giardina USA USA

IFC

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www.sierrafp.com

www.giardinausa.com Laguna Tools www.lagunatools.com

Sierra Forest Products

Uline www.uline.com

SERVING THE LUMBER INDUSTRY / SINCE 1901 (formerly Lumber Blue Book)

A 526 MEDIA GROUP, INC. COMPANY – SERVING THE LUMBER INDUSTRY SINCE 1922

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LONGITUDINAL SECTION (ABOVE) AND MASS TIMBER STRUCTURE EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC, COURTESY LEERS WEINZAPFEL ASSOCIATES

KREHER PRESERVE & NATURE CENTER Set within Alabama’s wooded landscape, a new environmental education building at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center demonstrates how mass timber can connect material, architecture and place. The preserve, an outreach program of Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, provides a particularly fitting setting for a structure built with regional Southern Yellow Pine and Alabama-produced cross-laminated timber (CLT). Here, wood serves as both the building’s structural backbone and a visible part of the learning experience. Conceived as a playful treehouse and extension of the preserve’s trail system, the structure is organized around a bending central “learning trail” that connects light-filled classrooms, the Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool and the Emily Kling Discovery Corridor, where live animals become part of the educational experience. Generous windows and covered porches open the building to the surrounding woods, while a dramatic butterfly-shaped cantilevered roof gives the relatively small structure a distinctive presence. Designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, the building celebrates its timber construction rather than concealing it.

Exposed wood gives young visitors a tactile connection to the same natural resource growing beyond the windows, while a wood-pile foundation — in place of a conventional concrete foundation — further reduces the building’s impact on its wooded site. Natural ventilation, bird-friendly glazing, on-site stormwater management and rainwater harvesting for greywater use extend that environmental thinking throughout the project. Its completion and recognition come as mass timber gains greater visibility across the architecture, manufacturing and woodworking industries. That momentum was evident at IWF 2026 in Atlanta, where the show debuted its Mass Timber & Pre-Fab Showcase, spotlighting engineered wood systems, manufacturing technologies and prefabrication as the industry explores wood’s expanding role in lower-carbon construction. Recognized with an AIA Education Facility Design Award and a 2026 WoodWorks Wood in Architecture Award, the Kreher project puts that potential into practice. Here, mass timber is more than a construction system — it becomes part of the architecture, the environmental story and the lesson itself. S P

Photos courtesy Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

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Surface & Panel Fall 2026