Tropitone Expands Its Stoneworks Collection

Introducing New Palazzo Tabletops

Irvine, Calif., June 9, 2006 - With the debut of its Palazzo tabletops, Tropitone continues to expand its collection of Stoneworks solid surface tables, which create the upscale look of such natural stone as granite and ceramic tiles but are constructed of man-made materials.

According to Michael Echolds, Tropitone's chief executive officer, since outdoor rooms are frequently enjoyed for socializing and gathering as often as indoor spaces, unique style in casual furniture as well as comfort that is functional continue to gain importance with consumers. "With our Stoneworks Collection, including the new Palazzo tabletops, we offer a way to create a relaxing and decorative setting with both the easy maintenance and durability required for outdoor use," he said.

The tables and tabletops in the company's Stoneworks Collection are molded as one piece of high-density urethane with layers of patina either brushed or rubbed on by hand to create the appearance of natural stones. Such material resists expansions and contractions in extreme temperature changes and doesn't require the high maintenance that natural stone surfaces need.

According to Peter Homestead, vice president of design and marketing at Tropitone, the Palazzo collection features faux tiles throughout both the center and the surrounding outer edge of the tabletops.

"With the addition of Palazzo to our Stoneworks Collection, we're offering a rustic, old-world look with what appears to be distressed, antique ceramic and travertine tiles. In comparison, Tropitone's popular Tiled Stone tabletop has a chiseled stone center and a faux granite outer edge," he said.

The Palazzo tabletops are currently offered in five distinctive patina finishes to coordinate with Tropitone's wide variety of frame finishes - Chaparral, Sable, Smoke, Mexican Clay, and Old World. The sizes in which the tabletops are being offered include rounds in 23-inch, 39-inch, 45-inch, 51-inch and 63-inch; rectangles in 27 by 39-inch, 40 by 54-inch, 43 by 69-inch, 45 by 87-inch; and squares in 27-inch and 66-inch.

Tropitone has the significant competitive advantage of being one of the only major companies in the casual furniture industry with the technology and manufacturing capabilities to design and produce its own high-quality solid-surface tables and tabletops.

Founded in 1954, Tropitone is based in Irvine, California, and is recognized throughout the casual furniture marketplace for its design leadership as well as its commitment to service and value. The company sells its products to retailers, designers and the hospitality trade under the Tropitone and Basta Sole trademarks. In addition to its headquarters and manufacturing plant in Irvine, the company operates a manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida. For more editorial information, contact Connie Chandler at IR Strategies Tele: 714-573-1115, Email: connie@beknownandtrusted.com