Wilsonart Home Unveils the First Laminate Representation of Soapstone in North AmericaCenturies Old Material Meets Modern Design and Manufacturing for Increased Durability and Decreased Maintenance

TEMPLE, Texas (Summer 2007) - Homeowners desiring the beauty of natural soapstone without the problems of high cost and heavy maintenance have found a solution in Wilsonart® Home Collection's new Soapstone Series of Standard Laminates. The line is the first laminate representation of soapstone launched by any North American laminate manufacturer. The series contains six different designs including: Tan, Pearl, Sable, Flame, Green and Oiled Soapstone. It is available beginning summer 2007.

Soapstone

"While beautiful, soapstone has natural qualities that sometimes preclude it as the material of choice for countertops," says Ron Gagnon, vice president of design and marketing at Wilsonart. "For example, soapstone demands a premium price for fabrication and installation and soapstone countertops are soft and must be coated with mineral oil several times each year to prevent discoloration and cracking."

According to Gagnon, the new Wilsonart Soapstone Series averages $15-20 per square foot installed. Like all Wilsonart Laminates, Soapstone designs are easy to maintain and require no oil treatments. Further, the surface is non-porous and will not absorb harmful bacteria.

The new Wilsonart Soapstone Series is available in six colors:
* Oiled Soapstone - Similar to natural soapstone that is oiled to maintain its darkness, this soapstone is a dark, grayish-blue
* Sable Soapstone - A reddish-brown, this rich coloration compliments chocolate glazed cabinetry
* Flame Soapstone - A rich sienna interpretation that is rarely found in natural soapstone
* Green Soapstone - As in nature, this blackened-green coloration combines well with stainless steel appliances and mid-tone wood cabinetry
* Pearl Soapstone - A warm-grey that provides the perfect neutral for woods and metals
* Tan Soapstone - Light and tan coloration that provides a versatile neutral with a timeless quality

Because Wilsonart Laminates are manufactured according to high tolerance techniques, there are no variations in the design of the laminate from sheet to sheet. This enables consumers to avoid costly (and sometimes impossible) matching of disparate lots of natural soapstone, granite or marble.

Wilsonart is a leading manufacturer of decorative surfacing products including Wilsonart® HD™ High Definition™ Laminate, Wilsonart® Laminate, Wilsonart® Solid Surface, and Wilsonart® Flooring. The company has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institution's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Interior Design magazine and Home Magazine for design excellence.

Wilsonart® International is based in Temple, Texas. For more information, call the Wilsonart Customer Service Hotline at 800-433-3222. Consumers can also visit www.countertop.com and professionals can visit www.wilsonartcontract.com.

CONTACT:
Jarrod Krull (jkrull@axiomcom.com)
Axiom Marketing Communications
952-224-2939

Alison DeMartino (demarta@wilsonart.com)
Wilsonart International
254-207-2447