Surface Materials
Surface Materials is a woman-owned, private interior finishes distributor founded in 1976, supplying commercial architects and designers across 15 U.S. states with 14,000+ wallcovering, laminate, acoustic, wood veneer, and digital surfacing products, plus two patented proprietary technologies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersSolon, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Surface Materials does
Surface Materials is a privately held, woman-owned interior finishes distributor founded in 1976 and headquartered in Solon, Ohio, with a secondary sales office in New York. The company curates and supplies commercial interior surface products — wallcoverings, laminates, acoustic solutions, real wood veneer, digital wall surfacing, wall panel systems, and related finishes — through a catalog of more than 14,000 SKUs and 800+ technical specification and installation documents. Its proprietary technology positions include the patented SanFoot Wood Veneer processing method, which increases log yield by approximately 300% versus traditional slicing, and the patented LumiSplash ultra-thin lighted laminate system, the first of its kind to operate without an LED air gap.
Surface Materials serves commercial designers, architects, and specifiers across healthcare, hospitality, corporate workplace, education, and retail verticals, with named enterprise relationships spanning Gensler, HOK, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, Perkins&Will, AECOM, HDR, SmithGroup, and Robert A.M. Stern Architects. The company does not appear to manufacture internally; instead, it aggregates an alliance of strategic partner brands (Lamitech, Command, DeNovo Wall, PSI, ATI/MirroFlex, Lab Designs, Octopus, Level, Create) and layers its own specification documentation, regional sales coverage, and CEU-accredited educational content on top. Two granted patents and product-line extensions into acoustic solutions and digital imaging suggest ongoing capability build-out, though there are no recent funding events, M&A activity, or executive changes documented in the source data.
Revenue is generated through one-time product sales on a quote-based model, with transactions processed through a Request-a-Quote system and 15-state regional account executives rather than transparent e-commerce pricing. Distribution is sales-led and high-touch: local reps provide samples, product recommendations, and project support from concept through installation, supported by a digital footprint spanning a comprehensive website, social channels (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest), and AIA/IDCEC-accredited CEU presentations. The company holds a woman-owned business certification and operates as an independent private entity with no disclosed parent company, private equity backing, or venture capital investment.
Surface Materials firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Surface Materials
- Legal name
- Surface Materials
- Website
- https://surfacematerials.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Surface Materials is a woman-owned, private interior finishes distributor founded in 1976, supplying commercial architects and designers across 15 U.S. states with 14,000+ wallcovering, laminate, acoustic, wood veneer, and digital surfacing products, plus two patented proprietary technologies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Surface Materials industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Interior Finishes / Building Materials
- NAICS
- Textile and Fabric Finishing and Fabric Coating Mills (3133), Paint and Wallpaper Retailers (44412), Fabric Coating Mills (31332), Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing (337)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470), Lumber & Wood Products (No Furniture) (2400)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial & Commercial Painting/Coatings/Surface Treatment (IMAIAAAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wood Coatings & Finishes (IMADAKAD), Floor Covering Backing & Primary Substrate Manufacturing (IMAOAJAK), Paint, Stain & Finishes Retail (Coatings, Sundries) (CRAIADAF)
Keywords
Where Surface Materials is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Solon
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Surface Materials business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Commercial Interior Finish Products: One-time product sales of wallcoverings, laminates, acoustic solutions, wood products, and digital printing solutions to commercial design professionals and architects for interior architectural applications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Closeout and special discount products |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Surface Materials product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Surface Materials is a commercial interior finishes distributor founded in 1976, supplying more than 14,000 products across wallcoverings (Type II vinyl, textile, digital, wood veneer), acoustic panels/baffles/clouds and ceilings, wall panel systems, decorative and metal laminates, wall protection, flooring, window film, and FRP. The company serves commercial interior designers, architects, and specifiers with regional sales coverage across 15 U.S. states, providing samples, project support, and 800+ specification/installation documents.
Product overview
Surface Materials is an interior finishes distributor founded in 1976, offering over 14,000 commercial products across wallcoverings, digital solutions, acoustics, wood, wall panels, and laminates. The portfolio includes Type II wallcoverings (DeNovo Wall, Command, Create), textile wallcoverings (Alluvion, European Classics, Executive Surfaces 2, Tailored Linen), digital solutions (Level Digital Wallcovering, DeNovo Digital, LumiSplash), acoustic solutions (wall panels, baffles, clouds, felt, specialty ceilings, fabrics), wood veneer products (SanFoot Wood Veneer), wall panel systems (PSI), decorative panels (ATI, MirroFlex), and laminates (Lamitech, Lab Designs, NuMetal, Artful Metals, Octopus). The company operates as a woman-owned business with regional representation across 15 states.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Type II Wallcovering Heavy-duty commercial wallcovering meeting Type II specifications for durability, suitable for high-traffic commercial interiors. Includes DeNovo Wall, Command, and Create sub-collections.
- High Performance Textile Wallcovering Textile wallcoverings designed for hospitality, corporate, retail, industrial, and healthcare markets. Features stain-repellent finish and low VOC properties.
- Alluvion Collection Luxury natural and high-performance textile wallcovering collection featuring rich textures and depth, with FSC and Greenguard certifications and low VOC properties.
- European Classics Luxury natural textile wallcovering collection inspired by European design traditions, featuring sustainably sourced yarns with natural fibers, color, and texture.
- Executive Surfaces 2 Elegant textile wallcovering collection featuring silks, rich color palettes, and shimmering threads, including large-scale prints and classic wool options.
- Tailored Linen Luxurious linen blend wallcovering collection that is sustainable and environmentally-friendly, featuring 22 designs pre-trimmed at 54 inches for effortless installation.
- DeNovo Wall Collection Creative wallcovering solutions available in a full spectrum of colors and patterns for interior design applications, featuring antimicrobial and stain-repellent properties.
- Command Wallcovering Vinyl wallcovering for commercial markets from a manufacturer with over 40 years of experience, emphasizing sustainability using recycled content and eliminating solvents and heavy metals.
- Create Wallcovering Innovative surface design wallcoverings offering antimicrobial options with stain-repellent finish and low VOC emissions, with emphasis on sustainability.
- Level Digital Wallcovering Custom digital wallcovering solutions with nearly two decades of experience in high-quality digital wallcoverings and window films for the commercial contract market, tailored to project-specific designs.
- SanFoot Wood Veneer Wallcovering Real wood veneer wallcovering solutions offering more than 100 wood species for interior architectural applications. Uses a patented slicing process that increases log yield by approximately 300%, with FSC certification and direct-to-drywall installation.
- Acoustic Wallcovering Sustainable soundproof wallcovering made from 100% post-consumer BPA-free recycled plastic bottles, offering sound absorption ratings up to 0.25 NRC.
- LumiSplash Patented ultra-thin 1/4 inch (6mm) decorative laminate that emits light evenly across its surface, with impact, scratch, chemical, and abrasion resistance. First ultra-thin lighted laminate system with no air gap required for LEDs.
- DeNovo Digital Digital imaging services including wall surfacing and window film, using digital surfacing technology to create custom designs without restrictions on scale, hue, or pattern library.
- Surface Materials Digital Digital wallcovering collection featuring abstract, architectural, botanical, and graphic designs for commercial interiors.
- Acoustic Wall Panels, Baffles, and Clouds Customizable acoustic solutions including panels, baffles, and clouds for reducing noise while complementing design, with high-quality fiberglass core and durable impact protection.
- Acoustic Felt PET felt ceiling and wall noise-cancelling solutions made from 60% recycled plastic bottles, featuring dynamic three-dimensional shapes and fully recyclable, at one-third the weight of traditional acoustic panels.
- Specialty Ceilings Acoustic ceiling solutions with 0.85-0.95 minimum NRC ratings, featuring customizable designs with industry-first materials and simple installation.
- Acoustic Wall Fabrics Sound deadening wall coverings with up to 0.25 NRC, made from 100% post-consumer BPA-free recycled plastic bottles and incorporating Fosshield antimicrobial technology.
- PSI Wall Panel Systems Fully integrated Division 9 wallcovering finishes solution supporting high-pressure laminate, compact laminate, real wood veneers, writable surfaces, tack board panels, glass, and acoustic materials.
- Wood Ceiling Panels and Acoustic Wood Panel Systems Wood panel systems with noise-cancelling acoustic core, featuring 0.85 NRC, weighing 1lb per square foot (30% of traditional MDF) and priced 28% less than MDF systems.
- ATI Decorative Panels Decorative wall panels including MirroFlex Wall Panels, MirroFlex MAX, flat sheets, wainscoting, light diffusers, tub and shower surrounds, and door skins.
- Lamitech Laminate High-pressure decorative laminates that are carbon neutral and antibacterial, available in wood grain, solid colors, metallics, marbles, granites, and digital laminates.
- Lab Designs Laminate High-end laminate collections with over 600 patterns including abstract, wood, and solid color laminates, featuring Eclipse, Extended Life, Premium Woodgrains, and Ultra Matte lines.
- NuMetal Laminate Real metal high-pressure laminates backed with phenolic paper, available in aluminum, embossed aluminum, and copper designs in 4 by 8 foot sheets with abrasion-resistant properties.
- Artful Metals Unbacked specialty metal laminates featuring 19 unique patina-inspired and metal designs, including textured and smooth metal options with high-impact and chemical-resistant properties.
- Octopus Laminate Unique decorative surfacing products sourced from world markets, supporting designers, architects, and furniture manufacturers with materials not available elsewhere.
- Wall Protection Surface protection products for walls in commercial and high-traffic interiors.
- Window Film Decorative window films including murals and standard repeat patterns for commercial applications.
- Flooring Commercial flooring solutions including F2C Flooring and Grabo Commercial Flooring options.
Quantifiable outcome
- Sound absorption ratings up to 0.25 NRC depending on pattern
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Surface Materials
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Surface Materials technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Surface Materials partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Create Surface DesigncoreCreate Surface Design provides innovative wallcovering solutions with emphasis on sustainability, eliminating solvents and heavy metals. Products feature antimicrobial properties and stain repellent finishes.
- Command WallcoveringcoreCommand is one of the leading manufacturers of vinyl wallcovering for commercial markets with over 40 years of experience. Emphasizes sustainability using recycled content and eliminating solvents and heavy metals.
- DeNovo WallcoreDeNovo Wall offers creative wallcovering solutions in a full spectrum of stunning colors and seductive patterns for commercial interior applications.
- PSI Wall Panel SystemscorePSI Wall Panel Systems provide fully integrated Division 9 wallcovering finishes solution supporting high-pressure laminate, compact laminate, real wood veneers, writable surfaces, tack board panels, glass, and acoustic materials.
- LamitechcoreLamitech is committed to environmental responsibility with carbon neutral certifications. Their HPL laminate products are antibacterial and include compact options.
- Lab DesignscoreLab Designs offers over 600 laminate patterns combining worldwide best patterns with fresh designs, colors, and textures. Available in Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky, and parts of New York and Pennsylvania.
- ATI Decorative LaminatescoreATI Decorative Laminates provides MirroFlex wall panels, MAX wall panels, flat sheets, wainscoting, light diffusers, tub and shower surrounds, and door skins through the Fusion product line.
- Octopus ProductscoreOctopus Products sources unique decorative surfacing products from the world market. Not available in Manhattan, NY.
- Level Digital WallcoveringcoreLevel provides custom digital wallcovering solutions with nearly two decades of experience in the commercial contract market, offering high-quality digital wallcoverings and window films.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Surface Materials competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Surface Materials social profiles
Digital presenceSurface Materials financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Surface Materials leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Surface Materials funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Surface Materials M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Surface Materials
What does Surface Materials do?
Surface Materials is a commercial interior finishes distributor founded in 1976, supplying more than 14,000 products across wallcoverings (Type II vinyl, textile, digital, wood veneer), acoustic panels/baffles/clouds and ceilings, wall panel systems, decorative and metal laminates, wall protection, flooring, window film, and FRP. The company serves commercial interior designers, architects, and specifiers with regional sales coverage across 15 U.S. states, providing samples, project support, and 800+ specification/installation documents.
Is Surface Materials a public or private company?
Surface Materials is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Surface Materials founded?
Surface Materials was founded in 1976. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Surface Materials based?
Surface Materials is headquartered in Solon, United States, in the North America region.
How does Surface Materials make money?
One revenue line is on record: commercial Interior Finish Products.
Does Surface Materials have an API?
No public API is recorded for Surface Materials.
What industry is Surface Materials in?
Surface Materials's product category is Commercial Interior Finishes / Building Materials. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIAAAK, Industrial & Commercial Painting/Coatings/Surface Treatment, with a secondary code of IMADAKAD, Wood Coatings & Finishes. Its NAICS code is 3133 and its SIC code is 2851.