Ceramic Tiles Raises in Popularity

   While vinyl and carpet still dominate the floor covering industry, the use of ceramic tile on the floor is on the rise, and showing signs of becoming a steadily growing trend. Most industry experts agree that the U.S. tile market has increased 10 percent every year for the past four years. Ceramic tile ranks third in U.S. flooring sales behind carpet and area rugs and vinyl floors.
   “We definitely have seen more use of tile here in Alaska, especially in residential applications in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways,” says Tony Gobroski, Anchorage Branch Manager for C.A. Newell, Spenard Builders Supply’s tile supplier.
   The big question: Why the sudden growing interest in tile? Experts say they’re not sure if it’s that the public is demanding more tile, or if retailers are pushing it harder. The fact that more professional installers are available also may have something to do with ceramic tile’s increased sales. Home decorating magazines, fashion trends and increased spending on upscale homes also appear to be driving more consumers to choose textured, rustic, stone-look, larger-format ceramic tile for the floor.
   According to the Tile Council of America, ceramic tile claimed 9 percent of the overall floor covering market in 1999, a nearly 15 percent gain in volume over the previous year. Industry experts say a growing consumer awareness of tile, combined with a desire for durable, easy-care flooring is boosting the sales of ceramic tile as a flooring option. More choices in tile also make it an easier choice. In a recent survey, tile retailers reported that floor tile accounts for 58 percent of their ceramic sales followed by wall tile at 19 percent.
   Rustic tiles appear to be the most popular ceramic tile option for the floor, with standard floor formats of 12¨ X 12¨ and larger. Slate, travertine, Jerusalem-stone, granite and marble look-alikes are hot, along with natural products. Some East Coast tile retailers are reporting a doubling in stone tile sales over the last year. Neutral colors including whites and beiges dominate the U.S. market but softer blues and grays are gaining ground.
   There are so many styles of tile to choose from, it can be a real challenge to shop for tile. Sizes vary from 1¨ X 1¨ to as large as 24¨ X 24¨. The most common sizes are from 12 to 18 inches. If you have a small room, stick to a smaller tile. If you use a large tile in a small area, it will overpower the room. The larger the tile, the larger the overall look. If you want a warm, rustic look, stone tiles are a good choice.
   Consider a high gloss marbleized tile if you want a high-class look to the home. Remember though, if you choose high gloss tile, the floor may become slippery when wet and can show dirt more than a textured or less glossy tile. Another common tile choice is known as matte finish. This texture of tile has a smooth finish, but is not as slippery as high gloss finish and has a duller appearance. Other options include rippled high gloss finish, also called an “orange peel” finish. Non-skid finishes also are available, many of which feel like heavy grit sandpaper. This finish is often used outdoors on patios, walkways, around pools or in commercial applications.   Porcelain tile is growing increasingly popular largely due to its durability and porosity (porcelain is less water absorbing than granite). Once thought of only for commercial applications, porcelain tile recently became a mainstay for residential applications. Glass mosaics have been around forever, but remain popular as their color palette continues to expand and a variety of installations have resulted. Another growing trend with ceramic tile is waterjet cutting. A waterjet can cut through ceramic tile like its butter and make a logo look great on floors or walls. Most tile experts expect to see more waterjet signage on tile in the months to come.
   The growth in use of ceramic tile on floors is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, thanks in part to its durability, fire and water resistance, low maintenance and adaptability and resistance to bacteria. An increasing selection of color, shapes, patterns and textures make it one of the most widely adaptable surfaces on the market today, suited to nearly any location. Finally, ceramic tile adds new excitement to decorative choices and represents a good value for cost.