The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) reports that US sales of ceramic tile have grown 43.7 percent in the past five years, and the market has more than tripled in the past 20 years. Sales of natural stone tile is not far behind. Taking these facts into consideration, here are a few tips and trends to help the savvy shopper choose their products wisely. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to find the perfect solution for your home!
Trends:
- Floor tile is getting bigger than ever, literally. Large scale tile is the latest trend — up to 36″ squares. Plank tiles in 10″ by 20″ are also a great new look.
- Ceramic tile has an expected life span of 50 years. That’s the same as natural hardwood. Compare that with carpet at 6 years and sheet vinyl at 10 years!
- One of the oldest flooring materials and the most durable, stone tile is in high demand in large scale sizes and a various mixes; for example, the classic versailles pattern, among others. Keep in mind, though, that natural stone must be sealed and requires more maintenance than ceramic or porcelain tile.
- Besides the traditional squares, rectangular shapes and the retro look of subway tile are making a comeback.
- While everyone used to want the Tuscan tumbled stone look in their bathrooms, we are seeing a trend toward a spa look with very clean lines, monochromatic colors, and no embellishments.
- We were seeing a rush of earth-toned neutrals in stone hues of sand, tan, and buff, but we are now seeing a presence of strong color in tile. Lots of white, but also lots of Dark Espresso, Nova Blue, and grassy greens. Tile that looks like fabric, especially linen, is also becoming popular.
Tips for Design:
- Do not be stuck in the mode of “small space needs small tile”! Using large tiles in a small area will make the space appear larger.
- Setting the tile diagonally visually widens the space.
- Brick setting or staggering the joint of a 12″ by 12″ gives it interest.
- Any floor tile can be used on walls, even in the shower, but not every wall tile is strong enough to be used on the floor.
- A little pop of glass tile or a metal detail in a backsplash can go a long way — but be careful, sometimes less is more.
Jeanie Robertson
Schumacher Tile & Stone
August 12th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Great tip – thanks for the share
August 13th, 2010 at 7:55 am
These are my fav – I want!
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
I totally agree and noticed that sales have gone up on ceramic tile. I have seen a lot of houses that have been remodeled and most of the time Ceramic tile is chosen for the flooring.
January 17th, 2011 at 2:05 am
Mosaic tiles are frequently used household items in our daily lives. As they are usually applied in kitchens and bathrooms, we have to keep them clean all the time. However, it is not easy to make a thorough cleaning of mosaic tiles, for they have uneven surface. Moreover, their uneven surface will collect much dirt, which will affect both the hygiene of your house and the durability of mosaic tiles. So it is very important to keep your mosaic tiles thoroughly clean. There are some basic household items, and they will help you a lot on your cleaning.Absolutely you need plenty of clean water, and then sponge or a piece of rag, used toothbrush, soap, baking soda and a little vinegar. These things can be found in your kitchen. After you get everything ready, you can begin your cleaning work now.The first step is to make a kind of paste by combing baking soda with a little water. And then you can smear the paste onto the surface of mosaic tiles. Keep it stay one it for at least 15 minutes. The paste will dissolve most dirt of tiles, and then your cleaning work will be very easy. A quarter later, you can use the toothbrush to scrub the uneven surface. The toothbrush is much smaller than sponge or rags, so they can thoroughly clean tiny crannies among mosaic tiles.The second step you need sponge or the rag, soap and water. Made some soapy water beforehand, and then you can dip the sponge or the rag into the soapy water. Use the dipped sponge or rag to wipe down the remained dirt. If the dirt is still there, you can dump some vinegar on the sponge. And then the dirt will be quickly dissolved by vinegar.In kitchens or bathrooms, mosaic tiles will contact with plenty of moisture, so they need thorough cleaning every week. If you can use the above ways to clean the mosaic tile, you can save much time and energy. Clean and artistic mosaic tiles will make your house comfortable and pleasing. Mosaic tile cleaning is very important and necessary.
May 16th, 2011 at 9:58 am
Great tip you’ve got there Jeanie. Thank you for sharing up this one. This reminds me of the time when I was able to buy my owh house. I was so excited and enjoyed decorating it.
Regards,
Karen