Competitive Intelligence Product Research Info Published Articles

CERAMICS INSPIRATIONS: MIX AND MATCH TILES

There are numerous possible combinations of ceramic tile that can help you to discover the decorative style that best suits your home. Continue reading to explore five different ceramic combinations: Read More

Competitive Intelligence Product Research Info Published Articles

FAUX STONE VS. NATURAL STONE VENEER: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Welcome to the enchanting realm of stone veneers! It’s here where the art of aesthetics and the charm of functionality merge to redefine home design. Whether it’s an alluring stone fireplace, an exquisite accent wall, or a rustic stone cladding that you envision, deciding between a faux stone veneer and natural stone veneer can often seem like a conundrum. But fear not! We’re here to uncover the secrets and help you make an informed choice. Read More

Economic Indicators Industry Forecasts Industry Statistics

Employment Rose by 187,000 in July, Unemployment Rate Steady at 3.5%

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 187,000 in July, and the unemployment rate changed little at 3.5%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Read More

Ceramic Tile Statistics Competitive Intelligence Economic Indicators Floor Covering Products Industry Forecasts Industry Statistics Stone Statistics

The Tile Shop Sales Down 8.4% in Q2, Earnings Down 26.5%

The Tile Shop reported net sales of $98.6 million for Q2 2023, an 8.4% decline compared to sales of $1.08 billion for Q2 2022. Sales decreased at comparable stores by 8.0% during the second quarter of 2023 compared to the second quarter of 2022, primarily due to a decrease in traffic, which was partially offset by an increase in average ticket value. Read More

Ceramic Tile Statistics Competitive Intelligence Economic Indicators Floor Covering Products Industry Forecasts Industry Statistics Stone Statistics

Floor & Décor Grew Sales by 4.2% in Q2, Earnings Down 12.7%

For Q2 2023, Floor & Décor reported a net sales increase of 4.2% to $1.14 billion from $1.09 billion in Q2 fiscal 2022. Comparable store sales decreased 6.0 Read More

Ceramic Tile Statistics Competitive Intelligence Economic Indicators Floor Covering Products Industry Forecasts Industry Statistics Reports Stone Statistics

2023 Kitchen & Bath Sales Trends

The sharp decline in the U.S. housing market caught up with kitchen and bath product manufacturers and marketers in the first half of 2023. Dollar manufacturer sales (shipments minus exports plus imports) could have declined by 5.6 percent in the first half. Unit sales declined about 2.0 percent in the first half. Price increases, however, moderated along with inflationary pressures. The dollar sales decline this year compared to a 10.8 percent gain for all of 2022. First half 2023 sales declined along with the drop in new home construction and existing home sales as the Federal Reserve increased interest rates. Rising rates caused housing demand – new and existing – to drop sharper over the past year. Read More

Competitive Intelligence Economic Indicators Floor Covering Products Industry Forecasts Industry Statistics Reports

Soft Surface Struggles in 2022

After a robust year in 2021, 2022 was a tough year for soft surface flooring. Carpet and area rug sales could have declined by 2.6 percent in dollars and 11.1 percent in square feet in 2022, pushing sales down to $12.7 billion and 11.5 billion square feet, according to Catalina Research. Read More

Competitive Intelligence Economic Indicators Floor Covering Products Industry Forecasts Industry Statistics Reports

The Comeback Continues

Laminate dollar, square footage sales see uptick Although square footage sales were somewhat sluggish in contrast to the previous couple of years, the laminate flooring category benefited from rising prices as well as product innovation in 2022. According to Catalina Research, laminate flooring sales could have increased by 9.7 percent to $1.2 billion, while square footage sales ticked up by 0.3 percent to 978 million. Read More

Competitive Intelligence Product Research Info Published Articles

What Is the Average Size of a Tile? When it comes to size, tile knows no limits: Tiles come in sizes ranging from mosaic tiles measuring less than nine inches squared to expansive gauged porcelain panels/slabs. That means no standard size of a tile exists, although specific ceramic tile sizes have trended over the years. In general, tiles have gotten bigger over time, with the largest options now measuring up to 10 by 15 feet. How Tile Size Can Influence Your Space Read More

Competitive Intelligence Product Research Info Published Articles

The official term for thin tile is gauged porcelain tile (GPT). These thin porcelain tiles can be manufactured in panels/slabs (GPTPS) that measure up to 10 x 15 feet, making them perfect to show off unique designs and looks that are mostly uninterrupted by grout lines. There are two categories of GPT and GPTPS, 3.5-4.9mm thick and 5.0-6.5mm thick. Both are defined by the industry standard ANSI A137.3. Because of their reduced thickness, gauged porcelain tiles are also lighter than traditional thickness tile, typically less than 4 lbs/ft2. The unique combination of large size and thin depth — plus porcelain’s inherent strength and durability — make ultra thin tile uniquely suited for a wide range of residential and commercial projects. Read More