Articles

Consumer sentiment declined 5.4% to 63.4 in early March, according to preliminary results from the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers. Read More

After a robust 2021 and the first half of 2022, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the flooring sector began to fall off in the fourth quarter, even as negotiations that started earlier in the year finally closed. From a performance perspective, 2022 headline revenues masked mixed environment. While revenues were up across the board, this was largely a price story, as volumes inched up only 1% in 2022. Read More

Privately‐owned housing starts in February were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,450,000, 9.8% above the revised January estimate of 1,321,000 but 18.4% below the February 2022 rate of 1,777,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Read More

Although high construction costs and elevated interest rates continue to hamper housing affordability, builders expressed cautious optimism in March as a lack of existing inventory is shifting demand to the new home market. Read More

Following higher than expected growth in 2021 (17.3% up on 2020), Mohawk Industries reported a slight slowdown in the 2022 financial year. This is hardly a surprise given the inflationary pressures present in many markets coupled with higher energy and raw materials prices and rising interest rates. Read More

When trying to develop a forecast for the US building market, there are three indicators that tell the story with the most accuracy. The first is housing starts, which historically has always influenced the ceramic tile industry. With the increasing interest rates, we are already experiencing a decline in new home starts. Read More

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.5% in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 6.0% before seasonal adjustment. Read More

It’s our third week celebrating National Tile Day and counting down to Coverings. This is a long-time favorite, so we’ll cut right to the chase: Our third tile trend for 2023 is cemented looks. If you’re getting deja vu, it’s because cement-look tile was trending in 2020 as well. But while 2020’s trend focused on the industrial-chic vibe of cement looks, 2023 is all about the versatility of cement looks. For example, cement-look tile may feature a worn patina look or it can appear to be layered, sanded, or tinted. You’ll find cement looks in large-format tile, mosaics—and every size in between—with textured surfaces and color variations. As a result, cement looks are suitable for a wide range of applications, from bustling corner cafes to serene spa-like garden spaces. They can bring visual harmony to a space and still evoke a raw urban energy. Read More

The global resilient flooring market size is expected to reach USD 65.29 million by 2030 and is expected to expand at 6.9% CAGR from 2023 to 2030. The demand for resilient floorings is predicted to escalate over the forecast period as a result of increased investments in the construction industry and rising demand for aesthetic building enhancements. Furthermore, the growing construction spending in the emerging Middle Eastern and Asia Pacific economies would further bolster the market growth. Read More

Tile of Spain will be heading back to Valencia, Spain in just a few days for the highly anticipated return of CEVISAMA, International Fair for Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furnishings. Read More