Articles

One of the most exciting aspects of architectural and interior design is experimentation. Design provides an outlet to play with colors, dabble in shapes, mix and match textures, explore patterns and expand creative boundaries, to craft a space that is as unique as the individual who inhabits it. Read More

While design trends come and go, natural stone remains a timeless and flexible option for many exterior applications including cladding, paving, and hardscapes. This is due to the variety of natural stone types available that are beautiful, durable, and versatile. No wonder so many manmade materials try to emulate or replicate these characteristics and qualities. Read More

Archaeologists excavating a construction site in London have uncovered a rare mosaic floor dating to ancient Rome. It’s not uncommon to uncover Roman ruins and artifacts in South London, where the Roman city of Londinium was located. (The Romans ruled Britain from the first to the fifth century and founded the capital of Roman Britannia in London.) Read More

According to Nomdedeu, Spain continues to export its tiles to more than 180 countries around the world, with the USA accounting for 22.9 percent of its exports. Europe, Asia and the Middle East are the three next largest geographic areas. Spain also produced 567 million square meters of tile increasing production 20.3 percent from the previous year, making it the top EU producer, Nomdedeu said. Read More

Sustainable attributes, slip resistance & more drive growth By Bill Griese, LEED AP, director of standards development & sustainability initiatives, Tile Council of North America (TCNA) The North American ceramic tile industry has seen significant advancements over the past five years: Read More

Tile’s fashion and function have ramped up over the last several years adding to its already high performance and stunning visuals. From seamless transitions to outdoor spaces, dramatic larger formats and technology that addresses issues such as installation, this classic category continues to meet the latest consumer demands. Read More

Tub-to-shower conversions have become the standard when remodeling or renovating residential or multifamily bathrooms; as a matter of fact, home and building owners can’t get rid of old bathtubs fast enough. Read More

A memorandum of understanding was signed today in Munich, Germany between Confindustria Ceramica, the Italian association of ceramic manufacturers, and BKRI, the German association of producers of raw materials for ceramics and industrial minerals (Bundesverband Keramische Rohstoffe und Industrieminerale). Read More

Last week, thousands of manufacturers, dealers, architects, designers, end-users, design organizations, and media convened at The Mart in Chicago for the 53rd annual NeoCon. Read More

Bath and shower installations make up a huge portion of projects installers are called to undertake on a daily basis. They can also be the most problematic if not executed properly. For this reason, the standards and specifications presented by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook are indispensable to anyone attempting a tile shower or bath project. Just as important, though, are having the correct materials and applying them properly to help guarantee your work will leave customers with safe, lasting tile surfaces. Read More