Articles
Crazy For Countertops
Countertops are the keystone in every kitchen, tying together the flooring, walls, cabinetry and appliances. With so many different options available — from quartz to granite, tile to engineered stone — it’s a matter of what is most important to the consumer and identifying the right option for them. Read More
This & That by Jonathan Trivers
The AI craziness is just around the corner. Where it goes is anyone’s guess, especially in the flooring industry. The first place that will be using this is in operations, inventory replenishment and generally, business systems that will be improved using AI. Read More
2023 Fall-Winter Tile Trend Report | by Brittney Harmond
This year’s edition of Cersaie proved to be a pivotal one. On top of the show celebrating its 40th anniversary and the milestones the industry has achieved along the way, exhibitors also signaled the dawn of an exciting new era. Tile products were imbued with a holistic sense of inventiveness: color and pattern were bolstered by impressive surface technologies from extra soft finishes with high slip resistance to glossy matte effects. Meanwhile, a host of new prefabricated furnishing options and collaborations with the world’s leading design firms signaled the strength of the industry while carbon-neutral collections and the workings of a new industry ISO standard for embodied carbon demonstrated meaningful contributions to the future of the built environment. Read More
Tile & Grout Go Hand In Hand
When selecting tile, consumers usually consider components such as design, waterproofing, durability and cost. However, selecting grout along these lines is just as critical. Whether a focal part of the design or hidden away between tiles, selecting the right grout to go with a tile is an essential component to ensuring a successfully designed and long-lasting install. Read More
Expanding Options
Flooring suppliers are truly taking their global sourcing operations worldwide. As the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) continues to cause massive disruptions to the importation of flooring products, particularly the most popular segment, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), manufacturers are proactively searching for new sourcing alternatives, spanning the globe from India to Mexico. In addition, many are significantly expanding their U.S. manufacturing operations. Read More
Choosing the Best Ceramic Tile for Your Project
The vast array of ceramic tile designs, shapes, sizes, and colors gives you the optimum advantage when choosing ceramic tile. The best ceramic tile can really compliment the personal aesthetic you have planned for your home. Where to Find the Right Ceramic Tile You can purchase ceramic tile through many outlets, ranging from home improvement stores to showrooms to online retailers. In all cases, it is important to: Read More
Steam Shower Tile Considerations
The difference between a steam room vs sauna is that steam rooms create heat through humidity from water vapor and saunas provide dry heat from infrared light, electric heaters, or hot stones. Good news for anyone interested in exploring the exciting world of steam showers: a growing body of research indicates that steam therapy can produce a variety of health benefits, especially if you deal with dry skin or respiratory issues. Steam also improves wellbeing by aiding with allergies, relaxation, cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, hair nourishment, and it even promotes anti-aging. Read More
Gauged porcelain tile is porcelain tile produced to a specific thickness. Traditional porcelain tile is usually in the 8–10 mm range of thickness while gauged porcelain tile can be as thin as 3.5 mm. Gauged porcelain pavers can reach 2 cm and thicker. This added thickness, combined with the durability and low maintenance of porcelain, makes gauged porcelain pavers well-suited for a variety of outdoor applications. Read More