Articles
How to Define Large-Format Tile and Its Subfloor Requirements
The term “large-format tile”, or LFT as it has become known, is a term that has been circulating through the U.S. tile world for over 20 years. According to the Tile Council of America Handbook 2001, under the header “Bonding Large-Format Tile for Coverage and Support” it states, “Large tiles are generally considered to be 8” x 8” and greater.” Under the “Subsurface Tolerance” header it states, thin-set tolerance to be ¼” in 10’, to conform with the ANSI specifications. However, the words “large-format tile” were not connected to the subfloor requirement. Read More
Elevate Your Pool with Ceramics
As the perfect retreat from the summer heat, swimming pools provide a refreshing way to enjoy even the hottest days. When building your dream oasis, ceramic tiles are the ideal choice because of their remarkable technical qualities. They offer excellent resistance, durability and hygienic properties that help prevent mold and bacteria growth. Additionally, non-slip ceramic options enhance safety, making them essential for wet areas around the pool. Read More
Home Depot Q2 Sales Up 0.6% with SRS Acquisition, Earnings Down
The Home Depot reported sales of $43.2 billion for Q2 2024, an increase of 0.6% from Q2 2023’s $42.9 billion. Total sales include $1.3 billion from the recent acquisition of SRS Distribution, which represents approximately six weeks of sales in the quarter. Read More
Coverings Highlights Surfacing Trends
Coverings: The Global Tile & Stone Experience happens every Spring, sandwiched between Spain’s Cevisama and Italy’s Cersaie expos. Both of those nations are leaders in ceramic and porcelain surfacing, and both, along with the Tile Council of North America and several other trade groups, host this annual U.S.-based event. Read More
TCNA Awarded $2.2M Grant to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Tile Council of North America (TCNA) has been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to receive $2.2M in grant funding to reduce embodied carbon emissions in construction materials and products. Read More
Subway Tile Layout Patterns
The ever-popular subway tile design owes its stylish longevity to incredible versatility. Subway tiles were originally developed over 100 years ago for use in the New York subway system when designers were tasked with designing a surface that was both low-maintenance and bright. The Original Subway Tile Pattern Read More
Flooring’s Tough Year
U.S. floor coverings sales declined in 2023 after two years of relatively strong growth, according to Catalina Research. Rising interest rates resulted in a declining housing market which caused flooring purchases to drop. Total U.S. housing demand (resales, new starts and manufactured home shipments) decreased 28.6 percent between 2021 and 2023 as mortgage interest rates surged by 129.4 percent. Housing demand drives floor covering spending since some 60 percent of the total market comes from homeowner and builder purchases. Meanwhile, commercial market sales opportunities remained on an upward trend since nonresidential building construction spending continued to increase at double-digit rates. Commercial market growth, however, could not offset the decline in residential markets. Read More
TREND REPORT: 2024 DESIGN DAYS AND NEOCON
BWBR sent a team of interior designers, architects, workplace specialists, and design leaders to Chicago for NeoCon and Design Days, where we saw the latest trends and innovations in interior design on display. This year, the focus was on design simplification, prioritizing sustainability, and enhancing flexibility. Here’s a closer look at the standout trends and highlights: Read More
Ceramics of Italy Reports on 2024 Tile Trends
At the 2024 edition of Coverings in Atlanta, Georgia, Ceramics of Italy manufacturers showcased the ever-evolving advancements in ceramic and porcelain tile from an aesthetic and technological point of view. Pulling insight from the world of design, fashion and film, along with the trend scene on the show floor at Coverings, tile trend expert and artist Cristina Faedi breaks down this season's top five styles and applications in Italian ceramics. Read More