Some things in the home build-ing industry remain constant: Home buyers generally prefer traditional architecture; stone countertops will always be popular; and people love tile. The challenge for builders is in learning how to use the products in a new and interesting way and to do it for less money.
One industry insider says it’s not that hard. “In recent years, technology has allowed tile manufacturers to create realistic stone looks made from ceramic and porcelain that echo the same movement, coloring, and texture of natural stone,” says Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior director of marketing at Dal-Tile Corp. in Dallas. “In some cases, we’ve even been able to take the most popular attributes of different stones and materials and merge them into one look.”
Most of the innovation in tiles comes from Europe—mainly Italian and Spanish manufacturers that export large amounts of products here. (Imports account for about 80 percent of the tiles purchased in the U.S.) But U.S. companies are offering their own versions of trends that originate in Europe. Kirk-Rolley says, for example, that Daltile now offers products that look like stained concrete, aged leather, or terra cotta.
And ceramic is not your only option. These days tiles come in a seemingly endless collection of materials including metal, wood, bamboo, and glass, which is a perennial favorite. Kirk-Rolley says using these pieces as accents alongside ceramic can create a sophisticated look.
Glass is usually reserved for high-end applications, but more affordable products are now available. Trend USA, for example, recently introduced a line of recycled glass mosaics that starts at a relatively cheap $10 per square foot. And with a little leg work, you can find online retailers offering products for about $6 or $7 per square foot.
Of course, you could stick with an oldie but goody. “One of today’s most popular styles, white subway tile, is a glazed ceramic tile, and it’s also one of the least expensive and most versatile,” Kirk-Rolley says. “Pick up any interior design magazine and you’re likely to see subway tile used in kitchens and bathrooms of homes at all price points, from quaint bungalows and starter houses to large custom homes and renovations.”
Color Me Good: The Italian manufacturer’s latest offering is a porcelain line called Xtra Collection, which includes bold colors and square, circular, and triangular shapes. The geometric shapes are cut directly into the porcelain slabs, and users can choose different color combinations. Sizes range from 6-inch square tiles to 24-inch-by-24-inch formats. GranitiFiandre USA. 888-903-4263. www.granitifiandreusa.com.
Natural State: Pure is a porcelain line that looks like natural stone. Using layers of colors and shades, the company created four hues that can be installed in any environment. Sizes vary from mosaics measuring 1 inch by 3 inches to 20-inch-by-20-inch filed tiles. Listellos are also available. Level. 972-232-3804. www.level-usa.com.
Credit: vajenti
Feel This: Containing a minimum of 80 percent post-consumer recycled glass bottles, FEEL consists of 12 colors derived from the natural hues of earth (greens and browns) and sea (shades of blue) as well as white, gray, and black. The tiles measure 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch and can be purchased as a single color or in patterns. Trend USA. 866-508-7363. www.trendgroup-usa.com.
Cobble Cobble: The handmade products of the Cobblestone Series are made by dropping molten glass onto a flat metal surface. The color is then fired into the underside. Available in white or variegated gray, the tiles are mesh-mounted, feature 30 percent post-consumer waste glass, and come in a polished or tumbled finish. Hakatai Enterprises. 888-667-2429. www.hakatai.com.