Revered for its water-resistance, ease of maintenance and durability, tile has been the flooring of choice in America baths since indoor plumbing was invented. Over the part decade, those attributes have helped propel tile beyond the bath to those kitchen, laundry room, foyer, great room, dining room, basement and even the back porch. Between 1995 and 2005, says the Tile Council of North America, U.S. ceramic tile sales grew two and a half times from 1.29 to 3.26 billion square feet.
Many of the top-selling styles mimic natural stone, with travertine, limestone and marble look-alike among the favorites. And that underscores a second expansive trend - increasing demand for real stone flooring.
While tile versus stone was once an either/or proposition, today they're being combined to create one-of-a-kind floors. Cutting-edge manufacturer are taking advantage of the trend by offering mosaics of "natural stone mixed with ceramic, metal-glazed ceramic and glass," says Kathy hays, proprietress of Unique Tile on Baxter Avenue.
When properly installed and maintained, the tile or stone floor you select today will still be around when your great-grandchildren are grown. That's why, hays suggests that homeowners "kick up" their selections by purchasing better grades and paying more attention to pattern, texture, movement and coloration. "Put more money into it to get the looks and the wear," she advices. "The biggest mistake people make is getting too basic with their floors."
Many of the top-selling styles mimic natural stone, with travertine, limestone and marble look-alike among the favorites. And that underscores a second expansive trend - increasing demand for real stone flooring.
While tile versus stone was once an either/or proposition, today they're being combined to create one-of-a-kind floors. Cutting-edge manufacturer are taking advantage of the trend by offering mosaics of "natural stone mixed with ceramic, metal-glazed ceramic and glass," says Kathy hays, proprietress of Unique Tile on Baxter Avenue.
When properly installed and maintained, the tile or stone floor you select today will still be around when your great-grandchildren are grown. That's why, hays suggests that homeowners "kick up" their selections by purchasing better grades and paying more attention to pattern, texture, movement and coloration. "Put more money into it to get the looks and the wear," she advices. "The biggest mistake people make is getting too basic with their floors."
