Trends in Tile and Stone
by Roland Arnold and Roy Kunihiro
With fashion trends ever-changing, individuality has a big influence on the way people represent themselves through any kind of design?whether clothes or home design. People are confident in their design tastes and are not afraid to express them. They enjoy color, texture, patterns and size variety.
Those in the industry have continued to see a trend in which people are comfortable with hard, natural surfaces, such as granite. Consumers are more exposed to the natural tile and stone industry than ever before.Understanding the options of ceramic, stone, glass, travertine and other materials will help formopinions of what homeowners prefer and not prefer. Such products give the impression of reliable, dependable and durable, which makes for a promised product to consumers.
It should be noted that men are more involved than ever before in the purchase decisions for home design products. This is true for two reasons. The first is that men are now better educated on design and are not afraid to have their own opinions (or share them). They know what they like and do not like, and they want to make sure their homes reflect their tastes as well as their spouses'. The second reason men are more involved is that, often, the purchase decision today involves higher ticket items, which typically requires the involvement of both spouses.
More so than in the past, master baths are designed as custom features in a home. And personalities are tending to shine more in secondary baths as well, perhaps because of the way everyone in the household utilizes the bath areas in the home?secondary to the kitchen area. Kitchens continue to be the main gathering spots in homes and, therefore, a key design focus.
In outdoor spaces, people are using more stone and in a greater variety of colors. Again, they understand the high level of durability of natural products, particularly in an outdoor setting. Plus, they are no longer satisfied with colorless back yards. They want a retreat. They want color, and they often feel more comfortable with a liberal use of color in an outdoor setting than in interior spaces.
For home improvement, exposure is important to the home owner. Homes are important to people. Design decisions are of great value to home owners. They take the time to make the home their haven. Because of this, consumers are spending more time learning about the products they are putting into their homes and the details involved with their home improvement projects.
In an effort to provide customers with the information they want, the following items have been identified as the top points to communicate. These items provide the consumer with enough information to help them make informed decisions without overwhelming them.
- Measuring - When measuring for tile, calculate the square footage of the area to be tiled bymultiplying the length by the width of the area, and then add 5 percent; for installations, add 10 percent.
- Durability - Keep in mind that the durability of a particular type of tile is not always reflected in its price.Ceramic/porcelain tile is themost durable flooring and facing material available. It is color-permanent, abrasion-resistant and cannot be cut, torn, gouged or punctured.
- Variation - Remember that stone is a product of nature and color varies from piece to piece as well as between lots. Thus, it is important to view and approve stone prior to installation.
- Cleaning - No need to wax, polish or buff. Simply wiping glazed tile with a damp sponge or mop is all that is necessary to maintain its luster. Routine cleaning with a soapless detergent will keep tile looking new. Maintenance - Natural stone, especially polished stone, is sensitive to harsh chemicals. Do not use vinegar or any cleaners containing acids or strong alkaline agents. Wipe or mop stone surfaces with warm water or a pH-balanced neutral cleanser followed by dry wiping.
- Safety - Do not place hot items such as pots and pans on any surface other than granite. Use coasters on countertops. If oils, acidic juices or alcohol spills onto stone, wipe immediately. Acid-based foods such as citrus or tomatoes can etch into the polish of more delicate stones, for example, marble and onyx.
- Terminology - There are a variety of terms that describe finishes and cuts of stone and tile, such as Cross-cut, Flamed, Gauged, Ungauged, Honed, Polished, Patinato, Sandblasted, Tumbled and Vein-cut. Helping your customers understand these terms will assist in building your relationship with them.
Your knowledge of current trends, along with your efforts to educate your customers, is sure to lead to successful projects.
