Among flooring types, one of the most exciting to report on has been ceramic tile. The U.S. ceramic market has experienced great growth over the last seven years, with consumption rising 5.8% in 2016 to 2.90 billion sq. ft., according to the Tile Council of North America. Fueled by the housing and construction markets, this beautiful, practical and versatile surface has nowhere to go but up.
As Managing Editor Danielle Clair reports in her story, “The Future of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile,” in this issue, there are a lot of reasons why tile has an air of excitement around it. Technology has opened a world of design possibilities that allow manufacturers to dream up and create just about any look imaginable. Gauged porcelain panels are offering new horizons in commercial and residential design, while new installation standards, training and products are helping to create success for this category of specialty tiles.