Tiles enjoy a revolutionary revival - Bathroom & Kitchen Update – for new and existing bathroom & kitchen products

Tiles enjoy a revolutionary revival

Published: 08 November, 2007

Comment by GRAHAM ASHCROFT, Group Sales Director, Pilkington’s Group

One of the most compelling factors affecting flooring growth in the residential sector is the trend toward houses with open floor plans, high-end kitchens, multiple bathrooms, conservatories, and specialized rooms such as laundry rooms and personal gyms. These types of homes require seamless flooring and flooring products that offer enhanced performance properties in all atmospheric conditions, and improved style options.

With the designs, textures, shapes, colours and glazes available today, the use of tile has expanded beyond the kitchen and bath. The new trends in tile are squaring off against traditional floor coverings in every room of the house due to its ability to create surfaces that are durable and long lasting, hardwearing, easy to clean. There are many good design variations that work in wet areas and equally, present an elegant and stylish solution for use on wall and floor applications in other rooms in the home.

Traditional kitchen and bathroom retailers may have typically personified tiles as an assisted sale – an add on to the total kitchen and bathroom package However, the market growth in floor tiles is gathering pace and they present a good solution to boost your profits year round. By presenting them within a concession environment such as ‘Tile Studio’ and promoting them that way, you can also reach consumers who are looking for floor tiles for non kitchen and bathroom environments. Many consumers now consider tiles to be the best solution for balconies, entrance hallways, and dining rooms and with advancements in underfloor heating, are increasingly specified for lounges, and even bedrooms. Use of photography is key as many consumers are not comfortable with creating interior designs for themselves and prefer to look for a ‘dream’ vision, and be advised how to recreate that look. Manufacturers can provide images which you can use to create your own point of sale materials.

An influx of affordable and stylish porcelain designs is causing a migration from mainstream ceramic into a mix of new porcelains, but the ones to watch are the different shapes that are entering the market, including large-scale rectangles, planks and increasingly larger tile porcelain sizes such as 800mm x 800mm. These are all going to be very popular in 2008.

Simply put, the tile is enjoying a strong revolution so take advantage and enjoy the rewards!

For further information, please contact sales on 0161 727 1111 or sales@pilkingtons.com, or visit www.pilkingtons.com