Nevertheless, it is generally believed that design-oriented Italy and Spain are on the cutting-edge of the tile industry. They lead, while the world follows. Much of those trends have now trickled down to the North American market. So what's new this year? Large format tiles, rectilinear shapes such as 2 by 18 inches, retro looks, circles, tiles that mimic wallpaper and fabric, and mixed-medium products.
TransCeramica by GranitiFiandre. Catering to the demand for iridescent looks, the manufacturer has introduced Platinum, a through-body, unglazed porcelain tile. Suited for wall and floor applications, the tiles come in four colors and two textures. They are available in 24 by 24 and 12 by 24 inches. www.granitifiandreusa.com.
Interstyle Ceramic & Glass. Glass hit the tipping point around 1999, and the material is hotter than ever. Now manufacturers are taking the material a step further. Bar Code is a new line that appears as one color but changes when it is viewed from different distances. Made with some recycled material, the tiles measure 10 inches long by 2, 3, or 4 inches wide. www.interstyle.ca..
National Gypsum. Need to specify tile on a circular column? PermaBase Flex makes it easy. The 1/2-inch cement board is made from polystyrene sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass matting. Available for interior and exterior applications, the board can be bent to 90 degrees at a 6-inch radius. www.nationalgypsum.com.
Oceanside Glasstile. The Geologie series of mixed-material tiles consists of glass and slate mounted on a 12-inch sheet. Field tiles can measure either 1 by 1, 1 by 2, or 2 by 2 inches. The line satisfies the current demand for mixed materials, the company's president says. www.glasstile.com.
Motawi Tileworks. Contemporary looks are hot, but there is still a niche for handmade artistic tile. The manufacturer has unveiled two lines aimed squarely at people who appreciate period architecture--the Chicago series of elements that echo pieces found on buildings in the city and the Frank Lloyd Wright art tile line. The handmade tile (shown) pays homage to Wright's Arts and Crafts buildings. www.motawi.com.
Creative Metalized Products. It's metal ... but not really. The maker mixes metal dust with resin, sprays the combination into molds, and applies a substrate made from either polyester and resin or a polyurethane-based material to create lightweight metallic tiles and other architectural elements. The product can then be installed with construction adhesives. It can be used for kitchen backsplashes, walls, fireplace surrounds, and bath and shower walls. [No website]
Tile Redi. No need for a costly mortar bed, the company says. Its one piece shower pan will do the trick. Made from rigid polyurethane, the pan is leak proof, mold free, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It will accept tile and stone, is pre-pitched at a 1/4 inch, and comes with a variety of drainage trim for thin tile or thick stone. Ten standard sizes are available including an ADA-compliant version and a curbless unit. www.tileredi.com.
Seneca Tiles. No it's not silk; rather, it's Klis--an Italian-made porcelain glazed ceramic product that mimics the fabric. The wall and floor tile measures 18 by 18 inches and comes with rectified edges like natural stone so pieces can butt together for a tight fit. It comes in eight colors and in mosaics or 18-inch pieces measuring 1, 2, 6, or 9 inches wide. www.senecatiles.com.