Article Number : 2420 |
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| Date | 9/11/2007 9:10:48 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2420 |
| Abstract | By Louis Iannaco Everyone knows tile has been one of the hottest selling categories in recent years, but what are some of the hottest sellers? Whether it’s porcelain that looks like slate or stone colors featuring metallic highlights, the following are just some of today’s top sellers... |
| Article | By Louis Iannaco Everyone knows tile has been one of the hottest selling categories in recent years, but what are some of the hottest sellers? Whether it’s porcelain that looks like slate or stone colors featuring metallic highlights, the following are just some of today’s top sellers. From American Marazzi comes Vesale Stone and Jade. Vesale captures a refined slate look through a synchronous glaze application that creates the dramatic pattern diversity of natural slates in fine porcelain stoneware, noted Hector Narvaez, executive vice president, sales and marketing. Meanwhile, Jade’s high degree of variance from piece to piece, uncanny resemblance to real slate, plus flat surface and straight edges that are easier to clean and install have made it a winner, Narvaez said. “Softened, burnished to a lustrous finish, the four natural slate tones are muted, yet retain the effect of distinct clefts, mineral deposits and feeling of randomly layered color.” The two hottest sellers in Dal-Tile’s portfolio are Salerno, launched last summer, and Concrete Connection, introduced earlier this year. Lori Kirk-Rolley, marketing director, said both residential collections feature versatile size packages. Concrete is a glazed porcelain with the contemporary, minimalist look of stained concrete but with a natural surface, complete with detailed veining and square edges—cement meets stone. “Its stained cement look fits perfectly into contemporary design, which has become increasingly popular over the past year,” Kirk-Rolley said. With the look of carved ceramic inlays reminiscent of hand-thrown pottery, Salerno captures the craftsmanship and sensibility of its Italian origins, she noted. “It features a comprehensive wall tile and decorative accents package, allowing great flexibility for customized options.” According to Massimo Ballucchi, director of marketing and product development for Vitromex USA, there has been a shift in what the American consumer demands. “She has to choose a floor she’ll enjoy for many years, and her choice is now based on lots of research.” That’s why the company’s top-selling porcelain is a cross cut travertine. “The edges are tumbled, and the shading color variation is soft yet has character,” he noted. “The colors we offer are natural and rich.” In ceramic Vitromex’ bestseller is Everest, a multicolor slate. “This product again helps the consumer make a statement about her house,” Ballucchi said. From Mannington Mills comes Garda and Carmel. Introduced in the spring of 2005, Garda quickly rose to the top of the best- seller list, where it remains today, said Zack Zehner, director of porcelain business. “Garda’s success is due in large part to its truly unique visual and bold colorations.” A replica of exotic Indian Slate, it has a high degree of natural color variation and a characteristic “blooming effect” on its surface. Carmel, introduced this spring, immediately became a strong performer. “It’s a modern sophisticated marble with rectified edges, is in tune with the fresh, clean look that today’s consumers want,” Zehner said. Carmel is a glazed porcelain with unique movement and style that works residentially and commercially. Finally, from Fritztile come CL200 and CTN500. John Blanton, national sales manager, noted both series have been on the market for several years and consist of marble chips in a flexible thermo-set resin matrix. And, both have a classic terrazzo appearance as well as unique clear resin styles that look three dimensional. |