38 2019 | TRENDS Mid-Atlantic/Southeast According to Eric Foley, General Sales Manager for American Olean and Marazzi, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Regions, this year has definitely seen an industry-wide trend emerging when it comes to tile formats. Specifically, large-format, gauged porcelain tile panels, subway tile, and wood-look planks are big are expected to increase in sales moving forward. Foley noted, too, that Dal-Tile’s StepWise™ technology increases slip- resistance by 50%, allowing prod- ucts to offer high dynamic coefficient of friction, without a rough texture that may interfere with maintenance. StepWise products also feature SimpliClean™ that makes cleaning easy and ClimatePro™ for surfaces that are used outdoors. There is a huge push for 24” x 48” rectified formats and large traditional square sizes in traditional grid sets (24” x 24” and larger). Larger-format marble mosaic patterns are very desirable visuals as well – especially waterjet cut designs featuring unique patterns inlaid with coordinating por- celain or metal accents. Wood-look planks continue to be very popular in sizes such as 6” x 36”, 9” x 36”, 8” x 40” and 8” x 48,” both in pressed and rectified formats. Another sales trend among custom- ers is the installation of the same tile both inside and outside the home. Especially in transition areas, home- owners are using the same tile for both interior spaces and outside under cov- ered patios and on pool decking. Regarding wallcoverings, multiple wall formats in pressed (4” x 12”, 6” x 18”, 8” x 24”) and larger rectified formats (16” x 48” and larger) con- tinue to gain in popularity. When it comes to subway tile, tra- ditional subway tile in 3” x 6” is still overwhelmingly popular and a top choice in all markets. Tile that emulates wood, concrete, encaustic, glossy, hand-made surfac- es, satin finishes, textiles, limestone and marble continues to dominate the market. Dal-Tile Colorbody por- celains – across brands – that offer multiple textures in the same design scheme and color palette (light pol- ished, unpolished and textured) are also a favorite choice. Wood visuals are overwhelmingly popular since they provide a cleaner finish, less rustic graining and softer texture. Encaustic has recently grown in popularity among designers, espe- cially with coordinating solids and decorative patterns. When it comes to small-format, high-gloss wall tiles in monochro- matic color palettes are selling very well (wavy hand-made, or irregu- lar look) and raised patterns with monolithic appearance. Popular small-format tile sizes include SALES TRENDS (continued) Modern Formation by Marazzi illustrates the resurgence in traditional square sizes. Wood-look planks, like American Olean’s Historic Bridge, continue to reign. American Olean’s Union illustrates the seam- less look of indoor/outdoor tile. Marazzi’s Hawthorne champions the classic look of subway tiles for walls. Colorbody porcelain is the top choice in com- mercial settings. Pictured is Method, from American Olean. Nu_Tempo by Marazzi comes in Web and Flat, for surface interest on walls.