46 2019 | TRENDS The rise in use of Carrara mar- ble has spurred an abundance of porcelain tiles meant to resemble it. Digital-print technology refine- ments have allowed porcelain tiles to look exponentially better than before, with an ever-growing amount of variation found as in real marble. Porcelain Carrara tiles offer the look of natural stone without staining or discoloration. Cement tile is moving into bold- er patterns and colorways than before. These patterned tiles are being used in bathroom floors as statements, and allow for simpler wall tiles to be used. Encaustic pat- terns have brought back the ability for floors to be the center of atten- tion in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even kitchens. Chinese tariffs Tariffs the current administration has imposed on tiles from China have gotten some attention, but what is the impact on the industry? Most of our contributors say the tariffs have little effect on pricing. Eric Foley, of Marazzi and American Olean said, the Dal-Tile Corporation is largely immune because most of its series are produced in North America or able to be sourced from elsewhere around the globe, including its own production in Europe. It has, how- ever, seen a spike in opportunities based on inquiries from customers that are dependent on Chinese mate- rial, particularly from the builder channel. D&B Tile Distributors got a jump on the situation as it started moving away from Chinese tile in 2017, so tile products aren’t feeling a pinch. However, tools and sundries the distributor imports from China are experiencing price increases, but cur- rently D&B is confident that it won’t affect sales. Cement tiles in encaustic patterns turn floors into statements. Cement tiles offer a range of looks to match the design theme of the room. SALES TRENDS (continued) Have you found cracks in your ceramic or porcelain tile floors? Do you hear the footsteps and voices from the floor above? Do you need waterproofing or protection from moisture vapor transmission on the floor? Choose the membrane systems preferred by architects, contractors and consultants. NAC membrane systems are installed prior to the finished flooring, and provide crack isolation, sound reduction and waterproofing protection. For surfaces that require waterproof protection WATERPROOFING CRACK ISOLATION For surfaces that require protection from structural movement SOUND CONTROL For surfaces that require impact and audible sound reduction Protect your finished flooring! 1(800)633-4622 www.nacproducts.com Membrane Systems That Protect Your Flooring Investment Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI Ted Stevens International Airport, Anchorage, AK The Ritz Carlton Hotel at LA Live, Los Angeles, CA The Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks, CA