The Tile Association says that consumer interest in floor tiles as a stylish as well as hygienic, durable and even sustainable finish for domestic properties has never been stronger, and explains some of the options

The market is driven by consumer fashion and product innovation. Many consumers wish to replicate the tiled look that they have seen overseas or when leafing through home décor magazines. They also recognise the many benefits of tiling in the home – providing a long lasting finish, which is hygienic, durable and easy to maintain.

TRENDING

Currently the concrete or industrial look is very much in vogue, providing a great base for colour contrast and coordination. The natural wood look is also a popular one. The latest innovations in tile development mean that the aesthetic of natural wood can be combined with the hygiene and ease of maintenance, and durability offered by tiles. It all means more choice and inspiration is available to the consumer and the housebuilder than ever before. 

There is also a trend towards larger formats, including panels of up to 1600 mm x 3200 mm. These sizes reduce grout lines and maximise the impact of the tile design, although their handling and installation requires particular care and techniques.

There has also been an increase in popularity of 20 mm porcelain tiles used on patios and terraces as an alternative to timber decking or concrete pavers. This allows for the continuation of a floor tiling aesthetic from inside a house to the outside and fits with a current consumer trend to expand living space into external areas. Special adhesive kits are now available for external porcelain floor tiles, which are designed for use by general builders and landscapers, who might not be tiling specialists.

WARM UNDERFOOT

Underfloor heating is another topic which is frequently raised in connection with the installation of floor tiles, as this market is still expanding rapidly, since UFH provides a cost-effective, comfortable and unobtrusive heating solution – often linked to renewable energy sources. There are however a number of considerations to bear in mind, in order to ensure a successful installation. Adherence to British Standards, use of appropriate tiles and adhesives and the inclusion of movement gaps and expansion joints are all important factors.

Whether an electric or wet system is being installed, UFH can provide a warm welcoming environment in the home, add value to a property and lead to significant reductions in energy consumption, when compared to traditional space heating systems.

While the design opportunities in tiling are greater than ever, it is important that the technical issues associated with installing a tiled surface are fully understood and that all work is carried out to British Standards. The current British Standard, BS5835-1: 2018 Wall & Floor Tiling, includes a clause relating to workmanship (Clause 7.1.3). For the first time, the standard now recognises that the installation of ceramic or natural stone tiling should be carried out with “efficient supervision and the employment of properly trained operatives, skilled to an appropriate level of competence, certified by a recognised authoritative body.”

We are involved in the development of both UK and international Standards, through our participation in the BSI for British Standards and also ISO for international Standards. A member of TTA’s Technical Committee serves as Chairman of the British Standards Committee B/539 for ‘Ceramic Tiles and Other Rigid Tiling.’

SUSTAINABILITY

An important topic is the sustainability of tiles. Due to their durability and longevity, as well as their inert composition, ceramic and porcelain tiles are very much a sustainable choice, compared to other options for flooring. However, as in all industries, tiling companies have a big job ahead of them to enable the sector to play its part in meeting the Government’s 2050 net zero carbon target.

Another technical service offered is slip resistance testing of tiles. This is a very important area with obvious health and safety implications where tiles are used in bathrooms and wetrooms. The TTA service, which is provided for manufacturers and distributors, uses the pendulum test method, as favoured by the HSE.

For anyone who has concerns about tiling work, we offer a technical inspection service. Under the terms of the service, an experienced technical inspector can visit a site to inspect the workmanship of any tiling installation. The inspector will assess the workmanship against relevant British and European Standards and provide a detailed written report of the inspection with their findings and a conclusion. This report can be used in court as evidence, should any dispute go to that level.

Article provided by The Tile Association (TTA)