Tile is one of the most versatile materials on the market, from kitchen backsplashes to wood-look floor tiles in basement dens – and with so many choices available, finding an appropriate tile supplier is crucial to finding your ideal solution.
Home centres and distributor-wholesalers account for approximately 65% of the U.S. tile market. Some tile suppliers Adelaide also takes an in-house distribution approach – Daltile offers their glazed porcelain tiles at hundreds of dedicated retail sales outlets as well as major home centres nationwide.
Ceramic
Ceramic tile remains an attractive choice among homeowners and DIYers, who appreciate its durability, colour options and affordability. However, its installation can be complex; professionals should be hired when dealing with intricate patterns or cuts.
Ceramic tile distributors and wholesalers account for about 35% of total ceramic tile sales in the U.S. They usually purchase directly from domestic manufacturers, selling direct to end-use customers through company showrooms. Ceramic tile wholesalers also serve as key distribution channels for some high-profile home centres that have transitioned directly from manufacturer sales without traditional distributors as an intermediary.
Mohawk Industries, Lamosa Group and SCG Ceramics continue to lead ceramic tile production volumes worldwide in 2021, as measured by production volumes. Mohawk and Lamosa have solidified their leadership positions post-pandemic recovery while Lamosa particularly has seen immense returns through its acquisition of Roca and extensive plant investments.
Porcelain
Porcelain tile suppliers Adelaide are handmade from a blend of fine clays and minerals fired at extremely high temperatures, producing harder and denser tiles than ceramic. As such, porcelain is more scratch-resistant and water repellent. Furthermore, porcelain resists bacteria growth. Ideal for both use on floors and walls alike, porcelain comes in various styles, colours, sizes and forms to meet every application need.
Selecting the appropriate porcelain tile requires careful consideration of its intended use and location. Consider foot traffic levels as well as moisture or chemical issues which need to be addressed, including installation processes; larger porcelain tiles require stronger subflooring as well as special installation methods for optimal installation results.
Be sure to inspect the slip resistance rating of your porcelain tile before purchasing it – Raphael Porcelain offers floor and wall tile with an outstanding COF rating of no less than 10. This step can help create a safer environment and prevent accidents from happening.
Porcelain tile may be more expensive than other forms of tile; however, when considering all its benefits it could well justify its higher cost. With long-lasting beauty and durability for years of enjoyment in addition to adding value to your home – porcelain tiles make an investment worthy of your consideration.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is an Earth-sourced flooring material used in flooring, tile and countertop construction projects for centuries and will last decades with proper care. Natural stone floors offer timeless elegance while being more resilient than carpet or wooden flooring options and increasing resale values of homes.
The process for turning raw stone into tiles and countertops varies slightly, depending on the type of stone being processed. For instance, marble tile suppliers Adelaide is extracted at an established commercial quarry before being transported to a manufacturing plant for cutting and finishing; once complete, its packaged tiles can then be distributed via showrooms and retail stores.
Travertine is a type of limestone typically found near mineral springs. Harvested similarly to other natural stones, travertine typically hails from Mexico, China, Peru or Turkey where it’s cut into slabs for shipping outward to wholesale distribution centres for retail sales.
Travertine is a long-wearing natural stone material, but not quite as hard as some other natural stones. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness rating – diamond ranks 10 while fluorite scores four – it scores 4. If used against steel knife blades or window glass, however, travertine will become vulnerable and scratch easily; that is why selecting high-quality tile from reliable providers is so essential.
Availability
Garden State Tile is an acclaimed manufacturer and provider of premium residential and commercial products, with products found across architecturally distinguished spaces such as airports, hospitals, universities, office buildings and airports across the US. Their account management team works closely with architects and designers to ensure projects completed for clients run smoothly; their Scottsdale-based affiliate Villagio Tile & Stone boasts ultra-chic tumbled travertine stone tiles while being widely known for their innovative porcelains that enhance any room setting.