NEWS
2013 Ceramic Tile Industry Update
Bolstered by the improving construction and housing markets, the U.S. economy and ceramic tile industry continued to expand in 2013.
In the residential market new home starts increased for the fourth straight year and were at their highest annual level since 2007. The 925,000 units started in 2013 represented an 18.5% increase from the previous year.1
2Q 2014 Ceramic Tile Industry Update
U.S. Tile Consumption Overview U.S. ceramic tile consumption through 2Q 2014 was 1.21 billion sq. ft. (-1.1% vs. 2Q 2013 YTD). If the trend continues for the remainder of the year, this would be the first year-over-year decline in consumption since 2009. The following...
2014 Porcelain Tile Certification Update
The Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) is pleased to announce the growing number of product lines qualifying as porcelain in its certification program.
Launched in 2008 this program directly benefits manufacturers, distributors, and end-users, which are all impacted by the misrepresentation of non-porcelain tile as porcelain. Currently 23 companies have PTCA-certified tiles, and to date 970 different series have been tested with 245 failing and 725 qualifying for certification. Clearly there is a high-need for this service.
EPD for Tile Made in North America
The EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) for ceramic tile made in North America debuted at Coverings 2014.
This EPD comprises a comprehensive analysis of over 95% of the ceramic tile produced in North America, based on data collected by PE International and submitted to UL Environment for certification. Both PE International and UL Environment are well-established leaders in the field of sustainability assessment and validation.
Descriptions of Tiled Benches Displayed at Coverings 2014
At Coverings 2014 nine beautiful benches tiled by TCNA members were on display in TCNA’s booth and the Art Tile Courtyard. These creative works of art were installed over Wedi corporation bench forms donated by TCNA and Wedi.
TCNA Members Donate Tiled Benches to Boys and Girls Clubs
Six members of Tile Council of North America, Inc. (TCNA) donated beautifully tiled benches to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada (BGCSNV) at Coverings 2014 in Las Vegas, NV.
2014 TCNA Mexico Update
From its five founding members, TCNA Mexico’s membership has grown to 36 companies supporting Tile Council projects in Mexico. This total includes 11 tile manufacturers (representing 99% of the tile manufactured in Mexico), 13 associate installation materials members, and 13 associate raw material supplier members.
TCNA Response to OSHA-Proposed Rule on Crystalline Silica Exposure
TCNA's Letter and Testimony Click Here to Read TCNA's Letter to U.S. Department of Labor (February 11, 2014) Click Here to Read Eric Astrachan's Testimony (April 2, 2014) Click Here to Read Dr. Jyothi Rangineni's Testimony (April 2, 2014)
3Q 2013 U.S. Ceramic Tile Industry Update
Economic Overview
Bolstered by the improving housing market, the U.S. economy and ceramic tile industry continued to expand in 3Q 2013.
U.S. unemployment continued to steadily decline through 3Q. As of Sept. the rate was at7.2%, down from 7.8% in Sept. 2012 (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, new home starts in Sept. were at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of873,000 units, up 2.2% from Sept. 2012.
Coverings 2014 Kicks Off Tile + Stone Photo Sweepstakes
(ALEXANDRIA, VA—February 2014) Coverings 2014, the largest international tile and stone exposition, has launched an online photography contest to honor the inspiring tile and stone installations, artwork, buildings and structures found around us everyday. The social media-driven sweepstakes also serves to commemorate Coverings’ 25th year, with two Grand Prize Winners earning a trip to Las Vegas during the show, which takes place April 29—May 2, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.