Decorative Tile Demand to Reach 3.3 Billion Square Feet in 2013

US demand for decorative tile is forecast to increase 4.4 percent per year to 3.3 billion square feet in 2013.  Flooring applications accounted for 81 percent of total tile demand in 2008, and will continue to spur demand for decorative tile, as consumer preferences shift away from carpets and rugs.  Flooring demand for tile is expected to increase 4.5 percent annually through 2013 to 2.7 billion square feet.  Gains will be boosted by the residential market, as housing completions rebound and consumer spending on improvement and repair projects increases.  These and other trends, including market share and product segmentation, are presented in Decorative Tile, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Foreign trade plays a crucial role in the industry.  In 2008, 74 percent of all tile sold in the US was imported.  Most imported tile is produced in countries with low labor costs and good access to inexpensive raw materials.  However, imports of high-end tiles from countries such as Italy also account for a considerable share of overall demand. 

The residential construction market will generate the most rapid gains in tile demand.  Advances will be spurred by a rebound in housing completions from the low levels experienced in 2008.  Further gains will be promoted by spending on kitchen and bathroom renovation projects.  The nonresidential building construction market for tile will see slower growth than the residential market.  Advances will mainly be derived from the improvements and repairs market, as building owners and property managers replace worn and older floors with tile surfaces.  Designers and architects will opt for tile due to its durability, minimal maintenance requirements and slip resistance.

Porcelain and natural stone tiles will account for the fastest gains of all tile types through 2013.  Demand for porcelain tile will be driven by its aesthetic advantages.  Porcelain tile is more durable than ceramic tile, and can be fired to resemble natural stone, making it a less-costly alternative to genuine stone tiles.  Demand for natural stone tiles will be spurred by interest for stone surfaces in mid-range and high-end residences.  However, ceramic tile will continue to account for the vast majority of tile demand in both value and area terms through 2013, primarily due to its low cost.

The Freedonia Group is a leading international business research company, founded in 1985, that publishes more than 100 industry research studies annually. This industry analysis provides an unbiased outlook and a reliable assessment of an industry and includes product segmentation and demand forecasts, industry trends, demand history, threats and opportunities, competitive strategies, market share determinations and company profiles.