The Enduring Appeal of Stone and Tile
by Michael Rull
The popularity of stone and tile in the Southwest has been evident for quite some time and the rest of the country is embracing the trend. Carpet and vinyl are taking a backseat to stone and tile flooring thanks to the superior style and durability of these materials.
Incorporating the upscale look and luxury of stone and tile is one way homebuilders canmake buyers feel they are not sacrificing on quality.
The natural beauty and strength of stone in particular makes it an increasingly popular product for a variety of spaces. And not only do stone and tile products look great-they're also very versatile in that they can be used for both walls and floors, and for interior or exterior design.
For those seeking luxury design on a budget, porcelain tile is a good substitute for more premium-priced flooring options such as hardwood or stone. With the right porcelain tile, one can achieve the much-coveted look of hardwood flooring for less cash. Also, while solid wood is prone to scratching and often requires refinishing, porcelain tile is very easy to maintain by mopping with soap and water.
If home buyers desire travertine or limestone floors, there are some stone product options available at lower price points so homebuilders should not completely rule out real stone without exploring all options. Or, as an alternative, many porcelain lines do offer colors and sizes that mimic the variation in shading and strength of natural stone. Using porcelain and ceramic tile is a great way to give home buyers the luxury they crave without the expense and high maintenance of stone or hardwood flooring.
When working with a strict budget, a good rule of thumb is to stick with the basics-for example, monochromatic color schemes are generally less expensive. Also, tiling one wall fromfloor to ceiling rather than wainscoting can give a room a luxurious look without breaking the bank.
Although many home buyers in today's market are ready to make concessions on square footage and lot size to own a home they feel is truly affordable for them, most are not ready to give up on the high-end features that have become popular in recent years in homes at nearly all price points. Incorporating the upscale look and luxury of stone and tile is one way homebuilders can make buyers feel they are not sacrificing on quality.
Michael Rull is a Marketing Assistant for Arizona Tile in Tempe, Arizona.
