Sustainability and Growth of the Hard Surface Industry By Doug Dickinson, TTMAC Executive Director

Sustainability and Growth of the Hard Surface Industry
By Doug Dickinson, TTMAC Executive Director

The hard surface flooring industry has seen tremendous changes in recent decades that have had a profound effect on the use of ceramic tile, natural stone and terrazzo. Technology has played an integral part in the growth of the industry, not only from a manufacturing and physical perspective but also esthetically. The popularity of hard surface products continues to increase and continued growth is expected.

The ability to extract blocks of stone from quarries has changed dramatically over the years. As a result of technology the extraction process is substantially more efficient and therefore more cost effective. From diamond wire saws in the quarry to computer controlled gang saws at the manufacturing level, these improvements have enabled material historically reserved for kings, to become affordable to the common marketplace. Natural stone is quarried all over the world and is available in a myriad of colours, sizes, and textures. Competitiveness within the industry has never been greater. These products are now more affordable than ever and as a result of their durability and elegance, they are one of the most sought after flooring materials on the market today.

As the popularity of natural stone increased, ceramic manufacturers have taken note and expanded their manufacturing techniques to include identical replications of natural stone. Not only have colours and textures been replicated, but with the newer manufacturing technology, repetition of patterns and colour variations within ceramic tile are truly staggering. It is not uncommon to view a ceramic tile and question whether it is ceramic or natural stone. Technology has also played a vital role in the ability for manufacturers to produce higher quality tile and this has spawned more diverse applications. We are now only limited by our imagination as to how and where to install tile.

Terrazzo over the years has been tagged with the label of being a dying trade. However, it is sort of the chicken-egg analogy. With a reduction in terrazzo work being specified, companies had to retrain their workers to become tile and marble setters. However, these men never lost their ability to install terrazzo, and as work became available they were called upon to once again exercise their craft. This is very much true today. Specify it and they will come! Some of the largest and most magnificent terrazzo installations have been completed in recent years. One need only to look at Pearson International Airport , or the Thunder Bay Regional Health Centre to realize that it is anything but a dying trade. The incorporation of design as a primary element in terrazzo has had a tremendous impact on its resurgence. Terrazzo floors take on an "art-like" characteristic far beyond their superior functionality. This is a material that has definitely passed the test of time and will continue to perform exceptionally well.

As an industry, the best way to move forward is to exercise a "best practices" methodology. Simply just getting the job done is not effective in the long run. Ensuring that material can and does perform to a client's expectations should be at the forefront of everyone's mind. One of the most prominent advantages of selecting hard surface materials for a project is its unparalleled longevity. If best practices are not followed then premature obsolescence or failure may be the result. Ensuring steady growth in the hard surface industry is best attained by meeting and exceeding the client's expectations. Sometimes a client sees the advantages of a possible selection but does not understand completely some of the limitations. By understanding the limitations, the client is better suited to making the most appropriate selection, not only of materials but also methods of installation. Information should be provided to the client at all levels of the construction process. Suppliers, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, end users and owners should have the information required to ensure that materials and methods are compatible for the intended use. This will enable not only the installation to be successful but also the experience in dealing with our industry will be a positive experience.

If the client has confidence in our industry then the decision to include hard surface products in their next project will be an easy choice. Sustainability will then be achieved and the foundation for future growth will be in place.