Category: Uncategorized

February 17, 2023

GIO Looks at the Handcrafted Tile Trend

With handmade tiles, no two tiles are exactly the same. Irregularity is the hallmark of tiles that have been crafted entirely by hand. Uneven edges and surfaces are the characteristics that make handmade tiles charming and irresistible, adding interest and dimension to spaces. It’s the “perfectly imperfect” in handcrafted tiles that ensures each project is one of a kind.

However, there are downsides to handmade tiles in spite of their innate beauty and charm, especially for commercial applications where easy maintenance and durability are top priorities in the specification of surface solutions. Flooring in commercial spaces is subject to hundreds, if not thousands, of footsteps daily. And walls can suffer nearly as much abuse, if not more, in corridors and elevator banks. Commercial floor and wall tiles must be able to stand up to day-to-day abuses — and look great while doing it. Handmade tiles are typically more “delicate,” and cleaning can be tricky due to their unevenness.

In addition to the potential maintenance and durability issues found with handmade tiles, there is also the expense. They don’t come cheap and can be difficult to source in the very large amounts typically needed for commercial installations.

So how do you get the handcrafted tile look without the hassles? Fortunately, the current trends that embrace all that handmade tile have to offer have compelled tile manufacturers to mass-produce ceramic tile that looks handcrafted while featuring the benefits of manufactured precision that commercial tile specifiers seek out: durability, easy maintenance, availability, and good value.

If you’re looking for manufactured tiles with a handcrafted vibe, GIO’s got you covered with six beautiful tile collections that are hardy enough for the toughest commercial environments.

Zellige

Our Zellige wall tile collection offers Moroccan tile inspiration in a range of brilliant glazes. Click here to learn more about the Zellige tradition.

Zellige, Suk Black 5 x 5

Barista

Retro style meets subway tile with our Barista collection. With an antique chic look, this line pays homage to handcrafted tile with a palette of gleaming neutrals.

Barista, Ivory and Dove Grey 4 x12 Bright-

Handmade

Chic meets antique in this modern collection crafted to converge Old World style with fashion-forward finishes. Handmade wall tile comes in a range of beautiful colors plus metallic finishes, crackle finishes, and a 7″ hex.

Handmade, Silver 3×12 Metallic

Argille

Argille wall tile offers the look of hand-hewn clay glazed to peak sophistication. The glossy subway tiles are generously sized and offered in a stunning 8-color neutral palette.

Argille, Anthracite 5×10 Wall Tile

Pigment

Pigment floor and wall tile blends “handmade” and “modern age” with six on-trend hues and a long, lean 2′ x 14″ format.

Pigment, 2×14 Navy

Naxos

Naxos wall tile offers the look of subtly beveled handcrafted tiles in six glossy hues and a modern, linear 3′ x 16 size.

Naxos, Grey 3×16

GIO Tile is committed to being at the forefront of commercial design, bringing you only the finest commercial-grade products, hand-picked from global sources based on our focused knowledge of what you need to transform commercial spaces. Contact us anytime – we’re here to work with you!

January 23, 2020

GIO Looks at the Non-Residential Construction Market Forecast for 2020

As a company focused on commercial design, not only do we track style and design trends, but we also stay apprised of what’s happening on the construction side. Economic barometers play an important in role in how we prepare to supply and service our customers’ needs responsively. That’s why we stay closely attuned to nonresidential and commercial construction starts and forecasts.

Here’s a look at we can expect to see in non-residential construction in 2020.

Since the Great Recession, most construction market niches and regions of the United States have made a comeback to enjoy several years of steady growth. But many economists believe there could be a change of pace as many economic indicators point to a construction market that’s a bit slower than it has been the past few years. There are no catastrophic forecasts, but a noticeable slow down is expected. That said, each city or geographical region and key segments of the construction market will all likely have a different story to tell a year from now.

According to the mid-year AIA Consensus Construction Forecast* released in July 2019, spending on nonresidential building construction is expected to increase more than two percent in 2020. Commercial construction level (particularly for retail space) are in the midst of a broader slowdown, and industrial construction is seeing a very healthy rebound. While some individual construction sectors are projected to see declines over the next year, the consensus is that overall building construction activity will continue to expand. There won’t be a repeat of what the construction industry endured during the recession.

“Economic growth is slowing but is not anticipated to contract next year. Construction starts, therefore, will decline but the level of activity will remain close to recent highs. By major construction sector, the dollar value of starts for residential buildings will be down -6%, while starts for both nonresidential buildings and nonbuilding construction will drop -3%.” ~ Richard Branch, Chief Economist for Dodge Data & Analytics

Commercial facilities are expected to bear the brunt of the slowdown, with overall spending for commercial buildings projected to slow to 1.1 percent in 2020. In particular, retail construction is projected to see a modest decline this year and remain essentially flat next year. Hotel construction is expected to fare a bit better over the next year, and office construction even better thanks to the strong jobs market.

Commercial building starts were forecast to retreat 6% in dollar value in 2020, with the largest declines to occur in hotels and commercial warehouses. Retail activity will also fall in 2020, a continuation of an ongoing trend.

2020 institutional construction starts should remain even with the 2019 level. Declines in recreation and transportation buildings will offset modest growth in education building and health facility starts.

Rising trade tensions have caused the manufacturing plant construction to decrease with recent data suggesting the manufacturing sector is in contraction. Public works construction starts are expected to increase across all project types — recent federal appropriations have kept funding for public works construction steady or slightly higher.

*The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast is a twice-a-year survey of the nation’s leading construction economists who forecast business conditions over the next 12–18 months. The report averages the forecasts of eight leading construction forecasting firms — Dodge Data & Analytics, IHS Economics, Moody’s Economy.com, FMI, ConstructConnect, Associated Builders and Contractors, Wells Fargo Securities, and Markstein Advisors.

Resources: AIA Consensus Construction Forecst and 2020 Dodge Connstruction Outlook.

GIO: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE, SOLUTIONS SAVVYWe consistently seek market data to best prepare and respond to the specific needs of the commercial architectural and interior design communities. Feel free to connect with your GIO sales representative for insights and ideas for taking your upcoming commercial building or renovation projects to the next level with superior tile selections.

October 27, 2016

“Vein-Cut” Porcelain Tile is a Beautiful and Practical Alternative

There’s nothing like vein-cut stone to give a unique, flowing, zen-like ambience to an interior. The linear striations give a sense of effortless, ongoing flow, and the look is popular in both residential and commercial applications. But what exactly is a “vein cut” slab?

Vein-Cut Explained

Before a natural stone slab becomes an actual slab, the stone is cut from the quarry in the form of a massive block. Veins of minerals run through the block of stone. These mineral veins, each of a unique color and texture, will give the future slabs their pattern and character. The pattern, however, is determined by what direction the stone block is sliced.

In the vein-cut process, the block is cut along the grain, which will show the layers of sediments and contain a horizontal veining. Vein cutting is in contrast to the cross-cut process, in which the slabs are cut against the grain. With this method, the slabs may contain veining, but will not look “striped”. This is also referred to as a “fleuri” cut because it reveals a flowery, often circular pattern.

Whether you’re going for a traditional, classical look or a stunning, dramatic contemporary design, there’s just no substitute for the banded look of vein-cut natural stone. Or is there? Fortunately (and thanks to huge technological strides in digital printing), you really can have the look – minus the cost and upkeep – of classic vein-cut travertine, marble, granite, limestone, and more. These porcelain tiles from GIO are a practical and beautiful alternative to the real thing and a great way to get the look of vein-cut of natural stone for a fraction of the price with zero maintenance.

Maximus Floor & Wall Tile

This travertine look-alike has natural, linear detailing and is offered in three true stone colors. Available in large-format 12″ x 24″ and 24″ x 48″ tiles, 8″ x 48″ planks, as well as matching bullnose and mosaics, this tile can be used for a wide range of applications. Learn more about Maximus here.

Midtown Floor & Wall Tile

The dramatic striations in Midtown present a look that’s hip and edgy, yet still elegant – a perfect choice for modern interiors. Midtown is available in a range of colors and large format sizes. Choose from 12″ x 24″ and 18″ x 36″ tiles, 6″ x 36″ planks, 3″ x 24″ bullnose, and 2″ x 2″ mosaics. This tile is also Green Squared certified. See more of Midtown on our website.

Verve Floor & Wall Tile

Elegantly earthen modular and mosaic stone-look tiles in our Verve collection offer authentic details, versatile hues, and urbane style. This glazed porcelain stoneware line is offered in four authentic earth-tone hues and comes in 12″ x 12″, 12′ x 24″, 6″ x 24″ mosaics and 3″ x 12″ bullnose.

Amani Floor & Wall Tile

The newest addition to the GIO line-up of floor and wall tile, strongly striated Amani is available honed or polished in quartet of natural looking neutrals. Choose from 12″ x 24″ and 24″ x 24″ tiles. Learn more about Amani here.

GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We look forward to working with you!