Tiles have been made much longer than man has recorded history. Archeologists have found clay body tiles that were fired to harden and then decorated for aesthetic purposes from many ancient civilizations in Egypt, China, and Babylon estimated to be between 12,000 to 18,000 years old. Even some ancient Native American civilizations used forms of hardened clay for floors, walls, and functional life style items like pots and pitchers. For as long as man had the ability to mold clay into objects and use fire to harden them, we have had tile. As man discovered pigments in nature to color their fired clay, we have had decorative tile. Tile has always been, and will continue to be a labor of love, with man expressing himself artistically.

The Renaissance Period furthered development of tiles as an expression of man's innate artistic abilities. While this period is more known for valuable paintings, some of the most renowned Italian artists were revered for using fired clay as their canvas to create beautiful and long lasting pieces of art. During the Renaissance Period, the Italians became world leaders of our industry, just as they remain today.

Within the United States, fired clay tiles became more common in the late 19th century. Fired clay molded into bricks also became more prevalent as a building material. Our parent company, Acme Brick, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, began in 1890 to provide Texans with a local source of brick when technology for both clay brick and tile were developing. Many small and local manufacturing companies were created to provide fired clay products, predominately beginning in the eastern US and then migrating west with our population. The primary raw materials required to manufacture clay tiles in the United States - clay, kaolin, and feldspar - were abundant as was water for blending and fire for hardening. This was perfect timing for the perfect building materials of the day.

Ceramic tile evolved as technology continued to aid in faster and more efficient processes. Tunnel kilns with low firing temperatures and rails taking carts of loose tiles through a long firing process were used to fire bisques to take "green ware" to a more solid structure so they could then be colored and re-fired. This technology, called bicuttura (meaning twice fired), was an early method of creating tile from clay. This process gave way to roller kilns with hotter firing temperatures and shorter firing cycles. Monocuttura (meaning once fired) shortened the manufacturing process, making production more efficient. Both red body clay tiles and white body feldspar tiles became mass produced and more available to the American public. These tiles still exist today, are very durable, easily maintained, and affordable. There's a really good chance that your favorite local gas station, movie store, or restaurant has monocuttura tiles of excellent quality after many years of service. These tiles remain economical alternatives today.

During the late 20th century, the Italians continued to lead the industry with new innovations. Glazed porcelain tiles became more important. Porcelain tiles are by definition freeze thaw stable with water absorption of less than 0.5% so they literally can be used in any conditions. Not only can porcelain tiles be used in the coldest climates, but they are also used on the Space Shuttle where re-entry conditions would burn most other materials. Fired at over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, glazed porcelain tiles represent another step forward, thanks to Italian technology and design.

Technology has also allowed manufacturers to make color body or through body tiles, wherein the surface of the tile is the same as the middle of the tile, so wear patterns are virtually non-existent. There is no glaze to wear, so they will last indefinitely.

The tile industry has continued to change rapidly, with many technical advances leading to even greater sizes, and functionality. During the 1980's in the United States a standard size wall tile was about 4"x 4" while floor tile was a mere 8" x8"-- but isn't bigger usually better? Tile manufacturers made steps to produce 12" x12" tile, then 16's, then 20's, then 24's. Today tiles can exceed 48" x 48" or even larger for more exotic applications. Today's technology also allows for smaller or rectangular tiles at lower costs than ever before. We will see continued explosions of tile sizes, shapes, thicknesses, and designs as technological advances provide more room for expression.

Even while the size of tiles exploded, so did methods to decorate the surface of the tile. Early methods of applying glazes on the surface of tile with bell applicators were replaced with more efficient applications. Flat silk screens were used to decorate tiles similar to how T-shirt manufacturers applied decorations to your favorite jersey. Flat screens were replaced with rotor or roller screens where the screen can more randomly apply decorations for greater variance from tile to tile. Laser screens evolved to create even more randomness. Today's latest digital ink jet technology can use photography of many different surfaces like natural stones or wood that can be replicated on the surface of tiles for even more natural looking, rustic, or refined appearances. Many of these tiles cannot be easily differentiated from the materials they seek to replicate. Is it real, or is it ink jet? American Tile has been a leader in introducing these tiles to our market.

Our world today is rapidly changing with technological advances that we only dreamed about a few short years ago. The tile industry has similarly evolved. While the Italians continue to lead our industry, other countries including domestic manufacturers are quick to follow the Italian lead with design and technology. While Italy remains the largest exporter of tile to the United States, other countries such as Mexico, China, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, and others are major players, quick to replicate the Italian lead. In fact Italy is the largest seller of tile producing equipment to the rest of the world. Even our best sources of supply from the United States have factories full of Italian equipment, raw materials, and design specialists. Today's hot new technology, sizes, and styles may become yesterday's news, but you count on decades of service and timeless looks as the industry evolves.

As consumers we will become increasingly concerned with three areas the tile industry is addressing.

First, from a health aspect, tile is one of the most hygienic building materials available. The medical, fitness, and educational communities use mass amounts of tile for good reasons that include durability, low maintenance, and ease of cleaning leading to optimum hygienic conditions.

Second, from an economic aspect, tile remains one of the best long-term values among all flooring solutions. Studies indicate that dollar for dollar materials and installation costs over the life span of a floor ceramic and porcelain tile is a greater value than wood, laminates, carpet, VCT, and sheet vinyl.

Third, from a "green" concept, the tile industry excels at reducing air contaminants, using only natural materials, and recycling waste. Recycled tiles, glass, television and computer screens, windshields, and other junkyard materials will help reduce waste and prolong Mother Nature. The tile industry is leading our "green" charge!

The one thing you can count on is that American Tile will continue to bring our customers the latest and greatest new products, while helping you maintain that timeless look years into the future.

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