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Onice Reale from Ames Tile & Stone. Herringbone from Flesher Marble & Tile. Prism Ultimate Performance Cement Grout from Custom Building Products. Ditra membrane from Schluter Systems. M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | 29 Hard Surface Flooring Hard surface flooring trends that are all the rage this year by LAURIE JONES M anufacturers of hard surface flooring continue to offer stunning options that will suit any application in both residential and commercial projects. Ames Tile & Stone has introduced the Onice Reale line of floor tiles, a collection of unique designs available in both slab and tile options. "The tiles are 24 inches by 48 inches and are available in matte or polished finishes," says Nicole Goetz-Turner, product development co-ordinator. "We are often seeing residential installations of the polished option on floors, and in some commercial applications. Because these tiles have a rectified edge – meaning all four sides are perfectly square – it can create a beautiful, seamless look. Having the matching porcelain slab can create some wonderful finishes." Goetz-Turner adds that the Onice Reale tiles are available in six colours inspired by Persian influences. The options include Ambra Polished, Cristallo Polished and Matte, Oceano Polished, Opale Polished, Rosa Polished, and Smeraldo Polished. Additional tile selections from Ames Tile & Stone include the Bianco and Marble Lab lines. The Bianco Onice Matte is available in 36-inch by 36-inch, or 36-inch by 72-inch tiles, or the Onice Polished, which is a 36-inch by 72-inch tile option. The Marble Lab Onice Perla Polished line is available in 24-inch by 24-inch or 24-inch by 48-inch tiles, as well as the 24-inch by 24-inch Matte version. The Bianco Travertino Oniciato Matte tiles are available in 36-inch by 36-inch, 36-inch by 72-inch, or the 36-inch by 72-inch polished options. Goetz-Turner explains that because the product is porcelain it is very low maintenance as it does not need to be resealed like a typical onyx or natural stone. "It can be used in a variety of areas, such as steam showers, and the seam- less option creates a little more class. The durability is also another feature so in commercial spaces where the renovations or refinishing is not done frequently, the installation can last for up to 50 years." In 2022, the Olympia Tile purchasing team was hard at work attending trade shows in Spain, Italy, and in the U.S. Following closely the design trends of 2022, Olympia Tile is now showcasing new lines that would serve architects and designers well with specifying projects. "First, our Crystal Stone Series is available in 24-inch by 24-inch and 24-inch by 48-inch Matte finish," says Oren Gal, sales manager, builders and commercial divisions. "This porcelain collec- tion reproduces the beauty and the chromatic variability of salt crystals, using graphics with high richness and depths." Available in four colours – White, Dove, Grey, and Smoke – the innovative technology allows this series to show elegant nuances and meticulous details that make the product look as authentic as actual natural stone, Gal explains. "Our second option, the Chiaro Scuro Series, is stocked in three colours – Deep, Salar, and Cliff. The 24-inch by 24-inch size is available in a matte finish, and the 24-inch by 48-inch size is stocked in a polished finish," says Gal. "This porcelain is a replica of a popular limestone that is found in Northern Italy. With meticulous patterning and design, Chiaro Scuro Series brings harmonious elegance to this natural stone replica. Due to its wealth of detail and depth of colour, it is sure to be a hit with architects and designers." Flesher Marble & Tile has brought back a classic look for modern designers and contractors with the Herringbone tile option. "The Herringbone pat- tern dates back to the Roman Empire, where it was used in buildings roadways," says Brent Fisher, general manager. "This interlocking paving system was built on top of a base of crushed stone, which cleverly absorbed the compression of traffic and footfall, making it extremely stable and durable. The pattern was named due to its resemblance to a herring fish skeleton. Other ancient civilizations also used this pattern, including the Egyptians for luxury jewelry and the French used the pattern in parquet flooring. Beyond these applications the Herringbone pattern spread to textiles design and is prominent in todays' luxury suits." In recent years, Herringbone patterned flooring has become extremely popular, and for good reason. "This geometric pattern creates visual interest within a space and offers a luxurious European feel," Fisher explains. "Like all classic patterns the popularity comes and goes over time. Although the pattern was originally used on roads and eventually wooden floors, it is now the rage in the ceramic/porcelain tile space." One Step Ahead

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