Handcrafted Kitchen Backsplash and Craftsman Fireplace Wall Tile is Becoming More Affordable
I recently had a discussion with a colleague of mine who I hadn’t spoken with in quite some time. I have been out of the loop this past year, when it comes to current events in the tile industry; having spent the majority of my time on my online tile business. I was shocked to hear how much our economic situation in the U.S. has effected the Global market. Some of the most well known factories in Spain and Italy have closed their doors. The cost of importing has gone up and the sharp decline in the housing market delivered a blow that many companies could not prepare for, let alone defend.
It used to be that many tile specialty store showrooms would display beautifully handcrafted tile to catch the eye of their potential customer. People would be drawn in by the “wow” factor only to settle for a selection more in line with their budget. Small artisan studios could never compete with the price point of factories that produce tiles in mass quantities. The advantage that the small studio has in the wake of this economy is they operate on a higher margin of profit than the larger companies and therefore can adapt more easily and quickly to these sudden economic changes. So, how does this benefit you, the consumer?
You are now seeing in the market place, a closing of the gap between high priced handcrafted tiles and mass produced imports. Small artisan studios have cut their prices to attract more business, while the larger companies have increased their prices to make up for the lack of demand. It used to be that the average porcelain or ceramic wall tile would cost $5.00-$7.00 a square foot. Handcrafted tiles would run $18.00 per square foot and higher. I’ve come across some studios that charge $100.00 per square foot for their tile. I believe, as you shop for tile for your home improvement project, you will find that beautifully handcrafted tile has become much more affordable, while the cost of a good quality porcelain or ceramic import has gone up. You will never equal the warmth and uniqueness of a handcrafted tile. Truly handcrafted tile will guarantee that your kitchen or bathroom or fireplace, will be the only one of its kind.
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