UK Floor and Wall Tiles market to grow by around 5% in 2015

The UK market for floor and wall tiles grew by an estimated 4% in 2014, underpinned by rising demand from a combination of growth in housebuilding activity, home improvements and commercial applications. Ceramic & porcelain tiles dominate the mix in 2014 with an estimated value share of over 75%.

Following several difficult years in 2009-13, the outlook is for positive annual growth of around 5% in 2015/16 - underpinned by returning confidence in both domestic and contract sectors - followed by more moderate annual gains of around 3-4% to 2019 when market value is forecast to be over £550m.

Changes and trends within the UK tile market identified in the last edition of this report have continued into 2013-14. The main trend has been a gradual switch upmarket, particularly in the domestic sector, which has been dominated by stone effect porcelain & ceramic, as well as natural stone. In terms of decorative trends, fully or ¾ tiled bathrooms remain a key trend, but with stone effects and natural stone continuing to take share from plain tiles. Although neutrals continue to dominate the sector, there has been a trend for greater use of colour through Mediterranean and North African inspired designs and through the use of feature tiles, such as pop art panels, single tile motifs etc.

The trend for design breaks within a tiling scheme has become more prevalent, with combinations of tile sizes, shapes, textures and colours now used to create borders, frames, etc., for both wall and floor tiling installations. The stone tiles sector, and slate in particular, has undoubtedly benefited from the recent trend for texture in tiles, with growing demand for more riven products, particularly for texture walls. Wall tiles still dominate the sector, but floor tiles are well-established now, with share over 30%.

Imports have continued to increase share, and are now estimated at around 75%-80% of the market. In addition, more global suppliers are now targeting the UK market with the Middle East region becoming an important source country.

“The overall tiles market is likely to be characterised by price competition into the medium-term and beyond, as competition between tile types and other wall and floorcoverings will remain strong into the medium-term and imports continue their dominance of the UK market.” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research.

Medium-term forecast are related to the strength of the economic recovery, which in mid-late 2015 remains generally positive, and continuing recovery in the new housebuilding and key commercial construction sectors, such as offices and leisure. In addition, both consumer and business confidence have continued to improve. For the tiles market, this indicates potential for good short-term gains followed by steadier rates of annual growth into the medium-term, as indicated above.

The ‘Floor and Wall Tiles Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.