Tile has seen a resurgence in popularity as more people are incorporating it in their new construction and home remodels. With innovative new products released every year, the possibilities for tile are endless. Home interior designers and tile makers are expressing their creativity through the impressive variety of tile options which add character to any room.

While tile is not yet commercially manufactured in Central Oregon, there are several local suppliers, installers and designers with a wealth of knowledge about the tile options available. Many relish the opportunity to utilize tile in homes to obtain a specific look their client is hoping to accomplish.

“Tile has surged in popularity as people have found it to be durable and visually exciting,” said Jill Myslinski, designer and remodel specialist at Cascade Design Center in Bend. “Today’s savvy homeowner wants a signature look in their home, and tile — with its thousands of colors and sizes available — provides the punch they are looking for.”

Tile is now being manufactured in many different styles and materials making it perfect for adding color and style to any room, said Myslanski. It can be used for floors, bathroom walls, countertops, backsplashes, accent walls, fireplace surrounds and outdoor kitchen areas.

In the early 2000s inkjet technology revolutionized the tile industry and breathed new life into standard ceramic tile. Prior to this development, tiles were designed with screen and roller printing which limited the design. With inkjet technology standard ceramic tile gave way to porcelain tile that more realistically resembles natural textures and designs and without duplicating tile designs.

“Tile has exploded in recent years because of how much better digital technology is and the ability to make tile look more like wood, concrete, stone … almost any natural material,” said Patricia Julber, owner of Complements Home Interiors.

Technological advancements and digital imagery are largely to credit for tile’s rejuvenation in popularity, which benefits quality control and enhances the styles and patterns to create unique designs.

Brian Stephens of Brian Stephens Tile, Inc. explained that tile can now look like slate and travertine without the maintenance of real stone. Instead of a stamped pattern with every four tiles being exactly the same, design inkjet technology means every tile is unique so that there are no repeats, making the complete flooring project look like real natural stones out of a rock quarry.

One of the greatest innovations in tile is the ability to mimic desirable styles in a more affordable and easier to maintain material. Porcelain is a viable option to obtain a natural wood flooring look without the risk of nicks, scratches and stains inherent in true wood floors. It’s a pet-friendly option, providing resistance to pet stains and odors with easy cleanup of pet hair, while also minimizing the risk of scuff marks.

“Porcelain tile is durable and classic. We use it instead of hardwood in many homes. It can have the look of hardwood, but never has to be refinished,” Julber said.

“Concrete is making a big showing in the new tile markets,” said Myslinski. “Most concrete tiles have vivid stenciled patterns on them, or are three dimensional, allowing them to be molded into patterns, and interlocking pieces that join together to create show-stopping, large-scale designs.”

Another development in the resurgence of tile is that the standard square and rectangular designs are being replaced by hexagon and octagon shapes, which offer a unique and specialized twist to standard designs.

Some manufacturers incorporate eco-friendly aspects in their tile by using recycled materials. Glass bottles, for example, can be recycled and converted into beautiful tiles. Glass has similar benefits of other eco-friendly materials because it is non-absorptive and won’t mildew or mold in damp environments. It is easy to maintain and comes in a limitless array of colors, patterns and finishes.

The possibilities are endless with tile, as even radiant flooring options are becoming more affordable and effective. They are now considered an eco-friendly way to not only warm otherwise cold floors but to help heat homes from the floors where heat traditionally escapes.

Technological advancements are taking the tile industry to uncharted territories with any number of uses and designs. Tile is now able to realistically replicate the look of any natural flooring option and add a creative and colorful finish to any room.