Following several difficult years the UK market for floor and wall tiles grew by an estimated 4% in 2014, and is set to inch forward again this year.
A new report from AMA Research predicts growth of around 5% in 2015/16, underpinned by returning confidence in both domestic and contract sectors.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles predominate in the market, with an estimated value share of over 75%. Walls account for the lion's share of applications, but floor tiles are well established now too, with over 30%.

AMA says the main tiles trend has been a gradual move up market, particularly in the domestic sector, which has been dominated by stone-effect porcelain and ceramic, as well as natural stone.

Fully or three-quarter tiled bathrooms remain a key look, with stone effects and natural stone continuing to take share from plain tiles.

Although neutrals continue to dominate the sector, there has been a move towards a 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.

Design breaks within a tiling scheme have also 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, says AMA, with growing demand for more riven products, particularly for texture walls.

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

AMA forecasts good short-term gains in the market followed by more moderate annual gains of around 3-4% to 2019, when the market is forecast to be over £550m.