Gleam and glamour win the race
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Granite and marble flooring are passé; vitrified tiles rule the roost now
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Granite, which once sold like hot cakes, has taken a beating, thanks to the cheaper option that customers found in vitrified tiles. Costing almost half the price of granite, they have become a favourite flooring option among builders as well as customers. Vitrified tiles are ‘man-made tiles’ unlike granite and marble, which are completely left to the mercy of the nature. Marble too, which was once a favourite option thanks to its milky white look and ‘coo
ling abilities,’ is being given a step-motherly treatment now.
Whether they like it or not, granite dealers like Praful Mody of Super Granites Limited accept that vitrified tiles have a larger market share now. “Though the demand for granite has increased manifold with new real estate projects, it cannot be denied that vitrified tiles have made their mark,” he says.
What has made the tiles appealing to customers is their ability to imitate marble, granite or even carpets! Another reason is that, unlike marble, which ‘yellows’ over time, vitrified tiles are much better in handling any kind of abuse or low maintenance.
Steady fall
According to Shyam Sunder of Shanti Marbles, the demand for granite has seen a steady decline especially in the last two months. Attributing the decrease in demand to the financial tsunami that has affected almost all sectors, he added that vitrified tiles are a preferred choice. This is mainly because of two reasons: affordable pricing and also because the work gets done faster.
While a square feet of vitrified tile costs anything between Rs.40 to Rs.100, a square feet of granite begins for no less than Rs. 80 and goes up to Rs.200 depending upon the finish.
Though the attributes of granite and marble may be many, the fact remains that granite suppliers and manufacturers such as Shyam Sunder have certainly felt the pinch.
“In the past three months, our supply has come down by at least 50 per cent and with many projects at a standstill, we have obviously been hit too,” he says.
Sturdy option
Builders like Vijayakanth Reddy agree and say that flooring would be the first to be compromised upon when it comes to cost-cutting. “Granite is a sturdy option, but if we have to bring the costs down, we would naturally go on for a cheaper alternative.”
However, Praful says that the scene is not so bad for granite. “There are takers for granite too. Even today it has a great demand in IT sector, commercial structures and airports.”
D.V.L. PADMA PRIYA, HYDERABAD
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