As voted by tile contractors and installers, a three-way tie was determined for the best sound reduction product. The winners, pictured above, are Custom Building Products, Laticrete and Noble Co.

The 2009 Tile & Stone Installation Contractor Market Study, conducted by Clear Seas Research in partnership with the National Tile Council of America (NTCA) and TILE Magazine, recognized the Most Preferred Brands as indicated in the 2nd Annual CLEAReport survey sent to nearly 700 contractors, installers, business owners, and other professionals involved in flooring installation. Also receiving recognition were:

• Organic Adhesives (Mastic): Custom Building Products, MAPEI
• Backerboards (wall tile): James Hardie
• Backerboard (floor tile): James Hardie
• Cleaners: AquaMix
• Crack Isolation: Schluter Systems
• Wet Saws/Diamond Blades: MK Diamond Products
• Cementitious Grout: Custom Building Products
• Epoxy Grouts: Laticrete
• Cement-Based Mortars (thinset): Custom Building Products
• Sealers: Custom Building Products
• Waterproofing Products: Laticrete
• Tools: Marshalltown
• Electric Radiant Heating: NuHeat

Following the awards, Custom Building Products executive vice-president John McMullen addressed thanked ClearSeas, TILE Magazine and the NTCA. “At Custom, our focus is always on the tile professionals in the field. We put all our effort into developing reliable, innovative tile and stone installation systems that meet their needs and exceed performance expectations.” It’s very gratifying to know that we are succeeding in our goals to support tile contractors with outstanding products, and we appreciated being recognized by Clear Seas

The report from ClearSeas, conducted to measure opinions and understand current trends from professionals involved in the tile and stone installation industry, provided a detailed look into the market for tile and stone installation products in the U.S. It included key insights on product demand, brand preferences and the competitive landscape by region.

To receive more information or to purchase your copy of the 2009 Tile and Stone Installation Contractor CLEAReport, please contact Beth Surowiec by email surowiecb@clearseasresearch.com or phone (248) 786-1619.