Statements Blog
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Read all the up to date information about our newest tile collections, tile facts, customer projects and so much more.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Goodbyes can be hard. Unfortunately we’ve had to say goodbye to some of our popular collections. Lucky for you, we’re constantly adding new and exciting collections to our library!
Goodbyes can be hard. Unfortunately we’ve had to say goodbye to some of our popular collections. Lucky for you, we’re constantly adding new and exciting collections to our library! Keep reading for a list of our recently discontinued collections along with an introduction to our newest additions.
Out with the old, in with the new - New additions:
bolton
A collection that goes beyond the effect of concrete, a surface inspired by the naturalness of cement but expressed in a lighter way. Its compact background is crossed by small chromatic variations and other nuances, which made it a design element that can be used to cover all kinds of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors.
Versatile and captivating, Bolton is developed to meet the most universal aesthetic needs of contemporary architecture and design.
Kiel
The breadth, solidity and detailed texture with natural tones, recreating the singularity of the natural stone as a protagonist of an architectural environment. Embrace all the beauty of natural stone, with none of the upkeep. Kiel porcelain tiles are available in two convenient sizes and three beautifully neutral colors.
Leighton
A series of subtle details on low gloss, natural tones and fine textures with a clean and anti-slip finish. Featuring the neutrality and firmness of polished concrete transformed into the perfect porcelain for any space.
Marvel Gala
Marvel Gala is a journey through nature’s most amazing masterpieces, a collection of precious stones inspired by Earth’s most striking landscapes. Marbles, crystals, granites and quartzites in bright and deep colors, reproduced with extreme realism and attention to graphic detail. With Marvel Gala, marble-effect porcelain slab puts on an evening gown and emerges as an elegant, precious and sophisticated surface. An homage to nature that recalls the intense colors of five natural stones, to elegantly explore and define new languages in the architecture of interior spaces.
Marvel X
Marvel X is a range of marble-effect porcelain tile surfaces inspired by contemporary marbles, designed with close attention to every detail. Soft shading, graphic depth, and attention to detail create an extraordinary marble-effect porcelain tile to be experienced on a daily basis. The rich details of natural marbles are reproduced with astonishing realism. Color matching, high definition of details, soft shading, and graphic depth combine the beauty of the surfaces with the technical performance of porcelain tiles.
With five surfaces inspired by the most widely used marbles in interior design and architecture, Marvel X creates an unmistakable, timeless style. Also available in 6mm slabs.
Salt Stone
Salt Stone celebrates salt, a fundamental importance for our planet, by transferring the elegant, sophisticated appearance of rock salt into a porcelain collection with a strong personality and an irresistible yet subtle beauty. With mottling, stratification and short veins, Salt Stone’s aesthetic interprets the rich, vibrant character of natural rock salt slabs.
However, it does so with discretion, using a delicate, refined color range running from neutral shade to hues such as pink or green. The result is a versatile product able to interpret a variety of lifestyles and adapt to different applicational demands.
Ulisse
Inspired by a very continuous and homogeneous limestone, Ulisse is born. A very soft collection with a micro-grained background and small irregular inlays scattered along the surface. Its natural and realistic finish as well as its aesthetic and timeless balance make Ulisse a top collection, indispensable in any range. The elegant stone, with its natural and soft colors, is ideal for creating continuity in your interior and exterior spaces, making the collection suitable for any impeccable, refined and balanced setting.
viceversa
Viceversa is an interpretation of poured concrete enriched by graphics that faithfully reproduce the characteristic flakes and clasts found in the classic sand and mortar mixtures, applied manually by expert craftsmen. The neutral appearance makes this collection a creative, versatile, eclectic resource for both architecture and interior design projects.
Viceversa features a light, subtle pattern in 8 delicate, pale colors and two versatile sizes.
Also available in 6mm slabs.
wow abbey stone
Abbey Stone embodies the way time alters and shapes the appearance by adding its special patina over the centuries.
Tribute to the grace that time lavishes with a smooth yet endurable finish, ready to take any challenge.
This collection has been created using a specially formulated matt enamel for use both indoors and outdoors. Thanks to an innovative non-slip surface R11 / Class 3 / DCOF > 0.42, Abbey Stone can be installed in wet areas. However, its soft-touch finish makes it suitable for interior use, allowing for aesthetically uniform spaces.
One product, unlimited uses.
wow glow
If you are looking for a collection with a glossy, almost crystalline appearance, then the Glow series, as its name indicates, is the one for you. This rectangular wall tile, in a choice of six colors, features a plain-colored field tile and a décor with differing inter-combinable geometrical surface designs. The décor’s 10 models come in a random selection in each box, perfect for creating continuous designs. A collection conceived to infuse settings with high luminosity.
Unique Shapes
Rectangular and square tiles are timeless classics. But sometimes you want something slightly more...fun. Something playful with a little extra character.
Rectangular and square tiles are timeless classics. But sometimes you want something slightly more...fun. Something playful with a little extra character.
Take a look at just a few of the unique tile options we have to offer:
Ceramic
Feathers
Delight in the beauty of nature with this one-of-a-kind tile. With their organic shape and subtle colors, Feathers add a touch of Zen wherever it’s placed. Mix and match them to create your own unique look.
Sfumature
The chromatic potential of nuances in the Sfumature collection is expressed in an extraordinary level of graphic diversity that’s ideal to create functional and original surfaces. With its pale colors, patterns and old-fashioned finishes, this ceramic collection makes it easy to create tone-on-tone monochromatic themes, or high-contrast themes by playing on the textures of the tiles.
WOW Boho
The most appealing casual look has a name: Boho. Bohemian and vintage hints with a laid back overall vibe. Pastel and rich vibrant colors, artisan finishes, trendy metallics and earthy stones to delight your senses. Presenting two lush and delicate shapes, Tear and Elle, to add a sense of boho-chic to any living or commercial space
WOW Grace
Grace collection is diversity in color. Its Oval and Rectangular shapes offer the chance to create new and unique designs. WOW Grace’s main characteristics are its translucent crystalline deep glazes and the smoothest mattes which do not reflect any light.
porcelain
Cosmo & Magic
Two collections come together in perfect harmony. Cosmo, inspired by the beauty of marble. Magic, offering a charming, neutral palette. Both in a modern, geometric shape.
Use them separately or combine them for a dazzling composition.
Heritage
A new classic. Large scale hexagons in neutral colors and detailed patterns bring a current feel to a timeless shape. Add a little artistic flair with a patterned look or embrace the neutrality with a solid color.
WOW 60º
A fluid dialogue between wood and stone, allowing open plan stays with floors smoothly blended without room dividers. Chevron and trapezoid complementary shapes, both with a 60º angle in common, to be used individually or combined for a stunning design.
WOW floor
Choosing the right floor can prove challenging...
WOW Floor presents you four shapes: Trapezium, Hexa, Triangle and Chevron. With three neutral colors and four combinable shapes, the possibilities are endless.
Understanding Shade Variation
Shade Variation is standard part of the tile manufacturing process, especially in porcelain tiles. Keep reading for a more detailed explanation of this rating system.
During your search for the perfect tile, you may have noticed that some collections look like cookie cutter versions of each other, while other collections have a huge variation between each tile within the same color group. This is what we call shade variation. and it’s a standard part of the tile manufacturing process, especially in porcelain tiles.
Over time, the printing process of tiles has gotten much more sophisticated. Because of this, you’re probably seeing more and more collections that offer a wider variety of variation. This allows the manufacturer to better emulate the look of natural stone or wood in a lower maintenance option, like porcelain.
This may seem a little confusing at first, but that’s why we’re here! Keep reading for a more detailed explanation of this rating system.
What is Shade Variation Exactly?
First, it’s important to know that there’s a difference between natural shade variation and intentional shade variation. Natural shade variation is something that happens during the manufacturing process that’s unavoidable. This happens because during the manufacturing process, certain work conditions/factors may differ slightly from batch to batch and dye lot to dye lot. It’s very similar to baking cookies:
Batch to batch - think of this as the variation you may notice from one batch of cookies to another made from the same dough. The temperature of the oven may change slightly between batches due to you opening and shutting the oven to move cookies in and out of the oven.
Dye lot to dye lot - think of it like cookies made from the same recipe but on different days. The cookies may taste or appear slightly different due to slight changes in the ingredients (how soft your butter is, how much flour you used, how much baking soda/powder you put in, etc.) or changes humidity/temperature in your kitchen.
This is something you need to bear in mind when selecting your tile. The tile in our showroom or the sample you get may end up being slightly different than the tiles you get in your order due to different batches or dye lots. Generally the difference isn’t too extreme and we always do our best to ensure your entire order comes from the same batch/dye lot.
Shade variation is also something that the manufacturers do intentionally, depending on how they want the final product to look or if they’re trying to mimic a natural material such as stone or wood. To help make sense of shade variation, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) came up with a shade variation rating system around 2001. The shade variation rating of a tile indicates the degree to which its color, tone and texture vary among individual tiles. The CTDA shade variation rating system for porcelain and ceramic tile consists of the following categories:
V1 - Uniform appearance
V1 tiles have an overall uniform appearance. Differences among each tile from the same production will have little to no variation. If you want each and every tile to be virtually identical to each other, make sure to look for a collection with a V1 rating.
V2 - Slight Variation
V2 tiles will have slight variations, including clearly distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern within similar colors. It’s not so significant that one tile looks completely different from another tile but within the batches of boxes you’re definitely going to notice some level of variation.
V3 - Moderate Variation
Tiles are moderately variant and although the colors and/or textures present on a single piece are indicative of the colors and/or textures on another, the amount of colors and/or textures on each piece may vary significantly. While the colors present on a single piece of tile will be indicative of the colors to be expected on the other tiles, the number of colors on each piece may vary significantly. For example "that little bit of color" on one piece of tile may be the primary color on the next piece.
V4 - Substantial Variation
V4 tiles are substantially variant with random color and/or texture differences from tile to tile, where on tile may have totally different colors and/or textures from another. There will be random color differences from tile to tile, so that one tile may have totally different colors from that of other tiles. Thus the final installation will be unique.
In conclusion, whether you are looking for a uniform tile or something with a little more variation, paying attention and understanding the shade variation rating will be a crucial part of your tile selecting journey. We highly recommend coming into one of our showrooms to see the tiles in person as well as taking a look at the installation images on each product page. This will give a better idea of what to expect from each collection before you commit to an order and will ensure that you get the look you want and be 100% satisfied with the final result.
Introducing: Prestigio Onyx & Venistone
Out with the old, in with the new. We’ve added two additional new lines to our ever-growing porcelain tile collection: Prestigio Onyx & Venistone.
Out with the old, in with the new. We’re introducing two additional new lines to our ever-growing porcelain tile collection: Prestigio Onyx & Venistone. Both inspired by the beauty of natural stone with all the benefits of durable porcelain.
Prestigio Onyx
Prestige and glossy sheen are the characteristics that identify Prestigio Onyx, a collection that reinterprets onyx, the most luxurious of natural stones, in a contemporary style. The material is updated through a harmonious language that speaks of sophisticated textures and contemporary shades. The intense link with light and the refined graphics creates environments with a strong aesthetic impact, that at the same time retain an elegant visual lightness.
A contemporary elegance, emphasized by the choice of two surfaces, Soft and Polished, and three modern, delicate shades, ranging from the graceful White to the calming Grey to the warm Beige nuance, with more marked contrasts.
Venistone
Venistone, reproducing to perfection the decisive and iconic graphics of Venetian breccia stone, with an approach to contemporary art, a recall to the design and to the city of Venice, in its most modern meaning.
The patterns are presented with oval and fragmented shapes; moving away from the idea of perspective. The whole visual game suggests a link with the mapping of the city, a look from above, creating fluid, harmonious, multiform architectures.
New Year, New Collections
It’s the start of the new year and we’re introducing several new collections! From stone inspired porcelain to patterned ceramics, there’s something for everyone.
It’s the start of the new year and with it we’re introducing a variety of new collections! From natural stone inspired porcelain to subtly patterned ceramics, there’s something new for all your upcoming projects.
Kado
With a strong decorative impact that rediscovers the charm of old marble grit floors. Offering two different surfaces:
Cement, a stone effect embellished with small inserts
Flakes, a reinterpretation of the classic Terrazzo.
Available in a convenient 24x24 size and 5 beautifully neutral colors.
Cosmo & Magic
Two collections come together in perfect harmony. Cosmo, inspired by the beauty of marble. Magic, offering a charming, neutral palette. Both in a modern, geometric shape.
Use them separately or combine them for a dazzling composition.
WOW Tesserae
Tesserae from WOW is a dialogue between past and future. A classic revolution. Inspired by the hand made cement tiles from the nineteenth century, full of character and recalling the mastery of the mosaic artisans, who composed their designs one piece at the time.
With a matte surface that avoids reflection from light and enhances the endless mosaic patterns at the same time.
From indoor and outdoor flooring to bathrooms & kitchens back splashes, the possibilities are endless with WOW Tesserae.
WOW Texiture
Elegant simplicity.
WOW Texiture ties into a larger vision between patterns and fashion, storytelling apt for endless revisions depending on who it represents.
It is an interesting conversation between design, texture, color and metallic hues. A route into design from a ceramic perspective.
Fall in love with warmth
Fall is officially here! If you’re looking to introduce warmth into your next project, we’re here to help! Read up on all of our favorite tiles for this season.
Fall is officially here! If you’re looking to introduce warmth into your next project, we’re here to help! Keep scrolling to see a few of our favorite tiles for this season. We know you’ll love them too!
First up: Flauti
Our Flauti mosaic tiles offer so many color options with a warm pallet. Our current favorite for the fall is Cotto or Camel Gloss and Satin. Both colors and finishes are beautiful oranges that scream warmth and coziness. If orange isn’t quite what you’re looking for, that’s okay! Flauti also offers Sage Satin, a green tile with warm undertones guaranteed to bring warmth and color into your design without feeling overwhelming.
Next up: St. Tropez
This Mediterranean inspired ceramic tile offers a handcrafted look with bolds colors and distinctive style. Bronce, Coral and Verde are all great options when looking for a warm pallet. Bronce is the perfect chocolate brown for your next project. Not only does this collection have a handmade look, but it also offers tonal variation mixed within each box.
In need of flooring? We suggest a wood inspired porcelain.
Our favorite this season is Logwood Brown. This collection offers all the beauty of natural wood without the maintenance. If you’re looking for a color with deep, rich tones, Brown is a great option.
Our favorite wall and floor option: Clay
The Clay collection is available in a variety of different warm color options. Our favorites for the Fall are hands down Glee and Grace. Both colors are great options when you need to add a splash of color without overwhelming the space.
Last but not least: Microfolia
If you need an accent piece this fall, Microfolia Harvest is a fantastic option. This fun mosaic include every color that makes you think Autumn. From deep browns to bright golds, Harvest is sure to add visual interest to any space you put it in.
Introducing: Kintsugi
A soft concrete material meets the brilliance and shine of metal in this beautiful porcelain collection
Introducing Kintsugi. Inspired by the art of putting piecing together fragments along connecting lines, giving a new look to the work. A soft concrete material meets the brilliance and shine of metal in this beautiful porcelain collection. Grits and glazes overlap to create luminescent inserts rich in texture and consistency, giving greater depth to surfaces and creating new forms that foster welcoming and unconventional environments.
Creativity, determination and confidence: every experience can be valued and exhibited in a positive way, giving it a unique, precious allure.
Kintsugi is available in four beautifully neutral colors and two convenient sizes.
All About Stripes
Stripes have been a timeless pattern seen in interior design through the ages. It can be easily incorporated in almost any setting: from modern, to contemporary.
A timeless option with endless possibilities.
Stripes have been a timeless pattern seen in interior design through the ages. Its versatile nature can be easily incorporated in almost any setting: from modern, to contemporary or even to ramped up glamour. Not to mention the endless pattern options depending on the orientation of the tile. When arranged in a vertical composition, the ceiling of a room can appear taller, making any room feel automatically bigger. Horizontal patterns can create depth in a room as well as a great visual appeal.
Looking to incorporate a striped pattern into your next project? Browse through the many striped tile options we have to offer here at Statements: from colorful ceramic wall tiles to versatile wall/floor porcelain tiles.
Staff Favorites
Which tiles are we obsessing over this week? We’re loving a nice neutral palette with a splash of elegance thrown in!
Which tiles are our staff favorites this week?
We’re loving a nice neutral palette with a splash of elegance thrown in! If you haven’t taken a moment to explore our selection of porcelain slab countertops.. what are you waiting for?? Our Level collection features a wide variety of color options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an upscale design or a more casual look, there’s something for everyone. Pair it with a fun patterned or glass tile or keep it simple with a traditional subway tile. (Light fixture from Abbrio Kitchen & Bath)
Pictured:
Level - Tortora Tafu
Florim Slab - Prexious Thunder Nights
AK Immersion - Crystallite Peak White
AK Architetto - Angolo Calacatta
Fort Point - Salty 2.5 x 10 & Flora Wharf
New at Statements: Elegance Pro
Inspired by the natural vein patterns of sandstone, Elegance Pro is a porcelain collection designed with an emphasis on versatility and creativity.
Inspired by the natural vein patterns of sandstone, Elegance Pro is a porcelain collection designed with an emphasis on versatility and creativity. The refined design, conceived and developed using a new production process to more accurately replicate natural stone, distinguishes a collection with infinite architectural potential. Featuring six warm colors that can be mixed and matched to create a sophisticated and versatile color range used to decorate rooms that combine a cozy atmosphere with a minimal, contemporary mood. This collection not only offers a beautiful natural finish, but a Mural finish as well, a three dimensional decor ideal for wall coverings.
Elegance Pro combines versatility, design and functionality, making it the perfect collection to enhance residential locations or complex architectural projects.
Benefits of Porcelain Slab
Thanks to the advanced technology, porcelain offers all of the beauty of natural stone with none of the maintenance issues or usage restrictions.
When you think of countertops and large format slabs, your mind probably immediately jumps to natural stone. Granite, quartz, marble and other natural stones have been around for many years. For so long, these materials have been the go-to for those wanting an upscale look in their home. What many people don’t realize is that there’s a durable, more cost effective option and that option is porcelain. That’s right, porcelain slabs. Thanks to the advanced technology used in the manufacturing of these slabs, porcelain offers all of the beauty of natural stone with none of the maintenance issues or usage restrictions. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of this modern alternative to quarried stone.
Durability
Porcelain is one of the most dense materials out there. That means your porcelain slab will be stronger and more practical for every day use. This tough material is heat resistant (perfect for induction stoves or heated floors), scratch/chip resistant, chemical resistant and UV resistant (yes, that means you can even use it outdoors!).
Hygienic/Low Maintenance
Because of its low porosity, porcelain is resistant to stains, bacteria, mold and allergens. While sealers are not required, Stain-Proof Porcelain & Quartz Sealer may be applied for an extra layer of protection. A damp cloth, such as a microfiber, is all that is needed for daily cleaning. For regular cleaning, we suggest using a neutral liquid detergent with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth or Stain-Proof Daily Countertop Cleaner.
Variety
The technology used to manufacture these slabs is extremely advanced. What does this mean for you? More options, of course! We offer a wide variety of different porcelain slabs. From the highly sought after marble look to neutral concrete looks, we have a slab to fit any project.
Although porcelain slabs are becoming more popular, they are still a newer product, so an experienced fabricator is highly recommended, especially for thin 6mm slab (used for floors and walls). All our 6mm slabs are floor rated, meaning you can get that wonderful seamless look on your floors as well. However, please note that this requires a perfect installation. If there are any air pockets underneath the surface it could lead to cracking over time. This is why an experienced installer is recommended.
Luckily, we are constantly vetting new fabricators/installers and offering training to those eager to learn. We’re more than happy to provide you with a list of fabricators we’ve worked with and trust.
Explore our collection of slabs here or stop by one of our showrooms to see them in person.
Exterior Porcelain Pavers
Did you know we offer PORCELAIN pavers? That’s right, the low maintenance, high durability material is also a great option for all your outdoor needs.
Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! How are your outdoor projects coming along? Have you chosen your paver yet? Did you know we offer PORCELAIN pavers? That’s right, the low maintenance, high durability material is also a great option for all your outdoor needs. Talk about a versatile material.
Browse the variety of different looks we have available in 20mm pavers and get one step closer to creating the outdoor oasis of your dreams.
It's All in the Details: Choosing the Right Grout Color
After finding the perfect t, you may think your decisions have ended there, but there’s one last crucial decision to make: grout color.
You’ve finally found the tile of your dreams. You may think your decisions have ended there, but there’s one last crucial decision to make that can affect the entire look of your room: grout color. You may be thinking, “That’s easy, grout should be white, right?”. Not always. Sure, you can go with white grout for a traditional look. You can never go wrong with the classics. But what if you have a dark tile? Are you okay with the contrast between the light grout and the dark tile? Sometimes contrast is great! But sometimes you would rather have the grout blend in with the tile, creating an almost seamless look. Keep scrolling to see how much these small details can affect your project and explore the options available.
Matching Grout to Tile
More often than not, people realize they don’t like the look of a lot of grout. Which is perfectly fine! This doesn’t mean you always need to go with larger tiles. It’s possible to find a grout color that matches your tile so well, it almost becomes invisible. Of course, neutral colors are the easiest to match, as you can see in the upper left photo. Colored tiles can be a little harder to match, but not impossible. Look at the photo on the right. Using a dark gray that’s a bit on the warmer side allows the grout the blend in with the surrounding burgundy tiles.
Pictured: Classic Collection White & Black Bevel (left); Flow Burgundy (right)
Creating Contrast with Grout
In some cases, you may want to create contrast with your grout. This is a great way to introduce visual interest in your space. Especially if the area your tile is going in has an neutral look overall. Using contrasting colors can prevent the space from looking too plain.
Pictured: Flow Cosmic Sapphire Picket (left); Color Collection Ice White (right)
Matching Grout with Other Room Elements
Sometimes you need something that will tie the whole room together. Matching your grout color to another element in the room is a great way to make the overall design flow well together. In the picture on the left, the grout was chosen to match the paint color above the tiles. In the image on the right, the grouts were chosen to match the tile colors in the next room, allowing the two room to be completely different, but still share the same color palette.
Pictured: Color Collection Ice White (left); WOW Solid Sky & Cotto
In conclusion, when it comes to designing the perfect room, there are no set rules. You can keep it simple, or you can choose to be bold. Both are wonderful options! All that matters is choosing something you can fall in love with every time you enter the room.
For more inspiration, check out our collection of idea books and catalogs!
Benefits of Stain-Proof Enhancing Sealer
You’re getting ready to seal your tiles for protection and notice the colors look a little dull. Read more about the benefits of our Color Enhancing Sealer.
Imagine this: You’ve just installed the perfect cement/natural stone patterned tile. You’re getting ready to seal it to protect your tiles from the element and notice the patterns just look a little…dull. The deep blues don’t look quite as deep as you imaged. The blacks aren’t quite as black as you hoped. Not only do we completely understand, we have the perfect solution for you! Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of our Stain-Proof Enhancing Sealer.
Color Enhancing Sealer
Stain-Proof’s Color Enhancing Sealer is the ultimate combination of enhancer and sealer. This amazing product will make the colors on your tiles POP! Natural stone, masonry and other hard porous materials will have deep, long lasting color enrichment as well as water and oil-based stain protection. This sealer will not flake, yellow, crack, blister or break down, even in outdoor applications.
Color Enhancing Sealer is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications in residential and commercial buildings.
Suitable surfaces: natural stone, clay and terracotta tiles and pavers, brick, concrete, polished concrete, terrazzo, encaustic tile, terracotta and saltillo.
Just look at the amazing difference in the tiles pictured above! The colors look much richer than before, especially the blues. Imagine the difference this Enhancing Sealer could make on your patterned tiles. For more information on this sealer as well as the other sealers we offer, click here.
New at Statements: Abaco, Ceppo di Gre, Fika and Zellige
Take a look at a few of our newest additions to our vast and ever-growing collection of tiles.
From stone and wood inspired porcelain to ceramic tiles with a handmade look and feel, there’s sure to be something beautiful for any of your upcoming projects. Take a look at a few of our newest additions to our vast and ever-growing collection of tiles.
Abaco
New, versatile and extremely functional. The Abaco collection takes the nuances of concrete to their highest expression, improving them with the durability of porcelain.
Abaco also offers an In & Out finish, perfect for indoor and outdoor applications. With a DCOF of R11, this finish is both smooth and slip resistant. Available in 24x48 tiles.
Visit the Abaco page to see the available color options.
Ceppo di Gre
Inspired by the Italian stone, Ceppo di Gre features the appearance of pebbles embedded just below the surface.
This porcelain collection is sure to transform any space into a breath-taking natural oasis.
Available in 12x24 and 24x48 sizes.
Visit the Ceppo di Gre page to see available colors.
Fika
Bring a sense of calm to any space with this wood looking porcelain tile. Featuring the textures and feels of natural wood with the minimal maintenance of porcelain.
Available in a beautiful parquet pattern as well as a versatile plank, this collection is the perfect addition to any space.
Visit the Fika page to see the available colors in this collection.
Zellige
Ceramic wall tiles inspired by Moroccan tiles. With a glossy finish, long rectangular format, irregular edges and exquisite color ranges, the Zellige collection is bound to create magical spaces.
Visit the Zellige page to see the beautiful color options available.
Through-body vs. Color-body
Explore the difference between color vs through body tiles so you can decide which one is best suited for your next project.
During your search for the perfect porcelain tile, you’ve surely noticed there is a wide variety of colors, patterns and finishes. But did you know that there are different types of bodies as well? Through-body and color-body. Let’s explore what this means a little further so that you can decide which one will be best for your next project.
Color-body Porcelain
Let’s begin with explaining what color-body means. A colored-body porcelain is created by using the most predominant pigment on a tile’s surface. This means that while the surface of the tile may have a pattern or texture, the inside of the tile is a solid color.
Gems, for example, is a color-body porcelain that has a terrazzo-like pattern printed on the surface. If the tile is chipped (very unlikely in a porcelain tile, by the way), the pattern may be disrupted but the exposed color will still be a similar color in order to reduce the visibility of the chip.
Through-body Porcelain
Through-body tiles differ slightly from color-body tiles. In a through-body tile the patterns and colors are consistent all the way through the tile. What you see on the surface of the tile is the same thing that’s on the inside of the tile.
For instance, if you chip our Norr tile (again, very unlikely) the chip would reveal the same pattern/texture that is seen on the surface of the tile
So let’s say you’re worried about potential chipping, due to the tile being installed in a very high traffic area, such as a commercial space, you may want to consider going with a a through-body tile. But also keep in mind, porcelain is one of the most dense materials, so the chances of chipping are very low.
Happy Halloween!
Some scary, beautiful tiles to inspire your next project. Have a wonderful Halloween, hopefully filled with more treats than tricks!
Some scary, beautiful tiles to inspire your next project. Have a wonderful Halloween, hopefully filled with more treats than tricks!
Tile Layouts
You’ve decided on a classic subway tile. But now your faced with another decision: how do you want them laid out? Take a look at some of the popular options.
So you’ve sifted through all the beautiful tile options out there and have FINALLY made a decision on a classic subway tile. But now your faced with another decision: how do you want them laid out? This is probably something a lot of people don’t even consider until their installer asks them. And that’s okay! We’ve gotten so used to seeing the traditional offset look with subway tile that we’ve completely forgotten that there’s other options available. Now, we’re not saying there’s anything wrong with the traditional offset look. It’s a timeless classic that you can never go wrong with. But sometimes, you may want something a little different. We’re here to inspire you and show you a few of the popular layouts that you can choose from.
Offset
Probably the most common of all the tile layout options is the offset pattern. This common brickwork pattern has each tile start at the center of the tile below it. This is a clean and classic layout for subway tiles on walls and floors.
Don’t just think you have to stick with a horizontal pattern. For more visual interest, try turning the design vertical or even diagonal.
Herringbone
Looking for something with a little more visual interest, but still traditional? Herringbone is the choice for you. Popular on backsplashes, subway tiles attain new heights of style in a herringbone layout. This pattern is made up of V-shaped rows of 45-degree angled tiles. This layout is a classic but more graphic way to install both large or small rectangular tiles.
Like the offset pattern, try changing the direction of the tiles for a more creative look.
Stacked
This layout is a basic pattern where tiles are set in a straight line to create a look that’s simple and clean. Rectangular tiles look modern and clean in this arrangement. Most often, you’ll see square tiles laid out in a stacked, grid-like pattern.
You can also try stacking your tiles vertically, emphasizing the height of your space by making your walls seem taller. Subway tiles suddenly take on new life and geometric appeal in this layout.
Basketweave
The basket weave pattern looks similar to the stitching on a woven basket and appears to weave the tiles over and under each other. Traditionally, two brick-shaped tiles are set horizontally against two brick-shaped tiles set vertically. The pattern may look complicated but it’s simply a trick of an eye and is rather easy to install. Basket weave tile pattern was extremely popular in the early 1900s and is often used to create classic chic feel.
Introducing: Flauti
We're OBSESSED with our new porcelain mosaic, Flauti. Micro-structure and random mesh mounting produces the effect of movement in this porcelain tile.
We are currently OBSESSED with our new porcelain mosaic!
Introducing Flauti: a micro-structure and random mesh mounting causes light to reflect in different ways, producing the effect of movement in this glazed, porcelain tile. Flauti is wonderful for both indoor and outdoor spaces, residential and commercial. This porcelain mosaic tile calls inspiration from mid-century Italian tradition.
With six color options and two finishes, the possibilities are endless.
Rectified vs. Non-Rectified
Do you know the difference between “rectified or non-rectified” tiles? Explore the differences so you can select the tile best suited for your project.
You’re diving deep into your latest project. The number of available tile choices is somewhat overwhelming. Then, you hear someone ask if you’d prefer “rectified or non-rectified” tile. Your head is already spinning and now you have no idea how to answer this question because the term if completely foreign to you. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’re here to clarify these terms for you and show you examples. That way, next time someone asks you “rectified or non-rectified”, you can answer them with confidence!
What on Earth is Rectified Tile?
Simply put the term “rectified” is referring to a process in manufacturing where the edges of porcelain tiles are ground or cut to minimize size variations between tiles, create a clean, smooth edge.
See? Doesn’t sound so complicated now, right?
But why would you need to rectify the edge of a tile? Well, during the firing process, tiles can shrink and warp slightly (very slightly!) because of the high temperatures at which tile is fired. This can cause a slight variation is size between each tile and marginally irregular edges.
To make sure each tile is EXACTLY the same size from tile to tile, the manufacturer can grind, saw or laser-cut the edges.
So you may be asking yourself, “Then wouldn’t I ALWAYS want a tile that’s rectified?” and our answer is… not necessarily. It all comes down to the type of look you want to achieve.
Why Would You Want Rectified?
Pictured: Charisma Luxor Porcelain Tile
Rectified tile doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a “better” option. It’s simply a newer process that makes certain aesthetics achievable. The precise, straight edge of these tiles make it possible to use smaller grout lines, allowing the tiles to sit much closer together. This is a great option if you want a more “modern” look or you simply don’t like the look of grout lines. It also allows you to achieve the “seamless” look from tile to tile.
Why Would You Want Non-Rectified?
Pictured: Alps Beige Porcelain Tile
Maybe the look you’re going for is more of a traditional, classic look. Or you just want the space to look a little more casual and relaxed. If this is the case, non-rectified is the way to go. Because the edges haven’t been cut or sanded down, the edges of the tile may be slightly irregular. We’re not saying you’re tiles are going to look jagged or sloppy, they’ll just have more of a “hand-made” look. Which will still look amazing! Because the edges aren’t perfectly, razor straight, your grout line will need to be slightly larger.
In Conclusion
Simply put, it all comes down to preference and what kind of look you are trying to achieve when deciding between rectified and non-rectified. Neither option is better than the other. There is no right or wrong answer when choosing. Each option has its upside. All you need to do is decide which option best fits your needs.