IN THE THICK OF IT Stephen Baker from Solus Ceramics, supplier of architectural wall and floor tiles, outlines
the growth in popularity of large format and thicker floor tiles and the benefits these offer architects and designers.
Traditionally, most architects and designers specifying floor tiles for commercial projects will have typically used 10mm thick tiles. However, a trend that is growing in popularity within the industry is the use of larger format and thicker 20mm tiles for external applications.
One of the key benefits of monolithic 20mm tiles is that they can be used in outdoor spaces, allowing designers to create a more uniform look by pairing 10mm tiles in indoor spaces with the same tile in a 20mm format in the adjoining outdoor areas. This can provide a stunning visual impact as it can make indoor spaces that lead on to outdoor areas appear larger and possess a harmonious architectural flow.
It’s these appealing aesthetics of the products, combined with the proven technical performance benefits of porcelain tiles like slip- and frost- resistance and resistance to breaking loads, which are making 20mm tiles an extremely attractive proposition.
20mm thick tiles are generally utilised in two systems, loose lay and pedestal, which allow the product to be installed easily in a variety of application methods.
LOOSE LAY The loose lay approach is a fantastic option for outdoor and gardening installations. A range of 20mm thick tiles can be laid directly on grass or gravel substrates, providing an
twitter.com/TContractFloors
innovative way of paving outdoor areas, such as gardens and patios, without the need to be wet or mechanically fixed.
The fact that you don’t need any adhesive, grouts or concrete beds offers major environmental benefits for architects, designers and installers alike as the product is reusable and can be moved or replaced when required. In the unlikely event of a slab being damaged, end-users can replace them by simply lifting them off the gravel and using an undamaged product.
The installation process is extremely simple and quick, whilst the finished product looks aesthetically appealing. This type of approach is extremely flexible in its design capabilities, giving users the option of placing slabs adjacent to one another or creating pathways by installing individual slabs onto the gravel support.
PEDESTAL Typically specified in residential and commercial applications for balconies and terraces, the pedestal approach is ideal for transforming previously unusable areas, such as irregular, uneven or sloping areas, into useful ones.
Pedestal systems will generally feature a tile with the appropriate slip resistant characteristics for outdoor use, with the gap between tiles and the ground providing a hollow technical space that can be used for covering wires, cables, pipes, or unsightly and uneven roof
spaces. This gap also provides positive drainage to help prevent ponding, which as a result, will reduce the risk of slips even more. The free drainage technique can help water run off and also allow water harvesting on terraces or balconies.
Similar to loose lay, no adhesives are required with the pedestal approach. Yes, the perimeter pedestals are bonded to the substrate, but the majority of the pedestals are kept in place by the weight of the tiles.
Tiles are placed on durable, height adjustable pedestal pieces with the joints correctly aligned thanks to four spacers in the upper part of the support, allowing an identical joint width of approximately 4mm. Each support also has a hole in the base, allowing it to adapt to the bearing surface.
WORKING IN
PARTNERSHIP At Solus Ceramics, we offer a wide range of 20mm thick tile options to suit all design styles and trends. From earthy and natural textured tiles, to wood effect, modern or natural limestone, marble, slate and concrete effect, there’s a range for every application.
To help architects and designers, our team of technical experts can work in partnership with you to help you make the right choice and specifications.
www.solusceramics.com FLOOR TILES | 47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62