STONE-EFFECT


THE INS AND OUTS OF SEAMLESS STYLE


Peter Vann, Director of Ceramique


Internationale, explains the benefits and versatility of stone-effect porcelain tiles.


When you think of French Limestone you might imagine centuries-old architecture on chateaux, castles and abbeys. However, it is the very thing that makes French Limestone different – those unique characteristics in both colour and mineral content - that also makes it high maintenance in a domestic setting - requiring significant care and attention to protect its porous surfaces from dirt and stains. So, while the ‘weathered’ look suits an ancient chateau, it is not suitable – or desirable - for many modern homes and buildings.


Natural stone-effect porcelain tiles have been around for many years, providing the look and feel of real stone in both residential and commercial settings, but with a raft of added benefits – not least the time and effort-saving cleaning regimes.


The hardness and density of porcelain tiles make them durable and hardwearing: ideal for use in high traffic areas. They are resistant to stains, chips and scratches, meaning that they'll stay looking good for years to come. They are also efficient heat conductors and are effective when paired with underfloor heating systems, meaning that they are cool under foot in summer and warm and cosy in winter – very useful in bathrooms, kitchens, living areas and conservatories.


Last year saw the trend for creating seamless living spaces that flow from indoors to outdoor areas really take off – to the extent Channel 4 dedicated an entire series - 'Inside Out Homes' – to it. The focus was the seamless integration between indoor and outdoor areas and the idea that we can use external areas as additional rooms, as if they were in the home - whether we create an outdoor dining area, living room, or even a games room. The floor is crucial to making this work.


Additionally, the classic French Limestone aesthetic is one of the most popular looks being utilised as part of this trend. French Limestone porcelain tiles, which recreate the incredible detail of the natural material and feature fossil shells and calcium deposits, are suited to so many applications.


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As such, many manufacturers are now adding 2cm thick versions to their collections for outdoor use. One great example of this is Gris Fleury, from Marazzi’s MYSTONE collection. Replicating the timeless French Limestone effect, with a very natural look and a subtly varying background, and using digital printing to great effect to introduce tiny details and a non-repeating pattern for intense realism, Gris Fleury can be used in any space – inside or outside.


Large rectified slab formats of 750x750cm and 600x1200cm, perfectly suited for indoor spaces, are now complemented by 600x600, 2cm thick versions of the tile to enable consumers to extend their living space into patios and alfresco dining areas.


The extra-thick 2cm stoneware is hardwearing and resistant to thermal shock, loads and stresses, making it highly suitable for paving patios and balconies and for laying garden paths and driveways. It can be laid using traditional adhesive, straight onto gravel or dry laid on grass, sand or gravel. Alternatively, a pedestal mounting system is also available to create a suspended external floor space without using adhesive or grout. The tiles also come with an R11 A+B anti-slip rating to make them safer for outdoor areas that can be affected by the good old British weather.


As porcelain can’t absorb moisture like stone does, the tiles are resistant to staining, frost and algae and do not require sealing, making the maintenance extremely simple.


All this, in addition to the fact that the colour of porcelain tiles cannot fade and therefore remains unchanged over time, means they are a practical alternative to wood and stone in outdoor areas.


www.tilesandmosaics.co.uk www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


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