STONE-EFFECT


of this world but their strength and resistance to stains, scratches and chipping does, and will continue to, stand the test of time and traffic.


Big ideas


When using natural stone, unfortunately you’re restricted by size unless you have the equipment and man-power to move around heavy slabs. Porcelain tiles offer a lighter, more manoeuvrable option and come in larger formats [Porcel-Thin offers tiles of 1200x600mm to 2400x1200mm]. They’re able to mimic the look of large slabs of natural stone, as if cut straight from the quarry, with fewer unsightly grout lines that would intrude on the stone-like characteristics.


It’s not just the look and weight that make large format tiles a winning choice, they allow faster coverage. Easier to cut, drill and shape than many thick or delicate natural stone alternatives, I’ve frequently seen porcelain stone effect tile projects completed more quickly and benefit from a saving on labour costs, which is always a hit with the client.


A quick installation turnaround was a deal-breaker for a top London football team when deciding to use 400 sqm of our extra-large Leviathan tiles to spruce up their hospitality suite – these truly are impressive beautiful beasts and easy installation is a bonus!


No strain, more gain


There are two common misconceptions about porcelain tiles when compared to natural stone. The first is environmental impact, many assume that the manufacturing process of porcelain tiles takes more energy so must be of more cost to the planet when, in fact, the opposite is true. Compared to standard ceramic production, we use 60% less mineral resources and 40% less energy while producing 50% less carbon emissions.


vitrification, where the silica in the clay turns to glass and fills the minute gaps in the tile structure. What you get is a tile that’s very strong and highly resistant to water ingress.


Very versatile


Because porcelain stone-effect tiles are so robust and weather-resistant, they can be used anywhere – inside or outside the home and in commercial spaces too. While marble, for example, is not suitable for high traffic areas, such as kitchens and corridors, and requires regular sealing to prevent water seepage in bathrooms or at pool sides, the inherent density of porcelain tiles makes them durable and hardwearing. Some of the most impressive projects I’ve seen are at properties where stone-effect porcelain tiles have been used inside a kitchen or showroom and that theme has carried on through to the outside to match up the patio or cladding – it’s seamless and really smart!


Our Book Match Calacatta marble reproduction porcelain tiles really proved their worth when they were used for the communal stairway and entrance hall of an exclusive apartment block in London. Not only do their authenticity and quality produce visual results that are out


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The second misconception is about price. I don’t know, maybe it’s because they look so good, but it’s often thought that porcelain tiles are the pricey option. Actually, stone- effect tiles are far better value than natural stone and it’s well worth shopping around to look at all your options.


Fresh fix


With Porcel-Thin’s innovative antibacterial tiles shortlisted in this year’s TTS awards, it would be churlish not to give them a mention in my final thoughts on the virtues of stone-effect tiles.


Another way that natural stone tiles, and many other tiles come to that, don’t measure up to Porcel-Thin is in the important area of antibacterial action. Last year, we introduced Bac-Tech, an innovative collection of antibacterial tiles containing Zinc Oxide nanoparticles throughout that kill and control harmful bacteria such as MRSA. These come in marble and wood effects of different colours and intensities and will add safety and style to environments where hygiene is of upmost importance, like hospitals, hotels and restaurants. They’re already proving popular in both.


www.porcel-thin.com — 31 —


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