Article Number : 5523 |
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| Date | 4/23/2010 8:45:05 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5523 |
| Abstract | By Louis Iannaco Nowhere in the flooring industry is the use of high tech, state-of-the-art production advancements more evident than in ceramic tile. It truly seems as though manufacturers can now make the finished product look and feel like... |
| Article | By Louis Iannaco Nowhere in the flooring industry is the use of high tech, state-of-the-art production advancements more evident than in ceramic tile. It truly seems as though manufacturers can now make the finished product look and feel like anything they want, whether it be the visual appeal of slate or the earthy tones of natural stone. The following focuses on some of the more upscale products several porcelain and ceramic tile manufacturers have recently developed. Crossville UltiMetal is a high-end product combining the durability of Crossville’s porcelain stone with the glitz of metallic finishes, noted Laurie Lyza, director of marketing, “The field tile has an almost minimalist look but with a subtle fabric texture. The mosaics and decos have bold geometric patterns and a more metallic sheen for that really high-end look.” What differentiates UltiMetal from other metal tile products is its functionality, she explained. “It will not scratch, etch or stain as many metals do, and is rated for commercial use.” Through a fusion of technology and design, UltiMetal, which last year won a Best of NeoCon Gold award in its category and Interior Design’s Best of Year award, combines the texture and shine of a metallic micromesh with the durability of Crossville’s porcelain stone, she noted. It is available in five solid metallic finishes and four sizes. Ultimetal may be accented by boldly patterned 2 x 24 and 12 x 24 listellos, plus 2-inch patterned mixed mosaics mounted on 12-inch sheets. Dal-Tile “Fashionable looks like diverse color tones, mixed textures and modern linear visuals are among the most popular today in both residential and commercial applications—and our newest upscale collections certainly fit the bill,” said Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director. “San Michele mirrors the old world look of vein-cut and cross-cut travertine, while tone A’ La Mod mixes natural stone in eight unique mosaic patterns and finishes with a contemporary flair. And with the multi-color, grained look of wood, Veranda Tones is the ultimate addition to our popular Veranda series.” San Michele is a glazed porcelain floor tile infused with Microban antimicrobial protection, which provides a layer of protection from stain- and odor-causing bacteria that won’t wash off or wear away. The new collection emulates natural antiqued travertine stone and is available in three colors. San Michele replicates vein-cut and crosscut travertine through the mill’s Reveal Imaging, a new technology that creates dimensional graphics with rich coloration, texture variation, clefting and veining, she noted. “Reveal Imaging allows tile graphics to be much more realistic than traditional methods of printing with no two tiles alike. As a result, the tiles look more like the stones that they are emulating.” Veranda Tones is a colorbody porcelain with a contemporary multi-color wood look designed to coordinate with Dal-Tile’s Veranda series. Each piece features detailed linear graining and high shade variation and comes in five earthy color blends. Each product blends three solid colors from the existing Veranda’s series, now called Veranda Solids. Stone A’ La Mod is a collection of natural stone mosaics and patterns, all with a modern flair. The collection’s eight unique mesh-mounted patterns include 2 x 3-inch wedge mosaics with a polished finish. All patterns are available in three contemporary colors. Additionally, a mesh-mounted 12-inch block random pattern, made up of four mosaic sizes, combines the collection’s three colors, all with a polished finish, to create the Uptown Blend. Mannington The mill’s high-end porcelain tile offerings include Patchwork and Metro. A contemporary twist on a classic, Patchwork’s colors and textures combine a rustic appearance with fashionable color variation, noted Jim Dougherty, director of ceramic business. “Its unique sense of style provides a welcoming warmth in any home.” Patchwork features a rustic appearance with color variation from tile to tile like natural products combined with an updated structure and texture. Each color blend is a combination of coordinated colors, which transcend multiple design styles “providing a quilt of pleasingly aesthetic colors. “ The line combines state-of-the-art technology with the mill’s “design expertise into a product offering for the American consumer using American colors,” he added. Inspired by contemporary city life, Metro exudes the electricity of urban styling without being too trendy, he noted. “Its classic minimalistic look focuses on warm colors and subtle surface texture that creates a focal point for any updated design style. The American consumer wants minimalism with color. Not only is Metro great for the floor, we’ve added a 6 x 18-inch for use as both a floor and wall tile. To compliment its use on the walls, we’ve added a listello, which works with all the colors and really adds flair to the overall look.” StonePeak The elegance and majesty of the natural stones found in the imperial palaces of ancient Rome are available again to enrich today’s projects thanks to StonePeak’s innovative technology, said Noah Chitty, the mill’s technical services manager. Caesar emulates the shades and textures found in natural travertine while avoiding any repetition in design due to StonePeak’s inkjet technology, he noted. Caesar is available in four natural shades and comes in four sizes—24 x 24, 12 x 24, 18 x 18 and 12 x 12—and complemented by a complete trim package including mosaics and chair rail. “Inkjet technology in the glazing process is a revolutionary process that offers the highest quality images be reproduced on porcelain tile,” Chitty explained. Vitromex The mill recently added American Slate, a glazed tile, to its porcelain Artemis brand. “This is an interpretation of natural slate with multicolor characteristics presented on a subtle, cleft structured surface,” said Massimo Ballucchi, director of marketing and product development. “We have replicated the natural movement in these stones to bring a piece of nature into a home or commercial application.” The series comes in five colors and 13 x 13, 20 x 20 and 13 x 20 sizes. “Customers will be able to properly finish their installation with 3 x 13-inch floor bullnose and decorate with a 2-inch mesh-mounted mosaic for each color.” The edges of the tile are straight to replicate those of cut stone. The mill also offers the upscale Quarzite, another glazed porcelain tile. “It is a modern interpretation of the quartzite stone with multicolor and texture,” he explained. The series comes in five colors as well as the same three sizes as American Slate. |