Arpi on Tile
The Case for Gauged Porcelain Tile and Tile Panels
These tile products can transform kitchen and bath countertops something fabulous … when expertly handled and installed.
Porcelanosa USA’s XTone Porcelain Panels, shown here in Glem White Polished, are utilized on the wall and bar countertop.. (Photo courtesy Porcelanosa)
By Arpi Nalbandian Tileometry
Kitchens continue to evolve with the style and function of the needs of families. Whether you’re entertaining often (again, after that long break) or prefer a quiet sanctuary where culinary delights are created, kitchens continue to be the workhorse room of any home — be it a loft, studio apartment, condo, or house. Moreover, with the increase of multi-generational homes, kitchens must be suitable for all ages and abilities. Material selection is equally important as the knives and gadgets regularly used in rotation within this creative space. For cleanliness and hygienic qualities, tile is an ideal choice – specifically, Gauged Porcelain Tiles (GPT) or Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels (GPTP). With the advancements made with these products in recent years, grout lines (and bacteria accumulation) can be kept to a minimum, or none at all, depending on the product. Not only iss this look aesthetically more pleasing to the eye, but you can rest assured the remnants from the salmon just prepared for marination can be properly wiped away without leaving any harmful traces.
Daltile’s Sapphire Status series, part of its Couture Selection of Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces, features rich blue tones.
StonePeak Ceramics’Plane collection, shown here in Bianco Capraia.
Porcelain tile countertops don’t eliminate the need for maintenance and cleaning. Although not as vulnerable to food- and drink-related blemishes with more-porous surfaces such as natural stone, keeping tiled cooking/preparation surfaces free from stains and/or debris still requires minimum effort to keep everything clean and ready for the next meal. (Or, in my home, the next snack!) whytile.com defines (GPTP) as “a specially manufactured porcelain tile with extra-large panels/slabs (up to 10’ to 15’-long slabs with 6mm-12mm thickness). Because of gauged porcelain’s strength — in a large size and thin depth — these panels/slabs are versatile options for commercial or residential projects from countertops to shower walls to furniture and exterior cladding.” Further, the increase in available tile options — size, texture, color, pattern, glaze — can help any design come to fruition. It should be noted if you prefer either of the porcelain-tile-panel options, certified tile installers who are highly qualified, trained and experienced with this specialty product can handle the job correctly!
Crossville’s Ossido porcelain tile panel collection (made by Laminam SpA), is shown here in the Verderame hue. The panels measure 1m x 3m, with a 5.6mm thickness.
Several years ago, I was asked to participate in a media tour, hosted by Crossville, Inc., where I and fellow tile-industry editors, were shown the nuances and various processes of how tile is produced. Aside from admiring the 425’-long kilns, we were introduced to the 7,500-ton, Italian-made Sacmi tile press. As the largest of this type of press in the Western Hemisphere (more than 21-feet tall and weighing approximately 180 metric tons), we were told bringing in this job-specific machinery — and installing it — was quite the engineering feat.! Amazingly, from its oceanic journey, to shutting down traffic during transportation to Crossville, to the specially trained equipment installers, this larger-than-life press lives up to its grandeur as it is responsible for producing the larger-format tiles.
The versatility of large porcelain tile panels is showcased by seamless installation, as seen above, featuring Atlas Concorde’sBoost series
So, why did I feel you needed a little background information? To reiterate the point that using gauged porcelain tile panels requires training, specific equipment, experience and adhering to established installation guidelines. For detailed information about specifying or installing Gauged Porcelain Tiles or Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels as countertops, I highly recommend seeking information from tile industry professional associations (listed below), as well as the manufacturers of these types of tiles and their respective installation-related product producers (such as Laticrete, MAPEI, Custom Building Products and TEC (an H.B. Fuller Construction Products, Inc. brand). Additional Resources: Ceramic Tile Education Foundation The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is an educational institution that offers local, regional, and national training programs for consumers, installers, construction professionals, architects, designers, building inspectors and sales associates interested in the sale and installation of ceramic tile. National Tile Contractors Association Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. Tile Council of North America Inc. The Tile Council of North America Inc. (TCNA) is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials, and other tile-related products. The organization regularly conducts independent research and product testing; works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies; offers professional training,; and publishes installation guidelines, tile standards, and more. WhyTile.com Why Tile® is spearheaded by a joint initiative of the tile industry, with installers, contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers banded together as never before to step outside their own corporate interests, with the common goal of simply providing education and information about tile.