TAL ’ S TIPS FOR INSTALLING LARGE-FORMAT TILES
Today ’ s improved manufacturing techniques allow for the production of porcelain and ceramic tiles in larger formats . With increased use of these by both commercial and residential tiling markets , the requirements for successfully fixing these large-format tiles are key .
Surface Preparation Large-format tiles may have permissible manufacturing tolerances or surface flatness irregularities , i . e ., the tile surface may be curved or bowed . It is therefore vital that the substrate to be tiled is smooth and level by applying a self-levelling underlayment . This also prevents the excessive consumption of tile adhesive .
Limiting Lippage The laying of tiles in a brick / running bond pattern should be carefully considered because of potential lipping caused by the curvature of large-format tiles . A maximum offset of 30 % is recommended . The use of self-levelling spacer or clip systems will further assist with reducing lippage .
Adhesive System A specialised tile adhesive , designed with a longer open time , is required when fixing large tiles . This extra time allows for the double-trowelling technique , where adhesive is applied on both the substrate and the back of the tiles , using suitable trowels , to ensure full contact and a solid bed of adhesive behind each tile . It is imperative that the installation process is seamless to prevent the adhesive on the substrate or back of tile from skinning and preventing an impaired bond . A wet to wet adhesive bond is essential .
Tile and Movement Joints The grout joint width for fixing largeformat porcelain tiles ( including rectified tiles ) should be no less than 3mm wide ,
and no less than 5mm wide for ceramic tiles . When installing large-format tiles , there are a smaller number of joints between the tiles , as compared with the same area of normal format tiling . Less stress ( movement ) can therefore be accommodated at the tile joints and allowances must be made for this . Modifying the grout with a latex additive will allow for more flexibility and bond strength within the installation . Tile panel movement joints and perimeter joints must be a minimum of 5mm wide , must be located at the required centres , and must be correctly constructed . www . tal . co . za
INTERFACE LAUNCHES RETRO INSPIRED COLLECTION
Interface recently unveiled its newest carpet tile collection , Past Forward , offering new modern classics inspired by decades of iconic design . The collection celebrates 50 years of modular carpet tile innovation at Interface . It merges historic design motifs with bold patterns and color palettes tailored to meet the demands of today ’ s commercial spaces .
“ The collection , drawing inspiration from the revival of 60 ’ s and 70 ’ s furniture design , offers a peek into 50 years of carpet tile designs . The design process involved research and dialogues with pioneers in carpet tile manufacturing to capture the romance of historical designs and how these have evolved ,” noted David Oakey , founder of David Oakey Designs and exclusive product designer for Interface . “ This culminated in a fusion of ideas , taking inspiration from Axminster and Wilton designs alongside handpainted motifs , reimagined with today ’ s advanced tufting technology .”
With 14 products featuring a bold color palette , Past Forward reinvigorates decades-old designs , blending retro charm with contemporary design sensibilities . The collection offers a range of dynamic carpet tile styles , including ornate rococo and renaissance visuals , retro patterns with scribbles and boxes , vintage-inspired patchwork styles , and traditional Turkish motifs .
Designed to be an innovative area rug solution , Past Forward can help define areas for relaxing , productivity , or collaborative work . The styles can also help delineate room borders , support wayfinding or be featured in wall-to-wall installation for maximum impact .
The Past Forward collection bridges design heritage with modern ingenuity and echoes Interface ’ s commitment toward sustainability . By using processes and materials that deliver a low carbon footprint and include recycled content , the collection aligns with Interface ’ s goal to reduce its emissions while helping customers lower the carbon footprint of the spaces they create .
Past Forward is made from 100 % recycled content nylon . Depending on the style and backing , the carbon footprint of the carpet tiles is 2.6 to 6.27kg CO2e / m 2 . www . interface . com / pastforward
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