Ceramic & Porcelain

When ceramic is the right choice

Because its surface is coated with glaze, ceramic is more closed to water and stains than natural stone. It requires no sealing, is not damaged by acidic cleaners and its daily care is limited to a damp cloth. If you want to reduce the maintenance load in heavily used, frequently wiped areas, ceramic is a practical solution.

Pattern repetition: an advantage and a point to watch

In natural stone every piece is different, while in ceramic the pattern comes from a certain number of molds. This makes planning easier: the look you see in the sample applies to the entire wall. On the other hand, the same pattern repeating side by side can be noticeable; laying tiles taken from the boxes in mixed rather than sequential order spreads the repetition.

Use by surface

• A glossy surface reflects light and makes a small space look brighter. It works well on walls and backsplashes; water drop marks show more quickly.
• A matte surface does not reflect light and hides fingerprints and drip marks. It is better suited to floors and heavily used areas.
• Glazed and textured surfaces create a play of shadows on the wall; they are used to add depth to a single-color space.

Grout choice

In ceramics, grout is half the look. Grout close to the tile color makes the surface look like a single piece; contrasting grout reveals the form of each tile and is preferred for formats such as subway or hexagon. In wet areas, use mold-resistant, waterproof grout.

Box calculation and waste allowance

Tiles are priced per square meter and sold in boxes. Enter the square meters you need in the calculator on the product page; it finds how many boxes you need and adds an allowance for cuts and breakage. The waste allowance we recommend is between 10 and 15 percent; keep it close to the upper limit for patterned and diagonal layouts.