Big, bigger, biggest…

Just as architectural design follows certain trends, materials and technologies are constantly evolving. The current trend for 2017 is large-format tiles and slabs. With sizes up to 160 x 320 cm, which were completely unthinkable just a few years ago. Use them for your work and creativity.


Manufacturing technologies in the field of tiles and slabs have advanced significantly in recent years, and as shown by industry meetings and reports from renowned manufacturers, we will continue along the path indicated in the title. In architecture and interior design, large formats are currently trending. And when we say large, we mean really large! Up to 160 x 320 cm.
These large-format materials offer new possibilities, significant aesthetic potential, and, last but not least, technological advantages for the work of architects in interiors and also for outdoor use.

From natural stones to terrazzo

During the past year, the latest generation of manufacturing (continuous) lines has become standard for most leading manufacturers in Italy, and this year these large formats dominate the market. Manufacturers are literally competing to present more types of decors or various surfaces. Leading are patterns of natural materials: marbles, onyxes, travertines, followed by surfaces such as concrete, plasters, and steel plate decors. This year's hit is undoubtedly large-format tiles with a cast terrazzo decor.

Formats for every use

Large formats are manufactured in two standard thicknesses: 6 and 9 mm. Some manufacturers also offer 12 mm, which is mainly intended for kitchen countertops. The maximum formats are: 160*320 cm for thicknesses of 6 and 9 mm, and for 12 mm thick slabs designed for kitchen countertops, it is 120*360 cm. All of this is available in up to five types of surfaces: matte, polished, hammered to various textured finishes.

Outdoor use

The market has definitively established tiles with a thickness of 2 cm, intended for outdoor terraces and pool surrounds. They do not need to be glued; they are laid on pedestals or directly into the substrate - sand, gravel, etc. The most commonly used formats are 60*60 cm and 40*120 cm, with a perfectly anti-slip surface.

Main trends of 2017

• In tile formats, manufacturers have reached the maximum.
• The range of designs, different surfaces, and decorations will continue to expand.
• The trend for the future will be to produce only these maximum formats, from which manufacturers will cut smaller formats according to market demand (more efficient production, uniform shades and surfaces).
• The standard size for common tile formats has become 120 * 120 cm, which was unimaginable for the average user a few years ago.
• The fashion trend of hexagonal formats still endures in all sizes, from mosaic to large tiles.

Among the trends for this autumn is also the "rediscovery" of glazed tiles, manufactured on traditional, now "outdated" lines. Only on these can the properties of glazing, such as depth of color and high gloss, be achieved. The few manufacturers who have retained these lines have certainly not made a mistake.


OUR TIP: Explore the trends and possibilities of large-format tiles and slabs at www.fingres.cz
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