The evolution of tile sizes is fascinating, with origins in ancient Egypt, over 4 500 years ago. The dawn of tile manufacture in many parts of the ancient world saw the creation of small, mosaic-sized beauties. Over the centuries, as moulding techniques, glazing processes, and kilns modernised, bigger, stronger, and more varied tile designs emerged.
The birth of the Titans
In the 21st century, XXL tiles measuring from 1200 x 1200 mm have paved the way for ever-larger tiles. This rapid growth satisfies the demand for bigger formats, answering the need for a distinctive modern aesthetic: sleeker, seamless spaces with a sense of drama and story. Leading tile manufacturers are competing to push the boundaries in terms of innovation, producing stronger raw materials, more realistic digital printing, and textural glazing. Today, colossal porcelain tiles breaching the three-metre mark offer breathtaking expanses with remarkable surface designs and textures. Many replicate natural quarried stone, while others take patterns from the natural world into a theatrical fantasy realm.
21st century slabs
Italtile offers an exclusive Signature Slab Collection, featuring a superb selection of supersized porcelain slabs sourced from leading tile innovators around the world. Selected for their great beauty and durability, these feats of engineering and innovation are substantial investments in timeless style that will offer decades of pleasure. As investment pieces – more artworks than tiles – each mighty slab requires professional handling, transportation, and installation.
The making
Italtile’s exclusive porcelain slab tiles hail from leading tile specialists worldwide. Made from special raw materials that withstand higher firing temperatures, they create remarkably thin bodies – yet remain incredibly strong – suitable for both floors and walls. Apart from their aesthetic appeal and investment potential, this Signature Collection offers many practical benefits:
- Rectified: Italtile’s Signature Slab Collection features tiles machine-cut to an exact size for uniformity, ensuring an accurate layout with minimal grout lines for an incredibly luxurious finish.
- Versatility: Slabs create a seamless, sophisticated look with fewer grout lines. Depending on the space, you may only require one monumental porcelain tile with a large-scale, continuous graphic. Consider cutting a slab to fit a kitchen island.
- Easy maintenance: Fewer grout lines mean less cleaning effort and a reduced risk of staining. Porcelain tiles are non-porous, resisting water, mould, and bacteria.
- Durability: The slabs are made from long-lasting raw materials and extraordinary manufacturing processes that ensure they maintain their pristine beauty over time.
- Cost-effective over time: Though the upfront cost may be higher than smaller formats, the durability and low maintenance reduce long-term expenses.
- Heat and stain resistance: Non-porous, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant, Italtile slabs are suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.
Slabs vs smaller tiles
The rise of porcelain slab tiles in modern interiors is a big trend that shows no sign of disappearing. These porcelain behemoths are revolutionising interior design, transforming living and working spaces. Smaller tiles, like décor tiles and mosaics, offer charm and intimacy, with multiple grout lines that become part of the installation pattern. Slabs, on the other hand, provide near-seamless majesty and large-scale architectural impact, achieving a sense of expanse and luxury. Porcelain slabs aren’t just for large spaces; using oversized tiles in a smaller room can make it appear much larger, thanks to minimal grout lines. Large or small, it all comes down to personal taste. Why not mix and match, with majestic slabs as the focal point and accent tiles like mosaics, KitKat, Subway, or slender Wood-Look tiles?
Expert handling required for peace of mind
A high-end porcelain slab is not a DIY product. Investing in Italtile’s Signature Slab Ranges means paying special attention to handling, transport, and installation, with each stage requiring a professional team. Speak to Italtile’s sales consultant about their professional transport service, installation teams, specialist adhesives, grout, and insurance.
The ranges
Italtile’s exclusive Signature Ranges of porcelain slabs offer style-conscious customers a selection of surface patterns to choose from. There are various effects designed to elevate both modern minimalist and traditional classic interiors – from subtle, delicately veined white Carrara-style looks to classic cream variations, dramatic charcoals, fantastical sage greens, and amethyst mauves, to glittering gemstone-like effects. Each slab is luxuriantly glazed for a high-gloss polish and is an exquisite beauty, with built-in bragging rights!
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