This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Spanish Tile Manufacturers Bring Room-Height XXX”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Spanish tile manufacturers are bringing room-height XXXL formats to the wall. (August 4, 2016) The trend towards large tile formats on the floor has been ongoing for years. Comparatively new is the development of oversized, room-height slabs for walls in bathrooms and living spaces. What looks like a strong breath of luxury can also be the result of modern ceramic developments – for example, from Spain. To the great delight of demanding planners, builders, and building operators, the range of large-format tiles in the specialist trade is constantly growing. Edge lengths of up to 160 cm are no longer rare and, along with the very popular 100 x 100 cm squares, are almost becoming standard sizes. Furthermore, thanks to technical advancements, tile manufacturers are now able to produce precisely measured and absolutely flat porcelain stoneware in edge lengths of up to three meters. Elaborate decorative possibilities, for example in natural stone, concrete, or iron quartz looks, come into their own here, especially as wall coverings. With improved inkjet printing processes, virtually any aesthetic is possible on ceramic slabs. Architects, renovators, and builders are fascinated by the creative potential inherent in these large formats.
The Spanish manufacturer Levantina is considered a pioneer in the production of large formats. Its Techlam series is produced in a thickness of 3 to 5 mm and in a format of 100 x 300 cm. Techlam is used as wall and floor covering, but also as facade material or as a decorative element.
The company Inalco also has pronounced large formats in its program with the Fusion and Petra series. Notable, for example, are the quartz decors for living and wet areas. With the iTOPKer solutions line, "ceramic art" reaches another level – this includes 12 mm thick porcelain stoneware slabs in a maximum format of 150 x 320 cm for kitchen worktops with an integrated ceramic sink.
The Spanish manufacturer Grespania offers remarkably thin porcelain stoneware slabs under the name Coverlam, which can be used for floors and walls in interior and exterior areas. With these large-format tiles, ventilated facades, kitchen worktops, and the straightforward renovation of old surfaces are possible.
