Kamila Swiatecka, Tile Giant’s Marketing and Brand Manager, comments on the benefits of thin porcelain tiles and their growing popularity.
Traditional porcelain tiles have been a go-to material for commercial and residential design schemes for some time, but just lately we’ve seen demand for thin porcelain tiles.
Don’t let looks deceive you, despite their sleek profile they are just as strong as regular porcelain tiles, and well suited to both walls and floors, adding a contemporary edge to interior spaces.
Produced using the latest digital technology, thicknesses can range from 3mm to 7mm, which is thinner and lighter than most porcelain tiles, but offers the same strength and durability. The weight reduction means less material resulting in a wide variety of project applications, from residential settings to commercial spaces, as well as lower shipping costs which is an important factor in today’s turbulent trading environment.
As striking as they are strong, thin porcelain tiles are resistant to moisture, bacteria, heat, stains and scratches, plus they are easier to cut and install than their thicker counterparts, making them popular with tilers and tradespeople. Lighter to carry, these thinner alternatives open up the possibilities for porcelain tiles to be used in hotels and high rise developments where weight can be an issue. Another benefit is that porcelain, of any thickness, doesn’t require any sealing, making installation and maintenance quick and easy.
This manufacturing technique is being seen on all the latest styles and formats, including tiles as large as 600 by 1,200mm. This on trend look is mainly focused around stone-effects, realistic marble and concrete designs in both polished and matt finishes. Contemporary with a high-end feel, these styles bring the outdoors in with dramatic details and pattern variations delivering stylish surfaces that transform walls and floors.
With so many benefits, it’s clear to see why thin profile porcelain tiles are proving to be a hit with the trade and designers, so expect more designs and innovations in this space.
About Tile Giant
Tile Giant bills itself as the UK’s fastest growing tile merchant. Acquired by Travis Perkins plc in late 2007, Tile Giant enjoyed a period of sustained growth, expanding from 29 to 82 retail stores, and achieving a turnover in excess of £50 million.
In 2020 the company was sold as part of Travis Perkins’ strategic drive to simplify the Group and focus on trade customers. It was snapped up by specialist investment group, Coverings Ltd, on 1st October 2020.
Coverings, led by entrepreneurs Andrew Thirkill and Adrian Hinchliffe, offer extensive business planning acumen, deep commercial experience, and tile sector expertise. All these attributes are now being used to drive the Tile Giant brand forward.
At the time of the acquisition Andrew Thirkill stated: “These have been turbulent times for the tile industry, but we firmly believe in what Tile Giant has created with Travis Perkins, with its core proposition of delivering high quality, commercially competitive tiles and accessories to the UK retail market.”
“This investment safeguards the future for Tile Giant, and supports the industry to grow as a whole. Home improvement retailers have seen a strong return to business post lockdown, with sales buoyant as homeowners look to reinvest within their properties.”
Today, Tile Giant’s coire proposition remains a huge range of wall and floor tiles at very competitive prices.
Post-acquisition, Tile Giant continued to operate autonomously, pursuing its individual strategy for growth, and continuing to trade under the guidance of its existing senior leadership team.
Tile Giant’s core philosophy is “To provide amazing tile ranges in an ethical and sustainable way”. The company is committed to ensuring that colleagues and suppliers are treated with respect and valued.
The supply chain complies with the strict rules of health and safety and ethical trading. The Tile Giant team has spent most of their lives working within the tile and flooring industry, and say that there is a common culture for service and excellence.
Online sales T: 0345 307 5000
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W: https://www.tilegiant.co.uk/
