Porcelain tile technology is going through major advances that are revolutionizing the traditional hard surfaces industry. A few years ago, Stone Tile brought was the first company in North America to market a super-large format tile in a very thin, 3.5 mm thickness called Kerlite (manufactured by Cotto d’Este). Although initially slow in gaining market acceptance, which is not surprising given the ground-breaking technology and unorthodox format, we are now supplying both large and small project, commercial and residential with this incredible product. The industry as a whole has come around and thin tiles are now being produced by most of the major manufacturers in Italy.

	There are currently 2 different manufacturing technologies being employed.
	3.5 mm EXTRUDED TILE The original technology that was used in the Kerlite production is essentially an extruded tile which, because of the extrusion process, is capable of being produced in very large sizes - up to 100cm x 300cm.  The nature of the process also means that the tile/sheet is relatively flexible and capable of being applied to curved surfaces.  This flexibility, however, has been somewhat reduced with the introduction of mesh backing - an innovation that has greatly improved the workability, the ease of installation and the range of applications possible.  Larger slabs mean less grouting. Grout widths can be smaller too, making them ideal for public buildings like healthcare facilities, public transportation, washrooms, etc. where hygiene and cleanliness are essential. These tiles can be used on walls and floors - from residential washrooms to high traffic applications.  Although the sheets are produced in the large format, they are also typically factory-cut into smaller, traditional, tile-seized dimensions.
	4.5 mm PRESSED TILE More recently, some manufacturers are producing tiles in 4.5mm thickness in the more traditional, high-pressure pressed method.  Using ultra-high quality clays, these tiles are more rigid than the extruded thin tiles but are easily scored and snapped for cutting due to their lack of fiber-backing. Demonstrating very high compressive strength due to the compaction of the clays during the manufacturing process, these tiles are suitable for all applications where porcelain tiles are used. Because of the pressing method, it is possible to produce double loaded tiles which process natural veining that exists through the entire body of the tile - not a surface application.  In addition, more surface textures are possible with this technology.  However, the tile sizes are limited to the tradition formats - the maximum size possible being 60x120cm. Tiles manufactured by either of these technological processes can be installed over solid, level substrates using traditional thinset mortars. Stone Tile has made a major commitment and investment in this exciting new initiative for both environmental and installation reasons. The list of advantages is very impressive: 1.  Technical performance characteristics comparable to traditional porcelain stoneware and comply with all international tile technical standards. 2.  Does not require special laying techniques. 3.  Easy to handle, cut and drill. 4.  Because of their extreme thinness, they can be installed over existing floor finishes, thus eliminating the need and cost for demolition, removal and disposal of existing materials. 5.  Makes renovation easier by cutting costs, time and trouble. Eliminates the need to remove or replace existing doors. 6.  The thinness of the product results in a greatly reduced load on the supporting structure. 7.  The larger format thin tiles greatly diminish the number of grout lines, reducing initial installation cost and ongoing maintenance. 8.  The most environmentally sensitive hard surfaces system.