TILE Magazine (BNPMedia) March/April 2014 Issue Features an Elegant Master Bath Suite Seamless Addition feature a Curbless Entry Shower Thanks to LUXE Linear Drains for Modern Design Custom Shower in Bethesda, Md.

www.tile-magazine.com
TILEMagazine
March/April 2014
Considerations for
large thin porcelain
Liquid applied and
sheet membranes

Imitated But
Never Duplicated
For sixty years, Florida Tile has been a benchmark in the industry. As an innovator,
we have marked many accomplishments, from building the first floor tile plant in
the USA to introducing the first digitally printed products with our HDP – High
Definition Porcelain lines. Throughout our history Florida Tile has been a pioneer,
but equally as important, we have been a benchmark for style. We recognize
and celebrate that commitment by making a great product & creating what our
customers continue to want and our competitors try to copy.
www.floridatile.com
MINGLE

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sloped panels, a patented PVC linear drain and innovative time-saving
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products. ShowerPerfect Installation Systems combine quick, easy
installation with contractor labor savings, allowing jobsite fabrication to ﬁt
the sizing requirements of shower compartments. The installation systems
are ideal for tub-to-shower conversions for commercial, light commercial
and residential uses in hotels, hospitality facilities, institutions, dormitories,
condominiums, and single-family residences.
For more details about ShowerPerfect Installation Systems,
visit www.mapei.com.
Come see us at COVERINGS 2014
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4 www.tile-magazine.com I March/April 2014
Features
14 Product Showcase
18 Installation Case Study: Tile offers sustainable solution
24 Installation Case Study: Luxurious master bath
achieved with premium materials
26 Green: A practice not a tagline
32 Trend Report: Electric radiant floor heating
38 Considerations still being taken for thin porcelain tile
44 Technical Focus: ACT Membranes
50 Coverings celebrates 25 years
54 TCNA Spotlight: It has arrived … the EPD for
North American-made ceramic tile
56 The International Surface Event experiences success
59 The International Surface Event 2014 product offerings
62 A showcase of tile at Cevisama 2014
65 Cevisama 2014 product gallery
Departments
6 Editorial
8 Industry News
61 Featured Product
61 Calendar
66 Classified
66 Ad Index
TILEMagazine
March/April 2014
Considerations for
large thin porcelain
Liquid applied and
sheet membranes
TILE Magazine Vol. 11, Issue 2 (ISSN: Print 1555-0567 and Digital 2329-2911) is published 6 times annually, bi-monthly, by BNP Media II, L.L.C., 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-3333. Tele-
phone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $123.00 USD. Annual rate for subscrip-
tions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $160.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $178.00 (int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2014, by BNP Media II, L.L.C.
All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations.
Periodicals postage paid at Troy, MI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TILE Magazine, P.O. Box 2146, Skokie, IL 60076. Canada Post: Publications Mail
Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923 Send returns (Canada) to IMEX Global Solutions, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. Change of address: Send old address label along with new
address to TILE Magazine, P.O. Box 2146, Skokie, IL 60076. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or KalbR@bnpmedia.com.
TILEMagazine
March/April 2014
Vol. 11, No. 2
18
32
50
On the cover: This edition of TILE is filled with
new product introductions, which can be found
in our regularly featured Product Showcase
on page 14 as well as the product reviews
from both The International Surface Event
(page 59) and Cevisama (page 65). Among
the new innovations is Pietra Jura™ by Daltile
— mirroring the natural beauty of limestone,
coupled with the long-lasting durability and
ease of maintenance of porcelain tile.

www.msistone.com
Sygma Series
On floors or walls, wood-look ceramic goes where natural wood
dares not tread. Sygma collection’s hand-scraped look will dress
up any environment from bedrooms and living rooms to kitchens
and baths while standing up to the demands of everyday life. Like
a fine tailored suit, Sygma is a 6”x24”rectified ceramic tile line that’s
available in four contemporary colors: Café, Chocolate, Ebony and
Ice.
Sygma Cafe
Sygma Ebony
Sygma Chocolate
Sygma Ice

W
hen you look through
the pages of this issue of
TILE, you will see that
the industry has been
busy the first quarter of 2014, and there
is still more to come. Trade show season
has been in full force with The Inter-
national Surface Event and Cevisama
behind us and Coverings on our heels.
The International Sur-
face Event took place at
the end of January in Las
Vegas, and it opened to
a lively crowd. New this
year to the show was Tile-
Expo, where many of the
large manufacturers of tile
lines and setting material
products exhibited and
introduced their latest
developments.
On the installation side,
another class of ACT was held during
the three-day event, so several more
installers received their advanced cer-
tification. We even hosted a cocktail
hour to promote the importance of
what Scott Carothers of CTEF and
other dedicated members of the indus-
try associations involved are doing. You
can read more about it and all that went
on at The International Surface Event
in our full review beginning on page
56. Additionally, we have a full report
of Cevisama, which starts on page 62.
And as April approaches, we are gear-
ing up for Coverings. There will be
even more product introductions and
industry happenings for us to report.
In addition to the exhibition, Coverings
will offer an extensive free educational
program that will offer valuable insight
on various industry topics. For a full
schedule of the conference program,
visit our website at: www.tile-magazine.
com/coverings. The seminars are broken
down into tracks so you can easily find
the ones best suited to your interests.
Also in this issue, you will find an
article about Florida Tile’s operation in
Lawrenceburg, KY. (page 26). I had the
opportunity to be their guest last fall
and see first-hand all of
their innovative technolo-
gy. The company has also
taken the lead in many
green initiatives. You will
notice a “Made in the
U.S.A.” logo on this arti-
cle. That is because this is
a first in a series of articles
reporting on the leading
tile manufacturers that are
producing products right
here in the U.S. Look for
stories on other tile manufacturers in
upcoming editions of TILE.
As you can see, there has been a lot
to report on the past few months. I
forgot to mention that we even take a
look at where the industry stands with
large thin porcelain these days. See how
the experts at Crossville feel about this
latest trend and what it means for our
industry. (page 38).
If you will be in Las Vegas for Cover-
ings, stop by TILE’s booth (#16067).
We’d love to hear any ideas you have or
just to see you to say hello.
Jennifer Adams
Editor-in-Chief
Publisher
Alex Bachrach • BachrachA@bnpmedia.com
(201) 291-9001 ext. 8615
Jennifer Adams, Editor-in-Chief
AdamsJ@bnpmedia.com • (201) 291-9001 ext. 8611
Heather Fiore, Associate Editor
FioreH@bnpmedia.com • (201) 291-9001 ext. 8616
Scott Carothers, Technical Writer
scott@tilecareer.com
Shannon Shortt, Art Director
Jennifer Allen-Wise, Production Manager
Allen-WiseJ@bnpmedia.com • (818) 657-7199
Valsa Terron-Khan, Jr. Marketing Coordinator
Regional Advertising Manager
Janelle Minghine
MinghineJ@bnpmedia.com • (734) 340-5211
Regional Advertising Manager
Steve Smith
SmithSc@bnpmedia.com • (406) 522-4163
Turkey
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Phone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317
Corporate Directors
John R. Schrei – Publishing
Lisa L. Paulus – Finance
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Vincent M. Miconi – Production
Michelle Hucal – Content Deployment
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Ann Kalb
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kalbr@bnpmedia.com
TILE
®
Editorial
Continual new developments

Dan Lambert, Lambert Tile & Stone
Regional Director for the National
Tile Contractor’s Association (NTCA)
Be a Fusion Pro.
UNSURPASSED STAIN RESISTANCE.
EASY TO SPREAD AND CLEAN.
WE KNOW GROUT. COUNT ON CUSTOM.
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Microban®
protection inhibits the growth of stain
causing mold and mildew on the dried grout.
Microban®
is a registered trademark of Microban Products Company.
Dan Lambert is a Fusion Pro. As owner of Lambert Tile & Stone in Eagle, CO,
Dan knew exactly what it would take to get the job done right on a rustic vacation
home project nestled in the beautiful mountains outside of Vail, CO. Dan made
the call to go with CUSTOM’s Fusion Pro®
Single Component Grout™
knowing that
Fusion Pro’s unsurpassed stain resistance, easy workability and color consistency
made it the ideal alternative to cementitous, urethane and epoxy grouts.
Fusion Pro was the best grout for the job.
Choose a truly better grout for your next project, choose Fusion Pro.

INDUSTRY
NEWS
Florida Tile celebraTes
60Th anniversary
LEXINGTON, KY — March 1, 2014 marked
the start of a year-long 60th anniversary
celebration for Florida Tile which has
risen from a one-product specialty ceram-
ic tile maker to become one of America’s
top innovative brands.
“What began as an opportunity recog-
nized by company founders to produce
a specialty tile trim shape out of a small
building in Lakeland, FL, has grown and
changed over six decades, but the basics
of innovation and service remain the
foundation of our company’s success,”
said Sean Cilona, Florida Tile’s Market-
www.schluter.com | 800-472-4588
Floor warming systems have become very popular. Heating
tiled floors increases the need for uncoupling to prevent
cracked tiles and grout. Use DITRA-HEAT to get both – warm
floors and uncoupling – in a single layer.
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-DITRA-HEAT
Electric floor warming system with
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• Heating and uncoupling in a single layer
• No self-levelers required to encapsulate
heating cables (no need to wait for curing)
• Place the heating cables exactly where they
are needed, without clips or fasteners
• Combines the ﬂexibility of loose cable with
the ease of installation of a mat system
• 120V and 240V options
• Programmable and non-programmable
thermostats available
ing Director. “In those early days, the
tile landscape was vastly different from
what it is today. Then, small-format wall
tiles, extruded floor and two-tone tiles
were popular. But just as the founders
saw opportunity in that one trim tile, so,
too, did they see opportunity in address-
ing the changing tastes of Americans.
That would lead to a corporate culture
of innovative technology and styles that
continues to define Florida Tile today.”
Among the early innovations Cilona
pointed to Florida Tile pioneering the
Monoporosa process for single-pass firing
of large, glazed wall tile, becoming one
of the first to use the rotocolor process
(still in use today) for decorating tile and
for establishing the first pressed floor tile
manufacturing plant in the U.S.
“Over the decades, Florida Tile’s prod-
ucts and partners changed, but two things
remained constant: innovation and cus-
tomer service,” said Cilona. “Our perfect
partner appeared in 2006 when a lead-
ing Italian tile manufacturer, Panaria-
group, purchased Florida Tile. Within a
year, and with a $25 million investment
from Panariagroup, a completely modern
Florida Tile porcelain tile manufacturing
plant was opened in Lawrenceburg, KY.
That plant now operates three full-time
shifts 24 hours a day — capable of pro-
ducing very large-sized, through-body
porcelain tile. Additionally, we moved our

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INDUSTRY
NEWS
company headquarters to new quarters
in nearby Lexington, KY.
Florida Tile continues with its history
of notable and recent industry firsts hav-
ing been the first tile company to intro-
duce HD - High Definition Porcelain®
,
the first company to attain GreenGuard®
certification for all of its products and
one of the first to carry the “Certified
Porcelain” mark on all its porcelain prod-
ucts, reports the tile manufacturer.
“Few companies survive to celebrate
60 years,” said Cilona. “Florida Tile
has not only survived, it has thrived
by remaining loyal to its core values of
innovation and service.
We will continue to build our U.S.
brand on innovation in technology and
design, and, of course in service all along
the retail chain. We have a lot to talk
about in this, our anniversary year.”
Florida Tile has introduced a special
60th Anniversary logo and developed a
year-long advertising and merchandis-
ing campaign.
osha’s saFeTy and healTh
achieveMenT recoGniTion
ProGraM recoGniZes
MaPei’s FaciliTy
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL – Mapei, one of the
world’s leading adhesive manufacturers,
was recently recognized by OSHA’s Safety
and Health Achievement Recognition
Program (SHARP), with the certification
of its operations facility in Tempe, AZ.
This recognition is a testament to its
commitment to the safety and environ-
mental health of its employees. “We are
extremely proud of our employees and
our safety record,” said Al Fornaro, Unit
Manager for Mapei’s Arizona opera-
tion. “When we were notified of our
certification by the Arizona Division of
Occupational Safety and Health, Direc-
tor Bill Warren gave us some startling
facts that emphasized the significance
of our accomplishment. He said there
are 158,000 employers in Arizona, but
only 26, including Mapei, have achieved
certification by the SHARP program.”
Mapei’s Arizona facility joins the com-
pany’s Fort Lauderdale, FL, plant, which
achieved SHARP certification in 2010.
Mapei’s operations facility in
Tempe, AZ, recently was certified
by OSHA’s SHARP.
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INDUSTRY
NEWS
One of the most important results of gaining SHARP rec-
ognition is creating a culture of safety. The benefits of receiv-
ing SHARP status, as stated in the OSHA program, include
creating a better work environment, boosting worker morale,
improving communication among workers and management,
and encouraging safety in the community.
neW GranQUarTZ sTore oPens in The
dallas area
CARROLLTON, TX — GranQuartz, a leader in the stone tools
and equipment market, has opened a new store in Carrollton,
TX, close to Dallas. The store, located at 1400 N. Interstate
35E, has 3,500 square feet of warehouse and showroom space,
and will allow the company to better serve customers across the
region with stock on hand and experts in the store.
The new store is one of 13 GranQuartz locations across the
country. Each has a complete offering of tools and equipment
for the stone, tile and concrete professional.
“We are committed to continually improving our service and
shopping experience, making it easier for our customers to find
what they need in their area,” said Ted Skaff, Director of Mar-
keting & Communications for GranQuartz.
clearselecT aWard Winners For Tile and
sTone insTallaTion conTracTor caTeGo-
ry annoUnced aT sUrFaces 2014
LAS VEGAS, NV — On Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Surfac-
es in Las Vegas, NV, Clear Seas Research presented CLEARse-
lect awards to the 2013 Tile and Stone Installation Contractor
CLEAReport category winners.
Award winners are selected based on survey responses from
519 tile and stone installation contractors that participated in
a mail/online survey. Category winners are selected based on
responses to the question, “Which one manufacturer do you
most prefer?” Winners must dominate the category from a
statistical perspective to be declared a winner. If two or more
manufacturers achieve statistically equal preference, no winner
is declared.
The following is a list of the winners in each category:
• Backer Boards James Hardie
• Cleaners Aqua Mix
• Crack Isolation Products Schluter Systems
• Epoxy Adhesives Laticrete
• Epoxy Grouts Laticrete
• Installation Tools Marshalltown Tools
• Organic Adhesives (Mastics) Mapei
• Sealers Aqua Mix
• Urethane Grouts Bostik/Hydroment
• Waterproofing Membranes Schluter Systems
The most prominent manufacturers evaluated included:
Aqua Mix, Ardex, Bostik/Hydroment, Custom Building Prod-
ucts, Dewalt, Felker, Georgia-Pacific, Gundlach Tools, HB
Fuller-Tec, James Hardie, Laticrete, Mapei, Marshalltown
Tools, Miracle Sealants and Abrasives, MK Diamond, National
Gypsum, Noble Co., Nuheat, Rubi Tools, Schluter Systems,
StoneTech, SunTouch, Target, USG and WarmlyYours.
For more information on how award winners are selected
or the content of the full report, please contact Beth Surow-
iec, Executive Director, Clear Seas Research, at: surowiecb@
clearseasresearch.com.
ariZona Tile inTrodUces (Free) iPad and
android aPP
TEMPE, AZ — Arizona Tile has launched a new app for both
iPad and Android users to give customers a convenient and fun
way to design their spaces. The Arizona Tile app is now avail-
able for free through the App Store and Google Play.
Arizona Tile recently launched a new free app for both iPad
and Android users.
With this app, users will find:
• All Arizona Tile products, and a list of favorites
can be created
• Product Finder, another way to easily find what
you are looking for
• All Arizona Tile locations
• A gallery of photos for design inspiration
• Links to your favorite Arizona Tile tools: Just Imagine
Visualizer, Social Media sites and more
Users can navigate the app via the Home page, the Menu but-
ton or the Products tab at the bottom of the screen, once you
are in the Product section.
The app was designed to offer a simple, fast and intuitive way
to browse the various tile and countertop slab products avail-
able at Arizona Tile’s 25 locations.
“Our mobile app puts all of the information and photos of our
products, plus much more, just one click away,” said Arizona

March/April 2014 I www.tile-magazine.com 13
studioverde.it
Exposure display
for show room
Masterpieces
to highlight
With a glance always oriented to the future.
Skirtings and Listello strips
Only Progress Profiles offers you a full range of
skirtings and trims meeting every single need.
When beauty makes the difference.
New series have enriched our wide range of finishes:
black line, with anodized, polished, brushed and
crepè finishes and tuscany line, dedicated to
modern country style.
Eye-catching details, it’s difficult to overlook them.
Progress Profiles America Inc.
11 Middlebury Blvd. ( Unit 1 )
Randolph, NJ 07869
Phone: 973-584-2650
Fax: 973-584-2657
ppa@progressprofiles.com
http://www.progressprofiles.com
www.progressprofiles.com
Visit Us At Coverings Booth #L15007
For daily news updates on industry happenings and
events, visit www.tile-magazine.com/breakingnews.
Tile’s Director of Marketing, Adria Harrison. “You have much
faster access than going through a browser, plus you can use it
anytime — no Wi-Fi needed. We encourage everyone to take
advantage of this new tool by downloading our free app today.”
nTca sPonsors evenTs aT coverinGs 2014
LAS VEGAS, NV — The National Tile Contractors Association
(NTCA), one of the world’s largest tile contractors association,
will be sponsoring a multitude of both installer and contrac-
tor events at Coverings 2014, the international tile and stone
exposition taking place from April 29 to May 2, 2014, at the
Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
The Live Installation Demonstration Stage will showcase new
products and information related to what contractors need to
know about emerging installation trends. The NTCA will be
conducting eight individual programs on the show’s Installa-
tion Stage. “How-to” demonstrations will offer attendees an
up-close, “live” look at a variety of issues challenging today’s
installers. These include:
• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Tools and Handling
• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Cutting and fitting
• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Installation and Setting
• Thin Panel Porcelain Tile - Grouting and Finishing
• CTI - Testing Tips
• ACT Testing Tips - Shower Pan
• ACT Testing Tips - Large Format Tile
• ACT Testing Tips - Mud Work and Membranes
NTCA Five-Star Member Contractors will be working closely
with four top Las Vegas-area design teams on this year’s Instal-
lation Design Showcase. The goal of the Installation Design
Showcase is to bring to life, right on the show floor, the synergy
that develops between the design team and the installation con-
tractor. This showcase will illustrate exactly what happens when
we pair innovative design concepts with highly trained installers.
Additionally, NTCA will sponsor “Contractor Days,” which
will include tours of the show floor with lunch and happy hour.
Only eight one-hour tours will be conducted and sign-ups
are taken on a first-come, first served basis. Registration will
include access to the Contractor Lounge as well. This focused
program was created specifically for contractors to help them
better understand the show layout and be exposed to new and
creative and products.
“Coverings 2014 is a vital part of the NTCA’s strategy,” said
Bart Bettiga, Executive Director of the National Tile Contrac-
tors Association and publisher of TileLetter and TADA. “It
is the one time each year where we can share our knowledge
and expertise with NTCA members and the entire industry. It
is the one event that should never be missed by tile industry
professionals.” TILE

Product
Showcase
Aqua Art™ offers state-of-the-
art glass tile designs for use
in pools, fountains and other
water projects. The color palette
is extensive, offering an entire
spectrum. Aqua Art™ also
has an in-house design team
primed to create new glass
tile products for customers’
proprietary projects. Aqua Art™
is ideal for any water project
application, whether residential
or commercial, indoors or
outdoors. Custom requests from
pool, architectural and landscape
designers are always welcomed.
WWW.AQUAARTMOSAICS.COM
Crossville, Inc. has launched
SpeakEasy, a porcelain tile
collection that looks like authentic,
old barn wood. The collection’s
five colors mimic the tones of
stained timber — Sidecar, Zoot
Suit, Sweet Georgia Brown,
Silver Screen and Bank Roll. The
collection comes in four sizes: 6
x 36, 8 x 36 and 12 x 36 inches,
as well as a 6- x 18-inch bullnose
trim. SpeakEasy is recommended
for interior floors and walls and
exterior vertical applications
in commercial and residential
environments. The line is Green
Squared certified and contains
a minimum of 4% recycled pre-
consumer content.
WWW.CROSSVILLEINC.COM
Daltile recently introduced three
new ColorBody™ porcelain
collections, including Pietra
Jura™, a dynamic wall tile.
The Pietra Jura™ collection
mirrors the natural beauty of
limestone, coupled with the
long-lasting durability and ease
of maintenance of porcelain tile.
Unpolished and honed surfaces
resemble natural textures,
while neutral tones and grand
sizes add to the line’s modern
presence. Well-suited for high-
traffic spaces and exteriors,
Pietra Jura’s versatile, yet elegant
look is sure to turn heads.
WWW.DALTILE.COM
Thick20 is the new
ImolaCeramica collection
designed to meet outdoor design
requirements, including gardens,
terraces, paths, pool sides and
driveways. The collection is full-
body porcelain stoneware, not
rectified and identically sized
rectified, and offered in Almond,
Beige, Grey and Dark Grey.
Thick20 is both easy to lie and
provides excellent performance,
given its thickness of 20mm and
ability to guarantee resistance
to loads, frost, salt and mold.
The collection is available in one
size: 60 x 60 cm.
WWW.IMOLACERAMICA.COM
A B C D
A
B
C
D

Lighter and faster
always pays off.
800-233-8990 • www.certainteed.com
ROOFING • SIDING • TRIM • DECKING • RAILING • FENCE
GYPSUM • CEILINGS • INSULATION
Diamondback®
GlasRoc®
Tile Backer is so easy to install, even veteran contractors will
be impressed. It’s lighter weight than other gypsum backerboards, much lighter than
cement board, and cuts like regular gypsum board. Plus, Diamondback features a unique
moisture-blocking coating that eliminates the need for a separate moisture barrier,
and a textured pattern that helps prevent tile slippage during installation.
Easier work and fewer tools may reduce installation costs.
Next Generation of GlasRoc®
Tile Backer

Mapei offers two ShowerPerfect
Installation Kits — one that
uses a liquid membrane for
waterproofing and one that
uses a sheet membrane. These
installation systems focus on
tub-to-shower conversions in
hotels, hospitals, university
dormitories, condominiums and
rental apartments. ShowerPerfect
Installation Systems feature
a patented PVC linear drain
with a unique design, including
extenders that allow the installer
to fabricate a wall-to-wall drain
installation from 24 to 32 inches.
WWW.MAPEI.COM
Mediterranea has announced
the addition of two new colors
to its Forum series — Ivory
and Walnut — which features
the look of classic, vein-cut
travertine. Forum utilizes
Mediterranea’s Dynamic HD
ImagingTM
design technology
to deliver this eternal look. The
Forum series is manufactured
in a 12- x 24-inch format that
highlights the rich veining and
warm tones of classic Roman
Travertine. Mediterranea also
makes Forum available in 12- x
24-inch sheet-mounted mosaic
strips as well as in 1- x 2-inch
mosaic sheets.
WWW.MEDITERRANEA-USA.COM
Tesselle introduced its new
Cement Tile collection which
includes 13 different designs:
Avenida, Baskerville, Boundera,
Bouquet Toss, Circuit, Fine Vine,
Geometricks (pictured), He Loves
Me, Infinite Loop, Nature’s Net,
Oblique, Origami and Solid Colors.
Air-cured and created with natural
colorants, Tesselle Cement Tiles
are eco-friendly, and require no
kiln firing in the manufacturing
process.Tesselle Cement Tiles are
custom-made in any combination
from a palette of 50 colors. The
line of exclusive patterns has been
developed in 8-inch square tiles
that are 5/8-inch thick.
WWW.TESSELLE.COM
Tile Redi®
introduces Wonder
Drain to market, the only one-
piece tile-able shower pan with
hidden drains combined with
square tile-able drain grates,
reports the company. The firm
offers the industry’s largest line of
Tile Ready®
Brand patented one-
piece shower pans, which include
over 100 models of Redi Base®
standard shower pans. These
products only take 30 minutes to
install. Shower pans are complete
with fully integrated drains, curbs
and splash walls. By solving
water intrusion problems, Tile
Redi®
shower pans inhibit the
growth of mold and mildew.
WWW.TILEREDI.COM
E F G H
E
F
G
H
Product
Showcase

CASE STUDY
Installation
The design goal for the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building, which houses the city’s Police and Fire Department Administrations, Emergency
Operations Center and combined Police and Fire Dispatch, was to build a sustainable structure. Daltile’s 6- x 6-inch semi-gloss glazed
ceramic wall tile — paired with 12- x 24- and 12- x 12-inch porcelain floor tiles from Daltile’s Fabrique collection — provided the durability
needed in the building’s public restrooms.
FACING PAGE “Tile was chosen for durability, easy maintenance and design,” said interior designer Alison Mitchell IIDA, LEED AP of GSBS
Architects. “Because we had a radiant heating and cooling system, tile works well — allowing the heat and cool to penetrate easily.”

T
he Salt Lake City Public Safety
Building was designed with
“sustainability” and “durability”
in mind. The structure, which
houses the city’s Police and Fire Depart-
ment Administrations, Emergency Oper-
ations Center and combined Police and
Fire Dispatch — was built to provide an
open and inviting public safety facility
that would remain operational after the
maximum credible earthquake — pro-
Tile offers
sustainable
solution
Ceramic and
porcelain tile
provided the
durability that was
needed for the
elevator lobbies
and restrooms
of the Salt Lake
City Public Safety
Building in Salt
Lake City, UT
by Jennifer Adams

viding a high level of security to its staff,
and operate as a Net Zero Energy build-
ing and sustainable site. Contributing to
these design objectives, tile was chosen for
the public restrooms and elevator floors.
“One of the main objectives for this
project was to design this building to last
for 50, possibly 100 years, so durability
in a 24/7/365 work environment was
key,” said interior designer Alison Mitch-
ell IIDA, LEED AP of GSBS Architects.
“Tile was chosen for durability, easy
maintenance and design. Because we had
a radiant heating and cooling system, tile
works well — allowing the heat and cool
to penetrate easily.”
According to Mitchell, large-format
porcelain floor tile from the Fabrique
collection by Daltile was employed in
the elevator lobby spaces, elevator floors
and all of the toilet and shower rooms.
The floor tiles, which exhibit the details
The shower floors consist of 1- x 1-inch
Keystones mosaic tile — all from Daltile.
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mold and mildew build-up over years of use. The pre-fabricated sloped pan
reduces the overall weight and installation time. Step into an unfinished
shower with ProVa and watch how this revolutionary line of products
transforms the installation process. The design possibilities are limited
only by the imagination!

Durock EcoCap Self-Leveling
Underlayment from USG was used as
a tile substrate. Additionally, Mapei’s
UltraFlex2, grout and Mapelastic 315 as
well as a Nobleseal membrane was used
in the tile installation.
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of fine fabric, were in 12- x 24- and 12- x
12-inch format.
The restroom walls feature 6- x 6-inch
semi-gloss glazed ceramic wall tile, while
the shower floors consist of 1- x 1-inch
Keystones mosaic tile — all from Daltile.
“We selected the tiles based on Daltile’s
reputation as a nationally known manu-
facturer with excellent local representa-
tion,” said Mitchell. The material was dis-
tributed by Daltile of Salt Lake City, UT.
When it came to the tile installation,
there were factors to consider, explained
Mitchell. “Because this is a Net Zero
building, all of the mechanical systems
were designed with that goal in mind,”
she said. “All of the flooring materials
and adhesives presented particular chal-

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lenges because of our radiant heating and cooling system. The
floor tile and adhesives needed to withstand temperature swings
as the radiant system heats up and cools down. Carpet tile,
recycled rubber and terrazzo were also selected to allow heating
to penetrate the slab surface and radiate as designed.
“Fortunately, we had a very skilled and conscientious tile
subcontractor,” Mitchell went on to say. “I was on site to review
initial installations before the work proceeded. Following that, I
was on site for other reasons, but tile was never a problem area.”
According to Project Manager Doug Davenport of Metro
Tile Associates, the tile subcontractor, the biggest challenge
was dealing with concrete floors that did not meet industry
standards/tolerances. “We had some floors that varied as
much as 1 inch in 12 feet,” he explained. “We used Durock
EcoCap Self-Leveling Underlayment from UGS to flatten/
level the floors.”
The Durock EcoCap Self-Leveling Underlayment was used
as a tile substrate for several main areas of the building. The
product possesses sustainable attributes that may assist in
obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) credits.
Daltile’s Fabrique collection was also employed in the elevator
lobby spaces and elevator floors.

n Flexible in design
n Worry-free installation
n Lifetime warranty*
A-5499-0314 ©2014 LATICRETE International, Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners.
*See Data Sheet 230.99 for complete warranty information.
www.laticrete.com l 1.800.243.4788
Floor HEAT Wire
Snap for more information
Wire=Versatility&Savings
Installation Details
TILE PRODUCTS: 12- x 24- and
12- x 12-inch porcelain floor tiles
from the Fabrique collection
(elevator lobby spaces, elevator
floors and all of the toilet and
shower rooms), 6- x 6-inch
semi-gloss glazed ceramic wall
tile and 1- x 1-inch Keystones
mosaic tile (shower floors) — all
from Daltile of Salt Lake City, UT
INSTALLATION PRODUCTS: Durock
EcoCap Self-Leveling Underlayment
from USG of Chicago, IL; Mapei
UltraFlex2, grout and Mapelastic
315 — all from Mapei of Deerfield
Beach, FL; Nobleseal membrane from
Nobleseal of Grand Haven, MI
NUMBER OF INSTALLERS: 6
journeyman installers and 2
apprentices
INSTALLATION TIME: 3 months
Additionally, Mapei’s UltraFlex2, grout
and Mapelastic 315 as well as a Nobleseal
membrane was used in the tile installa-
tion. “We had six journeyman installers
and two apprentices onsite,” said Dav-
enport, adding that Kevin Neff was the
Super. Metro Tile Associates completed
the tile installation in three months.
From the start of design to the finish of
construction, it took approximately three
years to complete the Salt Lake City
Public Safety Building. “GSBS Archi-
tects and our consulting firm, MWL,
were awarded the job approximately six
months before we began design,” said
Mitchell. “The City and general contrac-
tor executed the program verification
and performance criteria definition dur-
ing that time.
“The reaction to this building has been
overwhelmingly positive — from the
community, the City, and most impor-
tantly, from the Police and Fire Depart-
ments,” Mitchell went on to explain.
“The end users previously were housed
in a crumbling, out-of-code building
from the 1970s where everything was
falling apart. Water was leaking into evi-
dence rooms, tile was falling off the walls
and the elevators were very unreliable.
The Police and Fire personnel represen-
tatives were involved with every aspect
of the design and construction process,
and they couldn’t be happier with the
end result. We designed and executed a
beautiful, durable and a highly sustain-
able building, and stayed with budget.
The project has received many awards
— both locally and nationally. The proj-
ect has also been published in several
architecture and design trade magazines,
for its design and sustainable aspects.
The Salt Lake City Public Safety Build-
ing has been recognized as the first and
only Net Zero public safety building in
the nation. Because of the Net Zero rat-
ing, the building is on track to receive a
LEED Platinum status.” TILE

CASE STUDY
Installation
A luxury bath in Bethesda, MD, designed by Wiedemann Architects, features floor and wall tile from Ann Sack’s Linen series. The tile was installed
with a Schluter-Ditra membrane and complete Mapei system.
A ranch home in Bethesda, MD, recently received a renovation
that included the addition of a master bath suite that features
high-end tile and an architecturally specified linear drain
Luxurious master bath
achieved with
premium materials

L
uxe Linear Drains was archi-
tecturally specified as part of
an elegant collection of pre-
mium materials for a seamless
master bath suite new addition to one
end of a 1950s California Ranch in the
charmed district of Bethesda, MD —
just northwest of Washington, DC. Wie-
demann Architects, a highly decorated,
full-service architectural/design firm was
responsible for other delicate renovations
and this pivotal addition that had to
respect the historical origins of the one-
level low-slung ranch for a middle-aged
couple with plans of aging there.
With a Master of Architecture from
Harvard University, Greg Wiedemann,
AIA, Principal, had all of these factors in
mind when he designed the new master
bath suite with only premium brands,
including Luxe Linear Drains, marble
tiles from Ann Sacks, WarmlyYours radi-
ant electric floor heat, a Poliform vanity
and all Dornbracht fixtures. The design
program was perfectly implemented by
Wiedemann Architects long-time trust-
ed building partner, H. Gray Builders,
Inc. of Washington, DC. In fact, Nick
Stanisic, project manager for H. Gray
Builders, introduced Wiedemann Archi-
tects to the Luxe Linear Drains collec-
tion of architectural-grade, 100% stain-
less steel drains in decorative and pattern
grate design options, as well as the linear
tile insert tray selected for this “Califor-
nia Rambler” just off the Beltway.
“Nick Stanisic was the very first one
to introduce us to Luxe Linear Drains,”
said Wiedemann. “We’ve been using the
drains more and more ever since.”
Wiedemann Architects selected Luxe
Linear Drains — Tile Insert option —
for the custom shower that immediately
greets all who enter the new master bath
suite. The curbless-entry, 6- x 5-foot
standing shower strategically placed the
48-inch Luxe Linear Drain Tile Insert
equidistant along the back wall of the
shower. The placement of the drain
ensures a dry place to stand as the water
runs back and away from the user and
the curbless threshold entry allows for
easier, drier and safer access.
Stanisic surfaced the inside and back
wall of the shower from floor to ceiling
Installation Details
INSTALLER: H. Gray Builders, Inc.,
Washington, DC
TILE PRODUCT: Ann Sack’s Linen
series
INSTALLATION PRODUCTS: Mapei
Porcelain Tile Mortar, Mapei
Kerapoxy ThinSet Mortar and Mapei
Kerapoxy grout — all from Mapei
of Deerfield Beach, FL; Schluter-
Ditra from Schluter Systems of
Plattsburgh, NY; radient electric floor
heating from WarmlyYours of Lake
Zurich, IL; 48-inch Luxe Linear Drain
from Luxe Linear Drain of Atlanta, GA
The curbless-entry, 6- x 5-foot standing shower has a 48-inch Luxe Linear Drain Tile Insert
equidistant along the back wall of the shower.
with super-linear, 1¼- x 16-inch marble
tiles from Ann Sack’s new Linen series.
The complete Linen collection from Ann
Sacks includes 2- x 2-inch mosaic tiles
that transitioned beautifully to the show-
er floor, and became the oft-referred to
“insert tiles,” in this case for the 48-inch
linear tile tray insert drain.
When installing the floor and wall
tiles of the master bath, Ditra water-
proofing membrane from Schluter Sys-
tems was used, followed by a complete
Mapei system -- from mud bed to the
latex-enhanced thinset and grout. The
products included: Mapei Porcelain Tile
Mortar, Mapei Kerapoxy ThinSet Mor-
tar and Mapei Kerapoxy grout. TILE

Green:
A practice
not a tagline
Location is a large component to Florida Tile’s green initiatives. Situated just outside of Lexington, KY, in the town of Lawrenceburg, its plant is
within 500 miles of its raw materials that come from surrounding states.
Made in the U.S.A

S
ince it was founded in 1954,
Florida Tile has evolved into
a leading tile manufacturer
that is at the forefront of tech-
nology and quality service. Originally
started by Jimmy Sikes as a small opera-
tion in Florida to produce one specialty
trim shape that was difficult to find, the
company has grown in many facets and
is owned today by Italian-based Panar-
iagroup. As an American company with
European owners, Florida Tile believes
that this synergy has made for a suc-
cessful business model. In addition to
continually investing in state-of-the-art
technology, the tile manufacturer also
strongly follows many green practices,
which contribute to an overall sustain-
able building environment.
Its strong commitment to the environ-
ment inspired Florida Tile to create its
CARES (Creating A Responsible Envi-
ronmental Strategy) program. A major
upgrade of its facility in Lawrenceburg,
KY, in 2007, involved creating a system
that allows the company to recycle and
re-use the byproducts of its manufactur-
ing process, including water utilized in
production, clay, unfired tile, dust and
unfired ceramic tile.
“We made the decision when Panaria
bought us [in 2006] not to send any more
tile to the landfill,” said Sean Cilona, Direc-
tor of Marketing. “We bought a grinder.
It’s a tough process, but we are dedicated
to putting [byproduct] back into our tile.”
According to Cilona, 40% recycled
content is put back into each product.
“That’s a big deal for architects and
designers trying to do LEED projects,”
he said. The certification was made by
the independent Bureau Veritas, a third-
party world leader in conformity assess-
ment and certification services.
Taking its commitment a step fur-
ther, Florida Tile has received Green
Squared Certification for all tile lines
produced in its Kentucky plant. Devel-
In addItIon to
stayIng at the
top of cuttIng
edge technology,
florIda tIle
has made a
conscIous effort
to do all It can
to maIntaIn a
sustaInable
manufacturIng
operatIon
by Jennifer Adams
“We made the decision when Panaria bought us [in 2006] not to send any more tile to the landfill,” said
Sean Cilona, Director of Marketing. “We bought a grinder. It’s a tough process, but we are dedicated to
putting [byproduct] back into our tile.”

ABOVE A Sacmi press is
used in the production
process.
LEFT Florida Tile values
both the mechanical and
manual visual inspection.
It believes the combination
of both results in
producing high-end
products. A sorter looks
for any visual defects in
the tiles and an automated
portion checks the tiles
to make sure they are the
correct size.

oped by the Tile Council of North
America (TCNA), Green Squared cer-
tification provides accurate, third-party
verified information on the environ-
mental impacts of certified tile prod-
ucts. “Multi-attribute standards such as
Green Squared are becoming increas-
ingly recognized and encouraged as a
resource by green building programs
such as LEED, the National Association
of Home Builder’s standard for green
homes and the International Green
Construction Code’s Green Building
Code,” said Cilona.
Additionally, in 2011, the tile manu-
facturer was honored by the University
of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture for
its achievements in resource sustainabili-
ty practices and by the Kentucky Energy
Alliance for its commitment to energy
management. Florida Tile was recog-
nized along with others who “promote
sustainable practices and have made
impacts at the state regional and global
levels.” Winners were chosen based on
their contributions to societal, corpo-
rate, economic and environmental sus-
tainability. When winning this award,
the company reiterated that sustainabil-
ity was an important consideration in
Panariagroup’s investment in a state-of-
the-art tile manufacturing equipment.
Location is also a large component to
Florida Tile’s green initiatives. Situated just
outside of Lexington, KY, its plant is with-
in 500 miles of its raw materials that come
from surrounding states. Moreover, its
facilities are centrally located in the Mid-
West — making it within 500 miles of
80% of the population of the entire U.S.
“Raw materials come from Ohio and
Indiana, which are not too far away,” said
Tyson Brass, a ceramic engineer who is
Director of Manufacturing at Florida Tile.
“We [also] try to recycle as much as possi-
ble. If we save on raw materials, it is better
on the environment. We figure if we keep
it in-house, it is also a good selling point.”
Brass explained that Florida Tile start-
ed saving scrap about a year and a half
to two years prior to starting to use it.
“Another part of the recycling [efforts]
is that we take all the dust from the col-
lectors and it goes back into the body of
the tile,” he said.
a coMMiTMenT To
TechnoloGy and
cUsToMer service
As one of the leading Italian manu-
facturers with a strong international
presence, Panariagroup is distributed
in more than 100 countries around the
world. It has eight brands positioned
in the high-end of the tile and stone
market: Blustyle, Cotto D’Este, Fiordo,
Lea and Panaria in Italy; Love and Mar-
gres in Portugal, and Florida Tile in the
U.S. With more than 1,000 employ-
ees worldwide, 300 sales agents and
over 9,000 customers, Panariagroup has
brought a strong support of knowledge,
technology and financial stability that
has pushed Florida Tile to expand in
SUPPORTING THE ART OF TILE INSTALLATION
Beauty is the true benchmark of quality work. That’s why ProSpec®
is proud to partner
with Coverings as a materials sponsor of a UNLV furniture design class and bench design
competition for up-and-comers who are raising their craft to an art form. Six winning bench
designs will be constructed and auctioned off at Coverings to beneﬁt the Ceramic Tile
Education Foundation (CTEF) and UNLV. Join us at Coverings to see these artworks on display.
Visit us at Coverings booth 5098 to see
a seventh bench sponsored by ProSpec.
Proud sponsor of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
ProSpec®
is a registered trademark of Bonsal American, Inc., an Oldcastle company.

As the popularity of Florida Tile’s Craftsman DP line continues to grow, so do the format options for the floor and wall tiles which now include 6- x 6-
and 12- x 24-inch sizes. “The new larger formats will be offered in all three colors, Biscuit, Rye and Wheat,” said Cilona. Florida Tile plans to launch
several new tile collections at Coverings 2014, which will take place in Las Vegas at the end of April, including its new thin tile program.
An automated system is in place to box the tiles.

the domestic market, reports the tile
manufacturer.
“To me, it is like coming home,”
said Bernie Schwartz, Vice President of
Manufacturing, when talking about Flor-
ida Tile being bought by Panariagroup.
“They are dedicated. They are going to
keep the business up to date. It takes
courage to make capital investments.”
Panariagroup also believes strongly in
customer service. “Through the recession,
an advantage for us was that we could
send distributors what they needed,” said
Schwartz. “They are dedicated to service.
Italians are also really good with product
design, so it is a win-win situation.”
To produce high-quality products,
Florida Tile has put in place a trade-
mark system, HDP-High Definition
Porcelain, which uses high-speed print-
ers to give authentic looks to the tile
designs. Panariagroup was a leader in
this technology, and Florida Tile is the
first domestic manufacturer to use it,
explained Cilona.
“Being a part of Panariagroup is real-
ly great because they were leaders [in
technology],” said Cilona. “We’ve been
doing it about four years.”
At the time of TILE’s visit, Florida Tile
was in the process of commissioning a
new digital printer. “This will allow us
to make tiles larger than 36 inches,”
explained Cilona. “Technology is chang-
ing all the time. Just a few years ago,
everything was in roto color. Now in
three years, it is almost obsolete.
“We are having a debate about replac-
ing people with computers and cameras,”
he went on to say. “We are a high-end
manufacturer. We want to work as a team
— people and computers and cameras.”
Quality control is taken seriously. Flor-
ida Tile values both the mechanical and
manual visual inspection. It believes the
combination of both results in produc-
ing high-end products.
Tiles are laid out on the floor to do a
shade inspection to make sure that the
colors blend together well. A sorter looks
for any visual defects in the tiles and an
automated portion checks the tiles to
make sure they are the correct size. Final
inspection involves opening a box from
every other palette.
1.800.334.0784 • prospec.com
ProSpec®
and
Permalastic®
are
registered trademarks
of Bonsal American, Inc.
an Oldcastle company.
ProSpec provided a warranted
system for the tile renovation
of Auburn University’s
prestigious James E.Martin
Aquatics Center.
PRODUCTS USED:
• Permalastic®
System mortar
• ProColor Sanded
Grout and B-7000
Epoxy Mortar &
Grout
• B-6000Waterproof /
Crack Isolation
Membrane
• Floor Patch Pro
• Feather Edge
Tough conditions
require championship
performance.
Florida Tile has a nationwide and
Canadian network of independent dis-
tributors with over 300 locations. It will
be opening its 20th branch in Dallas in
March and a location in Boise, ID, is
expected to open this spring.
According to Richie Kincaid, Direc-
tor of Logistics, shipments from Florida
Tile’s distribution center in Lawrence-
burg are prioritized by their distance. The
ones the furthest away are sent out first.
Florida Tile plans to launch several
new tile collections at Coverings 2014,
which will take place in Las Vegas at the
end of April, including its new thin tile
program. TILE

REPORT
Electric radiant
floor heatingWHILE CONSUMERS ARE GRAVITATING TOWARD TILE FOR
AESTHETICS AND DURABILITY, THEY ARE ALSO REALIZING MORE
THAN EVER THE BENEFITS OF COMFORT FLOOR SYSTEMS
by Jennifer Adams
The trend for electric radiant floor heating has been growing in recent years. Manufacturers of comfort floor systems are developing
products that simplify the installation process.
Photo courtesy of Nuheat

I
nnovation and technology are usually the driving force
behind new tile trends. It is certain that the market has
exploded with limitless product lines in all different shapes,
sizes, looks and surfaces finishes. And while consumers like
the qualities such as sustainability and durability that tile can
offer, they might still feel that as a flooring material it is too
cold to use throughout their entire living space. To solve this
problem, more companies are offering electric radiant floor
heating systems to provide the benefits of tile with the comfort
of warmth.
The trend for electric radiant floor heating has been growing
in recent years, according to Peter Thomson, Vice President of
Sales for Nuheat Industries in Richmond, British Columbia,
Canada. “There has been steady awareness, but it has surged in
the past three or four years,” he said. “It has become a common
topic on home-improvement shows, and there are numerous
demos at trade shows. It has entered the mainstream public.”
Thomson also explained that homeowners are expanding the
area of where they are using radiant electric floor heating. “It
used to be seen as a product in a master bath, but now we are
seeing it being used in other — much larger — areas such as
kitchens, living rooms and basements,” he said. “It provides
such a comfortable feeling.”
Ken Barnum, Product Manager at Laticrete International in
Bethany, CT, agrees that electric radiant floor heating systems
are rising in popularity. “Electric radiant heat started to become
popular among homeowners between 2001 and 2005,” he said.
“This was a period of significant new residential construction
and remodeling, and strong floor warming sales carried into the
early years of the U.S. economic downturn. With time, aware-
ness has grown substantially in the last decade and an interest-
ing segment of the market has made a significant impact, the
do-it-yourself customer. The product offering from most major
manufacturers has evolved to focus on ease of installation in an
effort to make this product more common.
“While the look and elegance of tile and stone are unsur-
passed by any other floor covering, the common complaint is
that tile is often too cold,” Barnum went on to say. “For a small
investment during construction — and for just pennies a day
thereafter — floor warming is a simple solution to a long-stand-
ing complaint. While not designed to provide complete heating
to a room, electric radiant floor heating provides an element of
comfort that is hard to ignore. Never have I heard a customer
say, ‘You know, I really just don’t like these warm like this.’”
Barnum said that Laticrete has experienced tremendous
growth in its floor warming product sales in the last seven years
— with the main drivers being product awareness by both end-
users and installers as well as an understanding for good instal-
lation. “Having been in the tile and stone industry for nearly
60 years, and the electric floor heating business for seven years
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gauge the pulse of the tile and stone industry,” he said. “Install-
ers, contractors and retailers have learned that electric floor
warming can dramatically improve the average ticket price of a
bathroom or kitchen installation. We are hitting a point in the
product life cycle here in the U.S. where consumers want the
benefits of this product, and our industry professionals want to
realize greater revenue by selling and installing it.”
Andrew Acker of Schluter-Systems also believes that the real
benefit of electric radiant floor heating is that it makes tile com-
fortable to walk on. “It warms the floor,” he said. “Customers’
number one complaint is that tile is cold. They love that it is
durable, a green material, and easy maintenance and care.
“Many tiles have even gotten away from cold colors and
appearance,” Acker went on to explain. “They look very warm
now with their colors and textures. Comfort floor systems can
warm a tile surface. There is no better conductor of warmth
than tile. Its thermal mass stores heat.”
WhaT insTallers shoUld KnoW
According to Barnum, the technology of the actual heating
element has not changed much. “There have been a few
attempts by companies with ‘newer’ technologies to break into
the market, but the majority of electric floor warming being
installed is either a mat system or loose wire system,” he said.
And when asked if there are any specific details that install-
ers should know before installing comfort warm heating
systems, Barnum states that they should follow the basic rules
of installation.
Laticrete has worked
to reduce problems
that can occur with
loose wire installations
with the launch of its
newly designed track
featuring its Effortless
Clip System.
Photo courtesy of
Laticrete

Schluter-Systems has a new product, Ditra-Heat, where the
geometric configuration places the cable into the mat, and the
mat holds it in place.
Photo courtesy of Schluter-Systems
“Like most good construction practices, preparation is the key,”
he said. “The best floor warming installations are carefully planned
out so the correct amount of material is installed and the heating
is even and meets the local and national building codes. Addition-
ally, it is always recommended that the services of licensed electri-
cian can be utilized to make all electrical connections.”
Acker also explained that consistency is a key component.
“The right amount of cable per square footage has to be
ordered, otherwise all tiles won’t be heated,” he said. Acker
went on to say that Schluter-Systems has a new product where
the geometric configuration places the cable into the mat, and
the mat holds it in place. “Installers’ eyes light up,” he said. “A
self-lever is not needed.”
Manufacturers of radiant electric floor systems are develop-
ing products with the installer in mind. “We have many little
changes,” said Thomson. “We produce a custom map that is
fully built. Others require some assembly on site. We have
made adjustments to make installation easier. Our system
adheres to the subfloor in a flat way that is easy to tile over.
Wire spacing is very important to get consistent heat. Ours is
pre-built so installers don’t run into any problems.”
Additionally, Nuheat Industries has developed a new ther-
mostat, which gives homeowners some ability to program
their electric radiant floor heating system easily. “It is a WiFi
enabled thermostat that can be controlled off an iPhone,” said
Thomson. “It is good for people who are worried about con-
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T
hin porcelain tile products
represent a very new category
for our industry, yet as popu-
larity rises, it is clear this cat-
egory is here to stay. It’s so unique and
new, our industry is still determining
what to call it. Is it “thin tile,” “thin tile
panels” or “thin porcelain tile panels”?
Preliminary industry consensus states
that the material will be called “thin
porcelain tile” for pieces 1 square meter
or less in outer dimension and “thin
Considerations still
being taken for thin
porcelain tile
While thin porcelain tile has hit the market at full speed, there are still many things that
need to be considered, including what to call it and developing proper product standards
by Tim Bolby, Executive Director of Technical Services, and Noah Chitty, Director of Technical
Services, Crossville, Inc.
Thin porcelain tile products represent a very new category for the tile industry. Customers and product specifiers have rapidly embraced
thin tile and do not have or are not waiting on standards to guide product transport, handling and installation.

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Preliminary industry consensus states that the material will be called “thin porcelain tile”
for pieces 1 square meter or less in outer dimension and “thin porcelain tile panels” for
pieces exceeding 1 square meter. In all occurrences, tile that is 6 mm thick or less will be
designated “thin.”
porcelain tile panels” for pieces exceed-
ing 1 square meter. In all occurrences,
tile that is 6 mm thick or less will be
designated “thin.”
The naming of the category is the tip
of the proverbial iceberg. Our industry
is focused full tilt on the bigger issue at
hand: the development of proper prod-
uct standards. The urgency for standards
is relative to the pace of product accep-
tance in the market. Customers and
product specifiers have rapidly embraced
thin tile and do not have or are not
waiting on standards to guide product
transport, handling and installation. As
a result, we’re seeing some thin tile prod-
ucts specified and sold without detailed
instruction on truck unloading, removal
from the specialized crates, proper han-
dling and use of correct installation
equipment, cutting methods and tech-
niques. Too often, contractors have been
left to just “figure it out.”
Thankfully, the industry is joining
forces to address the urgent need for
standards with training and educa-
tion to reach contractors nationwide.
Clearly, there’s no time to waste. Some
contractors, hesitant to install unfamil-
iar materials, are quoting 50 to 300%
more than traditional tile installation
fees. And, of course, lack of knowl-
edge and training can lead to negative
experiences and failed installations —
detrimental for the long-term success
of a burgeoning product category. The
key to turning these unknowns into
opportunity lies in education.
New standards must address issues
from start to completion of an instal-
lation. For example, we’ve developed
a technical guide for the Laminam by
Crossville brand that speaks in detail
to everything contractors must know:
arrival of product — including unload-
ing from truck and removal from crate,
choice of tools and setting materials,
methods of fabrication and installation
procedures. Here’s a look at specifics
from our technical guide that apply to
all thin porcelain panel products.*
receivinG and handlinG
Crates for these products are typically
over 10 feet long and 3 feet wide and
are delivered in a truck lengthwise.
Extended forks are required to handle
the crates; otherwise traditional forks
will strike and damage the material
from underneath.
Use proper tools for removing the
material from crates. Thin porcelain
panels weigh between 1.5 and 3.0
pounds per square foot, depending on
thickness — much lighter than tra-
ditional tiles. However, because their
dimensions are so large, simply lifting
them out of the crate by hand can
cause damage. Specialized tools have
been developed using frames with suc-
tion cups to allow for safe handling of
the material not only out of the crate
and around the jobsite, but also during
positioning for final installation.
cUTTinG
Thanks to the lean profile, these pan-
els are extremely easy to cut with the

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right tools and, if handled correctly,
breakage can be virtually eliminated.
Specialized scoring devices have been
developed that can produce precisely
scored cuts as narrow as a ½-inch strip
down the entire 10-foot length of a
thin porcelain tile panel. Diamond-
tipped hole saws can produce perfect
holes of any size using normal drills
and a little water. With proper train-
ing, contractors can learn to fabricate
the material with ease.
insTallinG
When specifying this material, it’s
essential to be aware of all technical
characteristics for the preferred prod-
uct. Generally speaking, this mate-
rial functions much like the traditional
porcelain tile we are used to. However,
the reduced thickness means the point
load of the material is reduced and
voided under the tiles if full coverage
of setting material is not achieved and,
thus, breakage can occur more quickly
than with tile of traditional thickness.
Also, the edges of the thin porcelain
tiles are more vulnerable to crushing
or breakage when lippage is present.
Given these vulnerabilities, setting/
troweling techniques achieve maxi-
mum, edge-to-edge coverage beneath
the thin porcelain panel.
We recommend use of a re-designed
trowel called the “zipper trowel” that
allows fresh, wet mortar ridges to lay
down in an over-lapping pattern that
promotes full coverage. Further, spe-
cific setting materials with wetter mix
ratios that improve working time and
coverage are also recommended. To
deal with the lippage issue, we recom-
mend new embedding techniques that
allow for the reduction/elimination of
voids under the tiles and the use of edge
leveling systems that are more common
to the stone trade. This combination of
new ideas, tools and techniques assures
that critical coverage and tight panel
alignment can be accomplished so the
installed product performs as expected.
Beyond the helpful information of
a technical guide, we strongly recom-
mend hands-on training for installers.
Nothing compares to in-field learning
that allows contractors to gain skills
by directly working with the mate-
rial under guidance of those who’ve
created the procedures and standards.
Suffice to say, this product is not for
under-qualified tile installers, but it
can offer opportunity for those out
there seeking to set themselves apart
and grow their businesses.
As a by-product of the development
of standards for this new tile category,
our industry is, at last, coming together
on issues such as substrate improve-
ment, proper classification of setting
Hands-on training for installers is strongly recommended.

materials, maximizing coverage and use
of leveling systems. We’re collectively
addressing these topics as part of the
qualified labor training initiatives now
active across the industry.
We look forward to even more indus-
try-wide consensus, as we work togeth-
er to finalize accepted practices for
this category and, ultimately, usher in
third-party, minimum performance cri-
teria for products that can be successful
in the marketplace. This won’t be an
easy path, but it is a necessary one.
The current ANSI 137.1 standard does
not allow for sampling, analyzing and
defining warpage, facial and thickness
dimensions, and wedging variations for
tile products that are 3 x 10 feet. The
significantly thinner tile body of 3 to 6
mm will require new values for lippage,
point load and impact resistance. An
additional test for edge chipping may
have to be developed. Most agree that
having a product standard is critical
to establish what a “good” product is
before we can have an installation stan-
dard. Both are crucial to the long-term
success of the category.
Thin porcelain tiles and thin porce-
lain tile panels are amazing products,
with installation opportunities that go
beyond those of traditional tile. When
we back these beautiful, versatile prod-
ucts with effective, thorough instruc-
tions, resources and training, we all
stand to gain. Working collaboratively
with commitment to the integrity of
the products we create and install,
our industry will take a shorter path
to mutual long-term success with this
exciting category. TILE
* NOTE: These tips are not intended to be a
solitary resource of education on thin porce-
lain panel handling and installation.
Thanks to the lean profile, these panels are extremely easy to cut with the right tools and, if handled correctly, breakage can be virtually eliminated.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Tim Bolby is Executive
Director of Technical
Services for Crossville,
having joined the com-
pany in 2002. A gradu-
ate of the University
of Missouri, Bolby has
more than 26 years of experience in the
tile industry, is a frequent speaker at trade
shows and conferences, and serves as an
active leader in trade organizations.
Noah Chitty is Cross-
ville’s Director of Technical
Services. He has over 16
years of industry experi-
ence, including a tenure at
the Tile Council of North
America. He is a commit-
tee member for various trade organizations.
Chitty earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Ce-
ramic Engineering from Clemson University.

Technical
Focus
ACT Membranes
There are numerous types of waterproofing and crack-isolation membranes available
on the market, but the ACT testing focuses on liquid applied and sheet types
by Scott Carothers,
Executive Director, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
The second assessment in the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program is
Membranes — both liquid applied and sheet. Sheet membrane should be rolled into place.
Photo courtesy of Bob Arnold, IMI
T
his is the second of four arti-
cles featuring the assessments
involved in the Advanced Cer-
tifications for Tile Installers
(ACT) program with today’s topic being
“Membranes.” The purpose of highlight-
ing the features and benefits of the new,
and recently launched, ACT program
is to spread the awareness that the tile
industry is providing certification to tile
installers who meet and exceed the indus-
try standards and best practices of quality
tile installations. This tile installer testing
program was developed with a two-fold
purpose: to allow the ACT installer to
be differentiated from those who do
not have this distinction and to provide
the consumer, whether commercial or
residential, with a choice of a better and
more qualified tile installer.
The ACT program committee was
formed in October of 2012 and included
five of the leading tile industry labor orga-
nizations: the Ceramic Tile Education
Foundation (CTEF), the International
Masonry Institute (IMI), the Interna-
tional Union of Bricklayers and Allied
Craftworkers (IUBAC), the National
Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)
and the Tile Contractors Association of
America (TCAA). The Tile Council of
North America (TCNA) was subsequent-
ly added to the committee, bringing the
support of its manufacturing members,
which were pivotal in the development
of the ACT curriculum. The formation
of this committee was an unprecedented
event, in that it joined the non-union
(CTEF and NTCA) and union (IMI,
IUBAC and TCAA) tile installer organi-
zations together with a common goal of
creating a pool of qualified tile installers
without regard to their labor affiliation.
Over the course of just under one
year, the committees drafted, edited and
published all the documents necessary to
construct the wood test modules, con-
duct the actual hands-on test, establish
evaluation criteria for the hands-on test
and administer the online written test.
The ACT program originally contained
four skills tests, including Large For-
mat Tile and Surface Prep, Membranes,
Mortar Bed (Mud) Floors, and Walls
and Shower Receptors. Subsequently, the
Mud testing was divided, yielding a sepa-
rate Mud Floor and Mud Wall test for a
total of five skills tests.
One key component and strictly
enforced requirement of the ACT tests
is that the applying installer (applying to
take one or more of the tests), must have
first successfully passed the Certified Tile
Installer (CTI) tests, which are conducted
by the CTEF, or he or she must have

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During an installation, the floor, wall and module should be
properly protected.
Reading the directions makes for an easier tile installation.
successfully completed the studies and
practices of the IUBAC and received the
designation of Journeyman. The installer,
successfully completing either of these
programs, has already proven his or her
basic installation skills and now moves on
to elevate and document their advanced
installation skills and knowledge.
The ACT tests are a combination of an
open book written test, which is admin-
istered online and taken at home or in
the office per the installer’s schedule, and
the hands-on test which is provided at
regional locations around the country.
Upon registration, the installer receives
a packet consisting of the ACT Study
Guide, the TCNA Handbook, the ANSI
Specifications, Instructions to the Install-
er, Installer Critical Points and Statement
of Intent. These documents provide the
installer with all the study materials nec-
essary to take both the written and hands-
on tests. The program is designed to have
the installer take the written test first,
followed by the hands-on testing. The
scores of each test must be a minimum of
85%. While this may seem to be a high
requirement, it speaks to the high integ-
rity of the program along with the above
average skills and knowledge needed to
achieve the ACT designation. Realize that
ACT certified installers are the pinnacle
of their trade.
The membrane types included in this
test focus solely on:
• Waterproofing: ANSI A118.10 Ameri-
can National Standard Specifications
for Load Bearing, Bonded, Waterproof
Membranes for Thin-set Ceramic Tile
and Dimension Stone Installation
• Crack isolation: ANSI A118.12 Ameri-
can National Standard Specifications
for Crack Isolation Membranes for
Thin-set Ceramic Tile and Dimension
Stone Installation.
These membranes provide a waterproof
barrier that will protect both the tile and
stone installation — along with every-
thing below the substrate and the build-
ing structure. Waterproofing protection is
one of the most practical steps to ensure
the longevity of a tile and stone installa-

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tion system. It not only protects the spac-
es below and adjacent to the tile or stone
installation, it also protects the setting
bed, reinforcing wire (if used), concrete
base and reinforcing or wood structure
from potential damage and deterioration.
Since damage to many flooring compo-
nents can occur, it is no surprise that the
majority of construction liability claims
involve water damage that has result-
ed from the lack of, or an improperly
installed, waterproofing membrane.
Crack isolation membranes provide a
flexible barrier in between the tile or
stone installation and the substrate that
will prevent minor lateral movement or
in-plane substrate cracks (typically up to
1/8 inch [3mm]) from transmitting up
through the tile or stone finish. However,
crack isolation membranes may not be
100% effective in preventing reflective
cracking (cracks in concrete telegraphing
through the tile). The speed of modern-
day construction and the desire to use
thinner and more light-weight materials
can lend itself to movement in a building
structure. Minimizing potential cracks of
a tile and stone system must be addressed
during installation to prevent future dam-
age. Modern crack isolation membranes
are thin, load bearing and maintain a
high level of flexibility without sacrific-
ing the necessary strength and support
required for tile and stone installations.
Today’s pressures of completing proj-
ects in a fast-track manner often lead to
The ACT Evaluator will check the
applied liquid for the appropriate
thickness with a wet film mil
thickness gauge.
Photo courtesy of Bob
Arnold, IMI
tile and stone installations being rushed
and not installed correctly. The advanced
technology that goes into waterproofing
and crack isolation membranes allows
the installer to take advantage of faster
curing times, and ultimately, allows the
tile and stone installation to move for-
ward more quickly.
There are numerous types of water-
proofing and crack-isolation membranes
available on the market, but the ACT
testing focuses on liquid applied and
sheet types. There are various membrane
manufacturers and types that can be
specified within a ceramic tile or stone
installation system. Industry standards
and methods for this ACT Membrane
certification are based on American
National Standards (ANSI) for product
requirements and installation methods
and TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass
and Stone Tile Installation for installation
specifications and methods.
liQUid MeMbranes
The ACT test requires the installer to
select the proper materials for the job and
use them in the proper sequence. Liquid
membranes require that all cracks, cold
joints, control joints, coves, corners, pen-
etrations and drains be pretreated with
the liquid, and depending on the manu-
facturer, a layer of reinforcing fabric.
When dry, the entire area is coated per
manufacturer’s recommendations to a
specified thickness, and if required by the
manufacturer, a layer of fabric is placed
into the wet liquid. The ACT Evaluator
at this point checks the applied liquid for
the appropriate thickness with a wet film
mil thickness gauge. After proper dry
time, a second coat of liquid is applied
and again verified by the Evaluator for
proper thickness. As part of this test, the
installer must properly interface a drain
and pipe penetration. These two areas are
scrutinized heavily by the Evaluator since
they can be the source of failures done by
the ill-trained novice.
sheeT MeMbranes
For the installation of sheet membranes,
again, the installer must select the appro-
priate products and installation materials
for the required job. Sheet membranes
are normally installed over a properly
prepared and structurally sound sub-
strate. Typically, a latex-modified Port-
land cement mortar (ANSI A118.4 or
A118.15 compliant) is required to bond
the membrane to the substrate and also
bonds the tile or stone to the membrane.
Many manufacturers also provide a
quick-setting adhesive to bond the mem-
brane to the substrate, which in turn
allows the tile to be installed immediately
without the fear of a bond loss between
the membrane and the substrate.
The mechanic must install the sheet
membrane over the entire floor area and
up the walls to a specified height in one
piece while also providing the suitable

About the Author
Scott Carothers is the Director of Certification and Training for the Ceramic
Tile Education Foundation headquartered in Pendleton, SC, and is responsible
for the creation of the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program, is involved in the
creation of the new Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program as
well as providing training to others in the tile industry. He has been involved in
the ceramic tile industry for over 33 years and was the owner of a successful
retail firm prior to coming to CTEF. He has served as President of the NTCA,
Chairman of the NTCA Technical Committee and named the NTCA Tile Person
of the Year in 2005. He is a voting member of the ANSI and the TCNA Handbook committees. He
may be contacted at 864-222-2131 or scott@tilecareer.com.
The standard for coefficient of friction (COF) for tile floors has changed. Whether
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floors, it’s important to know the COF of your floor tile according to the new
standard and test method, the DCOF AcuTestSM
. Our lab not only runs this test, we
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connection at the inside and outside
corners. A full width waterproof seam is
required to be completed with the manu-
facturer recommended sealant. As with
the liquid applied products, the sheet
membrane must include a water-tight
connection to the floor drain and pipe
penetration. The Evaluator now disman-
tles the installer’s work piece by piece to
determine if the installation procedures
were completed correctly and that a
waterproof installation was achieved.
Although this brief description of the
ACT Membrane test may appear to be
very easily provided, there are critical
points on the Evaluator’s score sheet that
if not completed satisfactorily, the entire
test fails. Included in this category for the
sheet membrane are: minimum overlap of
materials with appropriate sealant at the
seam and proper sealant applied between
the sheet and the drain body. For liquid
applied products, the critical failure point
includes providing the manufacturer’s rec-
ommended wet film thickness. Common
to both tests is the requirement to provide
a minimum 3-inch upturn at all walls.
Both the liquid applied and sheet
membrane installations also require that
the perimeter of the test area and the
test module itself be protected from the
waterproofing materials in a neat and
workmanlike fashion. The entire test
must be completed within the four-hour
time allotment or the test fails.
Once the Evaluator has completed the
scoring and has taken the documenting
photos, the installer removes the work
provided and returns the module to the
same condition at which it was found
prior to the start of the test.
These test parameters may sound rather
extreme since the concept of applying a
waterproofing or crack isolation product
seem to be fairly simple. But realize how
critically important these procedures are
to the success of a project. If this were
your personal project, you would expect
it to be leak free — and so it should be.
No matter which of the ACT-related
tasks are involved on the job, the use of
qualified labor makes perfect sense. Sav-
ing a few dollars at the outset with the
cheaper “I have done it all” amateur can
be extremely expensive the second time.
Think about it. TILE

C
overings 2014 will mark
the stone and tile exhibi-
tion’s 25th anniversary. At
a time when the tile and
stone industry in the U.S. was gaining
momentum and needed a single cohesive
venue for distributors, retailers, contrac-
tors, installers and specifiers to see the
Coverings celebrates
25 years
Set for Las Vegas, NV, from April 29 to May 2, Coverings 2014 marks the 25th
anniversary of the international stone and tile exhibition
finest examples of new tile production
available in North America, Coverings
was established as the first U.S. tile and
stone exposition and conference. It was
founded not only to showcase new prod-
ucts, tools and machinery, but also to
provide networking opportunities, train-
ing and education on a diverse range of
topics — from design trends to instal-
lation techniques and certification pro-
grams. This year the event will be held
from April 29 to May 2 at the Las Vegas
Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
The show will host an official Anni-
versary “After-Hours” Party on Wednes-
day, April 30 from 9 to 11 p.m. at a
Coverings will be celebrating its 25th anniversary from April 29 to May 2, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. In honor
of its silver anniversary, a “bonus” day of educational sessions has been added on Monday, April 28.

Coverings has become a large international platform for the tile and stone industry in the
U.S. — drawing more than 900 exhibitors.
Las Vegas nightclub to celebrate this
important milestone. The special event
will feature an open bar, music, net-
working and reminiscing. Additionally,
Coverings attendees will receive a 25th
Anniversary commemorative collectible
at the exhibition.
The first iteration of Coverings took
place in 1990 in Anaheim, CA, when
Tile Expo and The World Exposition of
Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings
merged — creating The International
Tile Exposition, which later became the
International Tile and Stone Exhibition,
and eventually Coverings. The inaugural
show also accomplished something no
one in the industry had been able to
do — unite five industry associations
under one umbrella: The Ceramic Tile
Distributor Association (CTDA), Tile
of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manu-
facturer’s Association (ASCER), Ceram-
ics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica,
National Tile Contractors Association
(NTCA) and The Tile Council of North
America (TCNA).
“It seems nearly impossible that it has
been 25 years since my first show,” said
Inma Roca, Coverings Board Member
and representative from Tile of Spain.
“The show unquestionably hit the mark
— finally there was a trade show, and
not just an industry conference format
event, in North America.”
“When I look back and see how Cov-
erings has progressed over the years,
these words by Peter Drucker come to
mind: ‘Whenever you see a successful
business, someone once made a coura-
geous decision,’” said Luciano Galassini,
Coverings Board Member and Depu-
ty Director General of Confindustria
Ceramica. “By joining forces with other
tile associations and creating a trade-
show run by the industry, we’ve been
able to transform the tile market in the
U.S. Many things have changed over 25
years, but the show continues to be the
best tool for promoting tile in America
among distributors, contractors, speci-
fiers and consumers.”
Since that first show, Coverings has
become the largest international plat-
form for the tile and stone industry
in the U.S. — with more than 900
exhibitors, more than 70 conference ses-
sions and a myriad of networking events
annually — all for free.
And in honor of its 25th anniver-
sary, Coverings has extended its confer-
ence program to include a fifth day.
Beginning on Monday, April 28 at the
Las Vegas Convention Center, attendees
can access the tips, trends and experts
who can help them maximize their time
and sharpen their skills.
The conference program will feature
80 free conference sessions presented
by 100 of the industry’s most original
thinkers and experts, according to show
management. New this year, attendees
can add sessions directly to their Out-
look calendar so they won’t miss a min-
ute of any important session.
“Each year, we seek to produce a show
that is more outstanding, impactful and
memorable than the last,” said Karin
Fendrich, Coverings show director.
“Coverings exhibitors continually show-
case outstanding products and inventive
booths with international flair, like no
other trade show in the U.S. Paired
with the most comprehensive educa-
tional track and numerous networking
opportunities, Coverings continues to
provide the platform that the industry
relies on to thrive and continue its success
all year long.”
shoW hiGhliGhTs
Once again, Coverings will present the
Coverings Installation and Design (CID)
Awards, honoring the best achievements in
outstanding design and installation of tile
and stone. Open to architects, designers,
builders, contractors, distributors, retail-
ers and installers, the CID Awards cel-
ebrate creativity and technical know-how
in the use of tile and stone in residential,
commercial, international and sustain-
able projects. Sponsored by TileLetter and
TADA magazines, winning projects will be
honored during the exhibition.
New to the 2014 CID Awards is the
addition of a Sustainability category for
recognition of tile and stone projects that
place a premium on innovative sustain-
able design. This new category replaces
the PROJECT: Green program that rec-
ognized these projects in years prior.

Additionally, a new online portal simpli-
fies the process of entering projects for
consideration in the 2014 CID Awards.
“One of the highlights of Coverings is
celebrating and honoring unique projects
that exhibit the highest levels of creativ-
ity, craftsmanship and outstanding use of
materials,” said Fendrich. “We anticipate
even more outstanding projects than ever
before, especially with the new program
updates we’ve implemented.”
This year, Coverings also has launched
an online photography contest to honor
inspiring tile and stone installations,
artwork, buildings and structures found
around us everyday. The social media-
driven sweepstakes also serves to com-
memorate the show’s 25th year, with two
Grand Prize Winners earning a trip to
Las Vegas during the show.
“As we prepare for the show’s 25th
Anniversary, we’re looking forward to
highlighting how tile and stone impacts
our lives everyday,” said Fendrich. “Tile
and stone continues to have the unique
ability to transform the look of interiors
and exteriors with rich textures, color,
warmth and fluidity that few other
products can replicate. We’re excited to
see what inspires our exhibitors, attend-
ees and fans as we all prepare for this
year’s show.”
Coverings has also partnered with the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
School of Architecture, to develop a
course that will investigate the use of
tile as a medium for furniture design.
Through a 13-week series of lectures
and workshops, students enrolled in
“Mediations on Making – Exploring
Furniture Design” will learn about the
factors involved in designing furniture,
opportunities and constraints of tile,
design visualization and presentation,
construction and installation drawings,
and fabrication processes. The course
also will include a competition where
each student will design a conceptual
drawing of a bench using tile and stone
as its source material. A jury will select
six concepts for students to fabricate and
display at the exhibition.
“Mediations on Making – Explor-
ing Furniture Design” is supported by
a number of leading manufacturers,
which will be providing students with
high-quality materials and real-world
training. Arizona Tile will be providing
tile for the program, Bonsal/Prospec
and Wedi will supply installation and
structural materials, and Alpha Tools
and Rubi Tools will provide the neces-
sary tools. The NTCA, as well as Bonsal/
Prospec, will provide certified trainers to
educate students on the fabrication and
application processes.
“The partnership between Cover-
ings and UNLV to develop this unique
opportunity for students to partner with
leading manufacturers, fabricators and
installers in the tile and stone indus-
try, will greatly enhance their knowl-
edge and skillset for their future design
careers,” said Fendrich. “This program
also highlights Coverings’ commitment
to industry education and expanding the
knowledge to emerging talent that tile
and stone are surfaces with unbridled
design potential.”
The six finalist benches will be dis-
played on the Coverings show floor for
the duration of the exposition and con-
ference for all attendees to enjoy. During
the Coverings 25th Anniversary celebra-
tion on Wednesday, April 30, attendees
will have the opportunity to bid on the
benches in a silent auction that will ben-
efit the Ceramic Tile Education Founda-
tion (CTEF) and a charity of UNLV’s
choice. TILE
Many live-demonstrations will be seen on the show floor throughout the four-day event.
For a complete schedule of the
Coverings 2014 conference program,
visit: www.tile-magazine.com/
coverings.

Make
no
LittLe
pLans.
aia Convention 2014: June 26-28, Chicago
To register online visit aia.org/convention

Spotlight
T
he next chapter in specifying
sustainable flooring is here.
Specifiers and other build-
ing design and construction
industry professionals seeking sustain-
able flooring options can now look to
the North American ceramic tile EPD
(Environmental Product Declaration),
the first in the industry, to evaluate and
understand ceramic tile’s environmen-
tal footprint. An EPD is a report that
quantifies the environmental impacts
of a product throughout its lifecycle. It
contains information about a product’s
carbon footprint and resource depletion
potential, among other things.
An EPD is not intended to be a claim
of environmental superiority. Rather, it
is similar in concept to nutrition report-
ing. An EPD tells a product’s complete
environmental story in a standardized
format that allows products to be com-
pared to each other, much as nutritional
labels allow food products to be com-
pared. As a result, EPDs have become
increasingly popular, a “must-have” for
some, because they provide the detail
It has arrived…the EPD
for North American-made
ceramic tile
Making its debut at Coverings 2014, the North American ceramic tile EPD
(Environmental Product Declaration) is the newest tool for sustainable design and
understanding ceramic tile’s environmental footprint
by Bill Griese, LEED AP, TCNA Standards Development & Green Initiative Manager, and
Heather Gadonniex, LEED AP BD+C, PE International
The North American ceramic tile EPD applies to
over 95% of the tile produced in North America,
so there are many options to select from when
transparency is desired.

TILE Magazine (BNPMedia) March/April 2014 Issue Features an Elegant Master Bath Suite Seamless Addition feature a Curbless Entry Shower Thanks to LUXE Linear Drains for Modern Design Custom Shower in Bethesda, Md.

TILE Magazine (BNPMedia) March/April 2014 Issue Features an Elegant Master Bath Suite Seamless Addition feature a Curbless Entry Shower Thanks to LUXE Linear Drains for Modern Design Custom Shower in Bethesda, Md.

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TILE Magazine (BNPMedia) March/April 2014 Issue Features an Elegant Master Bath Suite Seamless Addition feature a Curbless Entry Shower Thanks to LUXE Linear Drains for Modern Design Custom Shower in Bethesda, Md.