Technology Advances Tile

Tile has been around for thousands of years, but that doesn’t mean the tile world is ancient. Technological advances are changing what we know of tile, taking the age-old product to new heights—and with new capabilities.

At Coverings 2024 in Atlanta, the unspoken, but noticeable, theme was the balance and synergy between man-made and machine-made. Earthy, artisanal, organic design remains a hot trend within the home even as technology—specifically with artificial intelligence—is reshaping our day-to-day lives. This theme carries into the tile world, most noticeably in these three innovations.

Porcelanosa Group’s Smart Kitchen

Spanish tile manufacturer Porcelanosa Group’s Gamadecor division has taken the kitchen product to new levels with its Smart Kitchen offering. Smart Kitchen conceals induction plates and electricity sources underneath the countertop, freeing up the surface for limitless uses.

A homeowner can place a blender on their seamless countertop, and with the touch of a button, the appliance will operate without needing to be plugged into an energy source. It works the same for generating heat under pots and pans without any induction cooking top. It’s all thanks to the product’s dual induction system hidden under the sintered stone surface. In addition to workspace flexibility, the company says this innovation allows for easier cleaning and greater energy efficiency. Porcelanosa representatives note that the Smart Kitchen product is popular for smaller kitchens with limited counterspace.

Digitally Applied Glazes

Newer digital techniques take printed tile to places its never been. Texture, sheen, and reflectivity can be produced through innovative production methods, namely digital printing technology. Florim USA’s MILEstone brand introduced its trademarked Digital Texture technology this year. It creates realistic details and multiple surface dimensions that mimic natural design by using a glazing method to produce random textures that go deep into the tile rather than remaining on the surface. Currently, more than four effects or finishes can be printed onto tile, a major movement from Inkjet printing.

More Through-Body Counters

Man-made materials like porcelain feature beautiful naturalistic looks, but the pattern sits on the surface and does not push through the entire slab. Advancements in technology are changing this, allowing for an increase in through-body, or full-body, counters. Iris Ceramica Group’s new 4D Ceramics uses a manufacturing process that incorporates green hydrogen to create full body 20mm porcelain. Additionally, Daltile suggests that its Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces full-body slabs can be used in innovative ways, such as in furnishings.