Traditionally, ceramic tile manufacturers have offered a multitude of sizes in their catalogs by playing with two different dimensions: length and width. Recently however, a third dimension has come into play: thickness. This third dimension offers infinite possibilities for both new construction and renovation projects.
Slimming tiles down from the standard thickness of around 8mm to between 3.5 and 5mm offers a variety benefits to both the user and the environment.
— TECHLAM, Opium Black series, Slate Collection (3 & 5 mm thick). (.13” and .19”).
Ultra-thin ceramic can considerably reduce the cost of renovation projects, as it eliminates the need for existing tile to be ripped out, and can simply be laid over top.
In addition, lamination pressing technology has made it possible to produce large-size tiles up to 1000x3000mm that are only about 3.5mm thick, while maintaining all mechanical and aesthetic properties. These tiles are extremely versatile and can be used to design fully integrated rooms. Tiles can be used to cover floors, walls, doors, wardrobes and even tables to create a seamless and aesthetically pleasing space.
— COLORKER, Memory familia ‘ThinCK’ series (6.5 mm thick). (.25”).
The list of perks of using ultra thin tile goes on. This type of ceramic is extremely sustainable, uses fewer raw materials, less energy is required to make them, they weigh less and cost less to transport. This new trend offers almost nothing but benefits to designers and consumers alike.
On the other side of this third dimension of tile, are double thickness tiles. At 20mm thick, these tiles have an unmatched resistance to breakage, making them ideal for outdoor use. The durable tiles can be used to aid in rain water drainage when necessary. They are equally useful in raised access flooring, where construction requires the floor to be built over service installations that need regular maintenance and checking.
— ROCERSA, Serie-Colección Atmosphere (7, 11 & 20 mm thick). (.27”, .43” and .78”).
These tiles are inexpensive to install and clean and are easy to remove and reuse. Again, the benefits of these goes on and on.
Whether increasing or decreasing tile thickness, this third dimension of tile measurement offers and immeasurable amount of potential.
This story was originally published in Ceraspaña 40, a journal published by ASCER/Tile of Spain to promote the use and benefits of Spanish ceramic tiles in contemporary architecture and interior design. Read the article and view past issues HERE.