The 2019 edition of The Specifier’s Guide to Ceramic Tile & Calibrated Natural Stone, which explores all the latest ceramic tile design trends and advanced installation techniques, is now available in print and online at www.specifiersguide.co.uk.
The 2019 edition has been officially unveiled at The Surface Design Show. Now in its fifth edition, this annual industry bible is an essential specification tool for architects and designers. Content includes informed analysis of global tile trends, along with reports on the latest technology, and sustainability; as well as some truly inspirational case studies. Ancillary products – from backer boards and anhydrite screeds to entrance matting and water-based sealers – are also examined within the Guide, with expert comment from Joe Simpson, the Guide’s award-winning Editor.
The last twelve months have seen further significant advances in tile manufacturing technology, especially in continuous pressing and digital inkjet decoration. As a result, ceramic ‘tile’ has forged new markets in countertops and furnishing applications, while 20mm porcelain tiles are rapidly gaining traction in external landscaping. The Specifier’s Guide explores all these areas, while also examining specific materials and formats, as well as niche specifications, including ceramic façades, decorative murals and hand-made ceramics for heritage restoration projects. Technical contributions are included from a broad range of leading manufacturers, offering advice on subjects ranging from the new generation of gel-based adhesives and water-based epoxy formulations, through to wet-room systems and the dynamic world of coloured grouts.
“When it comes to ceramic tile trends, some new products emerge from blue sky thinking, some from exploiting advances in production technology, and some from reimagining designs from tile’s rich tradition,” explains Joe Simpson. “Today’s key directions include fusion concepts that take elements of two or more materials, such as upholstery fabric and shuttered concrete, and combine them in an innovative new ceramic surface.”
“Alongside this constant design evolution, the ceramic tile sector has recently witnessed an engineering revolution. With the widespread adoption of continuous pressing technology, tile manufacturers have expanded their horizons way beyond wall and floor tiles into worktops, vanity units, and furniture facings. Today’s XXL formats, often referred to as gauged ceramic panels, are forcing architects, interior designers, and furniture manufacturers to re-evaluate their perception of ‘tile’ and consider a range of exciting new applications. All these hugely significant advances are covered in the 2019 edition of The Specifier’s Guide.”
“The Guide also explores lightweight adhesives, sophisticated dry fix pedestals, self-cleaning and anti-bacterial tiles, 3D tiles, and modern tactile surface effects,” says Joe Simpson. “As the Guide shows, today’s specifiers are finding the current generation of high performance ceramic tiles to be the most versatile, high performance, and surprising surface option out there.”
The Specifier’s Guide’s initial distribution includes every architectural and interior design practice, as well as developers, building specifiers and facility managers.
The Specifier’s Guide is published by Kick-Start, the team behind the UK’s leading tiling and contract flooring trade publications – CFJ and TSJ. For more information, visit www.specifiersguide.co.uk or contact Kick-Start Publishing on tel. 01892 752 400.
