Submitted By: Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID, CMG
Tile manufacturers are always looking for ways to make designers’ lives easier, and along with that, YOUR life easier as well. Aesthetically, the choices out there in ceramic and porcelain tile are expansive and quite amazing. All of the ‘big guys’ dedicate a lot of resources to product development, so what else could they possibly offer in tile design that might capture more attention?
How about a program that offers you in-factory cutting services? One that allow for your tile of choice to be ordered in custom linear and rectangular sizes? AND provide that tile within a three week turnaround time? Well that is exactly what Daltile is about to launch. Dal identified a huge, unmet need out there. For the most part, anyone looking for linear shapes and rectangular sizes were either limited to a handful of collections that offered those options, OR they had to have their tile installer cut down the tiles right on-site–a slow and messy process at best. Now, according to Lori Kirk-Rolley, Senior Marketing Director for Daltile, “Any Daltile or American Olean rectified porcelain tile or glazed floor tile can be ordered in popular linear and rectangular sizes, making design options endless.” There are two added benefits to this program that deserve mentioning:
- Since the custom cuts are done at the factory, the quality of the cuts is more consistent
- Custom cutting at the factory reduces labor costs at the jobsite, and that can be a big benefit!
The core assortment of products for this program was selected from the most popular porcelain tile collections Daltile and American Olean offer. But, according to my sources, any ceramic floor tile in the line can be custom cut to any size (within a minimum width of 2” and a maximum length of 24”). Lead time might be a bit longer, but check with your local flooring store for pricing and production time.
One last thing for you to know: these “cutting edge” programs will be announced shortly as Linear Options under the Daltile brand, and Linear Express for American Olean. Just another design option for you to use as you create your one-of-a-kind floor.
June 22nd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
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