The Challenges of Installing Large Format Porcelain Tile and Stone
Michael Granatowski
Format: Video of Slides with Synchronized Audio

Large format tiles are in style, and continue to increase in popularity, so it is important to understand the installation challenges. This seminar will explore the "calibration specifications" that are followed when manufacturing porcelain tile and how the quality, variety of sizes, and intended use of the porcelain tile and stone can affect the installation method. The importance of surface preparation will also be discussed and how grout joint size and type of mortar used can affect the performance. We will then examine how the effects of curvature, thermal movement, deformability, and the use of expansion joints can influence your installation. Lastly, we will look at the sustainability of these installations.

At the end of this seminar, participants should be able to:
Identify the calibration specifications that are followed when manufacturing tile or cutting stone
Explain how the quality, variety of sizes, and intended use of these products can affect the installation method
Discuss the various types of surface preparation that need to be used to achieve a proper installation
Define the impact that curvature, thermal deflection, deformability, and the movement joints will have on the performance of the installation