Terracotta is quite durable and has been in use for quite some time

However, at present, there are much better and economical tile options available in the market. CMC’s Kalesinterflex from Turkey, is bacteria resistant and also A1 class fire resistant, says Amit Shah, Managing Director, Classic Marble Company.

How can tiles enhance the design value of interiors?
From all possible range in colours to pattern and sizes and finishes, tiles can be installed to perfectly suit almost any application. CMC’s range in the Quadra porcelain slabs collection consists of a range of over 20 products in a variety of colours and patterns suited for a wide range of applications. Quadra’s homogeneous body design product is a perfect choice for creating seamless installations. The cross-section of Quadra slabs has the same design as its surface. This allows the slab to be cut and polished while extending the design even at its edges.

The hi-tech, extra-large format Quadra surfaces are evenly textured, non-porous, and resistant to chemicals, scratching and fire, satisfying all the primary requirements for a functional kitchen-top and flooring. Made using environment-friendly, sustainable material, the slabs are extremely strong, durable and are low on maintenance. Quadra porcelain tiles can be used in flooring, kitchen counters and wall cladding especially to create bookmark features. It is available in matt finish.

Terracotta tiles are resistant to mold and bacteria, do you feel in the current scenario they will re-emerge as one of the choicest materials for tiling purposes? What is the other option we have material wise?
Terracotta is a very popular material and has been in use for quite some time. One of its most popular applications is inclined roofing. These are quite durable too and while it is a great material, it has some drawbacks. One of the biggest issues being that it is porous making it prone to easy scratching and staining. It also is brittle. But these shortcomings can be addressed by processing it for conventional use. However, at present, there are much better and economical tile options available in the market. CMC’s Kalesinterflex from Turkey is a tile that comes with nano-coating which prevents absorption of water, oil or any other chemical on the surface of the product. The material is bacteria resistant and A1 class fire resistant.

Apart from lobbies and museums, what are some of the apt spaces where tiles can be used for walling purposes
Depending on the type of tile, especially tiles that are lightweight can be installed in almost all kinds of wall clad applications. Kalesinterflex tiles are versatile and hence they can be used in multiple application areas like exterior cladding of sky rise buildings, bungalows, hotels, hospitals and airports.

What are some of the advantages offered by ceramic tiles over the use of marble?
Comparing marble to tiles would be like comparing oranges to apples. While both marble and tiles are surface applications they are completely separate categories. Each has pros and cons depending on the area of application, environment, utility and function. It would not be a fair comparison since these two are very different products. Kalesinterflex porcelain slabs are extremely lightweight, they are available in big sizes and have matt finish making this one of the most versatile tile products. The distinguishing aspect of this product is the flexibility radius of 5.5m, allowing for the tiles to be installed on concave and convex surfaces.

18