Cersaie 2018 The Staying Power of Faux Finishes

At the 36th annual Cersaie, held Sept. 24–28 in Bologna, Italy, domestic and international manufacturers presented an array of porcelain products that were nearly indistinguishable from natural and manmade construction materials. This year, 112,104 visitors explored 1,732,990 square feet of exhibition space packed with the latest products and advances in ceramic tile from 840 manufacturers. The five-day show also included cultural events and a keynote lecture given by Richard Rogers, Hon. FAIA, senior partner at London-based Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and the 2007 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate. Below are five products from this year’s show that each imitate the look and feel of wood, stone, marble, concrete, and metal. The versatility and durability of these porcelain tiles offer a potential advantage over less robust materials, making them a compelling choice for residential and high-traffic commercial and hospitality environments.

Bio Select by Lea Ceramiche
Through digital printing technologies, the Bio Select collection of porcelain tiles imitates the looks of oak and walnut wood. Offered in seven colors, five designs, and with an antimicrobial finish, the slabs can be used in wall and floor applications in residential and commercial settings. Each standard panel comes in 8″-by-48″, 12″-by-48″, and 12″-by-72″ formats, and in 0.4″ and 0.5″ thicknesses. The collection is also available in special formats, including herringbone and trapezoidal shapes. ceramichelea.it/en

Lime-Rock by Imola
Offering the look of limestone, Imola’s Lime-Rock collection of porcelain tiles features irregular veining and replicates limestone’s sedimentary layers. Suitable for wall and floor applications, this collection comes in four colorways, in natural or bush-hammered finishes. The slabs are offered in 15″-by-30″ (for outdoor use) and 30″-by-59″ rectangular formats, 30″-square, and 11″-by-12.8″ herringbone shapes. imolaceramica.com/en

Majestic by Valentino
Inspired by some of the most refined marbles from around the world, such as Carrara, Onice, Nero Marquina marble, and Arabescato Bianco, the Majestic collection by Valentino features irregular veining that traverses each porcelain tile. Each standard slab is offered in 47.2″-square, 23.6″-by-7.2″, 23.6″-square, 11.8″-by-23.6″, and 3.9″-by-20.8″ formats. Available in more than 150 graphic varieties and in six colorways, including majestic onyx (shown), glam black, and imperial pearl, and with a natural or polished finish. ceramichepiemme.it/valentino

OxidArt by Ceramica Sant’agostino
Inspired by industrial surfaces, the oxidized look of these porcelain tiles is created using digital printing. Each slip-, acid-, and class 5 abrasion–resistant tile is suitable for indoor flooring and wall applications, as well as outdoor wall applications. The 0.39″-thick tiles come in an array of square and rectangular sizes. Available in four colors and up to 270 patterns. ceramicasantagostino.it/en