Page 8 - Flooring Specialist Summer 2021

Ceramic Tile in a Growing Industry

By John West, CIM, FL Crane & Son
CERAMIC

he world of ceramic tile is always progressing, and tile/slab vibration tools, this is just to get started. We do have
at times difficult to keep pace. Over the last twenty the ability to make some of these tools ourselves -- tables,
Tyears, I have seen the trade go through some amazing and transportation carts to name a few. We have seen our
transformations regarding ceramic tile, and all with which old t-spacers, turn into leveling clip systems. These leveling
we associate with. I can recall when we were only installing clip style spacers are essential to reduce lippage with larger
mosaics, quarry, and 4” x 4” wall tile. Back then we thought format tiles.
12” x 12” floor tile was something else (the good old days).
Little did we realize what the future had in store for us all. The quality of your installer must be well-trained, along
with his/her crew. The tool manufacturers have advanced
Over the past decade we have witnessed a multitude of with equipment, which helps with the installation of these
format sizes varying from 12 x 24, to as massive as 1 m x 3 m, enormous sized panels. Along with these larger-than-life tiles,
and all dimensions between these. Along with these growing there also comes a different array of specifications and lower
lengths, other issues associated with these products were allowable tolerances they allow us. This is a constant battle.
sure to follow. The equipment to handle and install these
oversized, formatted beasts are costly. These tools range We now have the added pressure from a project
from specialized carrying carts, full frame panel lifters, and management side to ensure that they hold all trades to the
120-inch rail cutters. Installers may also require devices for highest standards on what happens in the early stages of
mitering corners, multi- angled grinders, suction cups, and these projects. I am checking to ensure the other trades

8 Flooring Specialist Summer 2021