Clemson, S.C.—After three years and hundreds of hours of research by the TCNA Product Performance Testing Laboratory, Tile Council of North America (TCNA) said the ANSI ASC A108 Committee approved the standard characterizing 2 cm gauged porcelain tile pavers.
In recent years, usage of 2 cm gauged porcelain tile pavers, particularly in outdoor living, has grown at a remarkable pace, creating a need for standardized product performance criteria upon which specifiers, installers, building owners and consumers can rely. As 2 cm porcelain tile pavers are often used in unbonded or raised flooring applications, particular attention was given to strength and impact criteria when developing this new standard, according to the company.
The performance criteria and test methods developed for the new 2 cm standard are the result of a multi-year consensus process of the ANSI ASC A108 Committee. This committee, which develops standards for hard surface floor, wall/countertop products and related installation materials, is comprised of a broad and diverse group of participants reflecting stakeholder interests in all aspects of the tile industry, according to the company.
“Interest in outdoor living has been growing exponentially the last few years,” said Bill Griese, director of standards development and sustainability initiatives, TCNA. “As market trends and tile usage continue to evolve, so too must the specifications that define them. Without standards, tile consumers would have no way to know what to expect in terms of performance and problems resulting from an undefined range of products could hinder the growth of this exciting market segment. We are very pleased to announce this standard and congratulate and thank the many people across our industry who contributed to its development.”
When published later this year, the world’s first industry standard for gauged porcelain pavers will be included as part of ANSI A137.3 American National Standard Specifications for Gauged Porcelain Tiles and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs.