Large format tiles are becoming new trend as people prefer large format Slab Tiles. The demand for these tiles, which are several times larger than conventional tiles, is increasing worldwide. The competiting countries of Bangladesh like Vietnam, China and India are grabbing the global markets of slab tiles rapidly. Despite the popularity of slab tiles in the Middle East and European countries, India, China and Vietnam have taken the monopoly of slab tiles’ market. Although the technology started in Italy, it quickly became popular in other countries. The speciality of slab tiles are its large size, very fewer joints, nice to see and high aesthetic value with strength and durability. Since there are fewer joints, it also has less chance of catching dirt. It can be cut as desired and set on the floor or wall. Moreover, slab tiles are much stronger and thicker than normal tiles.
Several companies including Akij, DBL, Sheltech, Greatwall and RAK have started manufacturing mini slab tiles in Bangladesh. Only three years ago, slab tiles of 1200cm x 2400cm size were imported from Italy. At that time, the largest size of tiles in Bangladesh was 60cm x 60cm. Now 600cm x 1200cm; 800cm x 800cm and 1000cm x 1000cm size slab tiles are being manufactured in the country. Its size is gradually increasing. Within the next couple of years, various companies will run the process of manufacturing 1200cm x 2400cm size perfect slab tiles in the country. At the one hand, the production cost of slab tiles is lower than the conventional small and medium tiles and on the other hand, its price is relatively high in the market. Companies are more inclined towards these tiles due to market demand.
Slab tiles are the new trend in the world tiles market
now, because its features and advantages are very
attractive and consumer friendly.
Wide range of usages:
Bathrooms, Kitchens, Countertops, Cabinets, Working
tables, Offices, Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants,
Community centers and many more places
Creating a continuity effect:
Due to large size, there is less visibility of tile joint and the effect of tile texture is lively.
Reduced installation time :Due to large format the installation time is much easier than traditional tiles.
More hygienic & easy to clean :
With less joints, there are fewer areas in which dirts can be stored and due to porcelain stoneware, it is itself more hygienic and easier to clean.
Benefits of Slab Tiles :
Excellent appearance due to the narrow joints ensures a seamless surface and vintage look. Sizes are available from 600cm x 1200cm to 1600cm x 3200cm with 5mm to 14mm thickness. The manufactures can cut this slab tiles as per their desired sizes and shapes. They are suitable for both wall and floor surface. Large format tiles can help enhance the look of the house, working wonderfully well in modern and minimalist houses. Each large wall tile and floor tile covers more square feet than a standard tile, leading to fewer grout lines across floors and walls, more seamless and stylish looks, and easier maintenance.
Slab tiles are not themselves a different tile material – only a different manufacturing format. Usually made from porcelain or stone, slab tiles differ from normal tiles only in size. They are much taller and wider, with some variants coming in at a whopping 10-by-5-feet. Slab formats are in demand due to a few advantages that they possess over.
normal tiles: chief of them being that they are cheaper and easier to work. There is a huge demand for slab tiles in the Middle East and European countries. At the moment, the demand of Slab Tiles is mostly fulfilled by China and India. Time is not far when this will be done by other Asian countries as well.
Mr. Khourshed Alam, Director (Marketing) of Akij Ceramics said if it is not 1200cm x 2400cm, it cannot be called real slab tiles. Akij is now manufacturing tiles in the size of 600cm x 1200cm which are called mini slabs and hopefully by mid of 2023 Akij will produce 1000cm x 1200cm. Moreover, with the new technology that Akij is adding to, it will be possible to produce actual size slab tiles within the next 2/3 years ranging 1200cm-2400cm sizes. Pointing out that these tiles have a huge export market, he said, the world is now rapidly moving out of small tiles. Akij is also targeting huge export markets in Europe and the Middle East. He commented that the market of small and medium tiles in Bangladesh will also shrink soon. Because people are now giving more importance to the aesthetics of slab tiles as it can be cut to any size and fitted. Although there will be a little wastage while cutting these tiles, the beauty makes it all worth it. Besides, thanks to its thickness its durability is higher. Mohammad Bayezed Bashar, GM (Operation) of DBL Ceramics said that the demand for slab tiles has been increasing in the Bangladesh market for the past several years.
That is why, various companies are now manufacturing these tiles and adopting the required technology. Its size is also increasing step by step. Currently DBL has started manufacturing tiles of 600cm x 1200cm size. There are plans to make it a size of 1200cm x 2400cm in the next two or three years.
But at present, the major obstacle in expanding the market for these tiles is the lack of skilled fitters. That is why, DBL is training fitters across the country. They have helped to create at least 10,000 trained and skilled fitters across the country. It will also increase the income of the fitters. It is expected that as the number of fitters trained to install slab tiles increases, the market for these tiles will also expand rapidly. Mr Bayezed also said that the tiles that are currently being made in Bangladesh are done with “press” technology. But the next upgraded technology is “Roller or Compaction” technology, which will come very soon. Based on this latest technology, it is possible to make tiles of any size. But its installed capacity will be the most important and challenging one.
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