Ceratec Essential Polvere Glossy Ceramic Subway Tile 2" x 12"

A backsplash or a shower wall is looked at up close every day, so the colour, the sheen and the grout line count for more than they do on a floor. Essential Polvere is made for that wall.

In simple terms: Essential Polvere is a 2x12 ceramic subway tile for walls only, such as backsplashes, feature walls and shower walls.

It is the glossy finish in Polvere from the Ceratec Essential range.

The actual size is 2" x 11.8" (50 x 300 mm). It is 9 mm thick. The spec sheet lists water absorption above 10%. Shade variation is V1, uniform. It is designed by Ceratec in Canada and made in Turkey. Ceramic has a lighter, softer body than porcelain, which makes it easy to cut and set, and it is mostly used on walls.

It suits kitchen backsplashes, feature walls, bathroom and shower walls and tub surrounds. Pick it over a porcelain floor tile for walls, since it is lighter and easier to cut around outlets and corners; keep a porcelain on the floor.

Each box holds 44 pieces and covers 7.21 sq ft, so a 30 sq ft kitchen backsplash takes 5 boxes, and that still leaves about 10% extra for cuts and spares. For every 100 sq ft, plan on 16 boxes with the 10% extra included.

It is listed for walls only, so do not put it on a floor, including a shower floor. It is listed for indoor use, so keep it off exterior walls.

In this size, Essential also comes in colours including Avorio, Carbone, Cenere, Nero and Greige. Polvere also comes in 3" x 6", 4" x 16", 4" x 8" and 2" x 2". For edges, Ceratec recommends a 3/8" trim profile.

Our own crews install it, so the people who measure the job are the people who answer for it. See Ceratec Essential Polvere in person at our Mississauga showroom (700 Dundas St E, Unit 3-4, 905-277-2227) or our Barrie showroom (112 Saunders Rd, Units 1-4, 705-726-2272).