Award

The Arkistone series of large format tiles. The Abdefender collection of rubber flooring and stair treads. M A R C H 2 0 2 5 | 33 Hard Surface Flooring P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y O LY M P I A T I L E + S TO N E; A M ER I C A N B I LT R I T E Elevating spaces with bold hard surface flooring and game-changing adhesive solutions by LAURIE JONES H ard surface flooring experts are stepping up their game, blending timeless elegance with modern functionality. From eco-friendly materials to cutting-edge innovations in installation, the latest trends are reshaping how designers and homeowners approach flooring. Whether it's sleek and sustain- able or effortlessly easy to install, these floors offer a perfect balance of beauty, durability, and practical- ity for the year ahead. "Olympia Tile + Stone is committed to staying ahead of current trends, and this is perfectly show- cased through two of our best-selling lines," says Anila Bregasi, senior director of purchasing and product development. "Our large format tile sales continue to grow, and one of the best examples from Olympia's portfolio is the Arkistone series. This comprehensive limestone replica collection is avail- able in five colours and offered in a range of sizes, starting from 12-by-24-inch up to 48-by-48-inch. The versatility of the Arkistone series makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications." Bregasi notes luxury stone replicas are not new, but they remain a prominent trend, and the Room series from Olympia is a great example, showcasing high-definition stone imitations in a six-millimetre thickness. "New designs are added annually, with the catalog currently featuring 21 stone designs and 10 decor options. Sizes range from 24-by-24-inch to 48-by-110-inch, with various surface finishes avail- able. The six-millimetre thickness ensures ease of installation on most interior floor and wall surfaces." For 2025, Ames Tile + Stone offers the Kerlite Easy line, the first certified and patented dry lay system for ceramic flooring. Made in Italy, Kerlite makes sus- tainable renovations fast and easy. "Our installation team found the Kerlite Easy system very easy to work with and install," says Dave Griffith, project manager at Bridgewater Tile. "It was less labour intensive than a typical porcelain tile installation due to the fact the tiles are loose-laid and not bonded directly to the sub- strate with thin set." He adds people can walk on the tiles immediately after installation. Used for both residential and light commercial applications, a Kerlite Easy installation has an over- all thickness of seven millimetres, making it useful to overlay existing surfaces and avoid costs of old tile removal. The Silent mat and Filler sealant used on the reverse side of Kerlite slabs provide a resistant, stable, and waterproof floor system. Weighing only 13 kg/m2, a new porcelain stoneware floor can be installed with- out adding significant weight to existing surfaces. Installed without mortar thanks to the exclusive use of fibreglass-reinforced Kerlite slabs, the porce- lain stoneware Easy flooring system is more durable than other traditional tile-laying systems and is PREPARE TO BE FLOORED available in stone, concrete, marble, and solid colour options. They are also CO2 neutral and come with a 20-year warranty. American Biltrite recently launched Abdefender, a revolutionary collection of rubber flooring and stair treads specifically designed to enhance safety in high-rise building emergency exit areas. With its exceptional fire-retardant properties and low smoke development, Abdefender sets a new standard in protective flooring solutions. Available in six versa- tile colours, this collection offers rubber tiles with a round profile and stair treads with integrated ris- ers, either with or without visually impaired safety strips. Custom colours and stair treads are also available for larger orders, ensuring design flexibil- ity without compromising safety. "Safety and innovation are at the heart of every- thing we do," says Jean-Pierre Benoit, corporate VP and general manager at American Biltrite. "With Abdefender, we are providing architects, engineers, and builders a dependable solution that prioritizes occupant protection in the most critical spaces, such as stairways and emergency exits. Designed to com- ply with stringent building codes in North America, Abdefender offers reliable fire and smoke safety for high-traffic areas." Abdefender is also Red List free, demonstrating its compliance with the Living Building Challenge Declare program. This certification underscores American Biltrite's commitment to material trans- parency, toxic chemical avoidance, and simplifying material specification and project certification pro- cesses. From hospitals and schools to airports and residential towers, this collection is engineered to protect both people and buildings in case of an emergency, all while providing an elegant and dura- ble flooring solution. Forging a path in eco-friendly products, Shnier and Division 9 are committed to delivering sustain- able tile solutions that balance style, performance, and

• Cover