New: Inax

The knoxtile family is proud to formally introduce everyone to our latest addition to the family, Inax. For the past 96 years, Inax has been designing and manufacturing ceramic tiles in Japan. Their designs are inspired with a balance of spirit from their cultural, which embraces nature, and with eye on progress in manufacturing and design style.

Inax tile’s beginnings started with the manufacturing of Terracotta tiles for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The architect Frank Lloyd Wright, wanted something unique and distinct to the Japanese Culture. He found that in the city of Tokoname, Japan which is famous for its pottery. There he partnered with father and son team, Hatsunojo Ina and his son Chozaburo Ina. They designed and experimented with how to produce 2.5 Million plus tiles, all while keeping keeping a high level of constancy in hues and physical appearance. With the success of this production and innovation Inax was born. 96 years later that same spirit of culture and progress is part of the DNA of Inax. If you would like to dive deeper in to the History of Inax Click Here

Starting in September, we will be stocking 5 Series. Sentousai, Madoka, Homura, Yuki Border, & Format Mix. We will be adding another two other series later this 4th quarter, Biyusai & Yohen Border. These two series will be front faced mounted, so they can be used in pool applications. EXPLORE THE SERIES

Take a look at the Inax BROCHURE and let us know what samples will work for your project. Even if it is not a series we are stocking we can provide you with samples. In addition to your sample request we will include a Free Inax Tile Coaster. (While supplies last)

knoxtile Texas Stock:

New Series: Mosa Canvas

An artist’s canvas, the blank slate ready for color and creativity. It is the artist’s supportive base encouraging imagination while letting the design be the star. Mosa’s latest porcelain tile series Canvas focuses on the role of the artist’s canvas offering a neutral palette that supports the design as backdrop

9 Color Pallet

Canvas offers 9 Color options, inspired by nature, from sandy beaches to snow covered landscapes, volcanic ash to deep blue oceans. Each well thought out color with subtle hits of warm undertones. Keeping to the idea of an artist’s Canvas, the movement in the tile is directionless allowing the color to flow over large spaces without guiding the eye one way or another creating a smooth flowing design concept. This allows furnishings, artwork and other design elements to shine.

New Texture for Canvas

Have you ever run your hand over an artist’s Canvas and noticed the texture? They are not smooth; it has a texture allowing the paint to adhere to the surface. The artist applies the color and textures while the Canvas elevates the overall masterpiece.

Canvas introduces a new texture CR. Just like an artist’s Canvas, there are subtle natural variations on its surface. Mosa worked to create just the right balance between texture and color, giving each tile character while keeping the overall effect neutral. Canvas’s tactile properties result in low maintenance anti-slip surfaces.

Mosa Canvas’s CR Texture

Canvas Sizing

Cavnas is produced in 12×24 & 24×24. A corresponding 4×24 Bullnose PC’s is made in every color.

Mosa Canvas – What will you Create?

Canvas is truly a unique line from Mosa. This subtle but sophisticated series lets the tile be the canvas for the design in every project.

Want to experience this new line for yourself? Order samples at our Sample Shop OR on our Sample Request Form.

CANVAS BROCHURE

Canvas Inspiration

Pool Tile

WHAT IS A POOL TILE?

Picking a pool tile can be a fun experience when working with people who know pool tiles. Yet, you cannot just pick any tile and put it on a pool. A pool tile must be able to endure constant water exposure /submersion, extreme weather swings both Hot & Cold, flexibility for ground shifting, and pool chemicals while still contributing to the overall design. This is why it is important to ensure that the tile you have selected has been rated for outdoor installation and is not intended for interior projects only.

Mosa (Porcelain) & Interstyle (Glass)
ARCH/DESIGNER: Studio Outside
PROJECT: Cypress Waters

GLASS OR PORCELAIN TILE?

Both Glass and Porcelain Tiles are excellent materials that can be used in Pools. You can even use them together! We use Mosa Porcelain Planks with Interstyle Glass inserts on water lines, spas, and water walls to bring Vibrant Colors, Depth, and personality to your pool. All knoxtile pool tiles (glass & porcelain) meet freeze/thaw requirements as recommended for outdoor use. knoxtile Glass and Porcelain pool tiles are vitreous, meaning they absorb less than 3% water, which helps in preventing cracking of the tile as temperatures change as well as making them easier to clean. Back painted or film coated glass tiles are beautiful but are suited for interior installations only. Prolonged exposure to the elements as well as water in a submerged application can begin to deteriorate the film or paint. When using glass tiles for outdoor installations look for annealed glass with high fired glazes.

Level 43 Pool Tile
Level 43 Pool Tile
Pool Builder: AquaTerra

GROUND SHIFTING WILL CRACK MY TILE! NO!

Ground shifting is just a part of geology. There is nothing you can do to prevent it from happening. Some pool builders will not use a piece of glass bigger than 1”x1” or porcelain larger than a 6”x6” as they expect anything bigger will crack when the ground shifts. However, as seen in the below image you can use larger Glass Tiles on Pools, even long 24″ Porcelain tiles. You just need the correct anti-fracture membrane.

In addition to an anti-fracture membrane, it is also important to have glass that has been annealed. During production the glass will go through an annealing kiln which will bring the temperature of the glass down slowly alleviating the internal stress of the glass. This is important for several reasons. First, it makes the glass more durable if cutting is needed for installation as a piece of glass with a lot of internal stress will fissure and crack under pressure. This also applies to ground shifting, the less internal stress, the less likely the glass will crack as the pool flexes and constricts with ground movement. Lastly, annealing helps with the prevention of temperature shock cracking. Glass sitting in the hot sun all day then getting splashed with cold water can crack if not properly annealed.

The below pool uses 2”x12” Interstyle Glass in an offset custom blend. Talk to your pool builder about which anti-fracture membrane will be right for your project.

Interstyle Pool Tile Hauk
Interstyle Glass Pool Tile
POOL BUILDER: Hauk Custom Pools

POOL TILES & POOL CHEMICALS

It is important to keep your pool healthy and clean. To do so you have to add chemicals to kill off the bacteria and algae. So how do these chemicals react with knoxtile Glass & Porcelain tiles? They don’t. As Glass Tiles are non-porous and due to the density of our Porcelain pool tiles, they do not absorb the chemicals that cause discoloration or cause any chemical reactions. With natural stone materials you must seal them regularly to prevent chemical staining. Knoxtile Glass & Porcelain tiles are an easy to clean pool tile option.

However, not all glass is created equally. Low quality glass can have a High Iron or Soda Ash content which will react with Chlorine leaving it subject to etching. All knoxtile Pool Glass Tile is highly refined (no etching here!), annealed glass making it a great option for your pool project.  

Mosa Terra Tones Pool Environment Pool Tile
Mosa Terra Tones
Pool Builder: Pool Environment

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POOL TILE

Choosing the right pool tile can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. There are so many options, so many colors, will this match my coping, will this go with my overall design direction. That is why it is important to work with a pool builder that understands you and your vision. They are there to guide you and help narrow down the selections, and point you to appropriate materials for your pool. knoxtile has been working with both commercial and residential pool builders for the last 30 years. Whether your design is simple and elegant or vibrant and artistic we are here to provide you and your pool builder with pool tiles that will both stand up to the elements and bring your pool vision to life.

knoxtile POOL TILE MATERIALS

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION: CHECK OUT OUR BISAZZA POOL MURAL

Bisazza Mural Pool Tile Deep Ellum
Bisazza Mural Pool Tile Deep Ellum