🏛️ THE DESIGN IDENTITY

Design Archetype: The "Luminous Pearlescent Onyx" of the Collection

• The Contrast: Unlike flat white marble or stark monolithic ceramics, Akoya Ivory recreates the translucent depth and delicate layered veining of rare natural onyx. Inspired by the iridescent luster of oriental Akoya pearls, it infuses spaces with an ethereal, light-diffusing glow.

• Design Aesthetics: The ultimate expression for Contemporary Modern Luxury, Haute Italian Minimal, or Boutique Hospitality interiors.

• The Mineral Field: Features a warm, luminous ivory canvas layered with soft cream, alabaster, and subtle pearlescent veining that catches light across its broad face.

• The Visual Flow: The grand 36" x 72" large-format panel creates continuous, uninterrupted surfaces with minimal grout lines, visually expanding rooms and creating an expansive, hotel-suite aesthetic.

🏷️ PRODUCT TITLE

Sant'Agostino Akoya Ivory Krystal Polished 36" x 72" Rectified Italian Porcelain Tile

📝 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Elevate your architectural project with the breathtaking grandeur of Sant'Agostino Akoya Ivory Polished 36" x 72" Porcelain Tile. Masterfully crafted in Italy by Ceramica Sant'Agostino, this extra-large format slab-effect tile draws inspiration from the rare translucency of exotic onyx and the iridescent shimmer of Akoya pearls.

Enhanced by Sant'Agostino’s proprietary Krystal polishing technique, the surface achieves an exceptional depth of shine, reflecting natural light while preserving the delicate movement of its warm ivory veining. Engineered at a structural 3/8" (10mm) thickness with precision rectified edges, this tile allows for ultra-narrow 1/16" grout joints. It is a commanding choice for grand living areas, feature walls, primary bath surrounds, luxury shower walls, and high-end commercial interiors.

✨ KEY FEATURES

• 🔮 Exclusive Krystal Polishing: High-definition polishing technique produces a deep glass-like sheen that enhances light reflectivity and spatial brightness.

• 📐 Grand 36" x 72" Format: Minimizes seam frequency across vast floor plans and vertical installations for a sleek, slab-like appearance.

• 💎 Onyx & Pearl Inspiration: Recreates the multidimensional depth of natural onyx stone with an elegant, warm ivory colorway.

• ✂️ Precision Rectified Edges: Factory-machined square edges allow for razor-thin grout lines and virtually seamless transitions.

• 🛡️ Ultra-Durable & Stain Resistant: Non-porous Italian porcelain stoneware resists scratches, moisture, and staining without needing sealers.

📊 SPECIFICATIONS

🛠️ INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: LARGE FORMAT HANDLING & THINSET SELECTION

Due to the grand 36" x 72" physical footprint (approx. 18 sq. ft. per piece), this tile requires a minimum 2-person handling process using specialized suction-cup carry frames during transport and setting.

You must install this tile using a premium, polymer-modified White LHT (Large Heavy Tile) Thinset Mortar (ANSI A118.4 or A118.11 compliant). Always perform a 100% back-buttering technique on both the tile substrate and the tile back to eliminate voids and guarantee proper mortar coverage under large slabs.

📋 Manufacturer Recommendations

• Recommended Grout: Pair with a high-performance, fine-aggregate grout in "Warm Cream," "Soft Ivory," or "Alabaster" to blend seamlessly into the tile background. Use a minimum grout joint width of 1/16" to 1/8" for rectified tiles.

• Substrate Flatness: Substrate deflection must not exceed L/720. Ensure the floor or wall substrate is flat within 1/8" over a 10-foot radius; use a self-leveling underlayment prior to setting to prevent tile lip page across large slabs.

• Lippage Control System: Use a mechanical tile leveling clip system during setting to hold adjacent panel edges perfectly flush while the thinset cures.

💡 PRO INSTALLATION TIPS

• 🔀 Vein Flow Orientation: Lay out 2 to 3 panels before mortar application to check the directional flow of the onyx-inspired veining, ensuring a harmonious balance across the entire room.

• 🔨 Full Mortar Collapse: After setting each tile into the wet LHT mortar, vibrate or beat the tile face using a non-marking rubber block or mechanical slab vibrator to collapse trowel ridges and bleed trapped air.

• 🧼 Post-Install Cleaning: Clean mortar residue from the polished face immediately using clean water and a non-abrasive microfiber cloth to preserve the high-gloss Krystal finish.

💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can Sant'Agostino Akoya 36x72 be installed on shower walls?

A: Yes, absolutely. Its non-porous porcelain composition makes it completely impervious to water. The large 36" x 72" format is ideal for shower walls because it dramatically reduces grout joints where soap scum and mildew typically gather.

Q: Does this polished porcelain tile require sealing like real onyx marble?

A: No. Unlike natural onyx stone, high-fired Italian porcelain stoneware is stain-resistant and moisture-impervious, meaning no ongoing stone sealers or specialized wax polishes are required.

Q: How much waste allowance should I calculate for a 36" x 72" format?

A: Because of the large panel dimensions and the need for precision cuts around walls, doors, and plumbing fixtures, we recommend adding a 15% waste allowance to your total square footage.