Product Overview

Kraken Matte 12" x 24" Porcelain Tile by Spanish manufacturer Ecoceramic is a versatile rectangular-format porcelain tile designed to deliver high-impact ocean-stone aesthetics in a highly manageable modular size. The Kraken series features fluid, dramatic veining and multi-tonal stone movement beneath a tactile, non-glare matte finish.

Measuring 12 inches by 24 inches (30 cm x 60 cm), this classic 1:2 architectural ratio format offers immense installation flexibility—installing seamlessly in running bond, stacked, or herringbone patterns. It brings the dramatic look of exotic natural stone to residential floors, shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, and commercial accent spaces with enhanced slip resistance and low-maintenance porcelain durability.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Bathroom & Shower Walls: Ideal for full-height shower surrounds, tub aprons, and primary bath accent walls where the 12" x 24" size offers a sleek, modern finish with easy handling.

• Kitchen & Feature Backsplashes: Creates an organic, non-glare backsplash focal point behind range hoods and kitchen counters.

• Interior Floors: Excellent for bathroom floors, hallways, entry foyers, and powder rooms seeking an organic stone look with solid foot grip.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: MORTAR & LAYOUT PROTOCOL

• Thinset Mortar Selection: Install using a polymer-modified Large & Heavy Tile (LFT) mortar specified for porcelain floor and wall applications. Use an ANSI A118.4 or ANSI A118.15 thinset (such as MAPEI® Ultraflex LFT or LATICRETE® Tri-Lite).

• Running Bond Offset Rule: When installing 12" x 24" tiles in a staggered running bond pattern, TCNA standards recommend offsetting joints by no more than 33% (approx. 8 inches) rather than a 50% brick bond to minimize natural tile bow lippage.

• Mortar Back-Butter Technique: Apply thinset to the substrate with a directional notch trowel AND back-butter the back of each 12x24 tile to ensure 95%+ mortar coverage in wet shower zones and floor fields.

• Leveling Clips: Use mechanical tile leveling clips during installation to ensure flush, perfectly flat transitions between adjacent tile edges.

Professional Recommendations

• Grout Joint Width: Rectified edges allow for tight 1/16" to 1/8" grout lines. Match grout color closely to the dominant background shade of the tile for an unbroken stone field look.

• Substrate Flatness: Ensure substrates are plumb and flat (within 1/8" over 10 feet) to guarantee smooth installation.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Wipe down easily using warm water and a neutral pH tile cleaner formulated for porcelain or stone surfaces.

• Stain & Water Proof: Impervious vitrified porcelain body (< 0.5% water absorption) resists grease, soap scum, acidic liquids, household stains, and water penetration.

• Zero Sealing Required: Unlike natural marble or dark slate tiles that require periodic impregnating sealers, glazed matte porcelain never requires sealers or topical waxes over its lifespan.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Organic Modernism, Moody Ocean Stone, Contemporary Boutique Spa Design.

• Popular Layout Patterns:

  • Standard Staggered (33% Offset): Classic running bond layout that creates dynamic movement.

  • Vertical Stack: Aligned straight up and down for a modern, height-enhancing visual effect.

  • Herringbone: Set at a 45-degree angle on walls or small floor fields for dramatic geometric style.

• System Cohesion: Designed to pair seamlessly with Ecoceramic's Kraken Matte mosaics (12x12 square mosaic, 3x3 hexagon mosaic) and 3.5x24 matte bullnose baseboards for complete, color-matched architectural environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of Kraken Matte 12x24 compared to Kraken Polished 12x24?

While the Kraken Polished version provides a high-gloss, mirror-reflective finish, the Kraken Matte offers a softer, non-glare, organic stone look. The matte finish provides better slip resistance underfoot and conceals water spots, dust, and smudges significantly better in damp environments.

Can 12x24 Kraken Matte tile be installed on shower floors?

While 12x24 tiles can be used on sloped shower floors if cut into envelope patterns toward a drain, standard shower pans typically benefit from a smaller mosaic format (such as the Kraken Matte 3x3 Hexagon or 12x12 Square Mosaic) to conform easily to drain slopes and maximize grout-line grip.

Does this porcelain tile require special sealing after installation?

No. Vitrified matte porcelain from Ecoceramic is non-porous and never requires sealers or topical waxes. Clean up grout haze promptly during installation, and the tile is completely ready for routine use.