Product Overview

Florim Matières Barrique 12" x 24" Porcelain Tile (30 cm x 60 cm) is an architectural, stone-and-concrete fusion porcelain field tile manufactured by Florim (part of the acclaimed Matières de Rex collection). Inspired by raw industrial surfaces, aged concrete, and mineral-patinated stone, the Barrique colorway presents a rich, moody palette of deep espresso brown, dark charcoal, weathered copper undertones, and warm bronze mottling.

Factory-finished in a smooth Matte (Mat/Naturale) surface, this 12x24 rectangular format offers a tactile, non-glare visual with subtle texture. It brings a grounded, industrial aesthetic with low reflectivity and high durability to modern living room floors, feature walls, primary bathrooms, and boutique commercial spaces.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Living Area & Entryway Floors: Delivers a sophisticated dark concrete-and-stone backdrop across open-concept floor plans without reflecting harsh overhead light.

• Master Bathroom Floors & Shower Walls: The Matte (Naturale) surface provides reliable foot traction under wet conditions (R10 / DCOF ≥ 0.42) for wet bathroom floors while serving as a moody, modern accent wall inside shower enclosures.

• Fireplace Surrounds & Kitchen Backsplashes: Non-combustible, vitrified porcelain resists thermal shock and high temperatures without staining, fading, or etching from heat or cooking oils.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: TILE LAYOUT PROTOCOL

• Thinset Mortar Selection: Set using a high-performance, polymer-modified thinset specified for porcelain tile (ANSI A118.4 or ANSI A118.15 like MAPEI® Ultraflex 2 or LATICRETE® 254 Platinum).

• Running Bond Offset Rule: When setting 12" x 24" tiles in a staggered running bond layout, TCNA standards mandate offsetting joints by no more than 33% (approx. 8 inches) rather than a 50% half-brick bond to eliminate potential tile bow lippage.

• Rectified Micro-Grout Lines: Precision-rectified edges allow tiles to be installed with tight 1/16" to 1/8" grout joints.

Professional Recommendations

• Dry Lay & Shade Blending: The Matières Barrique graphic carries rich mineral shading (V3 rating). Unbox and dry-lay tiles from multiple cartons before setting to randomize dark brown, charcoal, and bronze tones across the layout.

• Grout Color Strategy: Pair with a dark espresso brown, dark charcoal, or black high-performance grout (such as MAPEI® Ultracolor Plus FA in Mocha or Charcoal) to make grout lines blend seamlessly into the dark field.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Clean easily using warm water and a neutral pH porcelain floor cleaner. The non-porous matte surface naturally resists foot traffic marks, water spots, and soap scum.

• 100% Acid & Stain Proof: Impervious vitrified porcelain stoneware (< 0.08% water absorption) protects against oils, wine, cosmetic acids, and household cleaning chemicals.

• Zero Sealing Required: Unlike real concrete or natural dark stone, glazed Italian porcelain is non-porous and never requires sealers, topical waxes, or special impregnating treatments over its lifespan.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Industrial Chic, Warm Minimalist, Urban Loft, Moody Organic Spa.

• Popular Layout Patterns:

  • 33% Staggered Running Bond: Classic rectangular layout for floors and walls.

  • Herringbone: Set at a 45-degree angle for dramatic geometric impact on feature walls and backsplashes.

  • Vertical Stack: Modern, linear grid orientation that draws the eye upward to elevate ceiling heights.

• System Cohesion: Designed to coordinate directly with companion colors in the Matières collection (Saintonge, Nuage, Mou) as well as larger field formats (e.g., 24x48, 48x48) within the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the aesthetic look of Florim Matières Barrique?

Barrique bridges the gap between dark concrete and aged metallic stone. It features a rich dark brown and charcoal background with subtle bronze undertones, delivering an industrial, weathered finish without the maintenance of real concrete.

Is Florim Matières Barrique 12x24 suitable for shower floors?

While excellent for main bathroom floors and shower walls, standard shower pans with central point drains typically require smaller mosaics to conform to multi-directional slopes. However, 12x24 tiles work exceptionally well on shower floors utilizing linear trench drains.

Does this dark concrete-look tile show water spots or require sealers?

No. Vitrified porcelain from Florim is non-porous (< 0.08% absorption) and completely impervious to water staining. It requires zero sealers, waxes, or special protective coatings.