MSI Sovana Maple 18" x 18" Matte Porcelain Floor & Wall Tile

Product Overview

MSI Sovana Maple 18" x 18" Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile recreates the structured beauty of traditional parquet flooring in a durable, easy-care porcelain format. Each square tile features a geometric arrangement of interwoven wood-look sections framed by a subtle rectangular border.

The light-beige Maple palette is enriched with soft wood-grain variation, creating a warm yet understated surface suited to contemporary, Japandi, Scandinavian, organic-modern, and transitional interiors. A lightly textured matte finish enhances the natural appearance while minimizing glare.

Part of MSI’s Emerging Styles Collection, Sovana Maple brings the craftsmanship and visual rhythm of parquet wood flooring to kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, entryways, feature walls, and appropriate light-commercial interiors.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Living and Dining Areas: Creates the detailed appearance of parquet wood flooring without the refinishing requirements of natural timber.

• Kitchen Floors: Adds warmth and geometric structure while providing the everyday durability of glazed porcelain.

• Bathroom Floors: Suitable for properly prepared interior bathroom floors, subject to project-specific slip requirements.

• Entryways and Hallways: The framed pattern establishes a tailored architectural rhythm across transitional spaces.

• Feature Walls: Creates an expressive wood-look surface in bedrooms, living rooms, reception areas, and hospitality interiors.

• Commercial Walls: Suitable for boutiques, restaurants, offices, and other commercial feature-wall installations.

• Light-Commercial Floors: The PEI 3 rating supports appropriate light-commercial spaces when specified for the expected traffic conditions.

• Residential Countertops: MSI approves residential countertop use when the substrate, edge treatment, and installation system are properly designed.

Installation and Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: THE PATTERN REQUIRES DIRECTIONAL LAYOUT PLANNING

Each tile contains a framed parquet design. Dry-lay the material and determine tile orientation before installation to prevent unintended pattern changes.

• Create a Layout Plan: Arrange several tiles before setting them to determine how the borders and interwoven sections will connect across the finished surface.

• Blend Multiple Cartons: Distribute the V2 tonal and wood-grain variation throughout the installation rather than installing one carton at a time.

• Inspect Before Setting: Confirm the color, caliber, finish, pattern orientation, and quantity before installation.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a clean, flat, dry, stable substrate suitable for porcelain tile.

• Mortar Selection: Use a polymer-modified mortar meeting ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 and approved for porcelain.

• Mortar Coverage: Directionally trowel the mortar and back-butter tiles when necessary. Obtain at least 80% coverage in dry interiors and 95% in wet locations.

• Grout Joint: Do not install the tiles edge-to-edge. Select a grout joint that accommodates actual dimensional variation and the installer’s requirements.

• Wet Areas: Bathroom and shower-wall installations require a complete approved waterproofing system. Tile and grout do not replace waterproofing.

• Wet-Floor Caution: MSI does not publish a DCOF value on the current product page. Confirm project-specific slip requirements before installation in wet walking areas.

• Movement Accommodation: Include perimeter and field movement joints following TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Interior Use Only: MSI does not approve Sovana Maple for residential or commercial outdoor applications.

• Cutting Safety: Use wet-cutting or score-and-snap methods. Do not dry-cut with power tools because airborne crystalline-silica dust can cause serious respiratory harm.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for straight installations and 15–20% for diagonal layouts, pattern alignment, cuts, and future repairs.

Care and Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent abrasive dirt from accumulating.

• Clean with warm water and a neutral-pH porcelain tile cleaner.

• Avoid waxes, oily soaps, and film-forming cleaners that may alter the matte appearance.

• Use a soft nylon brush or non-abrasive pad for textured areas and stubborn residue.

• Rinse the surface thoroughly so detergent residue does not collect within the patterned texture.

• The porcelain surface normally does not require sealing. Cement-based grout may require sealing according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

Shade and Pattern Variation

Sovana Maple carries a V2 moderate-variation rating. Differences in beige tone, wood-grain detail, and printed pattern movement should be expected between tiles.

Open several cartons and approve the blended layout before installation. Particular attention should be given to the directional parquet pattern and framed border so the finished design appears intentional.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: European parquet, Japandi, Scandinavian minimalism, organic modern, and warm transitional design.

• Color Character: Light maple beige with cream, pale honey, and subtle natural wood undertones.

• Pattern Character: Interwoven parquet sections enclosed by a restrained rectangular border.

• Visual Advantage: The geometric pattern creates the craftsmanship of individually assembled wood pieces in a single porcelain tile.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, walnut, limestone-look porcelain, creamy quartz, linen textiles, and warm plaster walls.

• Complementary Metals: Brushed brass, champagne bronze, matte black, and brushed nickel.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Light beige, warm ivory, pale taupe, or maple-toned grout helps integrate the tile joints with the printed pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sovana Maple a stone-look tile?

No. MSI identifies Sovana Maple as a wood-look porcelain tile featuring a classic geometric parquet pattern.

What is the manufacturer’s item number?

The MSI item number is NWGSOVMAP1818.

What are the correct PEI and variation ratings?

Sovana Maple has a PEI 3 durability rating and a V2 shade-variation rating.

How much material is packaged in one box?

A standard carton contains five tiles covering approximately 10.98 square feet. Verify current packaging before ordering.

Can Sovana Maple be used on residential floors?

Yes. MSI approves it for residential floors and appropriate light-commercial flooring applications.

Can it be installed on commercial floors?

It may be used in appropriate light-commercial settings. MSI does not approve it for heavy-commercial flooring.

Can it be installed on walls?

Yes. MSI approves both residential and commercial wall applications.

Can it be installed outdoors?

No. MSI lists residential and commercial exterior applications as unsupported.

Does the porcelain require sealing?

The porcelain surface normally does not require sealing. Cement-based grout may require a grout sealer.

Will every tile have the same wood-grain appearance?

No. Its V2 rating means moderate differences in tone and graphic detail should be expected. Blend tiles from several cartons before installation.