Tuscany Azul polished porcelain tile infuses spaces with the beauty of natural stone in a durable, low-maintenance package.
Featuring the fossilized veining and tonal variations of travertine, Tuscany Azul brings the texture of luxury into residential and commercial spaces alike. Its versatility also allows it to complement any style, from Old World charm to contemporary chic.
What is Tuscany Azul Polished Porcelain Tile?
Tuscany Azul from MSI is a rectified polished porcelain tile made to recreate the look of natural travertine stone. It features a warm gray base with delicate earthy veining in shades of cream and ivory. The tile achieves its rich color variation through modern production methods.
Porcelain differs from ceramic tile due to its dense composition. Firing pure clay at ultra-high temperatures gives porcelain an incredibly low water absorption rate, making it frost and stain resistant. This process also allows for a refined polished finish.
Distinguishing Characteristics
What sets Tuscany Azul apart is its distinctive faux travertine aesthetic. The tile exhibits the tonal variations, pitted surface, and veined striations found in natural quarried stone:
- Warm gray background color
- Delicate cream and ivory veining
- Slight surface pitting and dips
- Polished finish enhancing veining and color
Combined, these traits produce porcelain tile with an authentically weathered appearance of travertine, minus the hassle and upkeep real stone requires.
Tile Specifications
Tuscany Azul Polish Porcelain Tile comes in popular 12 x 24 inch, 18 x 18 inch, and large format sizes up to 60 x 60 inches. Tile thickness ranges from 8 to 10 mm for floor applications. Some key specs include:
| Finish | Polished |
| DCOF rating | > 0.42 |
| Breaking strength | > 275 lbf |
| Water absorption | < 0.5% |
Benefits of Tuscany Azul Tile
From unmatched resilience to luxe aesthetics, Tuscany Azul delivers on every front.
Visual Appeal and Style
Tuscany Azul tile lends spaces a high-end look reminiscent of weathered limestone. Its adaptability allows it to suit designs from rustic to contemporary. The neutral gray palette also serves as a subtle yet beautiful backdrop.
Use this tile to introduce an organic, grounded feel through veining and natural texture. Fashion modern environments with a dash of Old World through this tile’s mineral tones.
Durability and Low Maintenance
As a porcelain product, Tuscany Azul tiles offer unparalleled strength and wear resistance. The dense, impervious composition stands up to heavy foot traffic and resists moisture, scratches, stains, and cracks.
The polished finish also repels grime and routine messes wipe away easily using a damp cloth or neutral cleaner. Unlike real travertine, this faux counterpart doesn’t need yearly sealing or intensive upkeep to maintain its beauty.
High Quality and Performance
Tuscany Azul’s precision manufacturing enables flawless installations and long-term performance. As a rectified tile, edges are precisely cut allowing for narrow grout lines.
The tile’s consistent sizing and perfectly square corners also make installing intricate patterns easier. There’s no need to set uneven edges or awkward pieces.
Versatility
This adaptable tile transitions from indoor environments to outdoor landscapes with ease. Its durability suits high traffic zones like mudrooms, hallways, and laundry rooms. Use it in kitchens, baths, dining spaces, and living areas too.
On top of floors, incorporate Tuscany Azul on walls, backsplashes, fireplace facades, and shower surrounds. Its slip resistance and frost rating also permit outdoor usage for patios, walkways, pool decks, and building exteriors.
Where to Buy Tuscany Azul Tile
Major national retailers offer Tuscany Azul tile both in-stores and online. Purchasing considerations include quantity needed, overall project budget, and shipping fees.
Top Retailers
Some leading merchants to buy Tuscany Azul Polish Porcelain Tile include:
- The Home Depot – Extensive selection online and in stores. Order samples.
- MSI – Direct from manufacturer. Large inventory.
- TileBar – Discount pricing with price match guarantee.
- Wayfair – Budget-friendly costs and free shipping.
Review multiple seller options to find the best combiniation of product availability, pricing, and delivery fees for your location.
How Much Does Tuscany Azul Tile Cost?
As a mid-tier imported porcelain tile, Tuscany Azul sits in the moderate price range. Cost per square foot ranges from $5-15. Total spend depends on quantity needed and tile size chosen.
Price Per Square Foot
Material cost breaks down to:
- Low: $3 – $9 per square foot
- Average: $9 – $12 per square foot
- High: $12- $15 per square foot
Factors impacting price include retailer, tile dimensions, order volume, and availability. Purchase more tiles to qualify for added bulk discounts.
Sample Tile Project Costs
| 100 sq ft kitchen | $900 – $1,500 |
| Master bath (75 sq ft) | $675 – $1,125 |
| 4 x 8 subway backsplash | $150 – $250 |
| 200 sq ft patio | $600 – $3,000 |
Use the figures above as estimates for projected costs. Measure your actual area and get quotes based on chosen tile sizes.
Ways to Reduce Material Costs
If working within a limited budget, consider these money-saving tactics:
- Mix with cheaper neutral tiles in non-feature areas
- Select smaller and thinner tile sizes
- Install yourself rather than hiring out
- Shop end-of-season sales or discontinued colorways
How to Install Tuscany Azul Tile
Installation Overview
Ambitious DIYers can tackle installing these tiles if equipped with the right tools and attention to detail. Or, hire a professional tiler for worry-free results.
The installation process includes:
- Surface prep – Clean and level the area
- Setting tile – Dry lay pattern, mix thinset, spread and place
- Grouting – Force grout into joints for stability
- Finishing – Clean haze and seal if needed
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specifics on approved substrates and materials.
Surface Prep
The substrate must be clean, dry, and flat for tiles to properly adhere. Address any cracks or imperfections. Thoroughly sweep and damp mop the space beforehand.
Setting Tile
Choose your layout pattern and use spacers to dry lay the whole area first. Mix the thinset mortar based on packaging directions. Use a notched trowel to spread it evenly before placing tiles one-by-one into the adhesive.
Grouting
Allow thinset to fully cure before grouting. Spread grout over the tiles’ surface, pushing it deeply into joints. Wipe away excess periodically with a damp sponge.
Finishing
Once grout has dried, buff away any remaining haze using cheesecloth. If sealing, apply two coats allowing each to dry in between. Avoid walking on tile for at least 48 hours.
DIY vs Professional Install
Newcomers to tiling should consider hiring a professional, as imperfect installations threaten a tile surface’s longevity. Expect to pay $3 to $7 per square foot for installation labor.
If tiling yourself, reduce errors by practicing techniques on scrap pieces first. Carefully follow all manufacturer guidelines.
Caring for and Cleaning Tuscany Tile
Keep floors looking like new with basic maintenance. Porcelain tiles themselves are low maintenance.
Regular Care
Routinely sweep, mop, or vacuum tile to prevent dirt buildup and embedded grime in the grout. Spot clean spills when they happen as opposed to letting them dry.
Place mats in high-traffic areas and consider asking guests to remove shoes indoors. Use furniture pads underneath chair and table legs.
Cleaning Best Practices
Always use PH-neutral cleaners free from acids, bleach, and harsh chemicals that can degrade grout or etch porcelain’s surface over time. Gentle dish soap and water works for light stains.
Rub polished finishes in small circles using soft cloth or microfiber pad. Avoid circular motions on textured porcelain tiles, however.
Disinfect periodically with pathogen-eliminating products containing chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide as alternatives to harsh chemicals.
Signs It’s Time to Replace
Unlike natural stone, porcelain tiles do not need resealing every few years when properly installed and maintained. Call professionals for repairs if grout erodes in areas or pieces crack or chip.
Design Ideas for Using Tuscany Azul Tile
From backsplashes to bathrooms, Tuscany Azul adapts to endless applications thanks to its versatile warm gray and cream color scheme.
Recommended Applications
Consider using Tuscany Azul polished porcelain tile in these popular rooms and areas:
- Kitchen backsplashes – Classy complement to countertops
- Bathrooms – Floors, walls, and shower surrounds
- Outdoor patios – Durable choice for withstanding weather
- Fireplace surrounds – Elevates hearths with texture
Style Pairings
Match tile with these interior design styles:
- Modern farmhouse – Rustic touch for contemporary rooms
- Transitional – Enhances flexible palette with neutral colors
- Mediterranean – Brings Old World charm stateside
For furniture and finishes, select materials that pick up on tones within the tile. The polished surface adds some glamour, allowing it to suit elegant spaces too.
FAQs about Tuscan Tile
Get familiar with commonly asked questions about Tuscany Azul Polish Porcelain below.
Is this tile as durable as natural stone?
Yes, porcelain tiles like Tuscany Azul are even more durable, resilient, and stain-resistant than natural stone alternatives while recreating their aesthetic.
How do porcelain and ceramic tiles differ?
Porcelain tiles are denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic thanks to higher production temperatures. These differences give porcelain strength for handling heavy usage.
Can this tile be used outdoors?
Yes. Tuscany Azul Polish Porcelain possesses a frost resistance rating for enduring freezing and thawing cycles outdoors.
Does this product qualify for LEED points?
As an eco-friendly MSI porcelain series, Tuscany Azul tiles can contribute towards LEED building certification points for their recycled content and sustainability.
How does Tuscany Azul tile compare to natural travertine?
While mimicking the look of travertine, this porcelain alternative performs better thanks to strength, stain protection, and easy maintenance.
With unbeatable versatility, durability, and style, Tuscany Azul Polish Porcelain Tile brings coveted high-end travertine looks into 21st-century interiors and exteriors.
Achieve the texture and beauty of natural quarried stone minus the downsides. This faux tile option delivers impressive performance across applications from backsplashes to bathrooms and beyond.
Its cutting edge production and variety of sizes empower flawless installations in both residential and commercial spaces. Additionally, Tuscany Azul tile comes available from leading national brands at affordable price points.
