Kasai Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide
Tile Club’s Kasai Collection is a large-format porcelain tile line designed with a warm antiqued wood-look surface. The collection includes field tile for practical coverage and modern decorative pieces that create a stronger design statement.
Kasai is intended for both functional and decorative installations, including approved walls, floors, backsplashes, showers, steam showers, and feature walls. Its wood-look porcelain surface gives projects the warmth of natural material with the performance benefits of tile.
Before beginning your project, please review the following recommendations and confirm the most current specifications, approved applications, and installation guidance.
1. Pre-Installation Inspection
Inspect Before Installation
Inspect all tile before installation. Installing the material confirms acceptance of the product’s appearance, color variation, texture, sizing, finish, and overall condition.
Please contact Tile Club with any questions about product acceptability, visual variation, or suitability before installation begins.
Dry Layout Recommended
Lay out the tile before installation to review surface movement, wood-look variation, decorative pattern placement, field tile coordination, shade variation, and layout direction.
This step is especially important for large-format and decorative porcelain tile because orientation, pattern flow, and shade variation can affect the finished result.
Installation Responsibility
Tile Club is not responsible for improper installation, installation workmanship, or issues that occur after the material has been installed.
Final responsibility for proper installation rests with the installer and end user. Some tile surfaces may be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, and use.
Slight color variation from one production run to another should be expected.
2. Recommended Applications
Kasai porcelain tile may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed for the specific product:
Interior walls
Interior floors
Kitchen backsplashes
Bathroom backsplashes
Shower walls
Shower pans
Steam shower walls
Steam shower pans
Feature walls
Foot traffic areas, field tile only when approved
Important Usage Notes
Kasai field tile is suitable for foot traffic when approved for the specific product.
Kasai field and decorative tile are not recommended for swimming pool installations.
Always refer to the applicable Tile Club Kasai product page and Product Specifications section to determine suitability for your desired installation. Some products may not be suitable for every application listed above.
For areas exposed to extreme temperatures, including fireplace hearths or areas behind cooktops, confirm suitability before installation.
For additional product or installation guidance, contact Tile Club Support at support@tileclub.com or 1-833-TILE-CLB (845-3252).
3. Installation Recommendations
Tile Club strongly recommends using a licensed tile professional familiar with current NTCA, ASTM, M.I.A., and ANSI installation standards.
Because Kasai includes large-format porcelain field tile and decorative pieces, proper substrate preparation, cutting, grout selection, and cleaning during installation are important for a successful finished result.
Surface Preparation
Install porcelain tile over a clean, sound, flat concrete or mortar substrate.
The installation surface must be free of contaminants or any condition that could compromise the bond of the tile.
Cutting Recommendations
Use a high-quality, well-maintained wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting porcelain and ceramic materials.
A poorly maintained tile saw or improper blade may cause chipping during cutting. Cut slowly and carefully to help protect the tile edges, surface texture, and decorative finish.
Grouting Considerations
Grout joints should be fully packed and free of voids and pits.
Clean excess grout from the surface while the grout is still fresh and before it hardens.
Textured surfaces may require additional cleaning during grouting. A grout bagging process may provide better results when working with textured tiles.
Before grouting the full installation, test in a small area to confirm that the selected grout color is suitable and that the tile surface does not scratch during grouting.
4. Recommended Setting Materials
Use setting materials appropriate for large-format porcelain wall and floor tile installations where applicable.
Recommended Mortars
LATICRETE® 257 Titanium Thin-Set
LATICRETE® 254 Platinum Thin-Set
Or equivalent setting materials suitable for large-format porcelain wall and floor tile installations where applicable
Recommended Grout
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for porcelain tile
Always follow the setting material manufacturer’s instructions, coverage rates, cure times, and substrate requirements.
5. Care & Maintenance
Proper care will help preserve the intended appearance and performance of your Kasai tile installation.
Routine Cleaning
Clean the tile surface with:
Mild pH-neutral detergent cleaner
Damp sponge
Soft rag or cloth
Use gentle cleaning methods to help protect the porcelain surface, decorative texture, wood-look finish, and grout.
Avoid Harsh Products
Do not use:
Acidic cleaners
Alkaline cleaners
Solvent-based cleaners
Abrasive cleaning products
Wax treatments
Bleach or cleaning solutions left sitting on the surface
These products may damage or discolor the tile and grout.
Prompt Stain Removal
Do not allow stains, soap residue, or cleaning solutions to remain on the tile surface for extended periods.
Clean spills and residue promptly to help maintain the tile’s appearance.
Test Cleaners First
Always test any cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area before using it across the full installation.
Acceptable cleaners for porcelain, ceramic, and delicate surfaces may be available through Tile Club or other tile dealers.
6. Product Performance & Technical Information
Kasai is a large-format porcelain tile collection with coordinating field and decorative tile options. The collection features an antiqued wood-look surface and modern decorative pieces designed for approved practical and decorative installations.
Product characteristics may vary by field or decorative tile type. Always confirm suitability for the specific product and installation area before beginning the project.
Product Details
Material Type: Porcelain
Format: Large-format field and decorative tile options
Surface Character: Antiqued wood-look surface
Manufacturing Process: Single firing
Average Thickness: 11
Field Tile Use: Suitable for foot traffic when approved
Pool Use: Not recommended for field or decorative tile
Water Absorption: >10
Modulus of Rupture: >15 N/mm²
Scratch Hardness According to Mohs: PND
Resistance to Abrasion: Class PND
Resistance to Thermal Shock: PND / NPD
Cracking Resistance: It stands the test
Frost Resistance: PND / NPD
Stain Resistance: Class 5
Resistance to Cleaning Products and Chemical Products for Swimming Pools: Class GA
Resistance to Soft and Strong Alkalis and Acids: GHA / GLA
Resistance to Slip: PND / PND / PND / PND
Testing Standards Referenced
Dimensions and Surface Quality: UNE-EN ISO 10545-2:1998
Water Absorption: UNE-EN ISO 10545-3:1997
Modulus of Rupture: UNE-EN ISO 10545:4 1997
Scratch Hardness According to Mohs: EN101:1991 / UNE 67101
Resistance to Abrasion: UNE-EN ISO 10545-7:1999
Resistance to Thermal Shock: UNE-EN ISO 10545-9:1997
Cracking Resistance: UNE-EN ISO 10545-11:1994
Frost Resistance: UNE-EN ISO 10545-11:1994
Stain Resistance: UNE-EN ISO 10545-14:1998
Chemical Resistance: UNE-EN ISO 10545-13:1998
Slip Resistance: UNE-EN/2633:2003, DIN 51130:2010, DIN 51097:1992, DCOF ANSI A137.1-2012
Material Considerations
Some tile surfaces may be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, and use.
Slight color variation from one production run to another should be expected.
Large-format and textured decorative surfaces may require extra care during grouting and cleaning.
Always test grout and cleaning products in a small area before full application.
For product-specific suitability, technical details, or installation questions, contact Tile Club Support before beginning the project.