Athena Plata 12×24 Porcelain Tile Natural Rectified
Refined and versatile, the Athena Plata 12×24 porcelain tile brings a sleek, contemporary look with a natural finish and clean rectified edges. The 12×24 format supports streamlined layouts and consistent joints for modern walls and floors across the home.
Engineered in durable porcelain at 3/8" (9.5mm) thickness, Athena Plata balances style with easy-care practicality. A PEI 3 wear rating supports everyday residential floor use, while frost resistance opens design options for exterior facades in freeze–thaw climates. Use it alone for a minimalist statement or coordinate within the Athena collection for cohesive spaces.
Designed for dependable performance and timeless appeal, this rectified tile delivers uniform lines and a smooth visual flow—ideal for kitchens, baths, living areas, and statement walls.
Features
- Material: Porcelain
- Collection/Color: Athena – Plata
- Finish: Natural
- Edge: Rectified for precise, narrow joints
- Size: 12×24
- Thickness: 3/8" (9.5mm)
- PEI Rating: 3 (suitable for residential floors)
- Frost resistant for freeze–thaw exterior wall applications
- Coverage: 11.62 sq. ft. per box | 6 pieces per box | approx. 1.94 sq. ft. per piece
Recommended Applications
- Residential interior floors
- Residential interior walls
- Commercial interior walls
- Backsplashes
- Shower walls
- Fireplace surrounds
- Exterior walls/facades (freeze–thaw)
Installation Guide – Athena Plata 12×24 Porcelain Tile Natural Rectified
Important Advisory
Always follow the tile manufacturer’s instructions, local building codes, and recognized industry standards (ANSI A108/A118 and TCNA guidelines). Verify substrate suitability, movement accommodation, and waterproofing/drainage where required.
Step 1: Layout & Planning
- Confirm the substrate is clean, dry, structurally sound, and flat within tolerances appropriate for the tile size.
- Plan the layout by dry-laying tiles and centering the field to minimize small perimeter cuts.
- Blend material from multiple boxes to distribute shade and pattern variation evenly.
- Use spacers appropriate for rectified tile; include movement joints per TCNA EJ171 and project conditions.
Step 2: Tile Installation
- Use a polymer-modified thin-set mortar approved for porcelain tile.
- Key mortar into the substrate and comb in a single direction with an appropriate notched trowel; back-butter tiles as needed to improve bond.
- Set tiles with a slight perpendicular motion to collapse ridges and achieve the coverage required by industry standards and the application.
- Use a tile leveling system if needed to help manage lippage with this rectangular format.
- Allow mortar to cure per manufacturer instructions before grouting or subjecting to traffic.
Step 3: Cutting
- Cut using a wet saw with a premium diamond blade rated for porcelain.
- Mark cuts precisely and support the tile fully during cutting to minimize chipping.
- Ease sharp cut edges where they will be exposed.
Step 4: Joint Filling
- Select a grout suitable for porcelain and the planned joint width; follow manufacturer directions for mixing, application, and cure.
- Pack joints fully with a rubber float; clean diagonally and remove haze promptly with clean water.
- Use appropriate sealants at movement joints and all changes of plane; do not grout these areas.
- Protect the installation from traffic until grout has cured per manufacturer guidance.
Step 5: Cleaning & Maintenance
- Clean routinely with a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for porcelain tile; avoid harsh acids and abrasives.
- Use walk-off mats and furniture pads to reduce tracked grit and potential scratching.
- Follow grout manufacturer recommendations for care; seal cement-based grout if specified.
Disclaimer
Installation should be performed by qualified professionals. Confirm actual materials, lot-to-lot variations, and suitability for the intended application before installation. Stone Market USA is not responsible for issues arising from improper installation, handling, or site conditions.
