Athena Cielo Rodas Smearato 12×24 Porcelain Tile Natural Rectified
Refined and contemporary, the Athena Cielo Rodas Smearato 12×24 porcelain tile pairs a natural finish with precise rectified edges for clean, consistent lines. The 12×24 format reduces grout joints, creating a smooth, modern layout across walls or coordinated floor-to-wall designs.
Crafted in durable porcelain at a 3/8 in (9.5mm) thickness, this tile balances design flexibility with everyday practicality. Frost resistance supports exterior wall applications in freeze–thaw climates, while PEI 3 wear resistance suits residential interior floors in dry areas. Use it on its own for a minimalist statement or combine with trims to complete edges and transitions. Box coverage is 11.62 sq ft (6 pieces) for straightforward planning.
Rodas Smearato denotes this specific design variant within the Athena Cielo range, preserving a cohesive look when coordinating multiple areas of a project.
Features
- Material: Porcelain
- Collection: Athena
- Color: Cielo
- Design/Variant: Rodas Smearato
- Finish: Natural
- Edge: Rectified
- Size: 12×24
- Thickness: 3/8 in (9.5mm)
- PEI Rating: 3 (moderate residential wear)
- Frost resistant for freeze–thaw exterior wall use
- Coverage: 11.62 sq ft per box | 6 pieces per box | approx. 1.94 sq ft per piece
Recommended Applications
- Residential interior floors (dry areas)
- Residential interior walls
- Backsplashes
- Shower walls
- Fireplace surrounds
- Commercial interior walls
- Exterior walls/facades (freeze–thaw)
Installation Guide – Athena Cielo Rodas Smearato 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 12×24 tile.
- Dry-lay to refine layout, balance cuts, and align grout lines with key visual axes.
- Blend material from multiple boxes to distribute shade/pattern variation.
- Use spacers and joint widths suitable for rectified tile; provide movement joints per TCNA EJ171.
Step 2: Tile Installation
- Use a polymer‑modified thin-set mortar approved for porcelain; select formulations appropriate for the substrate and tile size.
- Key mortar into the substrate and comb in straight, parallel ridges with an appropriate notched trowel. Back‑butter as needed to improve contact.
- Set tiles with a slight lateral motion to collapse ridges and achieve the coverage required by standards and application (interior, exterior, or wet).
- Use a leveling system when helpful to reduce lippage on larger-format installations.
- Allow mortar to cure per manufacturer instructions before grouting or traffic.
Step 3: Cutting
- Cut with a wet saw using a premium diamond blade rated for porcelain.
- Support the tile fully, mark cuts accurately, and feed steadily to minimize chipping.
- Lightly ease exposed cut edges for safer, cleaner transitions.
Step 4: Joint Filling
- Choose a grout compatible with porcelain and the selected joint width; follow manufacturer guidance for mixing, application, and cure.
- Pack joints completely with a rubber float, clean diagonally, and remove haze promptly with clean water and soft sponges.
- Use appropriate sealants at movement joints and all changes of plane; do not grout these areas.
- Protect the installation from traffic and impact until grout has fully cured.
Step 5: Cleaning & Maintenance
- Clean routinely with a pH‑neutral cleaner suitable for porcelain tile; avoid acids and harsh abrasives.
- Use entry mats and protective pads under furniture to reduce grit and scratching.
- Follow grout manufacturer maintenance recommendations; reseal cementitious grout if advised.
Disclaimer
Installation should be performed by qualified professionals. Verify quantities, 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.
