TURNHOUT, BELGIUM – i4F®, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, today announced that it has joined forces with the Akgün Group-Duratiles to bring a “clickable” floating floor installation system to the world of ceramics. The company also announced Akgün as the world’s first licensee of its i4F Ceramic Click technology. i4F’s patented system combines the easy installation of a floating, modular floor with the beauty and durability of ceramic tiles. Akgün is launching its new i4F Ceramic Click-enabled modular floor tile (branded DuraClick), on its booth (1045) at Coverings 2024, taking place 22-25 April in Atlanta, USA.

i4F Ceramic Click is a unique combination whereby a ceramic tile is attached to a board featuring an i4F drop-lock system and by which tiles are joined together by super thin grouts (1 mm). i4F’s drop-lock technology enables ceramic tiles to click into place quickly and easily, meaning professionals as well as DIYers can benefit. The system is also ideal for non-residential projects as there is virtually no waiting time.

Formed in 1925, the Akgün Group-Duratiles is one of the world’s most established producers of ceramics. It employs five thousand people across seventeen manufacturing facilities, exporting products to 54 countries worldwide.

The industrial partnership leveraged i4F’s installation technology expertise with Akgün’s vast experience in ceramic tile production. i4F’s Ceramic Click was tried and tested on Akgün’s Duratiles using critical criteria: production, locking strength, water resistance, and aesthetics. This combination of factors has contributed to the delivery of faster and easier to install, remove and replace floating ceramic flooring.

Murat Sencok, Akgün Group-Duratiles’ General Coordinator, says, “Our collaboration with i4F provides us with the perfect launch pad for our new DuraClick tiles. For years, the market has been asking for the beauty of real ceramics with the flexibility of floating floors. Porcelain floors remain in high demand with their water - as well as scratch and stress – resistance. The trend for hygienic aesthetics is met with very thin grouts enabling easy cleaning and maintenance.”

i4F’s CEO, John Rietveldt, adds, “i4F is extending its floating floor installation expertise to real ceramics, and now thanks to Akgün’s professionalism and support, real ceramics can be installed like any other floating modular floor. This makes it easier for ceramics to compete with alternative floating floors. With our new Ceramic Click system, consumers can save on installation costs by doing it themselves. Of course, with less materials and just a few tools required, professionals also benefit by being able to install more floors per day!”