We are over the moon to learn that ‘Polished Sugi Wood’ has been shortlisted by ‘The Tile Association’ for the category ‘Floor Tile of the Year’. 

So why has this collection caught the eye of The Tile Association? Wooden flooring has for centuries been the hard floor material of choice within the home across internationally. The ever-popular timber floor look is more prominent today than ever before due to its timeless, traditional aesthetics that combine intricate detailing with versatility within the home. 

Polished Sugi Wood, by N&C is a unique wood effect porcelain tile collection, designed and inspired from the ancient Japanese exterior sealing technique of ‘shou sugi ban’. Shou sugi ban (also known as Yakisugi) is an old technique for preserving Japanese red cedar wood naturally by burning / charring the surface of the wood, then oiling it to help preserve and seal timber buildings, protecting it from water damage, termite attack and making it fire resistant. 

N&C were inspired to recreate the look derived from this unique and fascinating technique using the excellence of modern day inkjet technology offered in tile manufacturing that helped to reproduce the incredible and intricate detailing required, yet with the strength, low maintenance and longevity offered by porcelain.

The introduction of Polished Sugi Wood means that we can now offer an evolved and unique approach to distressed wood, that can be shared to form part of the mainstream trend, of reclamation, salvaged and rustic interiors that we have already seen coming through in forms of art and furniture. 

Polished Sugi Wood by N&C is a rectified porcelain tile collection offered in a 155 x 980mm plank and is cleverly encapsulated under an opulent high gloss finish and with added versatility through six on-trend colours. 

The team at N&C are pleased Polished Sugi Wood made the final cut amongst a high caliber of entries. Fingers crossed for the big night!