Chapter twelve

Ashland & Halsted

Mosaic

Jeffrey Court University

Jeffrey Court University’s installment of the “Ashland & Halsted” collection is an overview of the basic design elements that comprise Chapter Twelve. Join our hosts, Mike & Ally, as they walk you through the Ashland & Halsted Collection.

FAQs

Chapter 12 Ashland & Halsted is by far our most ambitious collection ever released, and an absolute work of passion. For years we have been brainstorming on what “Industrial Chic” means and how it can be translated into tile. Drawing on inspiration from the heyday of American industry, we focused on what we felt were elements that best represented that era: Strength, Craftsmanship, and Pride. It soon became apparent that the acclaimed Central Manufacturing District of Chicago was the culmination of this piece of Americana. The name, “Ashland & Halsted,” are two streets running parallel to each other that tape off the 35th Street and Pershing Road corridor where industry titans from the early 1900’s once called home.

Every great collection always has a cornerstone, and for Chapter 12 it is the “Lava Stone” elements. A unique process exclusive to us, each mosaic, field tile and trim piece starts off as a raw piece of basalt. It is then cut, meticulously glazed and fired, creating an organic and uncompromising color pallet that preserves all of the saw cuts and character of the stone underneath. Available in three colorways: Reclaimed, Galvanized, and Cast Iron, the 24 mosaics, three field tiles and trims are sure to create a never-before-seen’ installation. Ashland & Halsted was created to be something unique. All of the available mosaics boast its striking presence. Available in this collection are four traditional 1-Inch hexagon mosaics that are glazed to reflect aged qualities, but they are tough as nails and perfect for interior floor applications begging for a timeless vintage flair. Also available are the “Hour Glass” and “Industrie Glass” mosaics. Simply put they are gorgeous! Comprised of recycled glass handpoured into their respective shapes, they gleam of industrial personality. Hour Glass has a metallic foil fused into the glass creating a magnificent, unmatched sheen, whereas the appeal of Industrie Glass character is derived from its unique texture. For those seeking a differentiating feel, our “District Brick” certainly delivers. Measuring 2-1/4” x 7-3/4”, this handcrafted white body ceramic, is formed to take on the shape of rustic brick. Glazed in three gloss and two metallic colors. The District Brick is just begging to become a feature wall or backsplash that will drop jaws. Last but not least, “Yesterday’s Glass” offers the stunning look of an aged mirror that tells stories of generations past and is available in a 3” x 6” and 6” x 18” format.

Chapter 12 Ashland & Halsted is primarily designed for interior wall use. Kitchen & bath walls, backsplashes, feature walls, or any other interior wall space were typical wall tiles are used. However, there are some products within Chapter 12 that can be used in a variety of Interior applications. Please reference the application chart for exact usage recommendations.

8 Montage Boards, 17 Touch Boards, and 26 sample cards display the full breadth of the product line. All these point-of-purchase materials are augmented by the 20-page Chapter 12 Ashland & Halsted catalog. Showroom installation and loose sample pieces can also be ordered at a discounted price.

Chapter 12 Ashland & Halsted was designed to have shade variation reflective of antiqued materials. As such, these products should be treated as a combination of natural stone & handcrafted ceramic with a shade variation value of 3 or greater. We strongly recommend laying out and blending the tiles from multiple cartons prior to installation. This step will ensure a proper color blend in order to achieve a classic look.

Lava Stone Mosaics, Field Tiles & Trims: Lava stone elements are a natural stone with a glaze applied and fired onto it, therefore these “natural stones” require a few extra installation procedures that are standard in the industry. We recommend that you lay out the tiles to create the desired blend of natural hues inherent in natural stone. It is recommended that a high-quality white thinset be used. A Grey thin set can “bleed through” and alter the color of many natural stones. It is imperative that a high-quality “natural look” penetrating sealer be used prior to grouting and followed with another application after grouting to prevent staining. An ongoing maintenance program is essential for all natural stone products. Please note: that “Elevation Brick Mosaics” are not designed to be grouted, they should only be dry-set. The three dimensional layers will trap grout in the low spots of the mosaic creating an unsatisfactory look.

Hour Glass Mosaics & Industrie Glass Mosaics: Glass is vitreous meaning there is virtually no absorption with this product. With this characteristic in mind, we recommend the following installation system. Setting Material: White polymer modified thin set mortars meeting ANSI 118.4 or 118.11 are recommended for Chapter 12 Ashland & Halsted glass mosaics & glass field tiles. Organic Adhesives (Mastics) are not recommended due to low bond strengths. Epoxy adhesives are not recommended due to low flexibility. Always check with setting material manufacturer to ensure suitability of mortars in setting glass tiles. Cutting Tiles: A professional grade wet saw outfitted with a high quality diamond blade designed for cutting glass tiles is required. Always cut tiles with the face up. Sanding of cut edges is recommended to “ease” sharp edge.

Yesterday’s Glass Field Tiles Setting Material: Epoxy bonding mortar such as Custom EBM-Lite Premium Epoxy Bonding Mortar – 100% Solids is recommended. White polymer modified thin set mortars and Organic Adhesives (Mastics) are not recommended due to low bond strengths. Epoxy adhesives are not recommended due to low flexibility. Always check with setting material manufacturer to ensure suitability of mortars in setting glass tiles. There are a few things to keep in mind when bonding glass tile such as: Deflection. Walls may need to be braced to resist impact. Movement joints have to be placed and installed properly based on the tile’s expansion characteristics. Tile must be confirmed as stable and not under tension in the manufacturing process. Note that the epoxy bond is very strong and will not allow a large amount of expansion. Unstable glass tiles may crack in this situation. Please Note: We require a minimum grout joint of 1/16”. Non-sanded grouts should be used. Cutting Tiles: A professional grade wet saw outfitted with a high quality diamond blade designed for cutting glass tiles is required. Always cut tiles with the face up. Sanding of cut edges is recommended to “ease” sharp edge.

District Brick & District Liner: District Brick products are hand crafted ceramic products and reflects the shade variations associated with handmade tile. As with all Jeffrey Court hand made tiles, we strongly recommend laying out and blending the tiles prior to installation. This step will ensure a proper color blend in order to achieve a classic look for your installation. Please Note: The metallic glazes: “Copper” & “Titanium” require sealing. The metallic finishes require a sealer to protect the surface from staining and fingerprints. A sealer similar to Miracle Sealant 511 Impregnator is recommended. The impregnator will fill in any open pores and prevent staining. It is important to follow the sealers application directions to be sure the sealing process is done properly. See the Jeffrey Court website at jeffreycourt.com to gain inspiration on the design possibilities offered with Chapter 12 Ashland & Halsted.