Blox by Imola

Collection Summary

Blox by Imola is a concrete-effect porcelain stoneware collection from Imola Ceramica (Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola), based in Imola, Italy. The design takes its cue from the masonry block, the dense and load-bearing unit at the base of traditional construction, and translates that idea into a quiet, cementitious surface. Blox comes in six colors (White, Beige, Dark Beige, Silver, Grey, and Dark Grey) and three thicknesses: 6.5mm, 10mm, and 20mm. Its main differentiator is range. One concrete look scales from a 12×12 mosaic to 48×48 large-format tile indoors and carries outside in 20mm outdoor tiles.

Design & Aesthetic

Imola describes Blox as “trapped shades.” The idea is that concrete is a mixture of minerals that keeps the trace of its many component tones on the surface. The result is a restrained, tonal concrete rather than a heavily patterned one.

The palette was designed to cover both warm and cool shades. White, Beige, and Dark Beige sit on the softer end. Silver, Grey, and Dark Grey read more industrial. Imola’s own project imagery shows the surface with a matte appearance in living rooms, an open-plan kitchen, and an industrial loft.

The format range supports different visual rhythms. The 48×48 and 24×48 sizes minimize grout lines for a near-monolithic floor. The 12×24, 24×24, and 36×36 sizes give a more modular, block-like grid that echoes the collection’s inspiration. A Decoro 24×24 decorative tile and a Mosaico 12×12 mosaic add accent options within the same color story.

Material & Craftsmanship

Blox is porcelain stoneware with water absorption below 0.1% and is rated frost resistant. The three thicknesses serve different roles. The 6.5mm thickness is used for the largest formats. The 10mm thickness covers standard field tiles. The 20mm outdoor tiles are described by Imola as extremely resistant to wear.

Design Applications

Imola positions Blox for a wide range of interior and exterior walkway uses. Its official imagery shows Blox on floors in living spaces, kitchens, and lofts, including a living room that opens onto a pool terrace. Because Blox is offered in both standard and 20mm thicknesses, it can support projects where an interior concrete look needs to continue to an outdoor terrace or patio.

Specifying Blox

At Tile X Design, thickness varies by format:

• 6.5mm: 24×48 and 48×48 field tiles, plus the Mosaico 12×12.
• 10mm: 12×24, 24×24, and 36×36 field tiles, plus the Decoro 24×24.
• 20mm (outdoor): 24×24 and 36×36.

Because the 24×24 and 36×36 sizes are available in both 10mm and 20mm, a single module can run from inside to outside. Before finalizing, confirm three things with your TXD Representative:

1. Color availability in each format and thickness.
2. Slip-resistance ratings for interior and exterior use.
3. Which trim and special pieces are available. Imola lists special pieces in several sizes.

Product Specifications

• Water Absorption: < 0.1%
• Fluxural Resistance: > 45 N/mm²
• Modulus of Rupture: 1800 N / 3000 N / 13000 N
• Abrasion Resistance: < 140mm³
• Linear Expansion Thermic Coefficient: ≤ 7×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹
• Temperature Resistance: Resistant
• Frost Resistance: Resistant
• Chemical Resistance: Min. B
• Acid Resistance: DA LA, LB A LC
• Stain Resistance:  Min. 3
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blox run continuously from an interior floor to an outdoor patio?

Yes, in the 24×24 and 36×36 formats. Use 10mm tiles indoors and the 20mm outdoor version outside to keep the same module across the threshold. Confirm that your chosen color is offered in 20mm and that its slip rating suits the exterior application.

Which Blox format works best for a large open-plan space?

The 48×48 and 24×48 formats create the fewest grout joints and the most continuous concrete field. Both are 6.5mm thick, so follow Imola’s installation guidance and use an installer experienced with thin large-format porcelain.

How do I choose between the warm and cool Blox colors?

Let the surrounding materials decide. Imola’s own projects pair Dark Beige with grey upholstery and black glass, White with a steel kitchen island, and Dark Grey with cast-iron columns and leather. The beige tones soften an industrial look, while Silver, Grey, and Dark Grey emphasize it.

What does the 20mm thickness add over standard Blox?

Imola describes the 20mm Blox as extremely resistant to any wear factor. At Tile X Design, 20mm is the thickness designated for outdoor use.