Tools and techniques with Russo Trading Company
Large-format tile is rapidly becoming the go-to choice for designers, builders, and homeowners looking to achieve a modern, clean aesthetic look. From expansive porcelain panels to sleek sintered stone slabs, these oversized tiles bring sophistication and visual flow to any space by minimizing grout lines and creating uninterrupted surfaces. However, their popularity comes with a learning curve.
Enter Russo Trading Company (RTC) – a trusted name in the tile industry, offering the specialized tools and systems professionals need to install large-format tile with precision, safety, and efficiency.
The challenge of large-format tile
Working with large-format tile presents unique technical challenges. These tiles are often heavy, fragile, and expensive, making them difficult to maneuver without risking breakage. Even slight inconsistencies in substrate can lead to lippage – an uneven surface that disrupts the sleek appearance of the tile, and can be a safety hazard on floors. Proper substrate preparation, careful handling, and accurate leveling are critical.
Installers often voice concerns about transporting slabs through tight spaces, achieving precise cuts, and maintaining clean grout lines. Without the right tools, even experienced professionals can face delays, increased costs, and frustrated clients. That’s where RTC steps in, offering solutions that directly address these pain points.
Russo Trading Company (RTC) has the solution
Russo Trading Company has built a reputation for supporting tile professionals with thoughtfully-designed, high-quality tools. Founded on a mission to empower contractors with better solutions, RTC focuses on innovation, reliability, and performance. Their product catalog spans every phase of tile installation, but their tools for large-format tile truly stand out.
Beyond tools, RTC is deeply committed to the growth of the tile industry. Through training programs, demo days, and partnerships with top installers, they continually invest in education and hands-on support. Their approach goes beyond selling tools – they aim to elevate the craft.
Spotlight on RTC’s large-format tools
To meet the demands of modern tile installation, RTC offers a comprehensive range of tools built specifically for large-format materials:
• Suction cups and handling systems: RTC’s variety of vacuum suction cups and frame systems provides a secure grip and full-panel support. This is crucial for avoiding cracks or flexing during transport and installation.
• Cutting systems: RTC partners with brands like Sigma and Battipav to offer a lineup of cutting tools including score-and-snap cutters and bridge saws that deliver clean, accurate cuts across porcelain and sintered stone. Perfect miters and complex layouts become manageable.
• Lippage tuning systems: Lippage is one of the most common challenges in large-format installs. RTC’s precision lippage tuning systems help maintain uniform tile heights and clean lines across every install, improving both aesthetics and durability.
Installers regularly report increased speed, safety, and confidence when using RTC’s large format systems. According to one pro, “We used to dread large panel jobs – now we look forward to them. RTC’s tools changed the game.”
Real-world installation
One standout example comes from a recent luxury condo project in Miami, where 5′ x 10′ porcelain panels were installed throughout a penthouse suite. The crew used RTC’s full handling system to navigate tight hallways, transport slabs via elevator, and deliver a flawless install.
“There’s no way we could’ve pulled this off without RTC,” said the project foreman. “Not a single slab broke, and the final result looks like one continuous surface. The client was blown away.”
Photos from the job show crisp transitions, precise cuts, and a stunning finish that earned praise from both designers and the homeowner.
Another real-world example comes from Adam Christiansen, owner of LUSSO Porcelain LLC. He tells this story:
“Steve Sprung, now the COO of Russo Trading, called me one day with an opportunity. A contractor buying Sigma tools needed help with gauged porcelain, and Steve put me in touch. After negotiating a rate, I landed my first paid training gig. I flew to Cincinnati, Ohio, where I trained a design-build firm that had never worked with gauged porcelain before.
“This job was a wake-up call,” he added. “A well-known gauged porcelain manufacturer was selling directly to homeowners without any concern for installation logistics. I spent four days training these guys, carrying fabricated panels up four flights of stairs. To this day, that company still installs gauged porcelain successfully. This was when I realized that gauged porcelain wasn’t just a part of the tile or stone industry – it was the birth of an entirely new industry, requiring a specialized skill set.”
RTC collaborates directly with contractors to refine and develop new tools, ensuring that their lineup meets real-world demands on the jobsite
Looking ahead: innovation and education
RTC isn’t slowing down. As tile trends evolve and materials get even larger, RTC continues to expand its offerings. They regularly attend installer training events, product demos, and workshops to ensure professionals stay ahead of the curve.
In addition, RTC collaborates directly with contractors to refine and develop new tools, ensuring that their lineup meets real-world demands on the jobsite.
Conclusion
Large-format tile offers stunning results, but only when installed with the right tools, care and precision. The right tools make all the difference – in quality, efficiency, and installer confidence. Russo Trading Company continues to lead the way, giving tile pros everything they need to master their craft.
Discover RTC’s large-format solutions today at www.RTCproducts.com or contact your local distributor.
Russo Trading Company (RTC Products) is a manufacturer and wholesaler of high-quality, innovative tile tools and accessories to distributors across North America. They strive to offer the best products available in the industry and provide them to distributors across North America. Russo Trading Company is constantly evaluating the industry and its products. RTC Products invest time and money traveling the world testing new products and technologies, while working with tradespeople and manufacturers worldwide to seek or develop products that will help further advance the industry. Every RTC product bears its “Shield” — a symbol of quality, reliability, and their commitment to standing behind what they sell. Get Behind the Shield!
