Porcelain slabs for GTA kitchens give homeowners design flexibility. Learn more about this durable, trendy countertop material.

 

Porcelain slab countertops were first introduced in the 1990s, but they have recently been gaining a larger share of the market. Improvements to the manufacture of porcelain slab mean that this attractive and low-maintenance material now has even more features to recommend it.

 

• Durability. Porcelain is an extremely durable substance, reckoned to be 30% more durable than granite. In fact, porcelain is so durable that it’s even suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas. If you are thinking of installing an outdoor sink and countertop, porcelain is probably the best choice; it stands up well to sun, wind, rain and snow. This versatility also allows designers to connect indoor/outdoor spaces.
• Resistant to stains. Porcelain is also extremely stain-resistant. Plastics, natural stone, wood, and other materials can be stained by acidic food or liquids, but because porcelain is not porous, it resists staining by even the strongest foodstuff or cleanser.
• Scratch resistant. Porcelain is also resistant to scratches and scrapes.
• Cost. A porcelain slab is much more affordable than stone slab, and it offers the same kind of convenience.
• Integral sinks with flair. Porcelain slab has an additional design advantage, in that sinks can be built right into the slab! Integral sinks are not a new idea, but with porcelain slabs, integral sinks can be produced in any colour and design to match the slab.
• Thin surface. The thinness of porcelain slab makes this material a great idea for sleek modern designs. If you are trying to replace an existing countertop, porcelain slab is so slim that it can often be installed on top of stone or other countertops.
• Safety. Some homeowners are concerned about possible off-gassing or toxic chemicals contained in household products. Porcelain is an ancient material that’s made by heating kaolin clay.
• Seamless. Manufacturers can now produce porcelain slabs as large as 5’ x 10’. This means that fewer seams are needed, and areas such as islands can be completely seamless.
• Easy to install. Fabricators like porcelain slab since it’s much lighter and easier to handle than stone. All the tools fabricators use to cut stone work well with porcelain slabs.
• Coordinated tiles. Because a porcelain slab is often produced in a facility that makes tiles, it will be possible for designers to combine a slab countertop with other room elements such as tiles of the same color and pattern on the floors, walls and baseboard.
• Unique looks. Improved glaze techniques make it possible to produce realistic wood, metallic, and fabric looks.
• Continued innovation. Industry leaders tell us that in the near future, designers will also be able to incorporate elements like stove burners right into the surface of the slab.

Trending

 

Advances in porcelain slab manufacture are fairly recent, but indications are that these improvements are leading to a trend toward the material. Make your predictions now – for this material combines the durability of granite, the stain resistance of granite, the ease of handling of laminate, and the design mutability of solid surface countertops.

 

Visit a stone showroom today and find out more about porcelain slab countertops.