THE PERFECTION OF PORCELAIN: Why Porcelain Countertops & Slabs Are a Great Choice

By Roy Viana, director of natural stone & slab, Dal-Tile, LLC

Porcelain is chasing quartz in terms of popularity, and there’s no shortage of reasons. From slabs to tile, there are endless options on the market today that solve for aesthetics and functionality. Extra-large porcelain slabs provide the style of natural stone with the performance of porcelain tile at a reasonable price. Porcelain slabs can be used on a multitude of surfaces, including countertops, floors, walls, fireplaces, vanities, backsplashes, shower walls, tub surrounds and even as exterior flooring and cladding. They bring the stunning on-trend colors and patterns of marble, slate and natural stone, as well as modern concrete looks to a space while still standing up to real-life activity.

Because these slabs are made of authentic porcelain, they are heat-, stain-, scratch- and chemical-resistant, as well as durable and easy to maintain. The lifespan of a porcelain countertop is at least 10 years and as much as a lifetime, depending on usage, care and maintenance. The bottom line: Porcelain countertops stand up to everyday life, and they look good doing it!

Perfect for Today’s Health-Conscious Consumer

Porcelain slabs are a solid solution for today’s germ-aware world. The material is resistant to the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, and it’s easy to clean. Regular, basic cleaning with warm water and mild detergent is sufficient, but more aggressive cleaning methods will not damage porcelain.

Luxury at an Attainable Price

Porcelain slabs are an excellent solution for designs that require a highend look but have budget constraints. These panels bring the scale and style of natural stone slabs to projects when other materials might be cost-prohibitive. Thanks to modern technology, the industry’s best manufacturers can create realistic designs that make it hard to tell the difference between porcelain slabs and the natural materials they emulate.

Easy To Install

The thin nature of porcelain slabs makes them easy to install. A porcelain countertop is light to carry, lift, and put into place during installation. In addition, porcelain countertops can be installed over an existing countertop — no demolition is required.

Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces Manor White CM18 on the countertops with Memoir Petal Black ME21 on the floor.

Powerful Design Impact

Creating style and luxury with seamless, continuous design is one of the hottest trends in interior design. Extra-large porcelain slabs make it easy to achieve continuity throughout the surface area. Porcelain slabs add powerful design impact, whether via a single installation, through the wraparound luxury of a floor-to-wall-to-countertop continuum, or even bookmatched for a stunning feature wall. They create beautiful kitchen islands with minimal or no seams.

Create a Bathroom Oasis

Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces Jasper Grey CM81 on the shower walls with Astronomy Orion AT71 on the floor.

The latest trends in bathrooms call for luxury, spa-like retreats — an adult oasis in a chaotic, kid-friendly home or simply an escape from today’s stressful, fast-paced world. Porcelain slabs provide seamless design, and the ability to easily create the kind of wraparound luxury consumers want, including zero-entry showers and floor-to-ceiling cladding.

Commercial Spaces

Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces Anthracite CM85 on the back wall and seating counter with Perpetuo Brilliant White PT21 on the floor.

Extra-large porcelain slabs are well-suited for commercial spaces and ideal for many types of interior and exterior design. This durable material stands up to the elements as well as normal wear and tear. It’s cost-effective, sanitary, and comes in styles and colors for every design.