The sight of versatile building material is becoming common on Toronto renovation sites, but is porcelain slab right for your Toronto home?

 

 

Porcelain slabs come in a rainbow of colours. You can use the slab whole for large projects or have a fabricator cut it into a variety of sizes to use as tiles. You can choose between glazed and unglazed porcelain; both are water-resistant, but there is a key difference to consider.

 

Due to the glazing process, glazed porcelain is a slightly different colour on the top than it is on the inside. If you do manage to chip this extremely tough ceramic, the inner layer shown by the chip will be a slightly different shade. Unglazed porcelain is the same colour throughout, so chipping isn’t usually noticeable. It’s a sensible choice for busy hallways and other heavily used areas.

 

 

Wood is a hot trend for kitchens, but you may be understandably wary. After all, one dishwasher flood or a leaky pipe can flood your floor, causing wood to warp. That’s why porcelain that mimics the look of real wood has also become a hot trend for porcelain slabs and tiles in Toronto.

 

Porcelain styled to look like wood provides a nearly indestructible alternative to wood. Your porcelain floor will last for years without showing the wear and tear that wood may display under the same circumstances.

 

Wood needs to be waxed and sealed to help it resist stains and water damage, but porcelain is much lower maintenance. You just need to sweep or give it a quick wash with a soft mop and water to prevent any dirt, dust, or grime from being ingrained over time.

 

 

Due to its moisture-resistance, durability, frost-resistance, and resistance to deep abrasions, porcelain is a great choice for decorating outside. It can survive tough Canadian winters. If you want to add a decorative wall or new flooring to your balcony, porcelain slabs may be the way to go.

 

Natural stone is always a beautiful choice for the outdoors. It blends into its surroundings while making you feel like you’ve escaped into nature. Unfortunately, granite and other choices may be a major drain on your budget. Porcelain is a good alternative. You can find porcelain that is styled to have the look and texture of natural stone—and it’s actually 30% harder than granite.

 

Porcelain also offers the benefit of not needing sealant to stay looking good as new. Natural stones, such as granite, need to be resealed every year to protect them. More porous stone, like marble, needs to be sealed at least once a year. Porcelain is already stain-resistant and stays looking like new with a quick wipe from a soft mop.

 

Adding porcelain slab to your backyard in Toronto gives you the freedom to enjoy your landscaping without the headache of yearly resealing and other maintenance.

 

Porcelain is stain-resistant, slip-resistant, and frost-resistant. It’s also fade resistant—making it a great addition to sunny yards and balconies. It’s also good for pool decks, as it keeps looking beautiful all summer long, year after year.

 

Using a porcelain slab or two in your Toronto home is a beautiful and trendy investment that will last for years.