Heavy traffic areas in Toronto homes call for tough, durable and solid flooring that can stand up to wear and tear and continue to look good for several years. Here is why porcelain slab for Toronto floors is top notch.

 

 

Many people might associate porcelain with figurines and toilets, but porcelain is, in fact, one of the toughest materials that can be used for flooring in the home. A type of ceramic tile, porcelain is made from finer, denser clay and is fired at higher temperatures. Porcelain slab is tougher, more scratch resistant than other varieties, and more durable and resistant to stains.

 

Porcelain slab for flooring is an excellent performing surface. It looks good and works great for:

• Kitchen floors
• Bathrooms
• Entryways

Requiring very little maintenance, porcelain slab will keep its shine for years to come. Cleaning porcelain tile is a breeze. Its surface absorbs very little moisture, so spills that might seep into another material and cause a stain can easily be wiped up with a damp cloth. Generally, porcelain only needs to be cleaned with water or a mild detergent. It is the perfect material for those who want a shiny floor with very little effort required for upkeep. Repairs typically aren't very expensive either. 

 

Porcelain Wear Ratings

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) standards are used to rate tile on a 1-5 scale, with 5 being the hardest and most durable. This rating guide can effectively guide any consumer through the process of choosing tile:

• PEI Class 1 Rating (No foot traffic) - Recommended for wall use only in residential and commercial applications
• PEI Class 2 Rating (Light traffic) - Recommended for both wall use and bathroom floor applications
• PEI Class 3 Rating (Light to moderate traffic) - Recommended for countertops, walls and floors where normal foot traffic is expected
• PEI Class 4 Rating (Moderate to heavy traffic) - Recommended for all residential, medium commercial and light institutional applications
• PEI Class 5 Rating (Heavy to extra heavy traffic) - Recommended for all residential as well as heavy commercial and institutional applications.

Most porcelain slab has a PEI rating of 5, which makes it the hardest wearing tile on the market.

 

 

Porcelain slab is available in a variety of colours and patterns. Colour depends on personal style, but a few helpful design tips include:

• Lighter colours make a space appear larger
• Darker colours can add warmth
• Shade variation will blend and mask better than anything
• Neutral colours allow you to change your accessories
• Vibrant colours are cheerful and add character.

Even though porcelain can appear identical from piece to piece, each tile will have colour and shade variation to give the floor overall depth and character. Some porcelain slab is also made to look like stone, but costs significantly less.

 

 

Porcelain is becoming a very popular alternative to stone and ceramic. Its durability is nearly bullet proof and porcelain slab is becoming the top choice for Toronto floors.