Home renovating can come with a hefty price tag. Often, homeowners are designing an upgrade to their living space on a budget. Natural stone is a popular choice, with marble winning first place for the most sought after material. Marble is luxurious and beautiful and has been used by royals, the wealthy and artists over centuries. Marble also comes with a hefty price tag, hence its sophisticated reputation. Granite has become the go-to choice for high traffic areas such as floors, kitchen countertops and bathrooms, but its price too is climbing. Locally, quarried granite can lower the price per square foot for granite slabs, but, if you are looking to cover a large area, it will still rack up a high cost. Porcelain is a less expensive alternative and is becoming a trend among Toronto homeowners. When choosing porcelain slabs, Toronto buyers have a vast array of selection available to them at a fraction of the cost of marble or other natural stones.

 

Porcelain manufacturers show consistent improvement in manufacturing slabs that look like natural materials like wood, marble and onyx. Rich patterns and designs are baked into the clay using a thermally insulated chamber called a kiln. Kilns raise extremely high temperatures and "fire” glass and other minerals into porcelain’s clay body. Porcelain is one of the most durable materials available. The clay slabs are certified porcelain based on the rate at which it absorbs water. True porcelain has a water absorption rate of 0.5%. This makes it perfect for applications where water is used, like shower floors, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and entranceways.

 

 

Caring for porcelain slabs is easy, even in Toronto winters. Salt, dirt and other abrasive material can have a negative impact on porcelain’s durability. Use doormats at entranceways to trap some of the dirt (and salt in winter) for effective care. Buyers are advised to care for porcelain slabs by wiping down dirty areas and cleaning with soap. It is not necessary to seal porcelain slabs like it is with granite, marble or other natural stones. A quick wipe down will ensure the long-lasting beauty of the clay. Ensure that areas like shower floors are caulked properly to protect the integrity of the porcelain slabs. Be mindful that minerals in tap water can cause discolouration of porcelain over time, so consistent cleaning is essential to protecting the clay’s natural colour and pattern. Avoid using acidic cleaners as this can affect the porcelain tile as well. Hot water and soap also work well, as do other generic cleaning products. It is not necessary to use bleach or ammonia on porcelain.

 

 

All of these advantages, and with a lower price tag? Yes it’s true! While granite, marble and other natural stones have a signature look, porcelain has the ability to take any form it chooses! Porcelain styles often mimic natural materials like marble and wood at a fraction of the cost. Using a matching porcelain slab as a countertop and a backsplash has a striking effect. Now imagine the cost of matching a marble counter with a backsplash?

 

Homeowners can enjoy the many benefits of porcelain and create a unique and modern style. This new trend will not only provide construction benefits to your home, but wow your guests when you entertain! Speak to a porcelain slab dealer to learn more about this new home decorating trend.