Natural stone, like granite and marble, are the top choice for GTA buyers looking to upgrade their kitchen or bathroom. Granite is known for its durability and strength, while marble is often chosen for its luxurious design and soft feel. When considering using a ceramic, (porcelain in particular), you are inclined to think of tiles used on floors or in showers. Porcelain is often purchased and laid in tiles, but porcelain slabs are becoming a popular alternative. While granite is very strong, so is porcelain! Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is baked or "fired” in an extremely hot thermal chamber with other minerals and glass to give it very appealing and exotic designs. Porcelain is also known for its impermeability. it is virtually waterproof, making it a great material for areas of the home that see a lot of water use. There are many benefits in choosing porcelain for homeowners in the GTA looking to upgrade their home.

 

 

Porcelain comes in three types of finishes; matte, glazed and unglazed. Glazed porcelain is more durable that the other two styles and offers heightened protection from damage.  Matte porcelain has a duller finish to it, and unglazed is usually used in outdoor settings. True porcelain, compared to ceramic or "non-porcelain” slabs is measured based on its water rating. True porcelain has a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Porcelain clays are denser than ceramics as well and, if chipped or damaged, the colour carries through the clay. Ceramics, if chipped, will have a white, chalky finish underneath. Porcelain is usually more expensive than ceramic, given its water permeability and durability.

 

 

In addition to meeting a water absorption standards, porcelain is graded by a governing body known as the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). They class the grade of porcelain’s durability and provide advice to consumers on uses based on intended levels. The classes include:

• Class 0 – no foot traffic –This grade is recommended for wall tile only and should not be used on floors.
• Class 1 – very light traffic – For use with bare or stocking feet and not very much foot traffic.
• Class 2 – light traffic – Walk on these floors with slippers or soft shoes. Used for bathrooms and bedrooms.
• Class 3 – light to moderate traffic – For use in residential areas with the exception of kitchens and hallways.
• Class 4 – moderate to heavy traffic – High foot traffic areas fall into this class. Areas of the home that see abrasive use, or where outdoor dirt can be tracked in. These include kitchens, balconies and countertops.
• Class 5 – heavy traffic – Ceramic tile is suggested for high traffic areas as opposed to porcelain. Commercial and institutional floors subjected to very heavy traffic. Like schools, hospitals, offices, store sales floors, etc.

Using porcelain slabs for flooring and other decorating is becoming more common, so patterns can flow seamlessly across the floor. However, kitchen designs are incorporating porcelain slabs on countertops and for use on modern looking islands. When choosing a natural stone for your next home renovation, consider using a porcelain slab in GTA homes. Speak with an expert at a stone quarry or showroom who can help you choose the best stone for you!