How to Select and Buy Porcelain Slabs in Toronto

Porcelain slabs can add an elegant look to your home in Toronto. Porcelain is very durable, low maintenance, and heat resistant. Its smooth, clean look gives any bathroom, kitchen or foyer a timeless look. It can be found in a large assortment of different colours and patterns, able to suit any renovation project in mind.
 

Porcelain Slabs Are Recommended for:

  • Countertops
  • Bathroom vanities
  • High-traffic flooring
  • Outdoor dining areas
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI)has a scale that tests the resistance of the surface in relation to the wear and traffic the surface can endure without causing damage to its appearance. Rated from 0-5, the information can help you make sure you are selecting the right tile for your project.
 
Obtaining a reputable porcelain slab retailer is not very hard. You should be looking for a company that is proud of the product that they sell. They should be highly knowledgeable, and be able to answer any questions you might have about the stone, including but not limited to the recommended uses and the maintenance of their products. If the company values the beauty of the piece as much as you do, it is a sure sign they will take extra care of their customers and their products.
 

Fabricators and Contractors

 
It is recommended to find a fabricator or contractor to manufacture your countertop as well. Many slab companies do not sell the raw materials directly to the customer. You may pick out your specific piece, but often you will refer all business transactions to your fabricator/contractor for items such as pick-up, cutting, and installation. Using recommendations from friends or family members is always a good idea. You can also use a quick internet search to see if there are any local businesses close to you.
 
A seasoned contractor will be knowledgeable of the process of selecting, manufacturing and installing of natural stone slabs and they will help you through from start to finish. They will also be able to help you navigate the different ratings of the PEI scale.
 

History of Porcelain

 
The ancient Egyptians first utilized porcelain tiles as a way to enhance the beautiful architecture. Rich families and pharaohs had their tombs adorned in beautiful painted tiles to show their wealth and status. As this art of creating tiles travelled East, it started adorning mosques and cathedrals throughout Europe. As early as the 13th century, porcelain tiles can be found in many family homes and businesses. As the Industrial Revolution flourished, so did the larger production of porcelain and ceramic materials for businesses and large companies. Due to its low maintenance, durable qualities and beautiful designs, porcelain tiles and slabs quickly became a staple building material in many homes and businesses.
 

Porcelain or Ceramic?

 
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, ceramic and porcelain are actually two uniquely different products. Ceramic is often made of clays mixed with various minerals and water and processed using heat to make a solid item. This means that although the tiles are quite strong, ceramic is still porous and needs to be sealed with a glaze before use. Porcelain, on the other hand, is made from finely ground sand. The difference is that porcelain uses extremely high temperatures and pressure to create slabs. This results in a very dense material and a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%!
 
Porcelain slab can be a very resilient material to use in your next upcoming project in Toronto. Its beauty is praised throughout the world, and its durability is unsurpassed. Consider buying porcelain slabs for your next renovation project in Toronto.