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.