Porcelain panels, sometimes referred to as porcelain slabs, are a great way to enhance the appearance of your home or business. They have become a popular option for renovation projects. This is likely due to their cost-effectiveness in covering large surfaces, inherent sustainability, and luxurious look.
If you’re planning to renovate and want a functional, aesthetically appealing material, porcelain panels offer an ideal option.
What Are Porcelain Panels?
Large, thin, and lightweight, porcelain panels are made from a blend of clay, feldspar, kaolin, and other natural materials.
They are fired at extremely high temperatures, making them highly resistant to water, stains, and scratches.
Porcelain Panels vs. Porcelain Slabs
It’s common to hear people using these terms interchangeably. Although they are both made from the same material and can enhance the look of your space for less, there are slight differences between them.
The main difference lies in their size and thickness. Therefore, depending on its intended use, choosing one option may be better than the other.
Size
Porcelain slabs are typically larger, measuring up to 10 feet in length and 5 feet in width, while panels are smaller, measuring up to 5 feet in length and 3 feet in width.
Thickness
Porcelain slabs are also thicker, with a thickness up to 12mm. Everything under is typically considered a panel.
Application
Porcelain slabs are often used for larger projects, such as flooring and countertops, while panels are commonly used for wall cladding and backsplashes.
Both Are Cost Effective
If you’re planning to tile a large square footage, wall, or countertop, porcelain slabs or panels may be more cost-effective than traditional tile simply because they are larger and cover more surface area.
This means fewer tiles are needed to cover a given area, reducing the cost of the materials and installation.
Why Are Panels Considered Sustainable?
As mentioned earlier, porcelain panels and slabs are made from natural materials, such as clay and feldspar, which are abundant and widely available. Additionally, they’re highly durable and long-lasting, meaning that they do not need to be replaced as frequently as other materials.
Furthermore, many porcelain slabs and panels are designed to be energy-efficient, with low-emissivity coatings that reduce heat loss and improve insulation.
Finally, when these tile products do reach the end of their life, they can often be recycled or repurposed, further reducing waste and environmental impact.
Porcelain Slabs and Panel Ideas
Due to their versatility, you can use slabs or panels in a variety of ways, including:
Flooring
As mentioned, porcelain slabs are a great option for areas with ample square footage, such as restaurants, hotels, or large living areas, due to their ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
They’re also highly resistant to water, stains, and scratches, which is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Countertops
Kitchen countertops are subjected to heavy use daily, whether it’s in a busy home or a 5-star restaurant. Therefore, they must be durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, a stylish aesthetic is always a plus!
Porcelain slabs are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops due to their 12 mm thickness. Anything 10mm and under is not considered countertop-rated.
Walls
If you’re looking to transform your living area into a beautiful, eye-catching space, porcelain wall panels may be just what you need. Panels are versatile enough for feature walls or full-wall installations. As a result, you can achieve the perfect look for your home or business.
While panels may require special installation, their thin and lightweight nature makes them a practical choice for any wall space in your room. They can also add a touch of elegance to your living area that will last for years to come.
Outdoors
Porcelain slabs are an excellent option for outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and pool areas due to their high resistance to weather and temperature changes.
Additionally, slabs and panels have low porosity, meaning they are less likely to absorb moisture and can withstand water damage.
Backsplash
In addition to their low porosity, porcelain slabs and panels are resistant to heat stains. This makes them perfect for the kitchen environment. They’re also available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns. Therefore, homeowners can customize their kitchen backsplash to their preferred style.
Transform Your Space with Stunning Porcelain Slabs
Porcelain slabs and panels offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial renovation projects.
At Tile X Design, we offer a wide range of special order and In-Stock options for 6mm and 12mm countertop-ready slabs!
You can learn more about these options or browse other tile collections by visiting our showroom or scheduling an appointment to work directly with one of our tile experts.
