You probably know a few of the basics about porcelain tile—it’s beautiful, sophisticated, and elevates the look of any room. But the incorporation of porcelain tile in a home extends far beyond decorative use in a kitchen or bath. In fact, porcelain can extend floor-to-ceiling if you’d like when you choose large-format, 5’x10’ slabs that create a head-turning first impression.
Where can porcelain be used in your home, and why should you use it? For answers, look to the experts in large-format porcelain slabs; they know. Here are their five top reasons large-format porcelain should be part of your home’s design plan.
Reduce your carbon footprint.
Unlike granite or marble, which is mined straight from mountains, porcelain is a sustainable, man-made material comprised of clay, common rocks, and water that can be naturally sourced from most areas. Although man-made, it is created from responsibly sourced natural raw materials–clay, sand, and feldspar–the three most abundant minerals on earth. Porcelain is also created with zero-waste manufacturing. During production, plastics aren’t used, and no byproducts are created. Porcelain also can be recycled through basic grinding and even used as a clean fill for more porcelain. Because of its sustainability, porcelain is recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council as an environmentally friendly product.
Let the kids and pets run free.
Porcelain contains a high percentage of the mineral kaolinite as well as other mineral oxides that contribute to its strength and durability. This mixture is placed into a kiln and fired at high temperatures up to 2,000 degrees. This result is an incredibly dense material that is nearly impervious to stains, heat, UV rays, and scratching. Go ahead and cut vegetables straight on your porcelain kitchen countertop, or place hot cookware on it. The porcelain won’t scorch, stain, or damage. And unlike natural stone countertops, disinfectants will not ruin a porcelain surface, so clean away.
No design idea is too far-fetched.
The design possibilities when using porcelain are endless. Designers incorporate porcelain indoors and outdoors on walls, flooring, countertops, fireplace surrounds, and even as custom furniture. Porcelain can replicate other looks–marble, wood, metal, or patterns–by digitizing beautiful photographs and printing them directly onto the porcelain. A variety of shades and colors in porcelain allow for these advanced digital imaging techniques to come to life. The durability and weight of porcelain coupled with precise measuring and a proprietary fabrication and installation process, Moderno Porcelain Works craftsmen create endless porcelain design possibilities.
Maintenance-free care.
Porcelain’s nonporous surface is inhospitable to the growth of bacteria and other microbes, such as mold. The hygienic benefits and low maintenance make porcelain perfect for areas with high traffic and damp spaces, like a home’s kitchen and bathrooms. (That’s why you’ll also see it frequently used in commercial office buildings.) Even better, porcelain doesn’t require a sealant.
Porcelain’s near impenetrability allows it to be durable and weather resistant. This means you can use it in your outdoor living areas as well. Porcelain encapsulates the smoothness, durability, and natural veining of marble–but without the high maintenance required to keep marble shining. Porcelain does not need to be buffed or polished to maintain its finish. In bathrooms, porcelain is often considered a superior material; other natural stones that are often used in bathrooms, such as marble, can discolor from standing water, shower products, and cleaners.
Go big!
Think larger than your kitchen backsplash. Larger than a powder bath countertop. Even larger than your kitchen island countertop. Porcelain is available in various sizes and has recently become a coveted choice for large-scale use. Moderno Porcelain Works fabricates and installs large slabs of porcelain up to 5’x10’. The length can be extended even further by making its vein match across multiple slabs. Adding large-format porcelain panels can give a home’s smaller spaces an expansive feel, such as the inside of showers. The long length of the panels and minimal grout lines give the shower a continuous feel, which looks like more square footage.
Moderno Porcelain Works is the largest national surfacing company dedicated to the fabrication and installation of large-format porcelain (5’x10’) slabs. Moderno is the porcelain industry’s leader when it comes to driving innovation and artistry and challenging the perception of what porcelain is capable of through premier craftsmanship. Moderno’s experienced craftsmen raise the standard of quality and bring unparalleled attention to detail to every surfacing project. Until Moderno came along, there wasn’t a porcelain company that was efficiently fabricating and installing porcelain in the construction industry. That all changed in 2019 when Moderno Porcelain Works revolutionized the process of fabrication and installation of large-format porcelain at a fraction of the time and cost. Customers love Moderno for creating a seamless customer experience, from porcelain selection to installation and warranty. For more inspiration, check out some of Moderno’s projects on their website and reach out to get started on your custom project today.
