Why is large format porcelain tile such a successful trend? Every once in a while, the technology behind how the material is crafted evolves. This has allowed porcelain tile to be made with exceptional strength and thinness. It didn’t have these qualities before, but now it has become one of the most versatile, durable, and easily maintained materials. Once they were strictly used in the hospitality industry, but now these tiles are popular in many residential homes and condos. The oversized tiles impart a modern aesthetic look and can quickly transform the indoors into a visually appealing place.
COMPOSITION
Porcelain tiles, whether large or small, are all made from natural clay. The clay is then combined with other materials, like silica, feldspar, and several other mineral oxides, to enhance its durability and strength. The composite clay is then placed in a kiln and fired at very high temperatures. The result is a dense material impervious to heat, stains, water, and UV rays. In addition, the material becomes so tough that it will also resist chips, scratches, and cracks. During the manufacturing process, pigmentary glazes are added to generate different patterns and colors of the porcelain tile. The large porcelain tiles can be unglazed or glazed. Having a glaze decreases porosity, enhances durability, and creates an aesthetic glossy finish that is very pleasing.
Its low cost and ease of installation set this surface apart from many alternate choices. Porcelain slab countertops can bring a brand new look to a kitchen, alter the aesthetics of a bathroom completely, or create backsplashes that can make a room feel more elegant. There are three big benefits to consider when choosing this type of porcelain tile.
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VERSATILITY AND APPEARANCE
Large format porcelain tile is remarkably versatile. A wide range of patterns, colors, and styles are available for selection. One of the benefits of porcelain tile is that it can be crafted to mimic a variety of other surfaces, from concrete and marble to stone. Fewer grout joints are necessary; therefore, the overall aesthetics can add more elegance to your space. It can even enlarge the space you have available for it.
The strength, thinness, and ease of installation for porcelain tile in large format mean that it can fit a number of needs. The benefits of porcelain tile can include uses as floors and walls, and they are also very popular as backsplashes. This type of large porcelain tile can be used in showers and baths. They can also be used as walls that completely change and refine the look of a bathroom.
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LESS MAINTENANCE
Fewer Installation Headaches
You need an engineered wall or anchoring system for many large format tile wall installations to hold it in place safely. However, with large format porcelain tile, you no longer need these. This can greatly reduce installation time and cost. Furthermore, it doesn’t require an adjustment of pre-existing spaces.
Porcelain can also be installed on top of existing tiles. Whether it’s for a wall or porcelain slab countertops, this can be a big money-saver. It means you don’t have to tear out the pre-existing tile. You just clean it and lay the porcelain tile over it.
The porcelain slab installation process is cleaner, less costly, and requires less work to be done in the space. Even an engineered wall can sometimes mean giving up a few inches of space. That might not seem like much, but it can greatly impact how a room feels – especially if the installation is in a shower, where space is already limited.
Fewer Grout Lines
Large format porcelain tile can be made to fit large stretches of wall. In many cases, this means you’ll have no grout lines whatsoever. If the space is so large that you do need multiple large format tiles, the number of grout lines will be drastically reduced. The reason for this is that porcelain slabs can be made very strong and yet remain very thin. This allows the use of larger sections of it.
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DURABILITY AND STRENGTH
Porcelain tile in large format is both scratch- and spill-resistant. It’s hard, which means it’s difficult to damage the surface in any way. This includes the kind of scratches that may result from dropped items, including knives or heavy pots and pans.
As for porcelain shower walls, flooring, backsplashes, slab countertops, and more, the material is extremely durable. It won’t deteriorate or decay. It won’t warp because it doesn’t capture humidity. It’s incredibly difficult to damage, as just mentioned, and what little cleaning it requires is a breeze.
All this helps large format porcelain tile come through as an exceptionally durable and strong choice. Gone are the days when porcelain demanded thick slabs with expensive installation. The technology and craftsmanship have caught up, transforming porcelain slabs into a material that’s so strong it can be installed as thin as 1/8 inch.
CONCLUSION
Large format porcelain tiles can be made to accommodate any space, design, and functionality in the home. People often cite the many benefits of porcelain tile in their decision-making process. Porcelain slab has such a clean and dynamic aesthetic that it’s an excellent choice to make a room feel immediately more refined. This helps create spaces that feel special as if they’re stress-free escapes. To learn more about porcelain tile, call East Coast Flooring & Interiors at 1-954-626-8053.
