European porcelain slabs are ideal kitchen renovation tiles for their durability, non-porous nature, hygienic surface and unique ability to resist heat. These attributes make them an ideal material for withstanding heavy daily use without sustaining damage. European tiles are also versatile in that they can be used for both indoor and outdoor kitchens, and they can be manufactured to resemble luxury materials such as marble, limestone, wood and concrete. Sarana Tile’s imported collection offers a variety of kitchen renovation tiles that can match any aesthetic.
Why Choose European Porcelain Slabs for Kitchen Surfaces
To understand many of the benefits of porcelain tiles and why they’re so practical in the kitchen environment, it helps to understand how they’re manufactured and the higher-quality standards to which European tiles are crafted. These tiles are made from a mix of natural raw materials, such as clay, quartz and feldspar, which are ground into a powder and then fired in kilns at extremely high temperatures. As they’re fired, they become vitrified and extremely durable. After they’re fired and sintered, they’ll enter post-production, where polishing and texturing occur.
European manufacturing centers tend to operate to even higher standards than domestic facilities, using higher-quality materials and more advanced technology to produce porcelain slabs that are even more durable and high-end.
Because of the materials it’s crafted from and the manufacturing process, porcelain is extremely hard and durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, as well as counters and wall cladding in busy kitchen environments.
Benefits and Applications of European Porcelain Slabs
Durability and versatility are key when it comes to European porcelain slabs. A dense material, porcelain is about 30 percent harder than granite, making it a durable option for high-traffic kitchen areas. A versatile option, porcelain slabs are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be used on the floor, as backsplashes and on countertops, providing an ideal design solution for the modern-day kitchen.
Other key benefits of European porcelain slabs include:
Heat and stain resistance:
Porcelain slabs can withstand temperatures up to 537 degrees Celsius (1,000 degrees Fahrenheit), without staining, making them ideal for kitchen applications where hot pots and pans are frequently used.
Non-porous:
Because it’s non-porous, you don’t need to seal or treat porcelain tiles when installed in the kitchen. Porcelain slabs have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, making them a suitable choice for any area that could get wet. Conversely, standard ceramic tile has a water absorption rate of 3-7%.
Hygienic:
European porcelain slabs are highly hygienic, largely thanks to their non-porous properties. Due to such properties, liquids, stains and bacteria are virtually unable to penetrate the surface and cause harm. Additionally, these tiles are made from natural clay and other minerals, meaning they’re free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), plastics, formaldehyde and other potentially harmful materials. If your kitchen has porcelain slabs installed, joking about a “floor so clean you can eat off of,” might actually be literal.
Low maintenance:
European porcelain slabs are also among the easiest hard floor materials to care for, making them ideal for busy kitchen environments that tend to get messy. These slabs don’t require sealing and can be cleaned with a basic soap-and-water solution. Moreover, because they come in large sizes, there are often fewer grout lines, offering a higher overall aesthetic.
What to Look for
European porcelain slabs are known for their high density and premium quality. These high-end slabs typically feature a pattern that extends throughout the entire slab’s thickness rather than just on the surface. This can help deliver a more elegant look and feel for countertops.
European slabs are also often precision-cut, which helps offer a sleeker, more elegant look on flooring thanks to smaller grout joints.
Finally, European slabs also open up more design possibilities. Created with superior quality control, European porcelain offers realistic imitations of marble, stone, wood and other materials.
European Porcelain Slab Solutions and Considerations
Keep in mind these various other factors when considering European porcelain for your kitchen renovation or remodel:
- These high-end pieces are often more expensive than those made from other materials. They also require more advanced labor to install, which can increase the project’s total cost.
- Qualified porcelain tile distributors aren’t as easy to find as you might think, underscoring the importance of working with one that can access the styles and sizes of European porcelain that you desire. At Sarana Tile, we stock a wide range of porcelain tiles for residential and commercial projects.
- At Sarana Tile, we’re believers that bigger is always better. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines and less visual interruption, making it easier to achieve the crisp, unified look that many property owners prefer.
- Remember, porcelain is an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor use due to its durability and non-porous nature.
Contact Us Today
European porcelain tiles are a high-end, long-lasting hard floor option for any kitchen remodel, blending premium aesthetics with low maintenance. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, styles, finishes and sizes, it’s easy to achieve a first-class look while still prioritizing practicality. For more information on European porcelain tiles and how to find the right distributor for your next project, contact Sarana Tile today.