Porcelain slabs, also called gauged porcelain panels, are thin sheets of porcelain up to about five feet by ten. A shower wall that would take thirty tiles and dozens of grout lines can be covered with two panels and one seam.
They offer the look of bookmatched marble with none of the upkeep. They also require special equipment, a perfectly flat wall and an experienced crew.
Why Choose Slabs
The appeal is practical as much as visual.
- Almost no grout to clean or maintain
- Marble, stone and concrete looks without sealing or etching
- Bookmatched veining across a wall
- Thin and comparatively light, suitable for walls and fireplace surrounds
- Non-porous and easy to wipe down
What Installation Takes
Panels are moved on suction frames and cut on a long rail cutter, with openings for valves and niches drilled and cut before the panel is lifted. The wall has to be flat to a very tight tolerance, so we spend time on the backer and waterproofing first.
Mortar is applied to both the wall and the entire back of the panel, in straight ridges, and air is worked out with a vibrating tool. Leveling clips hold the seam flush while it cures. Getting panels into the room also needs planning: stairs, turns and elevator sizes are all checked in advance.
Where We Use Them
Shower walls are the most common, often as part of a primary bathroom remodel. Slabs also suit fireplace walls and vanity backsplashes. If panels will not fit through your home, large-format tile at 24x48 gives a similar effect with a few more joints.
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