5 Myths About Porcelain: Debunked

If you’ve researched the benefits of using porcelain in interior design, you already know that industry experts around the world are embracing this world-class decorative surface. At Archant, it’s the most popular decorative surface we offer. Thousands of clients around New Zealand are enjoying their updated space with the application of porcelain. This is for good reason as it’s beautiful, durable, and quite cost-effective when you compare it with other materials on the market today.

Still, in doing this research on the web, you’ll likely come across some common myths about porcelain that are simply not correct. These inaccuracies range from outdated information, misinformed research, or just plain erroneous details. In this article, we will look at five of the more common myths about porcelain while also sharing the undeniable characteristics that make it such a desirable solution. By the end, you’ll have the necessary facts to move your project forward with confidence. Porcelain is well-positioned to be a lasting focal point in any design. Let’s dive in to learn why.

Myth 1: It Can Only Used for Benchtops

Debunked: In recent years, the fabrication of porcelain has seen significant advances.

Perhaps the biggest shift is in the production of large format slabs. In the past, these oversized sheets would have been impossible to create. Yet thanks to ongoing innovative processes and slabs with a thickness of just 6mm, porcelain is now an amazing solution for flooring, facades, splashbacks, wall covering, and more.

To give an example, our large format wall and floor tiles measure 3200 x 1600mm in a wide range of on-trend colours and patterns. These are sizable enough to completely cover the interior, or exterior of a project for a truly stunning effect. Oversized slabs enable a reduction in grout lines between tiles, offering both visual and practical benefits. These unprecedented opportunities can enhance residential and commercial spaces including but not limited to kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and offices.

Myth 2: It’s Not Strong and Chips Easily

Debunked: Large format tiles are a game-changing solution for creating strong resistance to chips and cracks.

This is made possible due to the compact nature of the ceramic material used in the composition of porcelain stoneware. The result is a decorative surface that is extremely resistant to impact, stress, and wear. Whether you apply it to a wall, floor, or a busy kitchen island, it’s up to the task of even the most highly trafficked areas.

With porcelain, you have a unique blend of durability characteristics such as resistance to scratches, stains, heat, and thermal stress. When used in a kitchen, you can cut directly on the surface. Even hot pans straight from the over won’t cause damage. And when used outdoors, porcelain won’t fade or yellow due to the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Myth 3: Limited Choice of Colour and Style

Debunked: Advances in digital printing technology are a major contributing factor to the nearly endless potential of colours and patterns now available with large-format porcelain tiles.

The slabs can take on the appearance of just about any other material through digital enhancement. Even the desirable aspects of natural stone can be emphasized.

For example, the veining patterns of marble can be recreated to continue seamlessly over multiple slabs for an expansive optical effect. This refined design capability is not something that could be achieved with natural stone. View our stylish range of porcelain surfaces here.

Myth 4: The Cost is Too Prohibitive

Debunked: When compared to natural stone options such as granite and marble, porcelain offers significant cost savings.

This is partly due to the way it is fabricated. Porcelain isn’t mined from a quarry and then transported from remote locations. This makes it more cost-effective, and consistent in terms of overall product quality.

Porcelain is also lightweight, and easier to work with. With a straightforward labour and installation process, consumers can expect a more efficient pricing structure.

Archant also offers a lifetime warranty on large-format porcelain. This should give you peace of mind that your investment in porcelain will be long-lasting, and not need to be replaced any time soon.

Myth 5: Cleaning and Maintenance are Rather Involved

Debunked: For routine cleaning and maintenance of porcelain, all you need is a soft sponge or damp microfibre cloth and a neutral liquid detergent.

Unlike many decorative surfaces, porcelain does not need to be sealed or treated with any special products. It is non-porous, which has the remarkable benefit of keeping the surface hygienic and food safe.

Moisture and liquid won’t get trapped and create unsightly stains, but are trapped on the top, and easy to wipe away. This not only makes maintenance simple but keeps the lifetime cost of ownership down.

Bottom Line: Porcelain is a Revolutionary Product for Projects Both Big and Small

We hope this has cleared up any misinformation and presented the true benefits of porcelain in a real-world way.

Porcelain is a unique product that can be made to look like anything from metals to natural stone, and more. Its composition also makes it less porous, more dense, resistant, and flexible than many other alternatives.

With a rare combination of aesthetic and technological performance, porcelain can be used for projects ranging from small to large. The oversized tiles have a uniform appearance due to minimal grout lines. It is also easy to maintain over time.

Finally, its long-lasting quality and lifetime warranty make it cost-efficient for homeowners and businesses alike.