The Next Big Thing In Flooring – Large Format Porcelain

You’ve seen the traditional products being marketed as ideal flooring solutions. A few of the common choices are timber, laminate, and ceramic tiles. All of these have positive attributes, but they also come with a fair number of potential problems. Yet, the world of interior design moves fast, and change is upon us.

Today, there is a new option that solves many of these issues while also providing stunning style. This product is large format porcelain. At Archant, we are all about finding the next big thing to bring great design to New Zealand.

Our clients want solutions that make sense in today’s modern spaces, whether it be a kitchen, bathroom, living area, or commercial building.

These large porcelain tiles are made in Italy and offer unparalleled beauty and durability. In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what large format porcelain is, and how it can be used to install exquisite floors. You’ll also learn about the common problems with the alternative materials, and how porcelain flooring remedies them.

A Beginner’s Guide to Large Format Porcelain Floors

Our large format slabs are generously sized at 3200 x 1600mm. As many interior designers will tell you, these bigger slabs offer several advantages over smaller tiles.

With less grout and unsightly breaks in the design, there are fewer crevices to trap dirt. It’s not only easier to clean large format porcelain floors, but the patterns look more seamless and offer a feeling of rich expansiveness. We know that may sound like a small detail to note, but upon installation, it makes a world of difference.

We’ve worked with thousands of joiners, designers, and homeowners who recognise these conveniences. Across New Zealand, we’re noticing a preference for large format porcelain slabs over smaller alternatives. This has proven true for spacious commercial applications, and compact residential spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

The Biggest Problem with Timber, and Why Porcelain Floors are a Great Alternative

Changes to the building code in New Zealand go into effect on November 5th, 2022. This shift is about reducing and eliminating internal flooring moisture for health and safety. The main difference is directed at timber-based flooring.

Timber was previously considered an “acceptable solution”. Under the new E3/AS1 guidelines, you must file for an “alternative solution” to satisfy the Building Consents Authority. This applies specifically to rooms that include water sources such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.

As a result of these updates, you may be looking for an alternative flooring solution. Large format porcelain floors are watertight and meet all code requirements. This makes it a smart and modern choice in any room where water sources are present.

6 More Reasons our Clients Love Porcelain Flooring

In addition to meeting the new building code requirements, large format porcelain floors offer several other benefits including:

• Strong and durable material that’s built to last
• Very easy to clean and maintain
• Less visible seams with minimal grout required
• Efficient use of materials and labour
• Resistant to stains, scratches and heat making for the ultimate in durability
• Unparalleled design potential with a massive variety of styles to choose from

Large Format Porcelain – A Beautiful Flooring Solution

These large sheet sizes result in a cohesive and continuous flooring surface that caters to the most demanding of applications. Advances in manufacturing have made it possible to recreate the gorgeous veins and patterns of marble in a porcelain slab at a fraction of the price of natural stone.

Porcelain is a unique flooring solution as its patterns are ingrained directly onto the surface. This makes it possible to mimic the look of nearly any material. Archant offers five different collections: Marble, Colour, Cement, Stone, and Metal. With over 22 colours to choose from, plus a large variety of finishes, there’s certainly no shortage of beautiful options.

Another amazing feature stems from our unique A&B slabs that match the veins of the design perfectly. With slabs that mirror each other, you can continue patterns seamlessly across a large floor. This process of bookmatching takes porcelain floors to a whole new level. It allows the pattern to expand across the space as if it’s one continuous slab.

Tired of Waiting for Stock to Arrive? Large Format Porcelain is Available Now

Supply chain disruptions here in New Zealand and around the globe have been well documented and reported on throughout the press. Our large format porcelain tiles are readily stocked in our New Zealand warehouse. This means you don’t need to wait for an overseas shipment when you’re ready to proceed with your project.

We are positioned perfectly to provide both residential and commercial fit outs across New Zealand. The Archant team is committed to providing every customer with timely, efficient service and the professional approach they deserve. You can expect friendly and open communication and a quick turnaround to install your large format porcelain floors.

Large Format Porcelain – The Most Innovative Thing Happening in Flooring Today

As a stylish and versatile solution with countless practical benefits, it’s hard to find a better flooring option than large format porcelain. You can choose slabs that match the existing space for a cohesive look or add a bold splash of contrast. Add to this a strong durable finish, and you have a material that’s an ideal flooring surface in all areas.

With decadent style and low maintenance properties making for quick clean-up, it’s easy to see why porcelain is a top choice amongst the thousands of New Zealand homeowners and design professionals we work with.