Most people think of porcelain as tile or dinnerware. But today's large-format porcelain slabs are one of the most versatile surfaces you can put in a home. They're heat proof, stain proof, UV stable and never need sealing, and they come in sizes big enough to cover a whole wall with almost no seams.
So what is porcelain used for? Here are eight places porcelain slabs work beautifully, and a few tips for each.
1. Kitchen Countertops
Porcelain countertops handle the things that worry people about other surfaces: hot pans, red wine, lemon juice and coffee. Porcelain is fired at extreme temperatures, so it won't scorch like quartz, and it's non-porous, so it won't stain or etch like marble. Because slabs are thin, the edge is usually mitered so the counter looks like a solid 1 1/2" or 2" top. Comparing options? Read porcelain vs quartz and Dekton vs porcelain.
2. Islands and Waterfall Edges
A porcelain island with a waterfall end, where the slab wraps down to the floor, is one of the most striking looks in a modern kitchen. Bold designs like Bedford, with dark grey and gold veining, or Nero Marquina turn an island into the focal point of the room.
3. Full-Height Backsplashes
Instead of tile and grout, run a single porcelain slab from the countertop to the cabinets or ceiling. You get continuous veining, nothing to scrub out of grout lines, and a surface that wipes clean behind the stove. Matching the backsplash to the countertop creates a seamless, high-end look.
4. Shower Walls and Tub Surrounds
This is where porcelain really shines. Large slabs mean very few joints, so there's far less grout to clean and fewer places for mildew to grow. Porcelain handles daily moisture with no sealing. Marble-look designs like Statuario Nuvo and Calacatta Carlyle give you a spa-style marble shower without marble's upkeep.
5. Bathroom Vanities
Porcelain makes a durable vanity top that won't stain from makeup, hair products or toothpaste. Pair the vanity with matching shower walls for a cohesive bathroom.
6. Fireplace Surrounds and Feature Walls
Porcelain handles heat well, which makes it a natural fit around a fireplace. A floor-to-ceiling porcelain fireplace wall makes a big statement with very few seams. Want to see it first? Try designs in our free fireplace visualizer.
7. Outdoor Kitchens and Patio Bars
Porcelain is UV stable and frost resistant, so it holds its color in full Carolina sun and handles winter cold snaps. That makes it one of the best choices for outdoor kitchens, grill surrounds and bar tops. Quartz isn't recommended outdoors because sunlight can fade it.
8. Commercial Spaces
Restaurants, hotels, offices and retail spaces use porcelain for bar tops, reception desks, restroom vanities and wall cladding because it's tough, hygienic and easy to clean. Learn more about our commercial countertop work.
Why Choose Porcelain Slabs?
- Heat resistant: fired at extremely high temperatures.
- Non-porous: resists stains and never needs sealing.
- UV stable: won't fade indoors or out.
- Scratch resistant: harder than most natural stone.
- Large format: fewer seams on walls, showers and backsplashes.
- Endless looks: marble, stone, concrete and solid designs.
A Few Things to Know
Fabrication matters. Porcelain is thin and rigid, so it takes specialized tools and experienced fabricators to cut, miter and install it well. Universal Stone fabricates in our own Charlotte shop.
Pattern is on the surface. On most porcelain slabs the design is on the face, which is why mitered edges are standard: they carry the pattern around the corner.
Edges can chip. Like any hard surface, a heavy impact on a corner can chip it. A good edge profile and careful installation help.
Is Porcelain the Same as Ceramic?
Not quite. Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures, which makes it denser, harder and less porous. Our porcelain vs ceramic guide explains the differences.
Porcelain Slabs FAQ
What is porcelain used for in a home?
Large-format porcelain slabs are used for kitchen countertops and islands, full-height backsplashes, shower walls, tub surrounds, bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, accent walls, outdoor kitchens and even furniture and tabletops.
Can porcelain slabs be used for countertops?
Yes. Porcelain countertops are heat resistant, stain resistant, scratch resistant and never need sealing. They're thin by design, so the edge is usually mitered to look thicker, and they're supported by your cabinets.
Is porcelain good for shower walls?
It's one of the best choices. Large slabs mean very few grout lines, so there's less to clean and less chance of mildew. Porcelain is non-porous and handles moisture without sealing.
Can porcelain be used outdoors in North Carolina?
Yes. Porcelain is UV stable, so it won't fade in the sun, and it's frost resistant. It's a great choice for outdoor kitchens, grill surrounds and patio bars.
Can porcelain go around a fireplace?
Yes. Porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, so it handles the heat around a fireplace surround well. Large slabs create a seamless look on a full-height fireplace wall.
How do you clean porcelain slabs?
Warm water, a soft cloth and a little mild soap for anything greasy. No sealing and no special stone cleaners. Avoid abrasive powders and scouring pads on polished finishes. See our full porcelain cleaning guide for more.
See Porcelain Slabs in Charlotte
Browse our full porcelain collection and read how to clean porcelain slabs.
Universal Stone has fabricated and installed countertops in the Charlotte area since 2003. Walk full slabs at our 35,000-square-foot slab warehouse at 4806 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, or compare samples at our Design Center at 16615 Riverstone Way in Ballantyne. Call (704) 394-1221 or request a free estimate.