10 Benefits of Porcelain and Sintered Stone for Shower Cladding
Porcelain and sintered stone are making a big splash in bathroom designs. In this blog, we will look at 10 benefits of these versatile, stylish slab materials as the latest statement cladding for showers.
What is sintered stone shower cladding?
Sintered stone shower cladding, such as Dekton by Cosentino, is an engineered slab material made from a mix of natural minerals, glass, and porcelain. The materials undergo a “sintering” process that compacts them using high pressure and heat to create a non-porous, durable, and waterproof surface.
What is porcelain shower cladding?
Porcelain shower cladding, such as Laminam, is an ultra-thin, hard-wearing, and durable material crafted from natural raw materials, including sand, clays, and minerals such as feldspar and kaolin. They are also “sintered” to create a non-porous slab that’s ideal for bathroom cladding.
1. Sintered stone and porcelain bathroom cladding are low-maintenance
Sintered stone and porcelain are non-porous, making them stain-resistant and easy to clean. As a result, you have a low-maintenance surface that requires very little care, unlike natural stone.
You also don’t require ongoing sealing, as with marble, and you can use non-specialized bathroom cleaners without worrying about damaging the scratch-free surface. Lastly, full slab shower walls are practically grout-free, saving the tiresome step of scrubbing away soap scum, mould, and mildew that can settle in grout.
2. Sintered stone and porcelain shower cladding are durable
Both sintered stone and porcelain are highly durable and won’t fade even when exposed to heat, light, chemical cleaners, or disinfectant products. These bathroom wall cladding materials are also resistant to scratches for a lifetime of beauty that looks as good as the day your bathroom renovation was complete.
3. Sintered stone and porcelain shower cladding are easy to install
Bathroom renovations are expensive. A large share of the costs is related to installation. Installing a tiled shower wall is very labour-intensive, involving hundreds of tiles and meticulous grout application. This makes tile a more costly shower cladding option.
Sintered stone and porcelain are both available in full slabs or large-format tiles, simplifying the installation process, limiting grout, and reducing costs. They are also much lighter in weight than solid natural full stone slabs, which adds to their easy installation.
4. Sintered stone and porcelain offer tailored shower designs
You can tailor your shower design using an impressive selection of styles, colours, and patterns available for both sintered stone and porcelain. As engineered shower wall materials, leading brands such as Dekton by Cosentino and Laminam can create stunning designs suited to the latest trends, while maintaining a selection of classic options.
A varied colour palette and selection of natural stone looks make it easy to match your design scheme. You can also affordably achieve the high-end look of marble and stone without the need to search through endless natural stone slabs to find the look you desire.
Although natural stone bathroom walls are one-of-a-kind, engineered slabs like sintered stone and porcelain are the best option when you have a specific look in mind.
5. Sintered stone and porcelain are kid-friendly
If you have children, you know surfaces are vulnerable to marking, providing a clean canvas that kids find hard to resist. You don’t have to worry about kids marking up your shower cladding while expressing their artistic side. Most paints, crayons, and markers can be easily wiped away using common household cleaners.
6. Sintered stone and porcelain shower walls are waterproof
Although materials such as marble are water-resistant, they require regular sealing to reduce water seepage over time. Marble is highly porous, presenting a risk for leaks and moisture damage. However, porcelain and sintered stone are non-porous, making them waterproof and ideal for shower walls or tub surrounds.
It’s important to protect your home from moisture damage and leaks, as they can lead to dangerous mould growth. Mould can make you sick, trigger ongoing allergy symptoms, and aggravate asthma.
7. Porcelain shower walls are considered environmentally friendly
The materials used in porcelain are considered sustainable by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Due to this, porcelain is also recyclable, making it a doubly eco-friendly shower wall material.
Although you would think natural stone would be eco-friendly, the process of extracting it is very harmful to the environment. Harm is not only related to water waste or the use of carbon gas-producing equipment. Quarrying contributes to habitat destruction, soil degradation, erosion, air and water pollution, and transforms natural landscapes into pit-filled wastelands.
8. Porcelain and sintered stone shower walls are more affordable
Engineered materials tend to be a smart bathroom renovation investment for several reasons:
- Easier installation reduces labour costs.
- Durability decreases the costs of replacement and repairs.
- Generally, porcelain and sintered stone tend to have a lower price point than natural stone, imported tiles, etc.
- Low maintenance saves you time and money on cleaning products and sealants.
- Durability, appearance, and lower maintenance can enhance your home’s value for a higher ROI.
9. Smooth, seamless shower wall materials
Large engineered slabs such as porcelain and sintered stone create uninterrupted walls without distracting grout lines. A seamless look is modern and timeless, free of distractions to create a calm, serene bathroom setting.
10. Slab porcelain and sintered stone materials feel cleaner
Even when your shower wall tiles are clean, old grout can create a less hygienic feeling in your bathroom. In a room prone to bacteria and germs, you want your bathroom to feel clean and sanitary.
Grout lines can become discoloured, loose, and grimy over time. The seamless look of full slab sintered stone and porcelain shower walls helps maintain that safer, cleaner environment for your family.
Contact the Experts at Quartz Co Surfaces
Modern shower walls, such as porcelain and sintered stone, are growing in popularity thanks to their affordability, durability, aesthetic appeal, and easy care.
Quartz Co Surfaces is your porcelain and sintered stone bathroom cladding destination for high-quality materials and installation. Our experts will help you find the perfect shower cladding for your bathroom renovation or update.
For more information about our shower wall claddings, contact the professionals at Quartz Co Surfaces here to book an appointment at the showroom nearest you. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts here with your questions.
