Porcelain slabs are large-format, high-density surface panels used for countertops, walls, floors, and outdoor spaces in both residential and commercial settings. They are made from compressed and fired porcelain clay, available in three standard thicknesses: 6mm for walls and floors, 12mm for all-surface versatility, and 2cm for premium countertop applications with throughbody veining. Porcelain slabs are non-porous, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, UV-resistant, and require no sealing, making them a low-maintenance alternative to natural stone surfaces like marble and granite.
Our tile and stone showrooms across Northern Nevada and Northern California carry a wide selection of porcelain slabs to match any project scope or design vision. Whether you are designing a kitchen countertop, a floor-to-ceiling shower wall, an outdoor kitchen, or a commercial lobby, this guide explains where porcelain slabs work best, which thickness to choose, and why they are quickly becoming the preferred surface material for modern design projects.
Why Choose Porcelain Slabs?
Before diving into applications and thicknesses, it helps to understand what makes porcelain slabs stand out from other surface materials. Porcelain slabs deliver the stunning visual appeal of natural stone, think marble, travertine, and limestone, without the demanding maintenance that comes with it.
Here's what sets them apart:
- Stain, scratch, and heat resistant, making them ideal for high-use areas like kitchens and commercial spaces
- Lightweight compared to natural stone, simplifying installation without sacrificing strength
- UV- and weather-resistant, engineered to hold up beautifully in outdoor environments
- Available in multiple thicknesses, allowing designers to match the right slab to the right application
The result is a material that gives you the look you love with the performance and low-maintenance lifestyle that today's projects demand. Unlike engineered stone products, porcelain slabs contain no crystalline silica, making them a safer choice for fabricators and installers working in enclosed environments. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, designing an outdoor kitchen, or fitting out a commercial lobby, porcelain slabs deliver without compromise.
Where to Use Porcelain Slabs
One of the biggest advantages of porcelain slabs is their incredible range of applications. From interior feature walls to outdoor pool surrounds, there are very few surfaces where porcelain slabs don't perform and impress.
Indoor Applications
Walls Porcelain slabs create seamless, dramatic feature walls that elevate any interior. Use them for fireplace surrounds, accent walls in living rooms, or floor-to-ceiling shower walls where a sleek, grout-minimized look is the goal. The large format reduces visual interruptions, giving spaces a polished, gallery-worthy finish.
Floors Large-format porcelain slabs on floors dramatically reduce the number of grout lines, creating an open, cohesive appearance that feels modern and easy to clean. They work beautifully in entryways, kitchens, living areas, and commercial spaces where durability and aesthetics both matter.
Countertops Porcelain slab countertops are quickly gaining popularity in kitchens, bathrooms, and bar areas. Their non-porous surface means they resist staining from coffee, wine, and cooking oils. According to This Old House's guide to stone countertops, natural stone requires regular sealing to maintain its resistance to stains and moisture, a maintenance step porcelain slabs eliminate entirely. Vanity tops, kitchen islands, and built-in bar counters all benefit from the durability and beauty porcelain slabs bring to the table. Browse our full porcelain slab collection to explore available styles, sizes, and finishes.
Outdoor Applications
Porcelain slabs truly shine in outdoor environments, and that's not something every surface material can claim.
Outdoor Kitchens Few materials are better suited for outdoor kitchen countertops than porcelain slabs. They handle heat, moisture, UV exposure, and everyday cooking use without fading, cracking, or staining. Whether you're building a full outdoor kitchen or a simple grilling station, porcelain slabs are built for the task.
Patios and Pool Surrounds The UV- and fade-resistant properties of porcelain slabs make them a top pick for patios and pool surrounds. They stay cool underfoot, resist the chlorine and moisture that pool environments throw at surfaces, and maintain their color and finish for years with minimal upkeep.
Commercial Spaces Hotel lobbies, restaurants, office environments, and retail spaces benefit enormously from the strength and scale of porcelain slabs. Their ability to cover large surface areas seamlessly, combined with their commercial-grade durability, makes them one of the most practical and visually impressive choices for high-traffic environments.
Understanding Thickness: 6mm, 12mm, and 2cm
Not all porcelain slabs are created equal in terms of thickness, and choosing the right one is critical to the success of your project. Each thickness serves specific purposes, and selecting the wrong one can affect both performance and aesthetics.
6mm: Lightweight Power for Walls and Floors
The 6mm slab is strong yet remarkably light, making it the go-to option for wall cladding and flooring applications. Its reduced weight makes it easier to handle and install, especially on vertical surfaces where heavy stone would create structural challenges.
Design professionals love 6mm slabs for creating dramatic floor-to-ceiling shower walls, large-format floor installations, and interior feature walls. You get the visual impact of a massive slab without the weight complications of thicker alternatives.
Best for: Wall cladding, flooring, shower walls, and any application where lightweight strength is a priority.
12mm: The Do-It-All Thickness
The 12mm slab is the most versatile option in the porcelain slab lineup. It handles everything the 6mm can do, walls and floors, plus countertop applications for both indoor and outdoor use. If you need one thickness to cover multiple surfaces in a single project, 12mm is your answer.
One important installation note: because the veining in 12mm slabs doesn't run through the body of the material, mitered edges are required for countertop applications. Mitering serves two purposes. It wraps the veining pattern around the edge for a more natural stone-like appearance, and it builds up the edge profile to match the visual depth of a standard countertop thickness.
Best for: Vanities, kitchen counters, outdoor kitchens, walls, and floors where a single thickness solution is preferred.
2cm: Premium Performance with Throughbody Technology
The 2cm slab is the premium option in the porcelain slab family, and it shows. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the 2cm thickness is the top choice for high-traffic countertops, commercial surfaces, and outdoor kitchen installations where maximum durability is non-negotiable.
What sets the 2cm apart is its throughbody technology. The veining runs through the entire depth of the slab, not just the surface. This means exposed edges look authentic and natural without the need for mitering, making installation simpler and the finished result more realistic to natural stone. For a deeper look at how different countertop materials compare on durability and edge finishing, Fine Homebuilding's natural stone countertop guide is a helpful reference.
Best for: High-traffic countertops, outdoor kitchens, patios, commercial settings, and any project where exposed edge realism is important.
When to Choose Each Thickness: A Quick Reference
Choosing the right thickness comes down to where the slab will be installed and what level of performance is needed:
- 6mm - Best for walls and floors when you need lightweight strength and dramatic coverage without added weight
- 12mm - The versatile all-surface option for walls, floors, and countertops, both indoors and outdoors; requires mitered edges on countertops
- 2cm - The premium countertop and high-traffic choice, featuring throughbody veining for authentic edge profiles with no mitering required
When in doubt, our design team is here to help you navigate thickness decisions based on your specific project. Visit our showrooms in Reno, Minden, Sacramento, or Fernley for a hands-on look at our slab selections and personalized guidance from our specialists. You can also find a showroom near you to plan your visit.
Why Porcelain Slabs Are the Future of Surface Design
The rise of porcelain slabs isn't a passing trend. It's a fundamental shift in how designers, homeowners, and contractors think about surfaces. The ability to replicate the beauty of marble, stone, and concrete with a material that outperforms natural stone in durability, consistency, and maintenance requirements is a genuine game-changer.
Whether you're designing a modern residential bathroom, outfitting a high-traffic commercial lobby, or building the ultimate outdoor kitchen, porcelain slabs give you the freedom to create without limits. They're not just another option on the shelf. They represent a smarter, more adaptable way to design beautiful, long-lasting spaces.
Our specialists are ready to help you find the perfect slab, the right size, thickness, and finish, for every surface in your project. Stop by any of our showrooms or schedule a free design consultation to get started.
Conclusion
Porcelain slabs have earned their place as one of the most powerful and flexible surface materials in modern design. From indoor feature walls and kitchen countertops to outdoor patios and commercial installations, they perform beautifully across virtually every application. With three thickness options, 6mm, 12mm, and 2cm, there's a porcelain slab solution engineered for every surface and every project scope.
The key to getting the most out of porcelain slabs is understanding where each thickness excels and pairing that knowledge with the right design choices. Our knowledgeable design staff and showrooms across Northern Nevada and Northern California make that process easy. Stop by today or book your free consultation to start exploring what porcelain slabs can do for your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are porcelain slabs used for?
Porcelain slabs are used for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications including countertops, feature walls, shower walls, flooring, fireplace surrounds, outdoor kitchens, and pool surrounds. Their durability and weather resistance make them suitable for both residential and commercial projects.
How are porcelain slabs different from porcelain tile?
While both are made from the same high-density fired clay material, porcelain slabs are significantly larger in format, often covering entire walls or countertops in a single piece. This reduces grout lines, creates a more seamless appearance, and is especially effective in modern, minimalist design applications.
Which porcelain slab thickness is best for countertops?
For countertops, both 12mm and 2cm slabs are suitable options. The 12mm is a versatile choice for indoor and outdoor counters but requires mitered edges for a finished look. The 2cm is the premium option featuring throughbody veining that delivers authentic stone-like edges without mitering, ideal for high-traffic or high-visibility countertop applications.
Can porcelain slabs be used outdoors?
Yes. Porcelain slabs are an excellent choice for outdoor use. They are UV-resistant, weather-resistant, frost-tolerant, and highly durable, making them ideal for outdoor kitchens, patios, pool surrounds, and commercial exterior surfaces.
Do porcelain slabs require sealing?
No. Unlike natural stone, porcelain slabs are non-porous, which means they do not require sealing. They naturally resist stains, moisture, and bacteria without any additional treatment, making them a low-maintenance and hygienic surface choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor environments.