These days, it seems bigger is better. Tile formats – for both tile and stone – continue to increase, as well as the size of slabs. The inherent beauty of natural stone with the diversity of color and veining allows it to be used as a work of art for an interior accent wall or provide a luxurious island countertop in a kitchen or outdoor barbecue area. Moreover, porcelain and quartz slabs for countertops and wall cladding continue to gain momentum in design. These materials are often sought after for their consistency in color and durability. “The emergence of larger slabs provides options for larger islands and less seams, which certainly is a selling point,” said Nate Steinheimer, vice president of marketing and business development at UGM Surfaces.

When it comes to fabrication, Steinheimer explains there are a host of differences in how porcelain slabs are cut compared to natural stone. “Typically, porcelain slabs require relief cuts to release tension which exists within the slab,” he said. “Additionally, most porcelain slabs require a specific type of blade, and the speed at which the material is cut slower than most natural stone or quartz. Also, the porcelain slabs which are available in the market today are not through-vein material, so the edges require mitering, whereas the edges of thicker natural stone slabs can simply be polished or profiled and require less labor.”