Large-format tiles available in seven neutral colors

Lapitec sintered stone slabs were the material of choice for the exterior and interior design of the new Aria Retreat & Spa in Italy

Stephanie Smith, owner of Classic Designs Unlimited Inc. in Calabash, NC, helped a couple of homeowners transform their outdated master bathroom into a tranquil escape.

The virtues of porcelain slabs are numerous, which has led to its growing popularity. The material is light, thin and tough, making it suitable for nearly any interior project from bathroom sinks and vanities to shower trays, kitchen countertops and bathtubs.

In the beginning, there was Thin Porcelain Panels. Between 2000 and 2001, Thin Porcelain Tile (TPT) was born. One version was created in 2001 by engineer, Franco Stefani, of the Systems Group, innovator of the ceramic industry.

Gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs (GPTP) are gaining a lot of traction in the tile and stone industries as of late. The large-format materials, which are technically defined as tiles measuring 1 x 1 meter (40 x 40 inches) or larger, have been creating a lot of buzz in the marketplace lately.