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Modern elegance is always en vogue. And today’s tile and marble materials in kitchens and baths are no exception. From backsplashes and shower walls to floors and fireplace surrounds, luxurious porcelain finishes are on-trend in almost every style of home — cozy family farmhouses to sleek contemporary abodes.
No matter your style, the ahead-of-the-curve experts at Royal Flooring have a superior way to obtain wall-to-wall, high-end aesthetics: large-scale porcelain tile slabs. “They offer a grand feel and are the highest-end tile that we offer,” said Royal’s marketing manager Cayden Dunbar. Each tile is roughly 5 feet by 10 feet (the size of a generous kitchen island), but only one-fourth-inch thick (the thickness of the average smartphone or flash drive). “Standard 12-by-24-inch tiles are made of the same material,however, these tiles are a little thinner and way larger,” Dunbar said.
While the size of the porcelain slabs is impressive, the selection of patterns and colors are breathtaking. Royal sources tiles from Infinity, an Italian maker who manufactures 3D patterns, concrete looks and impressive imitations of Calacatta, Statuario, Nero Marquina and other natural marbles. The company’s technical experts developed Natura-Vein Tech. This revolutionary innovation creates veining that saturates the thickness of the slab, just like the unique, random veining found in natural stone. Dunbar said this detail transforms the installed tiles into displays of beauty. “Many tiles have random patterns, but the ability to match veins and book-matched slabs really creates the look of modern art for both the floors and walls,” he said.
“We handle all the little details from start to finish.”
While the porcelain slabs’ stunning visual effect may appear fragile, they are a durable, hard-working material like any other porcelain product. Infinity says the tiles are nonabsorbent and resistant to heavy loads, scratches and abrasions. They’re also hygienic, nontoxic and easy to clean. Dunbar said using the slabs in a bathroom is a particularly smart application. “Porcelain is a time-honored material and well known to hold up best inside a shower,” he said. “For a seamless look we use a very, very thin grout line — just one-sixteenth of an inch — so cleaning doesn’t involve scrubbing grout and is comparable to cleaning glass shower doors.”
Achieving the look and feel of a piece of art alongside long-lasting durability requires professional, expert installation. And Royal is one of Des Moines’ only retail outlets that can guarantee a smooth outcome. “There are very few people in the know with these panels right now because the product is so new,” Dunbar said, noting the importance of having a trusted installer because of the detailed process required for the slabs. “Our installers have completed specialized training and certification for the panels, and our trusted team oversees the entire process — from specialized shipping from the manufacturer to the home to miters and epoxy in the final stages,” he said. “We handle all the little details from start to finish.” He advised against purchasing this product online or from big-box stores, noting that a local retailer offers a much greater sense of trust and care. “Royal Flooring provides the best in customer service, and you won’t find our level of care or quality anywhere else,” he said.
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11801 Hickman Ave. | Urbandale, IA | www.shoproyalflooring.com
