How to Optimise Porcelain Sheet Size for Kitchen Benchtops and Island Design (A Complete Guide)
How to Optimise Porcelain Sheet Size for Kitchen Benchtops and Island Design (A Complete Guide)
The layout design of your kitchen will determine the flow of your space, but it also directly impacts the cost. At Archant, we often consult with New Zealand homeowners and interior designers on this important topic. Is it possible to use porcelain in your kitchen and keep the budget on track? The answer is a definitive yes!
If you’re ready to design a showstopping kitchen cost-effectively, you’ll want to learn about sheet optimisation. This is a technical term for what’s actually a simple process.
The idea is that by maximising the porcelain slab size, you can avoid the unnecessary cost of extra raw materials, off-cuts, and joins. Not to worry, the overall design will still meet all your needs, but in a smarter, more efficient way.
We know that’s a lot of industry jargon, but let’s break it down in a straightforward manner. By the end of this article, you’ll on the right path to designing an exquisite kitchen that boasts high-end appeal. The finished product will check all your required boxes without breaking the budget.
What are Archant’s Porcelain Slab Sizes?
Let’s start with the dimensions of our slab sizes. Archant offers oversized porcelain sheets that measure 3200 x 1600mm. This is quite large, and in many kitchens, is all you will need to create a fantastic floor plan. When compared to other materials with smaller dimensions, you have more room to create the look you’re after.
Here’s how Archant Porcelain sheet sizes measure up against other alternatives:
Archant Porcelain: 3200 x 1600mm
Archant Quartz Standard Size: 3050 x 1400mm
Archant Quartz Jumbo Size: 3200 x 1600mm
Archant Quartz Super Jumbo Size: 3300 x 1650mm
Caesarstone Standard Size: 3050 x 1440mm
Caesarstone Large Size: 3340 x 1640mm
Dekton: 3200 x 1440mm
Corian Standard: 2490 x 760mm
Corian Mid: 2490 x 930mm
Corian Large Size: 3660 x 760mm
Disclaimer: Not all makes, and models are represented here. There may be additional sizes available based on provider, location, and slab thickness.
Example 1 – Traditional Sized Kitchen Design
In most New Zealand kitchens, island benchtops are between 900-950mm wide. A traditional hob section is usually 600-650mm in width. These are spacious enough to accomplish most kitchen-related tasks without feeling too cramped. If you combine these two widths, you’re looking at a sum of 1600mm. This covers the depth, but what about the width?
If your total required width doesn’t exceed 3200mm, you won’t need to purchase any additional sheets of porcelain. Talk with your designer and measure your space carefully. For many traditional homes, one 3200 x 1600mm sheet of porcelain is all you will need.
Again, you’re not limiting your design, but rather creating a fantastic space for meal prep and entertainment. Not only do you save on raw materials, but the costs of fabrication, labour and installation time will also be reduced.
This approach makes it possible for more NZ homeowners to enjoy the look and feel of porcelain along with its renowned durability. Keep in mind, that the appeal of your kitchen will increase your overall home value while adding functional style for years to come.
Paired with Archant’s lifetime warranty on porcelain surfaces, you have amazing peace of mind for your investment.
Example 2 – Designing Larger Kitchens with Expansive Layouts
For homes with expansive kitchens, you may require a larger surface and workspace. Maybe you’re interested in an oversized island with seating, and an extended hob area. This is certainly possible but will require an additional sheet of porcelain. By joining two slabs, your design can stretch well beyond the 3200mm limit of a single sheet.
With Archant, you can rest easy knowing our expert installers can accomplish this rather seamlessly. Since porcelain materials are heavy, they require special handling to install properly. As such, we don’t recommend this as a DIY project. Our highly skilled team of fabricators and installers receive ongoing training to stay at the forefront of porcelain design.
Leveraging cutting-edge tools and industry-leading safety protocol, the finished product will far exceed your expectations. In full transparency, please be aware that as the design increases in size and complexity, the cost of materials and labour will also rise. If this works for your budget, we can absolutely bring the design to life.
What About the Slab Thickness of Archant Porcelain?
Archant offers three different slab thicknesses. The thinnest option is 6mm, but this is generally preferable for splashbacks and other vertical applications such as decorative walls and similar surfaces.
We believe every aspect of the design is an opportunity to add beauty and value to the space. These thin porcelain slabs have been used in many incredible ways and we encourage you to check them out here.
The thicker 12mm and 20mm porcelain sheets are best used for benchtops and islands. While the thickness of the material does impact price, they offer the durable strength required for families with busy kitchens. Not only are these built to last, but they exude a high-end quality that our clients have come to embrace.
Refining Your Kitchen Design with Archant Porcelain
There’s no shortage of ways to customise your porcelain design with mitred corners, cut-outs for outlets, and a variety of edge styles. Waterfall edges are a popular choice for many homeowners today. This is sometimes referred to as an end panel. It’s a piece of porcelain that spans the distance from the top of the bench all the way down to the floor.
We can install this with a seamless join. It makes for a beautiful, refined look that adds impressive visual impact to kitchens of all styles. Of course, depending on your measurements, these types of add-ons often require an additional sheet of porcelain.
Next Steps for Your New Zealand Kitchen Design
It’s hard to imagine doing any of the above without the help and guidance from a team of professionals. At Archant, we’re committed to educating others about the process and walking with them every step of the way.
We’re here to answer your questions and make your project a reality. Come see our porcelain surface in person and talk with our friendly experts in our inspiring New Zealand showrooms.
Related Links
6 Common Mistakes to Avoid Making with a Porcelain Benchtop
Porcelain vs Quartz Benchtops: Which is the Best Surface Your Kitchen? (Comparison)
How to Design a Durable Overhang for Your Porcelain Benchtop and Kitchen Island
An Honest Review of the Best Kitchen Benchtops on the Market
How Much Should I Budget for My Kitchen Renovation in New Zealand? (Pricing Guide)
Top 5 Design Features of Archant Porcelain (Review)
7 Key Differences Between Porcelain and Corian Benchtops (Review and Comparison)
The Ultimate Price Guide to Kitchen Splashbacks (Cost and Comparison)
5 Stunning Ways to Use Large Format Porcelain in Your Design
A Guide to Porcelain Benchtop Costs
