Recent innovations make ceramic tile suitable for cladding a wide range of building types in all climates. New production techniques make it possible to produce pieces of both of these materials in sufficient size and moderate weight to make them competitive with natural stone veneers, some types of metal, and precast concrete. Slabs range in thickness from .35 inches to .59 inches, depending upon the size of the panel. The size of the slabs selected for a building is primarily an aesthetic decision. One of the advantages of these tiles is that the color is consistent throughout the depth of the slab.
Trim pieces are available for use around windows, joints, corners, and transition areas.
Porcelain tiles have a water-absorption that is less than 0.5 percent. This not only makes them durable, it keeps the materials beneath dry. The porcelain slabs also have an extremely hard surface and a dense body. The tiles are also colorfast, fireproof, and resistant to degradation by pollutants and ultraviolet radiation. They are capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and stand up to high winds.