Designed to Last
People are increasingly opting for porcelain slabs on exteriors. Floorence Tile & Slab CEO Ali Khalilzadeh tells us why and gives us the scoop on how to use them for your home’s facade.
When it comes to exterior claddings for your home, there is no shortage of options, from brick to metal, timber to vinyl. But one option may just take the cake: porcelain slabs. While you may think of porcelain slabs as better suited for bathroom flooring, kitchen backsplashes or other interiors, they’re actually a great choice for home facades as well, thanks to their durability and lightweight nature. But not all porcelain slabs are created equal. Floorence Tile & Slab CEO Ali Khalilzadeh is here to answer our questions on how to use porcelain slabs as cladding and to point us in the right direction.
Living Luxe Magazine (LL): Let’s start with the basics. How can people use porcelain slabs on their homes’ facades as cladding?
Ali Khalilzadeh (AK): Porcelain slabs can be applied to exterior facades either by using a secure anchor system or simply gluing them to Ditra over cement boards. This method ensures a fast, safe and lasting installation for residential, commercial and even high-rise projects. At Floorence Tile, our special cladding porcelain slabs are UV- and freeze-resistant, making them perfect for any climate. They require no maintenance and provide a seamless, elegant finish that transforms any exterior into a modern
architectural statement.
LL: Why are people turning to porcelain cladding?
AK: Porcelain slabs are not only becoming popular for interiors—including walls, floors, bathrooms, foyers, countertops and fireplaces—but now they’re increasingly chosen for exterior cladding as well. People love their strength, lightweight nature (about one-sixth the weight of other materials) and resistance to fading or cracking, even in harsh weather. Designers and architects also value the zero-carbon manufacturing process, which supports sustainable practices. Floorence Tile’s porcelain cladding slabs bring all these benefits together, offering a durable and visually stunning exterior solution.
LL: What should people look for when selecting porcelain slabs for the exterior?
AK: Not every porcelain slab is suitable for facades; only those specifically engineered for cladding applications. Homeowners should look for slabs that are UV- and freeze-resistant, with the right thickness, finish and weight for outdoor use. The installation system is also key to ensuring safety and performance. At Floorence, we carry special cladding porcelain slabs that are designed for this purpose, providing long-term durability, strength, and a flawless appearance across all exterior styles.
LL: What design and aesthetic considerations do you help clients with when it comes to porcelain cladding?
AK: At Floorence Tile, we guide clients in choosing the right balance between performance and style. Our porcelain cladding collections—sourced from the best Italian and Spanish brands—offer endless design options that mimic natural stone, travertine, concrete and modern textured finishes. We help clients select tones, patterns and slab sizes that complement the architecture and surroundings, creating exteriors that are both timeless and distinctive, perfectly aligned with each project’s design vision.
LL: That sounds great! Are there any downsides that people should be aware of?
AK: There are virtually no downsides to porcelain cladding. The key is professional installation that uses the correct system to ensure safety and longevity. Once installed, Floorence Tile’s cladding slabs perform flawlessly for decades. They’re lightweight, durable and completely maintenance-free. Porcelain cladding remains one of the most reliable, beautiful and future-proof materials available for any exterior design.