The Synthesis™ system is a modular shower surround system that utilizes beautiful, durable, large-format porcelain panels that are bonded to a moisture-resistant stabilizing backer and are mechanically attached to traditional stud framing without the use of thinset or mortar.
The Synthesis™ system offers a host of features and benefits, but in short, it greatly reduces installation time, can be removed and reused, is easier to maintain because there is no grout to scrub, and is shipped in a convenient kit that includes everything needed to install the product. It can also be removed and reinstalled to address plumbing issues behind the shower walls.
The Synthesis™ porcelain shower surround system is available in 10 polished colors and 3 satin-finish colors. Patterns include beautiful natural stone looks as well as contemporary concrete looks and everything in between. With so many options, you are sure to find one that suits your taste.
All of our beautiful colors and patterns are offered at the same price.
Each panel is 47-1/4″ tall. Stacking two panels on each wall results in a 94-1/2”tall panel assembly. This panel height will result in a maximum 96” ceiling height when using a 1-1/2″ high pan and a maximum 98-1/2″ ceiling height when using a 4″ high pan. Panels are easily cut with an angle grinder for lower ceiling heights.
The panels are 1-1/4” thick overall. The thickness is reduced to 3/4” at the open panel edges on the front of the shower for ease in locating shower trim.
We can offer cut-to-size service as an option on volume orders. For individual orders or smaller quantities, the Synthesis™ porcelain panels are easily cut in the field with an angle grinder using a blade designed for cutting porcelain.
We are working diligently toward vertical applications and hope to introduce this option soon.
Yes. This option is available at additional cost by custom quote.
Unfortunately, no. Vein matching and book matching of panels is not an option with the Synthesis™ porcelain shower surround system. However, panels may be moved and/or rotated 180 degrees during the installation process based on the end-users’ preferences.
We are working diligently toward offering ceiling panels soon, but they are not currently available.
The Synthesis™ system is not currently offered with matching niches. Because we have gone to great lengths to make the Synthesis™ system watertight, we strongly recommend the use of seamless, one-piece niches made of metal or plastic so as to introduce as few seams as possible in the shower enclosure.
Our Synthesis™ H-Series standard boxed porcelain shower surround kit is shipped in a 10″H corrugated carton on a 53″W x 65″L custom wood pallet. Shipping weight is approximately 540 lbs.
Our Synthesis™ H-Series and V-Series full panels are shipped in a large wooden crate that is approximately 54″W x 103″L. The shipping weight will vary depending on how many panels are in the crate. Each 47-1/4″ x 94-1/2″ Synthesis™ full panel weighs approximately 131 lbs.
All products are shipped FOB our dock in Solon, Ohio 44139.
We provide a robust 10-year warranty on the Synthesis™ vitrified porcelain composite panel against manufacturing defects under normal use and service.
It depends on the gauge of the steel studs. Lighter gauge steel studs will likely flex too much and may not provide a stable structure for the panels. Heavier gauge studs will provide the structure but may present difficulties with fastening and fasteners. In previous projects, some installers have solved these issues by installing wood blocking within the steel studs. This application has not been tested by PCS, so please proceed with caution until you are sure that the blocking provides the stable structure that Synthesis™ requires.
Most of the required tools are items you probably have in your toolbox, although you may need to purchase blades or bits that are designed for cutting porcelain. You can see the full list of required tools in our installation instructions or our installation video.
The Synthesis™ system does utilize a set of proprietary aluminum jigs for installation. This installation kit is a one-time investment for a reusable tool that you can use many times over. See our price list for current pricing.
All Synthesis™ large-format porcelain panels exhibit a “rippling” effect when viewed in direct light. This is particularly noticeable in our polished finishes and is a characteristic of all porcelain products that is simply more noticeable in large-format panels. This is not a basis for replacement of the product.
Synthesis™ has not yet been tested for performance and stability in steam showers. While we are planning to conduct testing in the near future, we cannot recommend Synthesis™ for use in steam shower applications until that testing has been completed.