TRIADELPHIA — Maryland resident Ted Higson notes he has “a long history in entrepreneurship.”

Now he has brought his vision locally to Triadelphia, and it’s porcelain covered.

Higson became the owner of the former Herco Cabinetry in Triadelphia in April 2024, a shop that specializes in producing custom wood cabinetry. He has since renamed it the Kiln Casework Cabinet Co.

Higson also is owner of a chain of countertop shops in Maryland called Counter Culture, it was there that he perfected the art of covering cabinetry with thin slabs of porcelain tile. The tile covers not just the fronts of the cabinets, but the edges.

Higson believes his shops to be the only one in America producing a product that wraps the porcelain around the edges, though he does see a Spanish company that does a similar job.

Counter Culture does not produce its own wood cabinetry, and seized the opportunity to purchase the Ohio County business to have access to a high quality wood product for his porcelain application.

Counter Culture has its main location in Cumberland, Maryland, with additional locations in Kensington and Bellsville in Maryland.

“Counter Culture is one of the better-known counter makers in the Washington, DC. area,” he added.

Higson said he began experimenting with porcelain tile a few years back to find additional ways for using it. He discovered the method of placing a thin layer of porcelain over the wood cabinets and finding the result to be very durable.

There are “literally hundreds of types of porcelain tile available,” he continued. Sometimes the tile can resemble natural stones like granite or quartz, or even a metal.

Higson is planning a kitchen display for the shop’s showroom that would feature dark wood lower cabinets with an “onyx galaxy” porcelain tile adhered to the upper cabinets.

The result is an ultra-modern look. The application comes in large enough sheets that it can be used for tub surrounds in bathrooms, placed around and above fireplaces, and even attached as a statement wall.

Higson explained the Wheeling location for his business is ideal as it is only two hours away from Columbus, and less than 90 minutes away from both Pittsburgh and Morgantown. For now, his target market is going to be those three areas.

Higson acknowledges that the ultra-modern style may not be for everyone.

“Usually this style is out of reach for most people, especially in the Ohio Valley where residents may want a more traditional look,” he explained.

“We will continue to offer designs that fit better with the traditional homes in America.”

Herco Cabinetry offers Cambria products, and Higson’s plans include adding additional lines in the future.

Still, he sees those in Maryland and just outside the Ohio Valley ordering the wood cabinets produced in Triadelphia, rather they have porcelain attached or not.

“There’s no reason this type (of product) can’t be shipped globally,” Higson said. “There’s also no reason that in about three years — once we get the business built up — we won’t be able to do that.”