Porcelain Tiles In A Nutshell

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An alternative to ceramic or even stone, porcelain tiles are a choice that homeowners should consider. Available in all shapes and sizes and with serious durability they might be the material you need for your next project. So here’s what you’ll want to know about them.

The Basics

Porcelain tiles are made from refined clay. This clay is pressed into shape and then fired at high temperatures in a kiln which makes the tiles both very resistant to water absorption and hard. They are also resistant to mildew and stains.

Different from ceramics whose color needs to be applied in a glaze, porcelain as a material accepts dye very well. The dye is mixed in with the clay which absorbs the color throughout the entire body of the tile, which is why they are sometimes called full-body tiles, allowing for a huge variety of color and even textured options

Porcelain Tile Benefits

There are many reasons to pick porcelain tiles over other choices. They offer homeowners a material that is very tough and durable yet easy to clean and maintain. Tiles made from porcelain are also extremely resistant to stains, mildew, and of course water.

And since their color runs throughout the tile if they were to be nicked or scratched it would be very difficult to detect in contrast to ceramic which would need a touch-up as this would expose the white color of the tile body under the glaze be apparent.

A huge benefit of this material is that due to its excellent ability to take color so well, it can be pressed or printed so that it mimics the colors, patterns, and texture of natural stone. While porcelain is more expensive than ceramic, it is cheaper than natural stone and often tougher.

This makes it ideal for someone who loves the look of stone but wants something more durable, less expensive easier to take care of, and more uniform in color. Added textures make tiles even more realistic in appearance and can also add grip. Porcelain wood tile is another option that is made to look like hardwood flooring.

Best Uses

Their toughness makes porcelain a smart choice for floor tiles in heavy traffic areas, and even outdoors. Countertops are another application they work very well for especially because of their stain and water resistance and along with the fact that scratches are hard to see.

For these reasons, they are usually the preferred choice over ceramic on the counter. But of course, they make great wall and backsplash tiles and are one of the top choices for bathrooms and other wet areas where you want something that provides the looks and non-slip grip you need.

While you might spend a little more on porcelain, it is easily made up for in the toughness and benefits of these tiles. As a natural stone alternative, they are second to none and can actually save you cash if that’s what you’re on the market for!