Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile made from a lump of refined clay that is fired at a higher temperature than regular ceramic tiles. This process makes porcelain tiles denser, more durable, and less porous, which means they are more resistant to moisture and stains. Here are some key characteristics of porcelain tiles:
Durability: They are very hard and resistant to wear and tear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Water Resistance: Their low porosity makes them highly water-resistant, and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor use.
Variety of Designs: Porcelain tiles come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, including designs that mimic natural stone, wood, or concrete.
Ease of Maintenance: They are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
Versatility: Suitable for both floors and walls and can be used in residential and commercial settings.
Cost: While often more expensive than regular ceramic tiles, their longevity, and low maintenance can make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for both their aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.
Where Can We Use Porcelain Tiles?
Porcelain tiles are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings due to their durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some common applications:
Kitchens: Resistant to spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic. Also, used for backsplashes to protect walls from cooking splatters and stains.
Bathrooms: Ideal for wet environments due to their water resistance.
Living Areas: Durable and available in a variety of designs to complement different decor styles.
Entryways and Hallways: Withstand high traffic and are easy to clean.
Walls and Floors
Bathrooms: Perfect for shower walls and backsplashes, providing a sleek and moisture-resistant surface.
Feature Walls: These can be used to create striking feature walls in living rooms or bedrooms.
Retail Spaces: Withstand heavy foot traffic and maintain their appearance over time.
Office Buildings: Provide a professional look and are easy to maintain.
Restaurants and Cafes: Resist stains and spills, making them practical for high-use areas.
Hotels: Commonly used in lobbies, bathrooms, and dining areas for their durability and aesthetic versatility. Hotel shower floors are one of the most widely
Outdoor Use
Patios and Decks: Porcelain tiles are frost-resistant and can handle outdoor conditions.
Walkways: Durable enough to handle foot traffic and weather exposure.
Pool Surrounds: Non-slip varieties are available, making them safe for wet areas around pools.
Special Applications
Fireplaces: Heat-resistant properties make them suitable for use around fireplaces.
Countertops: Used in kitchens and bathrooms for a sleek, durable surface.
Overall, porcelain tiles are suitable for almost any area where durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance are important.
Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain floor tiles are part of the same family of porcelain floor and wall tiles. The main difference is that sizes are usually larger. The most typical size of porcelain floor tile is 12x24 tiles. However, in recent years, the trend has been towards larger sizes like 24x24 and 24x48.
This in part is due to the manufacturing efficiency of large producers such as Mohawk Tile, Iris Ceramic, and Florim Group. In essence, they can press and produce bigger sizes faster with less waste.
What are the advantages of large-size porcelain floor tiles?
One big advantage is fewer grout joints and seams. In addition, larger porcelain tiles make rooms look bigger.
What is the main disadvantage of large-size porcelain floor tiles?
Porcelain tiles can break or chip if not installed properly. The subfloor needs to be perfectly leveled and stable. In addition, the installer must be skilled so that he can lay the tiles which can be heavy. In addition, if corners are not properly buttered up, breakage can occur in corners.
Porcelain Bathroom Floor Tile
This selection is unique to regions. In the Northeastern United States, most bathrooms are small, therefore, we recommend an optimal size of 12x24 tiles. You can install your tiles, horizontal or vertical to your bathroom floor entrance.
In Florida and the South, bathrooms tend to be bigger. Therefore, you can use larger sizes like 24x48 and 24xx24. You can also use the same tile to tile your bathroom walls.
Porcelain Kitchen Floor Tile
Porcelain is one of the most optimal surface covering materials for your kitchen floors. A good quality porcelain kitchen floor tile should have less than a 1% absorption rate and should be rated for floors.
Stain prevention and ease of cleanness are the main advantages of porcelain floor tile for kitchens. Lately, porcelain tiles have been available for kitchen countertops and you can have matching floor tiles. This will make a seamless design in your kitchen.
Porcelain Outdoor Tiles
Which kind of porcelain tiles can be used outdoors?
For outdoor use, it's important to select porcelain tiles that are specifically designed to withstand the elements. The key factors to consider for outdoor porcelain tiles are their durability, slip resistance, and ability to handle temperature changes. Here are some types of porcelain suitable for outdoor tile use and the reasons why they are ideal:
Types of Porcelain Tiles for Outdoor Use
Full-Body Porcelain Tiles:
Durability: Made from a single layer of high-density clay, these tiles are very strong and resistant to wear and chipping.
Uniform Color: The color runs through the entire thickness of the tile, so any chips or scratches are less noticeable.
Textured or Slip-Resistant Porcelain Tiles:
Safety: These tiles have a textured surface that provides better grip, reducing the risk of slipping, especially when wet.
Variety of Textures: Available in various textures to mimic natural stone or wood, combining aesthetic appeal with practical benefits.
Frost-Resistant Porcelain Tiles:
Temperature Resistance: Designed to withstand freezing and thawing cycles without cracking or deteriorating.
Low Water Absorption: Their very low water absorption rate (usually less than 0.5%) prevents water from penetrating and causing damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
Thick Porcelain Pavers:
Robustness: These are thicker than standard indoor tiles (typically 20mm thick), providing additional strength and stability.
Versatility: These can be laid on grass, sand, or gravel without the need for adhesives, making them ideal for patios, pathways, and pool surrounds.
Why These Types Are Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Durability and Strength: Outdoor environments can be harsh, with constant exposure to the elements. Full-body and thick porcelain tiles offer superior strength and durability, making them able to withstand heavy foot traffic and impacts.
Slip Resistance: Outdoor surfaces can become slippery when wet. Textured or slip-resistant porcelain tiles provide a safer surface, reducing the risk of accidents.
Temperature and Weather Resistance: Outdoor tiles must endure various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Frost-resistant porcelain tiles are specifically designed to handle these conditions without damage.
Low Maintenance: Porcelain tiles are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for outdoor spaces where upkeep can be challenging.
By choosing the appropriate type of porcelain tile for outdoor use, you can ensure a long-lasting, safe, and aesthetically pleasing surface for your outdoor areas.
Porcelain Tile For Outdoor Patio
Outdoor patios and cook-out sections are very popular, especially in the south and west. Above mentioned reasons are the main advantages of porcelain tile for outdoor patio areas. They don't stain and they are easy to clean.
We recommend thicker tiles like 3/4" thick tiles. You can set them on sand ( as long as no vehicle traffic on them ) or you can install them on a mud cement bed.
Please note that one main disadvantage of porcelain tiles is that they get hot and retain heat for a longer time compared to natural stone.
Outdoor Porcelain Tile Deck
There are deck tiles that can be installed on self-supporting pedestals. These must be installed on their own structure. These are usually installed on roof decks.
Porcelain Tiles Popular Options
Wood Look Porcelain Tile
Wood look porcelain tiles mimic the appearance of natural wood while offering the durability and low maintenance of porcelain. They come in various shades and textures, replicating different types of wood, such as oak, maple, or walnut. These tiles are ideal for creating a warm, rustic look without the concerns of water damage or wear that comes with natural wood.
Marble Look Porcelain Tile
Marble-look porcelain tiles provide the elegant and luxurious appearance of marble at a more affordable price. They come in various colors and veining patterns, resembling natural marble slabs. These tiles are perfect for adding a sophisticated touch to bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas without the high maintenance required by real marble.
Stone Look Porcelain Tile
Stone-look porcelain tiles replicate the natural beauty of stone, such as slate, travertine, or limestone. They offer the same rugged, organic appeal as natural stone but with enhanced durability and easier maintenance. These tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, creating a timeless and natural aesthetic.
White Porcelain Tile
White porcelain tiles are a versatile and classic choice, offering a clean and modern look. They come in various finishes, from glossy to matte, and can be used to create a bright and spacious feel in any room. White tiles are perfect for minimalist designs, making spaces appear larger and more open.
Gray Porcelain Tile
Gray porcelain tiles are a popular choice for contemporary and industrial-style interiors. They come in a range of shades, from light to dark gray, and can have smooth, textured, or patterned finishes. Gray tiles provide a neutral backdrop that complements various color schemes and design styles, making them a versatile option for floors and walls.
Black Porcelain Tile
Black porcelain tiles offer a bold and dramatic look, ideal for creating a striking statement in any space. They come in matte, glossy, and textured finishes, allowing for different design effects. Black tiles can be used to create a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, adding depth and contrast to interiors. Please note that it black porcelain tile will show dirt more.
Porcelain Tiles & Most Popular Sizes
24 x 48 Porcelain Tile
24 x 48-inch porcelain tiles are large-format tiles that create a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines, offering a more seamless appearance. These tiles are ideal for expansive spaces like living rooms, open-plan areas, and commercial environments, providing a clean and contemporary aesthetic.
12 x 12 Porcelain Tile
12 x 12-inch porcelain tiles are a classic and versatile option, suitable for both floors and walls. They are easy to handle and install, making them a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and smaller rooms. Their size allows for creative patterns and layouts, such as checkerboard or diagonal installations.
24 x 24 Porcelain Tile
24 x 24-inch porcelain tiles offer a balance between large format and manageability, providing a modern look while still being relatively easy to install. These tiles are suitable for both residential and commercial spaces, offering a spacious feel with fewer grout lines compared to smaller tiles.
48 x 48 Porcelain Tile
48 x 48-inch porcelain tiles are among the largest available, creating a dramatic and expansive look. These tiles are ideal for very large spaces and can make a bold design statement. Their size minimizes grout lines, enhancing the seamless appearance and making them perfect for luxurious, high-end interiors.
16 x 16 Porcelain Tile
16 x 16-inch porcelain tiles are a mid-sized option that offers versatility and ease of installation. They are suitable for a variety of settings, from residential to commercial, and can be used for both floors and walls. Their size allows for a range of design possibilities, including intricate patterns and layouts.
Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain, inexpensive and stylish. They can be perfect for residential or commercial applications.
In general, the production of this material begins with a relatively fine powder of clay, feldspar, quartz, and silica. After pressing and drying to remove moisture, the tiles are fired at an incredibly high temperature. This yields a very dense vitreous tile body with water absorption of less than 0.5%. Those of you who may like to take a closer look at the technical details should check out the Tile Council of America Handbook.
Remember, porcelain tile is more than just a material; it's an experience. Visit Country Floors today and discover the magic for yourself. If you'd like to see the porcelain tiles in person, visit our showrooms; New York Tile Store, Los Angeles Tile Store, and San Francisco Tile Store to have excellent customer service by our experienced consultants.
