If you’re looking for tile, you’ll probably come across porcelain, one of the most sought-after materials, for its beauty, performance, and versatility. Porcelain is durable enough for commercial applications; offers enough water resistance for outdoor usage; and can be hung vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to create extraordinary designs. Porcelain is ideal for flooring, countertops, fireplaces, islands, statement walls, outdoor kitchens, shower walls, and more. With so much versatility, porcelain must have a lot going for it. In the article, we’ll explore the many benefits of using porcelain for your next design project as we explore the pros and cons of this popular surface material.
What is porcelain tile?
What is porcelain tile?
Porcelain is a type of ceramic that combines clay, feldspar, and other minerals, such as quartz, into a mixture that’s pressed, dried and fired at high temperatures. Porcelain manufacturers use more refined materials and higher temperatures than ceramic manufacturers, resulting in a harder, more compact, and less pㅂorous surface.
To make porcelain tiles, manufacturers mix the raw materials (clay, feldspar, etc.) and press them under high pressures, around 6,400 psi. Once the mixture has been pressed, the colors and designs are incorporated using high-resolution technologies. When the design is complete, it’s placed in an extremely hot kiln and exposed to temperatures above 1,200°C or 2,192° F. After the kiln, manufacturers polish or glaze the tiles to create a variety of finishes.
Porcelain tile comes in numerous colors with intricate designs, many replicating the look of wood or natural stone. It comes in various sizes and formats, including large-format tiles for a consistent surface design with minimal grout lines or seams.
The pros of porcelain tiles
The pros of porcelain tiles
The porcelain manufacturing process results in a compact, durable, hard surface with a very low moisture absorption rate, good UV resistance, and extremely high heat resistance. Most porcelain can be used indoors or outdoors and applied in various patterns to create compelling design elements. Its design versatility is equally matched by its many performance benefits, including its durability, longevity, easy maintenance, scratch resistance, heat resistance, water resistance, and more.
As with any material, quality can vary. The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) has a porcelain rating scale ranging from 0 to 5, with 5 being the highest. A rating of 4 or 5 is best suited for flooring in high-traffic areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and commercial spaces. If you’re considering tile, check out the PEI rating and other manufacturers’ specifications to ensure you get the highest quality tile for your project.
Porcelain tile designs are offered in a wide range of options
Porcelain tile desings are offered in a wide range of options
As we mentioned, porcelain tiles are extremely versatile. They can enhance floors, walls, countertops, and indoor and outdoor spaces with their stunning designs and various colors. Colors range from bright white bases with different colored veining that replicates high-end natural stone, including Calacatta, Carerra, and Statuariomarble, to deep, bold charcoals and black backgrounds with lighter colored veining.
STATUARIO-BIANCO from TERACANTO, LX Hausys
If you love the look of marble or natural stone and want a tile with veining, consider porcelain tiles that offer through-vein technology. While the color is consistent throughout porcelain tiles, the veining may not be. Often the veining or detail work is on the surface, but some manufacturers use through-vein technologies to ensure the veining is present throughout the depth of the tile, giving the tile a more natural look.
Porcelain tile is durable
Porcelain tiles are known for their exceptional durability and strength. The high-temperature manufacturing process makes them much harder, denser, and more water resistant than other types of ceramic tiles. This dense, compact composition gives them excellent resistance to wear, moisture, stains, scratches, chipping, and more. Porcelain tiles ideally suit high-traffic, high-touch areas, including commercial spaces. Porcelain is also UV resistant, so it won’t fade in bright, sunny areas. Porcelain tiles will last a lifetime with the proper care, offering a great return on investment.
Porcelain tile is water resistant
Porcelain tile has a 0.5% water absorption rate, making it highly resistant to moisture penetration. While not entirely waterproof, it offers enough moisture resistance in outdoor environments, including rainy and humid climates. Porcelain tiles can withstand the harshest conditions, including frost, without breaking, fading, or cracking, so it’s a good choice for high-moisture environments, including bathrooms.
Porcelain tile is easy to maintain
If you’re looking for a tile that’s easy to clean and maintain, then porcelain is a great option. Its smooth, hard surface resists stains and dirt and allows you to easily wipe away spills or stains with a damp cloth or mop. Porcelain floor tiles will stay in good shape with routine sweeping and mopping. Gentle tile cleaners or homemade solutions with vinegar are great for spot cleaning. For shower walls, wiping excess moisture with a squeegee will keep your shower looking new.
Unlike natural stone, porcelain tiles don’t require sealing; however, you may need spot-clean grout lines with a soft brush and gentle cleanser. Large-format porcelain tiles reduce the number of seams and grout lines, making maintenance and upkeep even easier.
Kitchen Design Inspiration with LX Hausys’ Porcelain Tile TERACANTO
The cons of porcelain tiles
We’ve covered many of the design and performance benefits of porcelain tile, but what about its drawbacks? Cost, installation, and comfort underfoot are a few of the disadvantages. Let’s look at the relatively few cons of porcelain tile.
Porcelain tile installation
If you’re looking for a do-it-yourself installation, there may be better options than porcelain tile. While other ceramic tiles can be cut with standard tile tools, porcelain requires professional tools, such as wet diamond saws, to achieve a clean cut. Porcelain tiles are also heavy, which makes them difficult to carry. You want to avoid adding to your project costs by dropping tiles or chipping and cracking them during handling and installation.
Porcelain tile installation is best left to the professionals, which can add to project costs. Professional installation averages around $9 to $50 per square foot. As the popularity of porcelain tile continues to rise, more installers are investing in the necessary tools and education, making it a more competitive field. Be sure to ask your tile supplier who they recommend to find an experienced, high-quality installer.
Porcelain tile cost
Ceramic tile is usually 60-70 percent less expensive than porcelain tile; however, porcelain offers more in the way of performance. Porcelain is a premium material with an exacting manufacturing process that adds to its cost. The average price of porcelain tile depends on its quality but generally ranges from $2 to $30 per square foot. Still, the cost of materials and installation will pay for themselves in the long run with lower maintenance and a lifetime of usage.
Porcelain tile cost
Porcelain tiles comfort
Compared to other flooring materials like hardwood, natural stone, or vinyl tile, porcelain tile can be less comfortable for walking and colder than other materials. However, if you live in a cold climate and desire under-floor heating, porcelain tile is an ideal option as it can effectively conduct and distribute heat, providing a comfortable and cozy floor.
Contact us
A lot of the disadvantages of porcelain tile can be offset by finding the highest quality porcelain tiles available. LX Hausys‘ new TERACANTOpremium porcelain has high PEI ratings, outstanding durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance.
If you’re considering porcelain tiles, let’s talk. LX Hausys experts will help you find the ideal surfacing solution for your design project. Commercial designers can use our contact formto get a prompt response, and homeowners can do the same by completing a brief contact form and having one of our representatives respond by email.
