Everything You Need to Know About Porcelain Tile
You might have read our other blog posts comparing porcelain tile to ceramic or natural stone. But you might not have all of the facts about today’s porcelain tile. Well, now you are going to have a full blog post dedicated just to porcelain tile to help answer all of your questions before you make a decision on new flooring. There really are many fantastic recent innovations and benefits to choosing porcelain tile. Here are just a few.
First, you need to know some background information. Porcelain is made from clay that is baked at very high temperatures and is usually glazed. The glaze keeps the clay from soaking up liquids and moisture. Because the glaze is baked on during the manufacturing process, it does not get absorbed into the tile and serves as a strong coating against spills. Porcelain can be much denser than ceramic. Some are even frost resistant and can be used for outdoor spaces.
Porcelain tile typically lasts longer than economy ceramics and is widely used in commercial applications because it can stand up to more foot traffic, wear and tear and it is one of the most stable, permanent flooring finishes available. The hardness of the tile allows it to be cut with very defined, rectified edges. Rectified edges means the tiles are engineered with precision; the corners and sides can be grouted very closely together. Thinner grout joints equates to easier maintenance and an overall neat and tidy visual appearance.
Some porcelain tile products can be a little bit more expensive than other tile flooring options. As previously mentioned, porcelain tile can be used indoors, or in some cases outdoors. It can add a dash of style to your kitchen, patio, bathroom or laundry room and you’ll really appreciate the long-term durability of porcelain in high traffic areas. It can hold its own again scratches or stains. Porcelain tile is a worthwhile investment since it will last you for years and will not have to be replaced.
There are many different shapes and sizes of porcelain tile available. A trend that has gained steam and shows little signs of slowing down is plank tiles that mimic the texture and natural grain of natural hardwood, or the unevenness of stone. This is achieved through recent innovations in tile production. It requires the use of high-definition imagery and authentic texturing. This is also how some flooring professionals get stumped when they are asked to distinguish the difference between a natural travertine and its porcelain “double.” Today, the color and texture spectrum of porcelain products is truly incredible. It is more authentic and affordable than ever!
It is always good to have a game plan before purchasing tile. Before you visit a showroom, make sure you have a clear idea of the color and style of porcelain tile you are looking for and the sizes of the areas that are to be tiled. Gather up any pictures or decorating inspiration you have and look for trends to see if you are gravitating to a certain color or design. Once you have fine-tuned the style you are looking for, head over to your local home flooring showroom and talk with a design consultant.
Porcelain tile is suitable for floors, walls, in bathrooms and on backsplashes, around fireplaces- almost anywhere! Consider porcelain tile an investment in the longevity and value of your home. For more information about porcelain tile, or to schedule a no obligation consultation, call us 317-879-8474 or visit our www.tishflooring.com today!
