Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are one of the most durable types of tiles. They’re also one of the most common types of tiles and come in various styles. There is a porcelain tile suitable for almost any use, whether that’s on the floor or wall or even outside. They usually come with a PEI rating to help determine how durable they are. They also come in a huge range of sizes from porcelain mosaics to subway tiles to 24”x 48” tiles. You can check out our selection of porcelain mosaic tiles here.

 It is important to know the durability of a porcelain tile to understand how much foot traffic it can withstand. Certain porcelain tiles, while suitable for floor use, may wear differently if used in a commercial setting versus a residential setting. Manufacturers of tile use PEI rating to determine whether porcelain tiles are best for floor, wall, residential, or commercial use. This is one distinguishing factor between ceramic and porcelain tiles. Typically, ceramic tiles do not have a PEI rating or maybe suggested for wall use only. However, if a PEI rating is listed for porcelain tiles, you can typically use it for heavy traffic if the PEI rating is a 4 or 5. You can read more about PEI rating in our blog post here.

 Porcelain tiles can also come in a few finishes that might also determine where they should be used and can influence the design choices. Some of the common finishes that you might see for porcelain tiles are matte, glossy, and polished. 

 Porcelain tiles also have various edges. A couple of the most common edge types are pressed and rectified. Most porcelain tiles are pressed which causes the edges to have some imperfections. This is very common with tiles and just means that some extra space might need to be made in between tiles so that the variation isn’t as noticeable. A rectified edge means that the edge of the tile is cut to be straight and allows for the tiles to be installed closer together. This is especially helpful if you are aiming for a seamless look. Rectified tiles can be installed closer together so that the grout lines aren’t as noticeable. 

 One more aspect to consider when choosing a porcelain tile is whether it is the color body or not. If “color body” is noted on a tile description, it means that the color is throughout the entire tile. So this can be helpful to consider for tiles that may be prone to chipping or cracking in very high-traffic areas. 

 Porcelain tiles also come in a wide range of colors, patterns, styles, and sizes. We offer several different styles that look like marble, wood, stone, en-caustic, and cement. We also have sizes ranging from 4”x12” tiles to large format 24”x48” tiles. There is a porcelain tile for every design! 

 One of our favorite marble-look porcelain tile series is Penthouse. This stunning, luxurious porcelain tile series has a large range of sizes in four colors and two finishes. The 4”x12” tiles are great for a sophisticated brick look. Some customers have used these smaller formats for shower walls. The larger options like the 12”x24” tiles are great for larger spaces, whether it’s bathroom walls or kitchen floors. Both options come with a matching porcelain mosaic tile which can be used as a kitchen backsplash or shower floor. These wall and floor combinations make designing a unified space easy to do. The four colors make it easy to mix and match too.

Wood-look porcelain plank tiles are a great choice for areas that need to be durable and spill-proof. These wood-look planks are ideal for designs that want the rustic, warm look of wood but need some extra protection from spills, stains, etc that might ruin traditional wood flooring. We carry a few different lines of wood-look planks. They come in various sizes and colors. One of our best sellers is the Gramercy 6”x24” porcelain plank tile. We also have longer wood look porcelain plank tiles like our Nashville 6”x33” or even our Olympia 7”x45” tile. These porcelain wood look tiles can be used on floors in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. They can also be used on a statement wall in the living room or even as a kitchen backsplash. 

 Porcelain floor tiles that look like concrete are great for mid-century modern and contemporary designs. Because a lot of them are Grey or black, they’re also a great neutral that can really stand the test of time. One of the concrete look tiles that we offer is the Slate 32”x32” porcelain tile. The convenient large-format size will make it easy to cover large areas like kitchens, basements, or living rooms. We offer the Bowery collection as well which has a matching 12”x24” field tile and porcelain mosaic. If you’re looking for a warmer-toned option, consider the Driftwood series for a warm rustic look.

 Another popular choice for porcelain tiles is en-caustic look tiles. These often have intricate or bold designs on them. They are a popular choice in modern farmhouse designs. Consider using Venice 10”x10” porcelain tiles for a fun, bold statement in your bathroom or kitchen design. Or you can consider a smaller tile like our Ellis Taco 6”x6” tiles which are sure to add a pop of pattern and color to your backsplash or shower walls.

 A classic choice of porcelain tile is a stone-look tile. These mimic the veining inherent in the natural stone floors but are much easier to install. They come in an array of veining intensity, colors, and even textures. We offer a very elegant line, Montague, that has very light details and sophisticated subtleties. On the flip side, we have a more natural look with our Houston line which actually has a matching ceramic wall tile. We think either of these is a timeless choice when it comes to porcelain tiles.

 There really are so many types of porcelain floor tiles. We’ve barely scratched the surface of the different features, types, sizes, and designs in which porcelain tiles are available. We hope that you can look through our extensive selection of porcelain floor tiles and find what you are looking for. We offer a wide selection of marble look, stone look, en-caustic, wood look, and porcelain mosaics to choose from. We can’t wait to see how you use your porcelain floor tiles!

How are Porcelain Tiles Formed?

 Porcelain tiles are formed using very specific clay, with finely ground sand and feldspar added to the mixture. The Porcelain tiles are fired at a higher temperature which helps to make porcelain tiles super hard-wearing.

What are the Best Porcelain Floor Tiles for Bathroom?

 However, in the modern tile industry, porcelain tiles occupy their own category, assigned there because they meet certain specifications.

• Best for Appearance: Porcelain tile has the edge when it comes to appearance, for the reason that it is available in more patterns, colors, and surface finishes, including tiles that resemble wood grains and natural stone.
• Best for Care and Cleaning: Porcelain floor tiles for bathroom are very easy to clean up by damp-mopping with a mild water-soap solution. The cementation grout filling the joints between tiles requires to be periodically sealed to guard against stains and mold.
• Best for Maintenance: Porcelain clay is denser and thus less porous. This makes porcelain tiles harder and more impervious to moisture. Due to its through-body composition, it is recognized as more suited for heavy usage. Chip a porcelain tile, and the color extends all the way through, as a result, the loss is nearly invisible. Porcelain is an easy material to maintain, needing only period sealing of the grout lines.
• Best for a wider range of variety: Glass is very flexible and it can adopt diverse forms and colors. This is one of its most attractive features and one of the reasons why many architects and designers choose it most of the time. With a glass mosaic, they can create splendid patterns, adapt them to any style, and reinforce the personality of the environment.
• Best for Durability: Porcelain tiles are harder material and wear better than ceramic tile, but their hardness can also make them more susceptible to cracking under structural shifting in a building.

Porcelain Tiles Ideas and Design

 Refine offers a large selection of wood, stone, metal, and other look porcelain floor tiles for bathroom, or options offering different graphic effects and textures. The range of colors is offered on surfaces with different gloss, soft, Matt, and textured finishes and comprises a vast array of shades, from neutral hues to brighter, stronger characters. Additionally, each set is offered in multiple sizes, from the smallest, most traditional, to the large slabs, and enriched with mosaics and decorative themes to assure the greatest possible variety of ways by which to customize the restroom.

Refine porcelain floor tiles for bathroom collections are made from porcelain stoneware (with a special colored, compact, and hard yet non-porous material) known for their high quality. They stand out for their very low water retention and very high resistance to abrasions. They, therefore, make the ideal choice for tiling.

All Refine tiles come in a wide range of colors and sizes and result from inborn passion, constant commitment, and continuous research for new solutions (in full compliance with Italian manufacturing traditions). The perfect harmony between innovation and creativity, Refine ceramics are designed and produced in compliance with the strictest international standards. 

Are Porcelain Tiles best for the Bathroom Floor?

 Ultimately, Porcelain floor tiles for bathroom are the superior choice for bathroom floors. The material is much better implemented for rooms that use plumbing. It’s also easier to maintain.

In addition, porcelain floor tiles for bathroom are an excellent flooring covering option for kitchens, laundry rooms, patios, and other moisture-prone areas. Porcelain tiles are also ideal for tubs, showers, countertops, and backsplashes.

 Porcelain Floor Tile: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Many design options
• Durability
• Water- and stain-resistance
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• High cost
• Heavy, brittle, and can be slippery
• Difficult installation
• Grout requires sealing

 Is Porcelain Mosaic Tile good for the Shower Floor?

 Many positive features of porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor should be considered when looking for the right mosaic floor. You can use the glass porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor and truly start appreciating all the advantages this material has to offer.

You can use glass mosaic tiles on your shower floor knowing that it is waterproof and that it will not get stains, no matter how much time you spend in the porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor.

Glass porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor has something different that does not have other materials. It reflects the lights and can add depth to your porcelain floor tiles for bathroom. It goes well both with dark colors like black or blue but white will also add a great luminosity and dimension to space.

Cleaning is also an important factor when designing porcelain floor tiles for bathrooms. You can use glass porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor and know that it will be easy to clean and that it will always look fresh and new.

 How to Choose Porcelain Tiles?

 Choosing porcelain tiles for your project is part art and part science. Nowadays, porcelain tiles are available in a broad range of styles, sizes, finishes, colors, and patterns but that’s not all. For example, if you are choosing porcelain floor tiles for bathroom, you’ll want to explore the scientific side and look at the coefficient of friction while if you are installing in a high-traffic location. Below you’ll find more information on choosing the right porcelain tiles for your project.

• Surface Abrasion: The porcelain tiles collection has its own rating for well the glaze will stand up to traffic and wear without damage to its appearance.
• Coefficient Of Friction: The coefficient of friction sets the effort required to move an object across the face of the tile. In an endeavor to minimize slip and fall injuries.
• Shade Variation: Porcelain floor tiles for bathroom tiles feature a variety of colors, tones, and textures that make them unique.
• Selection: Color and Texture play a vital role in expressing the personality of space. Shape and size are especially important when it comes to the installation process. Square and rectangular tiles are easier to install than irregularly shaped tiles. Larger tiles are simpler to place than dozens of small tiles. Porcelain floor tiles for bathrooms require even more accuracy with placement and grout joints.

Budget is also a key consideration, but today’s technology is allowing manufacturers to create high-quality porcelain tiles at very affordable price points. The breadth and quality of MSI’s porcelain product lines permit us to meet the style and performance requirements of any project, commercial or residential. In addition, our international resources and buying power enable us to offer products that fit nearly any project’s budgetary constraints.

 Important Characteristics of Porcelain Tiles

 A popular choice for many homeowners, porcelain flooring tile offers a reliable and durable surface for almost every location inside the home. Here are a few of the main characteristics that make these tiles a practical yet stylish flooring option:

• Porcelain tiles have a higher density, making them a stronger material. Its strength means that porcelain tiles are more durable in high-traffic spaces. Porcelain tiles are heavier and harder to work with. While porcelain tiles are stronger, you may pay more for shipping and installation. Repair work that’s needed overtime may also cost more, though porcelain tends to show less wear even when cracked since it’s colored all the way through.
• Porcelain floor tiles for bathroom are non-porous. This makes porcelain tiles ideal for spaces where your floors may be exposed to water like in porcelain floor tiles for bathroom.
• More durable: Porcelain tiles usually have a Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating of five, which means the tiles are good for use in high-traffic areas of your home. This makes porcelain tiles great for flooring.
• Because color is fired into a tile’s clay body or onto a tile’s glazed surface, fading does not befall. Porcelain tiles do not fade even if exposed to direct sunlight and its color-leaching UV rays. They remain permanently colorfast.
• Porcelain tiles do not easily retain antigens or allergens, nor do they absorb fumes, odors, or smoke. This feature allows for good hygiene and makes these Porcelain floor tiles for bathroom suitable flooring material for any environment where hygiene is essential.

 Porcelain Tiles Installation

 The process of installing Porcelain floor tiles for bathrooms can be time-consuming and physically laborious. The material of porcelain tiles is very hard, making it difficult to achieve precise cuts without special saws. Hiring a constructor to do the work can save you on expensive material waste, but it will raise the price of the project substantially.

As with all hard tile flooring choices, these substances tend to be quite heavy. This may reduce the use of these products in second and upper story environments unless the construction is specially built to be able to handle the extra stress.

 Conclusion

 Porcelain tiles seem like the no-brainer option if you want the performance advantages of porcelain tile in a product that convincingly mimics wood, stone, and other flooring materials. It is durable and has an elegant floor that can last for many decades.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 Q 1: Can you porcelain tiles on a shower floor?

Ans 1: Absolutely! Tile is easy to clean and long-lasting, so it is an ideal material to use for the porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor.

Q 2: Porcelain tiles slippery when it’s wet?
Ans 2:  Porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor with lots of space for grout or slightly textured tiles that offer slip resistance.

Q 3: What color of grout is best for porcelain mosaic tile for shower floor?
Ans 3: You can use several colors of grout on your shower floor. The Tile Shop has many various grout color selections so you can match your grout to your tile, which is the most common, or you can contrast the tile and grout.