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Porcelain floor tiles are one of the most durable tiles to furnish your home with. Read through this blog to explore its pros and cons, its versatility and much more.
Porcelain floor tiles are composed of fine porcelain clays and minerals which are produced at a very high temperature and pressure. Different tiles are produced to fit different kinds of applications depending on the slight variations in its production methods. Let’s now dive into our collection of the most popular porcelain floor tiles that are catching the keen eye of prospective homeowners.
Cream Glazed Porcelain Tile
These cream glazed porcelain floor tiles for the dining area and stairs look heavenly and give a very soft vibe to the space. It instantly reminds you of walking on the clouds. It blends well with the existing decor and furniture of the house and its beauty is perfectly illuminated by the natural light.
Blue Porcelain Floor Tile for the Home
The blue porcelain tiles lend a sense of formality and boldness to this small balcony area. The blue blinds and the mustard coloured stools complement the entire space and colour theme. The space looks extra bright. Use fancy designer lights and interesting wall art to enhance the aesthetics of your home if using blue porcelain floor tiles.
Light Brown Porcelain Tile for Bathroom
Matte-finish light brown porcelain floor tiles for the bathroom are a perfect choice since they are non-reflective and non-slippery. They provide an understated and natural appearance to the bathroom. The earthy colour scheme of the bathroom brings warmth and coziness to the area.
Polished Porcelain Tile
Polished porcelain floor tiles look modern, sleek and tidy in this open-plan kitchen and dining room space. A sparkling finish lends a charming shine to the kitchen, makes it look airier and visually bigger as well. The metallic grey bar stools and the brown accent wall tie all the design elements in the space together.
White Porcelain Kitchen Tile
This classic black and white kitchen has a timeless and elegant appearance. The white colour brings softness and the black colour brings boldness to the space and they are a perfect match for each other, just like yin and yang. The large transparent doors and window extend a beautiful view to the outside.
Before picking the perfect floor style for your home, we need to understand the difference between porcelain floor tiles and vitrified floor tiles and also assess the area of application and the associated purpose of the tiles.
Porcelain Floor Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles
- Strength & Durability – Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and suitable for high-traffic areas. Vitrified tiles are less durable since they are not water-resistant and can get stained/discoloured over time. Vitrified tiles are suitable for moderate and low-traffic areas.
- Composition – Porcelain tiles are made from minerals and fine clay. Vitrified tiles are made from a combination of clay, feldspar, quartz and silica and they use a higher pressure moulding and higher temperature in their manufacturing process.
- Costs – Vitrified floor tiles are generally more affordable. However, the cost of both the tiles can vary depending on factors such as design, quality and brand.
- Installation – Porcelain tiles are thicker and denser than vitrified tiles. They require specialised tools and expertise for their installation while vitrified tiles are relatively easier to install.
- Finish – Porcelain tiles are available in patterned, polished, textured and matte finish. Vitrified tiles are generally available mostly in glossy finish and satin finish.
- Maintenance – Both tiles are easy to clean. However, vitrified tiles require more attention in maintenance to keep the glossy finish of the floor tiles intact.
- Manufacturing Process – Porcelain floor tiles are made using a dust press technique while vitrified floor tiles are produced using a hydraulic press.
Wrapping Up
All in all, porcelain floor tiles are indeed a great option for revamping your rooms throughout the house owing to its multifold benefits that will last for decades. Book a free virtual consultation with the team at DesignCafe to learn more about them and get your queries resolved. Good Luck!
FAQS on porcelain tiles
1. What is the average lifespan of porcelain floor tiles? How do you calculate its costs?
The porcelain tiles last for about 75 years if they are really well-maintained. The average cost will vary depending upon the procurement cost of the tile, the cost associated with the prep work for the installation of the tiles and the cost of labour which will be charged by the contractor for completing the job.
2. Can porcelain floor tiles be installed over the existing flooring?
Porcelain floor tiles can be installed over the existing flooring provided that the existing floor tiles are in a relatively good condition – no cracks, no moisture-retention, even placement. To ensure that the job is well done, keep the following steps in mind:
- Assess the existing floor tiles to figure out any defects or irregularities. .
- Find an experienced local contractor for the installation project.
- Prepare the surface for the installation of the new tiles over the existing ones.
- Use a sander to level out any globs of dried grout and secure the loose tiles with a good tile adhesive.
- Lay out your new tiles and cut them to fit around the room walls and fixtures as required.
- Set each tile atop the tile adhesive you’ve scored and firmly press the tiles into place until you have completely covered the space.
- Do not apply the porcelain tile directly to the plywood or cement rather ensure that an anti-fracture membrane has been laid between the tile and the subfloor that will facilitate the absorption of any cracking energy.
- Seal off the work by applying the grout in the grooves between the existing and the new layer of tiles as it protects the entire surface from moisture creeping into the seams and creating water damage.
3. Why are porcelain floor tiles more in demand?
- They are water-resistant, dirt/scratch-resistant and a safe option for pets and children.
- They are stronger/denser versions of ceramic tile and require minimal to zero maintenance.
- They give your home or apartment a trendy, modern and classic look.
- They are UV-resistant and do not change colour even if it is permanently exposed to the sun as the strength of the colours/glazes stabilises the colouring pigments.
- They are stain-resistant as the most common acidic liquids like lemon juice or vinegar can’t leave any traces even after a prolonged contact with the surface. Simply use a soft mop/towel to clean it.
- They are fire-resistant and can withstand all physical stresses in normal floor use and temperature fluctuations.
- They are easily replaceable and repairable if there is some major damage with the floor tile.
4. Are porcelain floor tiles prone to cracking or chipping?
Porcelain floor tiles are not prone to cracking or chipping if they are properly installed with the correct adhesives. However, if there is any sudden movement in the substrate then they might crack.
5. Do porcelain floor tiles come in a variety of colours, grades and patterns?
Porcelain floor tiles are versatile as they are manufactured or customised in a variety of ways:
- Colours (neutral | bold | consistent colour variation for modern look | more colour variation for an earthy look)
- Patterns (diagonal | herringbone | straight)
- Finishes (matte | semi gloss | glazed)
- Shapes (square | round | rectangular).
- Textures (brick | bamboo | wood | stone | textile)
- Body types (full-coloured | homogeneous | double loading | off-white | speckled)
There are also several grades based on the thickness of the tile and its different uses:
- Grade I – Intended For Kitchen & Bathroom Wall Use Only | Least Durable | Stain-Resistant | Water-Resistant | Low Maintenance | Variety of Patterns and Colours
- Grade II – Intended For Bedroom & Bathroom Flooring/Wall Use | Suitable For Light Traffic Areas
- Grade III – Intended For Kitchen, Family Room & Hallway Flooring Use | Suitable For Moderate Foot Traffic
- Grade IV – Intended For Laundry Room Flooring Use | Highly Durable | Suitable For Heavy Foot Traffic | High Maintenance
- Grade V – Suitable For Very Heavy Foot Traffic | Prone To A Lot Of Wear and Tear | Harsh Chemical-Resistant | Limited Variety of Patterns and Colours.
6. How do porcelain floor tiles compare with vitrified floor tiles?
Depending on usage, budget and design aspirations, both tiles can suit different scenarios and neither is better than the other.
