Porcelain Tiling

Porcelain tiling is quite popular these days because it is believed that they are easier to maintain than carpets. Porcelain tiles are part of a new generation of tiling options that have been made available in recent years.
 
As a result, many homes these days are seen to be replacing their carpets with something easier to clean and maintain. You would come across porcelain tiles in places like restaurant floors, hospital wards and even some hotels.
 
What is porcelain?
Porcelain is the most popular choice of tile for bathrooms, kitchens and conservatories due to its water resistance. It originated in China but is now available across the world with varying levels of quality based on where they were made.
 
Porcelain tiles are made of clay, very fine sand and other minerals. This mixture is then combined with an organic binder to create a thick paste that can be moulded into different shapes and sizes for use as flooring or wall covering.
 
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic tiles, making them more durable against chips and scratches. They are harder to clean but do not require grout which reduces the overall maintenance of these floors. Porcelain is slightly more resistant to abrasion than ceramic tiles.
 
Are porcelain tiles good tiles?
Yes, they are good tiles. Porcelain tiles are strong, durable with a large range of colours and sizes available.
 
How much do porcelain tiles cost?
The average price of porcelain tile is £30-35 per sqm (depending on how many you buy). You can save quite a lot per sqm by buying larger sheets.
 
Are porcelain tiles better than stone tiles? 
It's a matter of preference and what you're wanting to achieve. If you're looking for a hard-wearing yet easily cleanable floor I would recommend porcelain tile over stone. However, it depends on personal taste. It's hard to say that one is better than the other.

How are porcelain tiles made?
Most porcelain tiles are made by mixing clay and water in a high-pressure machine, then adding other materials such as feldspar to the mix.
 
Where are porcelain tiles used?
Porcelain tiles can be used just about anywhere in your home and its durability makes it great for kitchens and bathrooms.
 
What are the benefits of porcelain tiles?

• Porcelain tiles are very durable and scratch-resistant.
• Porcelain is also available in a wide range of colours and designs and all variations come with a limited lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects.
• Porcelain tiles can be found in a variety of styles and colours.
• You will find the classic herringbone and subway tile, as well as more artistic designs such as marble and wood imitations.
• One of the nice things about porcelain tiles is that they can easily be removed and replaced if you decide to change the style or colour of your home's bathroom.
• You may also want to consider purchasing porcelain tiles that have a stone or wood finish on the back of them. This will make your bathroom appear more modern and stylish while still maintaining the durability you need in this moist environment.

 
What are the main disadvantages of porcelain tiles?

• You can only choose porcelain tiles for use in your shower or bathroom area if you plan on waterproofing them first.
• Adding a sealant will make the porcelain tiles more durable and less likely to stain, but it will also add additional expense to your tile installation.
• Unfortunately, porcelain tiles are often more expensive than other bathroom flooring options such as vinyl or linoleum.
• Some porcelain tiles come untreated - meaning that it can be stained by liquids or certain types of food.

 
Are ceramic and porcelain tiles different?
Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles that have been made with a more complicated process. This makes them stronger, more durable and harder than ceramics, but they also come at a higher price point due to this difference.
 
Porcelain tiles are less likely to crack, making them a better option in high-traffic bathrooms like the one in your home.
 
Would a porcelain tile crack easily?
Porcelain is a very strong surface that can hold up to a lot of wear and tear. It doesn't crack as easily as tile made from clay. This type of tile is less prone to chipping or cracking when you drop something on it because the material itself won't shatter as easily as regular ceramic tiles will.
 
Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?
The answer to this question will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Many manufacturers of porcelain tiles have their recommendations for care and maintenance of porcelain tiles. However, because the product is not porous, it's great for high-traffic areas so no need to seal it.
 
Still looking for a bathroom flooring option that will withstand wear and tear? Consider porcelain floor tiles. It works very well for even the busiest households.
 
If you are in and around St Albans or Hertfordshire and need professional porcelain tiling for your home improvement project then contact the friendly team at St Albans Tilers. We offer advice, tips, guidance and a free quote with no obligations. Our objective is to get you the desired outcome for your home or property.