Porcelain tiles are durable clay tiles that are typically used as floor and wall coverings, offering a range of styles, colours and finishes. Whether you’re looking to give your home an entirely new look, or just add a few subtle touches of elegance, investing in porcelain tiles is a great way to achieve that perfect finish. With so many styles and colours available it can be difficult knowing where to start. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the right porcelain floor tiles for your space.
Types of Porcelain Floor Tiles
The first thing to consider when selecting porcelain tiles is the type. There are several types of porcelain, including glazed, unglazed or polished porcelain. Each type has unique characteristics that need to be taken into account when selecting the perfect porcelain floor tile for your project.
Glazed Porcelain:
Glazed porcelain is a type of finished tile where a glass-like coating is applied over the tile’s surface through a baking process. This coating makes them somewhat slick but also means they can be manufactured with different designs and colours. Glazed porcelain tiles can be easily cleaned since they don’t absorb dirt and mould as other materials would. However, these tiles are more prone to staining than unglazed tiles. Therefore, they may require occasional sealing to stay looking perfect for longer periods of time.
Unglazed Porcelain:
Also known as unpolished or raw porcelain, unglazed tiles are not given any additional treatments after they are manufactured, leaving them with their natural matte finish. Unglazed tiles are more porous than their glazed counterparts which makes them prone to staining but also gives them an interesting texture that can add depth to any design. Unglazed porcelain tiles are also easier to maintain because they don’t need sealing to stay looking good. However, they can be harder on feet since there isn’t any give when walking on them compared to glazed options.
Polished Porcelain:
Polished porcelain has been treated after manufacture with a high-tech polishing process creating a glossy sheen once complete. This durable finish will not fade over time and provides slip resistance due to its low absorption rate of liquids. Polished porcelains come in various shades from bright whites to darker hues giving it great versatility when designing spaces.
Choosing the Right Porcelain Tile Size
You’ve chosen the type of tile you want – now it’s time to decide on the size. Porcelain floor tiles come in many different shapes and sizes allowing you to create any pattern or look you desire. Square and rectangular shapes are typically used most commonly, however, some people prefer hexagonal-shaped tiles or larger format plank-style tiles. These often require fewer grout lines, providing greater visual appeal while reducing maintenance over time. It all depends on the style you desire for your home project.
Look at Durability
If the floor you want to tile gets a lot of traffic, it’s important to think about tile durability. Porcelain has become a popular material because it is incredibly strong and resistant to moisture, stains, heat damage, scratches and chips. That being said, some types may be more durable than others due to their manufacturing process or ingredients. So if durability is an important factor for you then make sure to factor this into consideration when making a decision about which type of tile works best for you.
Think About Style
When selecting a tile, you want something that compliments the rest of your design scheme and makes your home look more attractive and stylish. Be sure to browse through all the different types of finishes, colours, shapes, sizes, etc. until you find something that works perfectly with both your taste and budget.
Selecting Your Colour Palette
Colour plays an important role when deciding on your new porcelain floor tiles, as it will be one of the main features in whatever room it’s installed in. If you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen then opting for lighter colours such as cream or beige is advised. These tones won’t overpower the space while still providing beauty and function at the same time. For living rooms and bedrooms, consider brighter colours like blues or greens but remember, if you choose bolder colours, they should complement other elements and accents within your home. These can be items such as furniture fabrics and wall artwork. It is also important to note that glazed porcelain tiles offer the most colour variety if this is a priority.
Find The Perfect Finish
You may also have noticed that different types of finishes are available depending on what type of material your floor tile is made from. This can range from matt/natural looks through to high shine gloss surfaces so make sure you pick something that suits your lifestyle needs before making any final decisions – e.g., if you have small children then perhaps avoid slick-looking materials which may lead to slipping accidents etc.
Not For Everyone…
Although popular, porcelain tiles may not be for you. Therefore, it is important to consider their drawbacks before finalising your choice.
Porcelain tiles can be difficult to cut and shape into different dimensions, so special tools may be necessary for installation. This means that installing porcelain floor tiles can be a more complex process than with other types of tile, requiring specialized saws and blades to complete the job correctly.
The gloss finish on many varieties of porcelain tile can also make them slippery when wet, which could pose a safety risk. This means that it is important to ensure the area has been correctly sealed with the correct type of sealant to provide extra traction and prevent accidents.
If the surface is not properly sealed and grouted, dirt and moisture can become trapped between tiles and can be difficult to remove. This means that if you are installing porcelain floor tiles yourself, you must take extra care when sealing and grouting them to ensure no dirt or moisture is trapped beneath the surface.
Lastly, if you plan on using porcelain floor tiles in a high-traffic area such as the kitchen or bathroom, they may require more maintenance than other types of tile. This means that you should expect some regular upkeep such as mopping or sweeping to keep the area looking good and clean.
Conclusion
Make sure to take all these points into consideration when selecting different types of porcelain tiles for your next project. Whether you’re installing brand-new flooring or simply giving an already existing space a facelift – making sure all elements come together perfectly will ensure years of enjoyment from its timeless beauty.
