Porcelain tile is very popular among homeowners, and it can be used anywhere you want to have an excellent performing and good-looking surface. It works great in kitchens as tile for countertops or wall covering, and it is also a good choice for bathroom and shower walls. However, where it really shines is in flooring. Read on to learn more about porcelain tile flooring pros and cons.
Porcelain Tile Flooring Pros and Cons You Should Know
Porcelain tile is made of refined clay and other natural elements. Specifically, it’s a subset of ceramic tile that is even stronger and more resistant to water than ceramics. This effect is achieved using clays with finer particles that are fired at a higher temperature. That creates a harder, less porous surface.
Pros to Consider
Porcelain tile is an excellent flooring choice that has several significant advantages. Here are the major ones.
Porcelain tiles come in various styles and finishes, including limestone, granite, slate, marble, and wood. You can find tiles to match any décor. Thanks to a high-tech inkjet printing process, manufacturers can create a tile that looks like Thassos marble tiles so realistically that you may need to examine them closely to tell the difference.
Porcelain is dense, extremely hard, and solid, which makes it tough and heavily resistant to impact stress. That’s why porcelain tiles are suitable for high traffic areas and are an exceptional choice for homes with pets and active children. Options with a PEI 4 or 5 rating can be installed in commercial spaces.
Porcelain tiles will look good for years to come with very little maintenance. Their surface absorbs very little moisture, so you can easily wipe up spills with a damp cloth, and they won’t cause any stains. It’s also a perfect material for homeowners who want good looks with very little effort because you’ll only need to clean a porcelain tile floor with water or a mild detergent. Besides, regular sweeping will keep loose debris off the floor.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Tile
Although porcelain is truly a great flooring material, it is pricier than ceramic tile. Other disadvantages are its weight and difficulty of installation. Porcelain tile is very hard, so it’s rather difficult to achieve precise cuts without special saws. That’s why you’ll need both experience and specific tools to get the job done if you attempt it on your own.
Heavy weight also restricts the use of porcelain tiles in most second and upper story environments, so you may need to check that the current structure of the building is strong enough to support the weight of the tiles.
Conclusion
Durable and aesthetically pleasing porcelain
floor tiles have many great benefits that contribute to their growing popularity. They offer numerous design and pattern options for both residential and commercial flooring. But they are not the perfect flooring choice for everyone and every application. That’s why you should consider the porcelain tile flooring pros and cons we covered here. Then you can be confident when making your choice.
