A Guide to Buying Porcelain Tiles

What Is a Porcelain Tile?

Porcelain tiles are made with white clay, sand, and feldspar. They are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tiles, making them harder and denser, with a lower absorption rate and less tendency to chip, crack, or stain. These tiles are known for their versatility and come in a wide variety of finishes, from wood-effect to natural stone and even marble. Porcelain tiles are less expensive than natural stone and easy to cut into different shapes and sizes, making them a popular choice with designers undertaking bespoke home renovation projects. If you require durable and beautiful tiling that won’t blow your budget, porcelain could be a great choice.

What Are Porcelain Tiles Best Used For?

Because they are crafted from clay rather than natural stone, porcelain tiles are more likely to chip or break than, say, a granite alternative. However, because they are fired at extremely high temperatures and often glazed for extra protection, porcelain tiles can still be a great choice for many different home decor applications. Porcelain flooring tiles have become particularly popular over the last few years and are often used in high-footfall areas such as hallways and kitchens; they are great for this purpose due to being hardwearing and moisture resistant. Porcelain is also a good option for exterior decoration, as they can endure all weather conditions and withstand freezing temperatures or damp without cracking or staining.

Porcelain gives you a wood, stone, or marble effect look for a fraction of the price, and it’s easy to cut into small, unusually shaped tiles. This makes it a good option for bespoke kitchen backsplashes, focal points on fireplace surrounds, or even wall features.

Which Finishes Are Available for Porcelain Tiles?

Stone & Tile Shoppe stocks porcelain tiles in a variety of different finishes to suit your design aesthetic, including:

 

  • Polished: A high-shine, and scratch and stain-resistant finish that is ideal for use in bathrooms or for kitchen splashbacks
  • Matte: Wood effect porcelain tiles are perfect in a matte finish, as this evokes the natural grain of the plank and creates a warm, rustic feel
  • Semi-Polished: These tiles provide a more realistic replication of the look achieved by certain natural stones, with their soft, subtle shine
  • Unpolished: The perfect finish for a truly natural look, unpolished porcelain tiles evoke the feel of rougher stones like granite while having a slip-resistant surface that makes them ideal for flooring.

How Do I Choose the Right Porcelain Tile for My Project?

Offering an affordable way to evoke the look of natural stones and woods, porcelain tiles are durable, versatile, and a very popular choice for home and commercial renovation projects. If you aren’t sure which tile is right for your project, give our experts a call and we’ll be happy to help. Call us on 877-426-1500 or email info@stoneandtileshoppe.com.

1 We place your order directly with the manufacturer using our wholesale account so you get fantastic pricing!
2 We put your name as the pickup person and email you as soon as your order is ready to be picked up.
3 Upon arrival at the store, give your order number and pick up your order hassle free - everything will already be paid for!

What if the warehouse closest to you doesn’t have the item you have selected in stock?

If the item is available at the manufacturer or another warehouse, they can usually transfer it to your selected pickup location within a few days. If the manufacturer provides this transfer as a courtesy, we’ll pass that courtesy on to you.

If there is a transfer fee or shipping is required, we’ll let you know the exact cost and estimated timeline so you can decide. We’ll always confirm with you before proceeding. If it doesn’t work for you, you’ll receive a 100% refund. If it does, we’ll proceed and email you when your order is ready for pickup.



Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any pickup questions toll free at
1-877-426-1500 or email us at info@stoneandtileshoppe.com