Porcelain tiles are among the most popular. This is because they are not only incredibly versatile, but also very cost effective. They are perfect for people who are looking for a cheaper, yet effective alternative to other tiling materials. If you are considering having them installed in your home, please read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to care for them and to keep them looking like new.

One feature that makes porcelain so very popular is the sheer amount of choice. Because it is a man-made material, you are not limited in colours and styles. This means that regardless of the style you want to achieve in your home, you can with porcelain tiles. It also means that you can create a feature wall in your home, for example a coloured backsplash in the kitchen or a single colourful wall in your bathroom, whilst not having to change the materials you have used. This will keep a level on continuity throughout your home, making it feel more organised and put together. Porcelain tiles can also be used to create the look of other materials, such as wood and marble. This allows those with a smaller budget to achieve the luxurious look that they want, using other materials.

Traditionally, porcelain tiles are made from different types of clay, which are then heated to incredibly high temperatures. More modern techniques have made this material perfect for use in busy areas, as well as homes, creating an incredibly versatile and durable material. Although it is very similar to ceramic tiles in many ways, it is actually more durable, as it is a lot denser than ceramic. This is due to the above reason and that it is fired at higher temperatures and made from more refined clay. This should mean that you could install your porcelain tiles, and they should last a lifetime, saving you from having to replace them on a regular basis. It also means that stand up very well in high traffic areas, such as a hallway. Unlike some materials, that can quickly become worn in areas that are used a lot, porcelain won't.

As well as being durable; it is incredibly versatile. There is nowhere in your home that this tile could not be fitted. It can be used in bathrooms, as they are water resistant, but will require sealing; kitchens – they are stain resistant; hallways; on both the floor and the walls. It can even be used both inside and outside, allowing the style of your home to flow throughout and even become extended outside to your garden. They can line a shower as well as the floor of a wet room, and work just as well on kitchen counters. They really are one of the most versatile materials that are so affordable; it becomes incredibly easy to see why porcelain tiles are among the most popular choices for both residential and commercial properties.


In addition, porcelain is incredibly low maintenance. It requires very little specialist care, and due to how it is made, it does not chip easily, even if you have decided to use your tiles outside and the weather gets below freezing. This is due to its low moisture content. It also does not get dirty easily. Although, like any materials daily cleaning is recommended and spillages should be cleaned up as soon as they happen, they require very little other specialist cleaning and care, and are incredibly low maintenance, not to mention nice to look at. Porcelain is genuinely such a beautiful material, and will instantly brighten a room up, and make it look welcoming, up to date and stylish.

There are very few problems with porcelain tiles. People that have them installed in their homes and gardens are very satisfied with them and have very few negative points. However; of course, nothing is perfect, and even though porcelain as a material is pretty close, there are a few minor points to bear in mind if you are thinking of having them installed in your home. Porcelain tiles tend to be incredibly dense which can cause problems when you are cutting them. If you are thinking of laying the tiles yourself, and tiling your home as a DIY project, porcelain is an incredibly good material to start with; but take their density into consideration to avoid breaking the tiles as you are cutting them. Their density also makes them quite heavy, so care should be taken not to drop them when you are fitting them, as well as ensuring that the surface that you are laying them onto can support the extra weight. Like we have already said many times; porcelain tiles are incredibly dense and durable. This is an excellent quality to have in tiles, as it means that they will last a very long time; however, it does also mean that if you drop anything valuable and delicate on the tiles that the object is likely to break. Although it should not damage the tile, it will probably damage your belongings.

Previously, Tiles Porcelain have said that porcelain is available in a huge range of colours and styles and while this itself is a great advantage, and puts them over other tiling material, it can also mean that should you chose an obscure colour or design and you need to replace a tile later on, you might find it hard to come across the same one. However; there is an easy solution around this and this is to ensure that you buy more tiles than you require when you begin the DIY project. This way, you can ensure that you can replace them with a matching tile should you need to.

Porcelain tiles require very little maintenance, but it is still important to know what cleaning is required to ensure that your tiles last as long as they should. You should sweep your porcelain tiles every week, and, if needed, you can mop it with some warm water. This should be sufficient; however, for tougher jobs a cleaner could be used, however it is important that you check the manufacturer's instructions and test the cleaner on a small area first. Make sure that you clean up any spillages immediately to ensure that it does not stain the tiles, and ensure that when you are cleaning, you pay attention to the grouting, as this can become very discoloured. If you have used a cleaner on your porcelain tiles, make sure that this is thoroughly rinsed off so no residue is left.

Porcelain tiles really are a brilliant all-rounder tile choice. They will look good in any home, and are the perfect choice for those who are on a slightly smaller budget, or for those who want a very low maintenance tile that will still go the distance.

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