Porcelain Tiles – Your Complete Guide
In today’s world, technological advancements have revolutionized the luxury tile industry, offering an extensive selection of materials. Despite this variety, porcelain tiles at tile shop continue to be the preferred choice for particular clients. Renowned for their versatility in color, texture, and finish, porcelain tiles provide endless possibilities to transform your living space into a dream home.
However, with the rising tiles price in Pakistan, choosing the right option can be a daunting task. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand the different textures, key properties, and ideal applications of porcelain tiles. This knowledge will help you select the perfect tile that balances both aesthetics and functionality.
Why Go For Porcelain Tiles?
Well, there are several reasons why you should include porcelain tiles in your project. Some of them are:
- Durability
One of the key advantages of porcelain tiles is their long-lasting beauty. Once installed, porcelain tiles can retain their elegance for decades, making them a worthwhile investment even with fluctuating tile rates in Pakistan.
Made from refined clay and fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain has a denser composition than many other tile options. This strength allows it to endure various environments, maintaining its appeal year after year.
- Easy to Clean
Porcelain tiles are low-maintenance and easy to clean. A simple sweep and a quick wipe with a damp cloth are usually all that’s needed to keep their perfect look. For a deeper clean, add a few drops of vinegar to your mopping water. This will leave your porcelain floor tiles looking pristine and well-kept.
Water-Resistant
A key advantage of porcelain tiles is their impressive resistance to moisture. With a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, they are nearly waterproof, setting them apart from many other materials.
This quality makes porcelain tiles ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas, as they don’t retain moisture, preventing mold, bacteria, and tile deterioration. Also, modern porcelain tiles are frost-resistant, making them an excellent choice for outdoor patios.
Ideal for High-Use Spaces
High-traffic areas are often prone to damage, such as cracked or chipped tiles, but with porcelain, this is seldom a concern. Designed for durability, porcelain tiles can effortlessly endure the demands of heavy footfall, making them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial environments.
Their robust composition ensures resistance to wear and tear, allowing them to maintain their beauty and integrity even in the most frequently used areas.
Types of Porcelain Tiles Textures
Every texture of porcelain tile has its characteristics. Have a look at how one texture differentiates from the other.
- Polished Texture
A thick, smooth, and reflective surface is achieved when a tile is polished with a diamond disk. Polished tiles offer more luxurious options, and when properly sealed, porcelain tiles provide outstanding water and stain resistance. Additionally, they are relatively easy to maintain.
- Glazed Texture
Unlike polished tiles, glazed porcelain tiles are crafted by coating their surface with a layer of liquid glass and firing it at high temperatures. This process gives the tile a more vibrant appearance. With a high-gloss finish, glazed tiles offer notable slip resistance due to their waterproof quality.
- Matt Texture
For a more classic look, matte-textured porcelain tiles are the perfect choice. Compared to polished and glazed tiles, matte tiles have a slightly rougher surface, which makes them a more durable option. Their non-slip surface is ideal for high-use areas, offering a safer choice in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Matte tiles also resist scratches and scuffs better, making them low-maintenance and ideal for busy households.
- 3D Texture
Who wouldn’t love tiles with a bit of character? Tiles are available in a wide range of effects—not just stone, but also wood, metallic, brick, and many more. These options are perfect for creating unique interiors, and anyone would love them as their media wall or as a striking feature wall.
Where To Use Porcelain Tiles
Now, let’s explore which spaces are ideal for porcelain tiles. They’re not only preferred as home wall and floor tile but also a great choice for commercial projects.
- Kitchens
Kitchens and porcelain tiles have a longstanding connection. For years, porcelain has been a popular choice in kitchens, used for flooring, walls, backsplashes, and even countertops.
Given the frequent exposure to oil splatters and tough spills in kitchens, a durable, resilient tile is essential. Porcelain tiles are an ideal choice, as they are easy to clean, low-maintenance, and can withstand high temperatures, making them perfectly suited to the demands of a busy kitchen.
- Bathrooms
Just as in kitchens, floor and tile choices in bathrooms often lean toward porcelain due to its exceptional moisture resistance. While some may prefer natural stone for bathroom floors, its porous nature can trap moisture if not properly sealed, leading to stains and even the growth of mold.
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, resist mold effectively. Additionally, anti-slip porcelain options are available, offering both safety and longevity. With their durability, porcelain tiles can last for decades, minimizing the need for frequent replacements or renovations.
- Hallways and Staircases
Hallways are often the first area guests notice and are among the most frequently used spaces in a home. For these areas with high footfall, it’s important to choose a tiles that is both durable and stylish.
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice, providing a sophisticated appearance and lasting resilience. Many hallway porcelain tiles also feature anti-slip properties, making it a safer option. Moreover, you can extend porcelain tiling to your stairs, creating a cohesive and elegant flow throughout your interior.
- Kitchen Countertops
Porcelain tiles can also be used to create stunning countertops. Large-format porcelain tiles are expertly cut and shaped to fit countertops, adding a touch of elegance and charisma to any space. Porcelain is non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb moisture or harbor bacteria, making it a hygienic choice for food preparation areas.
- Exterior
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for decorating outdoor spaces. They are ideal for use on balconies, terraces, gardens, and patios. Their strength and durability make them well-suited to withstand extreme weather conditions. Porcelain tiles for outdoor use are crafted to meet specific standards, ensuring they enhance and maintain the beauty of your space over time.
Now that you know all about the benefits of porcelain tiles, if you’re looking for a top tile brand in Pakistan, visit H-VERSE. They offer a wide selection of high-quality porcelain and ceramic tile from some of the world’s leading brands. Explore H-VERSE for tiles that bring both style and durability to your space.