Things to Consider When Buying Porcelain Tiles

There are countless varieties of Porcelain and ceramic tiles available on the market, and if you are considering buying them you cannot possibly evaluate all of them before making a final tile selection. So, how can you tell if ceramic tile is good quality without wasting too much time and energy?

This post will inform you of the essential things to consider before buying tiles so that you can make the best decision possible. Specifically, we will discuss things to consider when buying porcelain tiles. It might be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to selecting tiles for your space. Before we get started let us understand what Porcelain tiles are.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tile is made of clay that has been heated at extremely high temperatures and is generally glazed. The coating prevents the clay from absorbing liquids or moisture. Because the glaze is baked on during the production process, it is not absorbed into the tile and acts as a strong spill-resistant layer. 

Porcelain has a substantially higher density than ceramic. Some are also frost resistant and suitable for usage in outdoor areas. Porcelain tile often outlasts economic ceramics and is commonly used in commercial settings because it can withstand increased foot traffic, wear and tear, and is one of the most solid, permanent flooring treatments available. There are several wonderful contemporary advancements and advantages of using porcelain tile.

Because of the tile's hardness, it may be cut with highly distinct, corrected edges. Rectified edges indicate that the tiles have been precisely constructed; the corners and sides can be grouted extremely tightly together. Thinner grout joints mean less upkeep and a more aesthetically pleasing overall look. Porcelain tile may be used on floors, walls, in bathrooms, on backsplashes, around fireplaces, and virtually everywhere else! Porcelain tiles are no less than an investment that continues to give return throughout its lifetime.

With its innate properties Porcelain tiles are the most popular choice, however, there are still varieties out there which may confuse a first-time buyer on how to check the quality of tiles, hence, we have listed down following points over which you can conveniently buy porcelain tiles.

1. Understanding Different Types

One of the important things to consider before buying tiles is to understand about all of its varieties. You may choose from a variety of porcelain tiles. However, you would need to examine the characteristics of each variety to determine the ideal porcelain tile for you.

Porcelain tiles have different types such as Unglazed Tile, Glazed Tiles & Full Body Tiles. Unglazed porcelain tile provides a slightly textured matte surface and a more rustic aesthetic to your flooring, as well as slip resistance which makes it suitable for places like bathroom, outdoors and everywhere where you’d expect water and moisture accumulation. To avoid stain absorption though, you would need to seal them after installation.

Glazed porcelain tile finish is more adaptable, and you can digitally design a pattern on them, but they perform better as a wall tile than a floor tile. Full-body porcelain tile is the most durable form of porcelain tile and is suited for high-traffic areas

2. Area of Application

Area of application of the porcelain tiles is one of the major things to consider before committing to buying one. Each area of your home or commercial construction has different requirements. Such as a hallway or a living room porcelain tile needs to be sturdier and much more attractive than anywhere else. In the same way a bathroom tile needs to take into account of the moisture and water and anti-slip quality. How to check the quality of tiles, will depend on the area of its application. 

3. Porcelain Tile Class or Grade

You'll need to know what class the porcelain tile belongs to as part of this. Porcelain tile is classified into five abrasion classes based on its resistance to wear. Class 1 is not advised for use on floors or in high-traffic areas they are more suitable for walls or just for their aesthetic value. 

Classes 2 and 3 are for light to medium usage areas with little or no exposure to scratching dirt, such as kitchens and toilets and these are more suitable for domestic usage. Class 4 is most commonly used in medium to high activity areas of the home, such as entryways, corridors, and bustling kitchens and suited for a mid-range business with limited traffic. Class 5, the highest classification, is for considerable traffic and commercial use.

4. Size and Style

One of the things to consider before buying tiles especially Porcelain tiles is its design, colour and size. A good Porcelain tile assures a colour consistency throughout its design and with its long-lasting property the choice of design and colour should perfectly compliment your personality.

Both glazed and unglazed porcelain are available in a wide range of hues, and glazed porcelain is commonly printed with high quality printers and many designs and colours can be imprinted on it. Size is another consideration; floor tiles are normally larger, counter tiles are smaller, and wall tiles can be any size. While, choosing your tiles always choose the right size, a larger tile size will impart an illusion of a bigger space. Porcelain tiles are also available in a variety of forms that may be stacked in designs.

Final Thoughts

Porcelain Tiles are vivid, diverse and multi application. Its nature, by default, makes it a popular choice amongst home owners, businesses and interior decorators alike. We hope this article has helped you in resolving doubts such as how can you tell if ceramic tile is good quality? Or Things to consider before buying tiles. Or even, how to check the quality of tiles? We hope now you have all the answers you need to determine and decide on buying porcelain tiles.