Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for both their aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

Common Porcelain Tile Applications

Porcelain tiles are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings due to their durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Porcelain floor tiles are some of our top-selling tiles for both indoor and outdoor applications due to their practicality. The most typical size of porcelain floor tile is 12x24 tiles. However, in recent years, the trend has been towards larger sizes like 24x24 and 24x48.

Kitchens

• Porcelain Kitchen Floors: Porcelain tiles are a great choice for kitchen floors because they are resistant to spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic. Stain prevention and ease of cleanness are the main advantages of porcelain floor tile for kitchens. Porcelain is one of the most optimal surface covering materials for your kitchen floors. A good quality porcelain kitchen floor tile should have less than a 1% absorption rate and should be rated for floors.
• Porcelain Kitchen Backsplashes: Due to their durability and water resistance, porcelain tiles can also be used for kitchen backsplashes to protect walls from cooking splatters and stains.

Bathrooms

When it comes to bathroom tiles, porcelain tiles are one of the most popular options available. Due to their water resistance and durability, porcelain bathroom tiles will last a long time. If you are looking for a non-slip option, there are also non-slip porcelain floor tiles available.

Here are some common uses for porcelain bathroom tiles:

• Bathroom Floors: Porcelain tiles are the ultimate choice when it comes to bathroom floors due to their water resistance. Moreover, they are not as cold as natural stone bathroom floor tiles.
• Shower Walls & Floors: Similarly, porcelain tiles are ideal for wet environments due to their water resistance. They are perfect for shower walls because they provide a sleek and moisture-resistant surface. Moreover, they are easy to clean and maintain.

Living Rooms, Entryways, & Others

Porcelain tiles can also be installed on entryway floors, living room floors, and other transitional interior spaces. They are a perfect fit for high-traffic areas in the home.

• Living Areas: Durable and available in a variety of designs to complement different decor styles.
• Entryways and Hallways: Withstand high traffic and are easy to clean.
• Feature Walls: These can be used to create striking feature walls in living rooms or bedrooms.

Commercial Use

Due to their durability, porcelain tiles are incredibly popular for commercial use. They are often used for store, hotel, and restaurant floors.

• Retail Spaces: Withstand heavy foot traffic and maintain their appearance over time.
  

  Office Buildings: Provide a professional look and are easy to maintain.

• Restaurants and Cafes: Resist stains and spills, making them practical for high-use areas.
• Hotels: Commonly used in lobbies, bathrooms, and dining areas for their durability and aesthetic versatility.

Outdoor Use

For outdoor use, it's important to select porcelain tiles that are specifically designed to withstand the elements. The key factors to consider for outdoor porcelain tiles are their durability, slip resistance, and ability to handle temperature changes.

Outdoor environments can be harsh, with constant exposure to the elements. Full-body and thick porcelain tiles offer superior strength and durability, making them able to withstand heavy foot traffic and impacts. They are a durable and hardwearing type of outdoor tile.

Some common outdoor porcelain tile applications include:

• Patios and Decks: Porcelain tiles are frost-resistant and can handle outdoor conditions. Porcelain tile outdoor patios are popular because the tiles don't stain and are easy to clean.
• Walkways: Durable enough to handle foot traffic and weather exposure.
• Pool Surrounds: Non-slip varieties are available, making them safe for wet areas around pools.
• Fireplaces: Heat-resistant properties make them suitable for use around fireplaces.
• Countertops: Used in kitchens and bathrooms for a sleek, durable surface.

Overall, porcelain tiles are suitable for almost any area where durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance are important.

Types of Porcelain Tiles

• Full-Body Porcelain Tiles
  
  • Durable: Made from a single layer of high-density clay, these tiles are very strong and resistant to wear and chipping.
  • Uniform: The color runs through the entire thickness of the tile, so any chips or scratches are less noticeable.
• Textured or Slip-Resistant Porcelain Tiles
  
  • Non-Slip: These tiles have a textured surface that provides better grip, reducing the risk of slipping, especially when wet.
  • Variety of Textures: Available in various textures to mimic natural stone or wood, combining aesthetic appeal with practical benefits.
• Frost-Resistant Porcelain Tiles:
  
  • Temperature Resistance: Designed to withstand freezing and thawing cycles without cracking or deteriorating. The one main disadvantage of porcelain tiles is that they get hot and retain heat for a longer time compared to natural stone.
  • Low Water Absorption: Their very low water absorption rate (usually less than 0.5%) prevents water from penetrating and causing damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
• Thick Porcelain Pavers
  
  • Robust: These are thicker than standard indoor tiles (typically 20mm thick), providing additional strength and stability.
  • Versatile: These can be laid on grass, sand, or gravel without the need for adhesives, making them ideal for patios, pathways, and pool surrounds.

Popular Porcelain Tile Designs

• Wood look porcelain tiles mimic the appearance of natural wood while offering the durability and low maintenance of porcelain. They come in various shades and textures, replicating different types of wood, such as oak, maple, or walnut. These tiles are ideal for creating a warm, rustic look without the concerns of water damage or wear that comes with natural wood.
• Marble-look porcelain tiles provide the elegant and luxurious appearance of marble at a more affordable price. They come in various colors and veining patterns, resembling natural marble slabs. These tiles are perfect for adding a sophisticated touch to bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas without the high maintenance required by real marble.
• Stone-look porcelain tiles replicate the natural beauty of stone, such as slate, travertine, or limestone. They offer the same rugged, organic appeal as natural stone but with enhanced durability and easier maintenance. These tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, creating a timeless and natural aesthetic.
• Concrete-look porcelain tiles are ideal for anyone who loves the look of industrial modern design. These tiles have a weathered, contemporary industrial look with a matte finish that looks perfect in lofts or contemporary apartments. These tiles are suitable for interior wall and flooring applications.
• Porcelain subway tiles are a popular tile design. Ideal for wall applications, these tiles can be used to create a minimalist and practical accent wall or backsplash in bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior applications.

Popular Porcelain Tile Colors

• White porcelain tiles are a versatile and classic choice, offering a clean and modern look. They come in various finishes, from glossy to matte, and can be used to create a bright and spacious feel in any room. White tiles are perfect for minimalist designs, making spaces appear larger and more open.
• Gray porcelain tiles are a popular choice for contemporary and industrial-style interiors. They come in a range of shades, from light to dark gray, and can have smooth, textured, or patterned finishes. Gray tiles provide a neutral backdrop that complements various color schemes and design styles, making them a versatile option for floors and walls.
• Black porcelain tiles offer a bold and dramatic look, ideal for creating a striking statement in any space. They come in matte, glossy, and textured finishes, allowing for different design effects. Black tiles can be used to create a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, adding depth and contrast to interiors. Please note that it black porcelain tile will show dirt more.

Most Popular Porcelain Tile Sizes

Porcelain tiles are available in a variety of different sizes and shapes, including small-format porcelain tiles and large-format porcelain tiles. Here are some common sizes and their applications:

• 24 x 48-inch porcelain tiles are large-format tiles that create a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines, offering a more seamless appearance. These tiles are ideal for expansive spaces like living rooms, open-plan areas, and commercial environments, providing a clean and contemporary aesthetic.
• 12 x 12-inch porcelain tiles are a classic and versatile option, suitable for both floors and walls. They are easy to handle and install, making them a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and smaller rooms. Their size allows for creative patterns and layouts, such as checkerboard or diagonal installations.
• 24 x 24-inch porcelain tiles offer a balance between large format and manageability, providing a modern look while still being relatively easy to install. These tiles are suitable for both residential and commercial spaces, offering a spacious feel with fewer grout lines compared to smaller tiles.
• 48 x 48-inch porcelain tiles are among the largest available, creating a dramatic and expansive look. These tiles are ideal for very large spaces and can make a bold design statement. Their size minimizes grout lines, enhancing the seamless appearance and making them perfect for luxurious, high-end interiors.
• 16 x 16-inch porcelain tiles are a mid-sized option that offers versatility and ease of installation. They are suitable for a variety of settings, from residential to commercial, and can be used for both floors and walls. Their size allows for a range of design possibilities, including intricate patterns and layouts.

Summary

Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain, inexpensive, and stylish. They can be perfect for residential or commercial applications for both interiors and exteriors.

Visit Country Floors today and browse from a selection of stylish and high-quality porcelain tiles. If you would like to see the porcelain tiles in person, visit our showrooms; New York Tile Store, Los Angeles Tile Store, and San Francisco Tile Store to have excellent customer service by our experienced consultants.