Porcelain floor tiles are not just a visual delight, but also guarantee durability and ensure easy maintenance. Capable of carrying as much weight as natural stone flooring, porcelain tiles are also fireproof and waterproof. They are used in heavy foot traffic places such as office buildings, kitchens and laundry rooms. Made of dense clay, these types are capable of withstanding extreme cold, heat, dust and water.
Porcelain Tile Types
Porcelain floor tiles come in different varieties, colors and textures. Homeowners should consider their requirements, the characteristics of each type and discuss it with the manufacturer before deciding on the porcelain type.
Glazed porcelain tiles are preferred by homeowners as they are resistant to stain, present a glossy appearance and enjoy durability. These are found in different shapes and sizes and may be used on the wall or the floor.
Through-bodied porcelain tiles, which are chip and scratch resistant, have a uniform texture and color composition all throughout.. These are ideal to be installed in homes as they are durable and resistant to changes in temperatures and give a final finish to the sealed tiles after the firing process. Though polished surfaces give a glossy appearance, they are not equivalent to glazed tiles.
Porcelain Floor Tile Patterns
Porcelain tiles, with their bright colors, look identical to marble and natural stone floors. The following porcelain tile patterns may be considered by homeowners before choosing the right one.
Random Tile Pattern: This carefully planned design places square and rectangular tiles on the floor in a random fashion. This pattern looks impressive on the floor and gives the appearance of a jigsaw puzzle.
Grid Tile Pattern: The grid pattern is achieved by placing square tiles along vertical and horizontal grout lines. Though easy to install, this pattern presents a neat appearance.
Brickwork Tile Pattern: Tiles are placed in rows and each tile of the subsequent row is placed offset. Brickwork patterns are generally completed with square or rectangular tiles.
Diamond Tile Pattern: This pattern requires to be stacked on grout lines that run along a 45 degree angle. This is a variation of the grid pattern and offers a visual treat.
Herringbone Tile Pattern: Rectangular tiles here are placed at herringbone pattern at 90 or 45 degree angles. This pattern also presents a jigsaw design as each tile is placed at a right angle to the previous one.
Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain, be it a bathroom floor tile, kitchen or shower tiles. This types are required to be mopped with a general purpose cleaner. After mopping, the surface should be scrubbed and also rinsed with water. It is preferable to use mild detergents for tile cleaning as ammonia or bleach may discolor the floors. The protective layer in porcelain prevents bacteria, thus rendering the surface odor-free.
This type assures great quality and give an elegant look. Though porcelain floor tiles are considered expensive, they increase the property’s value and ensure a good return on investment.
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