Porcelain vs other flooring materials | Why should you choose a porcelain tile range?

Choosing the right flooring material is not just about aesthetics. It is also the crucial factor that influences both the functionality and the overall design narrative of a space.

Natural flooring materials – such as wood and stone – are timeless and popular in areas such as in the bathroom or kitchen. They offer a natural beauty, but can be time-consuming to maintain and unsuitable depending on the room's specifications. That’s why designers and homeowners are turning their attention to innovative tiles designed to mimic the look and feel of natural materials. Advanced manufacturing techniques have led to the creation of porcelain floor tiles that look nearly indistinguishable from real wood, stone or other natural materials.

In this guide, we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of each material, allowing you to make an informed decision on flooring that balances the desire for beauty with the realities of everyday life.

Porcelain wood effect vs natural wood flooring

Natural wood flooring looks beautiful and is a timeless choice for many areas of the home, with popular examples including laminate and hardwood. It ages well and is easy to clean; however, wood will require maintenance to keep it looking at its best. It's important to consider that natural wood is not the best choice for every room. In a bathroom, for example, the high moisture environment can cause water damage to wood flooring, and lead to warping.

On the other hand, porcelain wood effect tiles offer a practical and stylish alternative, especially in rooms where moisture is prevalent, like bathrooms. These tiles offer the aesthetic of wood while being perfect for a wet environment. They are similarly easy to clean, with maintenance products from Fired Earth being a recommended option for ensuring the tiles remain in pristine condition. Furthermore, the durability of porcelain tiles means they can handle high traffic and resist wear and tear over time, much like their natural wood counterparts, but with added resilience in humid conditions.

Porcelain stone effect vs natural stone floor tiles

Natural stone flooring has long been valued for its durability and the naturally cool surface it maintains in warm climates, creating an elegant and enduring foundation for homes. Its long-lasting character and ability to remain pleasantly cool underfoot in hot weather are significant merits. Yet, the cost of natural stone can be a barrier, as it tends to be more expensive than other materials. You will need to properly maintain natural stone to ensure it keeps looking its best.

Conversely, porcelain stone effect tiles are a popular alternative, providing a cost-effective solution that almost perfectly emulates the appearance of natural stone. These tiles offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality, being particularly resistant to water, which makes them a versatile option for various spaces, including those prone to moisture, such as bathrooms. Their relative ease of maintenance and affordability have contributed to their growing popularity in modern homes.

For those looking to enjoy the look of natural stone tiles without the associated costs and maintenance, Fired Earth's Jerusalem stone-effect floor tiles provide an attractive option. This range delivers the sophisticated appearance of natural stone and is designed to be durable and water-resistant, suitable for both high-traffic areas and wet environments.

Porcelain marble effect vs marble floor tiles

Marble tile flooring is much loved for its luxurious finish and the elegance it can add to a space. Its easy-to-clean surface and the potential to elevate a home's perceived value are considerable benefits. However, being a porous stone means that marble can absorb liquids and is prone to scratches and stains if not sealed correctly. This means you need to be vigilant with maintenance to preserve the marble's pristine appearance.

In contrast, porcelain marble-effect tiles offer an alternative that addresses some of the natural stone's drawbacks. These tiles are less porous. Maintenance is straightforward since the surface doesn’t hold stains as marble does, and they are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Why choose Fired Earth?

Choosing Fired Earth for floor tiles comes with a range of benefits that extend beyond the simple purchase of a product. With more than 40 years of history, Fired Earth is known for the quality and beauty of its tiles. This longevity is rooted in a deep-seated understanding of craftsmanship and design.

The Fired Earth design service helps customers create interiors that look great and function perfectly. With expert designers on hand, you can collaborate to create solutions that perfectly fit your space, style, and functional needs.

Book your design appointment today with our experts.

Fired Earth has showrooms across the UK where you can talk to experts and see and feel the tiles in person. This is invaluable for making an informed decision, and it also provides inspiration through the display of tiles in various settings and combinations.

Contact the Fired Earth team today for more information on our floor tiles.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both popular choices for flooring and wall applications, but they have some distinct differences. Porcelain tiles are made from a more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. This process makes porcelain tiles denser and less porous than ceramic tiles.

As a result, porcelain tiles are more impervious to moisture, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use in all kinds of climates. They're also more durable and better suited to high-traffic areas due to their hardness.

Browse through our entire range of porcelain and ceramic tiles here.

What are the benefits of porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles offer exceptional durability, withstanding heavy foot traffic and resisting cracking. Their low porosity makes them ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Maintenance is hassle-free, requiring only a damp mop.

Available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles, porcelain tiles mimic natural materials convincingly. Their longevity makes them a cost-effective choice despite a higher initial cost, contributing to their rising popularity in architectural and design projects.

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