Choosing a Porcelain Tile
Choosing a Porcelain Tile | What are the different porcelain finishes of floor and wall tiles?
Porcelain tiles are a go-to choice for many homeowners, especially for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and outdoor spaces. Their benefits include being highly durable and offering versatile design appeal. These tiles come in various finishes, each tailored to fit specific interior designs and functional needs.
Available in a number of shapes, sizes, and patterns, porcelain tiles are great if you love the look of natural materials but want a low-maintenance solution, such as marble effect and stone effect tiles. There are porcelain tiles suitable to use as wall or floor tiles - but with such a variety, it can be hard to find a finish that works for your space.
This guide sets out to give you the lowdown on porcelain tile finishes, providing insight into which might best suit your home.
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Choosing a matt finish for porcelain tiles
A matt finish offers a non-reflective surface that does not shine. It is achieved through a specialised manufacturing process. The finish is more absorbent of light, providing a soft, muted appearance. They are a great floor tile.
Matt tiles have grown in popularity over the years, and there are several reasons why homeowners, designers, and architects choose them. Unlike glossy tiles, matt tiles do not reflect light. This means they don't show imperfections, smudges, or fingerprints as easily, making them perfect for family homes. The pared-back of matt tiles can offer a contemporary look, which works well with modern design aesthetics.
Matt tiles can offer more grip than their polished counterparts, especially when wet. This makes them a preferred choice for wetter areas such as, bathrooms and outdoor spaces. Matt tiles offer a consistent look as there’s no shine variance due to lighting. This can create a calm and uniform appearance in a space. Matt tiles come in various colours, patterns, and sizes, meaning they can fit into a wide range of design schemes, from traditional to contemporary.
The non-reflective surface can be more forgiving, often hiding scratches, dings, or other minor wear and tear that might be more visible on a shiny surface. As they don't show smudges and water spots as prominently, a matt tile can be easier to keep looking clean, requiring less frequent cleaning.
When considering matt tiles for your space, it's also essential to be aware of potential drawbacks or challenges, such as their potential to show dirt or stains more easily in high-traffic areas. However, by weighing the pros and cons and considering the specific needs and style of a space, many find matt tiles to be an excellent choice.
Choosing porcelain polished tiles
Polished porcelain tiles have a high shine, achieved through an intensive polishing process. This results in a reflective and sleek appearance. Specially treated during the manufacturing process, porcelain tiles with a polished finish provide elegant and contemporary styles in places such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Often, porcelain lookalike tiles will adopt a polished finish to further amplify the aesthetics of the tile. Popular choices include marble effect tiles, like the Onyx range, which replicates the unique veining of natural marble - all with a beautiful shimmer.
One downside of polished tiles, however, is that are easily prone to scratches and wear and tear, or visible footprints if used as a floor tile. This may result in the need for constant maintenance and cleaning to keep up its pristine appearance.
Choosing a glossy finish for porcelain tiles
Glossy porcelain tiles have a high shine similar to polished tiles but are created using a different glazing process.
A popular choice for various settings, glossy porcelain tiles offer a luxe look and can make spaces look larger. Due to their reflective nature, glossy tiles can make a room feel brighter more open and airier. The smooth surface of glossy tiles makes them easy to clean. Stains and spills can often be wiped away with ease without leaving any residue. Porcelain tiles are known for their strength and durability. They can resist wear and tear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Porcelain tiles are non-porous, which means they're great for areas where moisture is a concern, such as bathrooms. Glossy porcelain tiles come in a vast range of colours, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to create a whole host of looks. They require minimal maintenance to retain their lustre and appearance, especially when compared to some natural materials.
However, while glossy porcelain tiles have several advantages, they may not be suitable for every application. For example, their shiny surface can be slippery when wet, making them less suitable for areas like shower floors. It's always essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when choosing tiles for specific applications.
Comparing the different porcelain tile finishes
| Type of porcelain finish | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended range |
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| Matt finish |
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| Polished finish |
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| Glossy finish |
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Why choose Fired Earth?
Fired Earth is more than just a tile company. With years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on offering:
A bespoke design service
Authentic tiles
Collaborations with renowned designers
Free samples
A considered paint collection
Stunning bathroom products
For more information, contact us here
Frequently asked questions
Do porcelain tiles need to be sealed?
Most porcelain tiles are pre-sealed during manufacturing. However, check specifications before installation.
How durable are porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are known for their exceptional durability, making them perfect for high-traffic areas and long-term use.