Should you buy porcelain tiles? | The pros and cons of porcelain wall and floor tiles

Porcelain tiles have become a staple in modern interior design, renowned for their versatility and durability. Whether adorning kitchen splashbacks or gracing bathroom floors, porcelain wall and floor tiles offer a blend of aesthetics and functionality. They come in many finishes and styles, including those that emulate wood, marble or other natural materials.

In this guide, we'll delve into the world of porcelain tiles, exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and factors to consider before making a purchase.

What are the advantages of using porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles boast myriad advantages, making them an appealing choice for any space. One main benefit is that they are available in a wide range of tile effects, including marble effect, wood effect and concrete effect. These porcelain lookalike tiles replicate the look of natural materials, whilst boasting the benefits of porcelain; making them perfect for areas such as the bathroom. They are easier to maintain and provide an aesthetically pleasing statement in any home.

Let's explore some more benefits of porcelains in detail:

On walls

Porcelain wall tiles are inherently resistant to stains and moisture, making them easy to maintain. A simple wipe-down is often all that's needed to keep walls looking pristine for years.

Find out more about how to maintain and clean porcelain tiles here.

These tiles are available in a diverse array of colours, patterns, and textures, providing endless design possibilities for wall decor. Whether you prefer a sleek minimalist look or bold statement walls, there is a porcelain tile to match every aesthetic preference. Additionally, their versatility allows for the creation of striking contrasts in wall design, through variations in colour or texture, enabling creative expression and personalized spaces.

Explore Fired Earth's porcelain wall tile range here.

On floors

Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for flooring due to their high durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and wear. These tiles are particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas, thriving in both residential and commercial settings. With proper maintenance, porcelain floor tiles are capable of withstanding the test of time and maintaining their appearance, even in the busiest homes and workplaces. This makes them a reliable choice for frequently used spaces.

Browse through our entire porcelain floor tile range here.

Porcelain floor tiles are often used in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom due to their water-resistant and high-durability qualities. When looking for design options, porcelain comes in a range of sizes to accommodate the needs of the specific room and your preferences. This includes large-format tiles to create seamless looks or smaller shapes to create unique layouts with porcelain flooring.

For more information, read our expert buyer's guide on porcelain floor tiles.

What are the disadvantages of porcelain tiles?

Despite their numerous advantages, porcelain tiles do come with some drawbacks. Let's examine these disadvantages, keeping in mind their overall benefits:

On walls

If you wish to tile a wall, there are no real inherent disadvantages to using porcelain wall tiles. There are many styles available, so you are sure to find one to suit your taste and budget. However, if you want a unique look with natural variation, then porcelain might not be for you, and you should consider a material such as marble.

On floors

Again, as with walls, porcelain floor tiles in themselves don’t really have any disadvantages. If you want to use tiles on the floor, they are more difficult to install than, say, carpet, but most of us wouldn’t want carpet in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. As with walls, if you want a tile with history and natural variations, then something like marble with its unique patterns or a stone where fossilisation has occurred may be more to your taste.

Compare porcelain against other flooring materials with our buyer’s guide here.

What should you consider before buying porcelain tiles?

Before committing to porcelain tiles, several factors warrant consideration to ensure the best outcome for your project:

• Labour costs: Unless you are competent at DIY, you will probably want to call in a professional.

• Tile size and shape: Consider the size and shape of tiles that best suit your space, whether it's square, rectangle, metro, hexagonal, or mosaic.

• Usage: Select porcelain tiles designed specifically for the intended space, such as shower walls, wet room floors, or even outdoors.

• Tile quality: Opt for high-quality brands prioritising great design and quality materials, such as our designer collaborations with Fired Earth.

• Design services: Using a professional design service, such as the one offered by Fired Earth, can help you get the very best product for your space. With 3D visualisation on offer, you can get an accurate impression of how the tiles will look in a room before you commit to ordering.

Find out more about Design Services at Fired Earth here.

Why choose Fired Earth?

Fired Earth is a renowned name in the tile industry, with decades of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

• Authenticity: Fired Earth offers authentic, high-quality tiles crafted to elevate any space.

• Handmade tiles: Experience the beauty and uniqueness of handmade tiles, adding character and charm to your home.

• Collaborations with famous designers: Benefit from Fired Earth's collaborations with renowned designers, ensuring access to cutting-edge styles and trends.

Check out our latest porcelain tile range below:

Browse the entire Jaipur collection at Fired Earth here.

For more information, contact the Fired Earth team today.

Frequently asked questions

How are porcelain tiles made?

Porcelain tiles are made from a blend of fine clays and other minerals, which are compressed under high pressure and fired at extremely high temperatures. As porcelain is made from a more refined clay, they are seen as more durable and denser than ceramic tiles, and ideal for tile flooring in high-traffic areas.

Can porcelain tiles be used outside?

While porcelain tiles are highly durable, not all are suitable for an outdoor space. It's essential to select outdoor porcelain tiles specifically rated to ensure longevity and performance.