What exactly are porcelain tiles?
Unlike ceramic tiles, which are
traditional clay tiles with a glazed surface, porcelain tiles are made with
higher-quality, purer clay, quartz and feldspar. Fired at temperatures ranging
from 1,200 to 1,400 degrees centigrade (far higher than ceramic), the silica in
the clay turns to glass, which fills all the minute gaps in the structure of
the tile, to create extreme strength and low water absorption. (0.05%, as
defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C373.)
What are the benefits of porcelain floors?
Being baked at such a high
temperature makes porcelain tiles not only water resistant, but extremely
hardwearing and resistant to scratches and stains, as well.
While other materials can take a
lot of looking after, porcelain floors pretty much look after themselves – no
sealing like stone, no denting like timber, no warping like laminate, and
they’re incredibly easy to clean. Porcelain flooring offers all the beauty of
natural materials like wood, slate and marble, alongside practicality, durability
and great value for money.
Where can I use porcelain floor tiles?
Almost anywhere you want to! Even
outside. The fabulous qualities of porcelain tiles make them a perfect choice
for any room, in particular those that have to endure high traffic. Highly
versatile, porcelain flooring is ideal for kitchens, hallways, bathrooms,
bedrooms, outside patios… the possibilities are endless. Anywhere you want a
stunning and robust floor, porcelain tiles are the answer.
It’s worth considering the finish
of your porcelain flooring, depending on the room you want to use it in. In the bathroom, for example, a matt tile would be best and is the most popular choice
for a natural-looking finish. For a sleek, luxurious finish, polished is the
way to go, and textured porcelain floor tiles provide extra slip resistance,
making them ideal for wet areas and outside patios.
Porcelain tiles are also very
well suited for using with both wet and dry underfloor heating systems,
offering quick and even distribution of heat.
What styles of porcelain tiles are available?
As the backdrop to any area, your
flooring choice is crucial. With so many styles and designs – from wood look porcelain tiles to marble and stone effects, from contemporary to traditional – there’s porcelain
flooring to suit every setting, design and décor.
Patterned tiles are highly
on-trend and create a fabulous eye-catching feature in any space; wood look
porcelain tiles project warmth and natural tranquillity; marble-inspired
porcelain flooring oozes luxury and sophistication; and large-format porcelain tiles will help small spaces appear bigger, and look stunning within a contemporary,
open-plan living space.
Digital technology has completely
revolutionised the designs of porcelain floor tiles, with incredible replicas
of natural materials allowing you to enjoy all their splendour, with extreme
durability and ease of care. From the sumptuous detailing, knots and grains of
wood look porcelain tiles, to the intricate veining of marble and the texture
of slate and concrete, porcelain floor tiles boast fabulous and exceptionally
versatile qualities.
When it comes to the grout for
your porcelain floor tiles, you can use different colours to give a stylish
finishing touch. For a seamless look, and where floors flow between rooms, a
matching colour is perfect, while a contrasting colour can help to create a
feature. For busy floors, grey is an attractive and practical choice to keep
your grout looking fresh.
What are the anti-slip ratings of porcelain floor tiles?
As with any type of flooring,
it’s always best to seek expert advice when it comes to the anti-slip
properties of different kinds of porcelain tiles.
At Beswickstone, we have a team
of highly experienced people who are more than happy to discuss all aspects of
your project with you. Visit our Cirencester showroom where you can view our
fabulous range of porcelain floor tiles, and speak to a member of our team who
will be able to help you choose your perfect porcelain floor.