03/18/2021
What Are Different Porcelain Tile Types?
Not all porcelain tiles have the same characteristics, which makes it important to choose carefully. Porcelain tile is available in several different varieties, with three of the most common including wall tile, floor tile, and mosaics.
Wall Tile
Porcelain wall tile is perfect for showers, bathroom walls, or even great for a fun accent wall in a living room. Wall tiles come in such a variety of designs that the design possibilities are endless. Porcelain tiles can mimic wood or stone with exceptional realistic visuals perfect for wall installations.
Floor Tile
Porcelain floor tile is very popular due to its waterproof and pet-proof capabilities. It is an extremely durable flooring type. All durability aside, porcelain floor tile is diverse in design helping you achieve the bathroom or kitchen of your dreams!
Mosaic Wall Tiles
Mosaics are small pieces of porcelain tile laid out in a pattern on a mesh backing. The mesh backing keeps the design intact for installation. Mosaic tiles are eye-catching by design and are perfect for applications such as kitchen backsplashes or accent strips in showers.
Bright and clean bathroom with a light brown wood-look porcelain tile floors
What to Look For When Buying Porcelain Tile
Knowing what features to look for will help you select high-quality porcelain flooring. Here are some simple tips on what to look for when shopping for porcelain tile.
Find the right “class” or category of porcelain. For example, Class 5 is the toughest and most durable category, making Class 5 porcelain ideal for heavy use and foot traffic. Class 1 porcelain, on the other hand, should never be used for flooring because it is prone to damage from wear.
Find the right “grade” of porcelain. Not to be confused with class, which indicates resistance to wear-and-tear caused by abrasion or grinding, grade indicates the porcelain’s overall quality, which is linked to tile thickness. The best or highest grade of porcelain is Grade 1, which is also the thickest variety of tile (up to ¾”). Grade 3, being the thinnest variety (up to ¼”), falls at the opposite end of the spectrum. Grade 3 tile is not recommended for flooring, especially in high-traffic areas.
Find the right color. When you say the word “porcelain,” most people immediately think of the color white. But did you know that porcelain is actually available in a huge range of fun, bold colors and patterns? Don’t feel like you have to restrict yourself to the classics!
An eclectic style kitchen that has porcelain tile wood-look flooring in varying colors
Where Are the Best Places to Use Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tile has a smooth, poreless surface that is ideal for blocking out moisture. This non-absorbent, waterproof quality makes porcelain ideal for use in bathrooms and foyers, where steam, water, rain, slush, and melted snow can collect and ruin other types of flooring. Porcelain tile is also an excellent choice for kitchens because it is effortless to wipe down and easy to disinfect. Just remember, be sure to choose the appropriate class and grade for your needs.
Whether you use it for flooring or backsplash tile, porcelain instantly elevates any room. Give your bathroom, kitchen, or foyer a classy, classical accent by incorporating porcelain tile into the design. To see beautiful examples in action, explore My Design Finder, or start a chat with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members.
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