You can consider porcelain tiles as the newer shinier version of ceramic tiles. Both these materials have a similar composition – with the major element being clay, but the similarity ends there. Porcelain tiles are fired at much higher temperature compared to clay and are subject to higher pressures. Also, porcelain tiles are made using a more purified form of clay. As a result, porcelain tiles are strong, durable, long-lasting, hard and more water resistant.

If you’re considering porcelain tiles for your upcoming renovation project in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. As one of the top indoor porcelain tiles manufacturers in the UK, we can walk you through the pros and cons of this material, so that you can decide if it’s the right choice for your project.

The Good

Excellent Flooring Material for Residential & Commercial Projects

Porcelain tiles are one of the best choices for flooring – both indoors and outdoors. These tiles are highly durable and can withstand heavy stresses, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.

Resistant to Water

Porcelain is highly dense, when compared to standard ceramic materials. As a result, water molecules cannot penetrate the surface of these tiles, making them resistant to stains and water penetration.

Easy to Maintain

Porcelain tiles are extremely low maintenance. You don’t have to worry about using special cleaners and sealants. Regular household cleaners will keep the tiles looking good as new for years to come.

Does not Chip Easily

Porcelain tiles are hardy and do not chip or crack easily. Even in the rare occasions that the tile cracks, the chipping is not very noticeable, since porcelain tiles have a thorough body composition and the colour runs throughout.

Weather-proof

Porcelain tiles have a very low moisture absorption rate of just 0.5%. As a result, it doesn’t absorb water easily making it a great choice for outdoor usage. It can withstand extreme weather conditions – rain, sleet, frost and snow. Porcelain tiles can survive the harshest winters without cracking, making it a great choice for driveways, patios, outdoor verandas, balconies, etc.

Smart Design Tips: One clever design hack used by popular architects is to use the same porcelain tiles both indoors and outdoors. This creates a seamless living space, making your living area appear bigger and larger.

Available in a Variety of Sizes

Porcelain tiles are available in a wide array of sizes ranging from tiny subway tiles to large slabs up to 3 metres in length! So, whether you’re looking for tiles to line your kitchen or an expansive showroom, you can find the right porcelain tiles for your design needs.

Available in a Variety of Styles

Just like ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are available in a wide variety of styles. The beauty of porcelain tiles is that they mimic the texture of natural materials like stone, wood, and even unusual materials like fabric and leather.

The biggest benefit of using porcelain over natural stones is that the former doesn’t require extensive maintenance. Porcelain tiles do not rot, swell nor do they require waxing, polishing or sealing. Another huge benefit of porcelain is that even though these tiles cost just a fraction of the price of hardwood flooring or natural stone flooring, they look so close to the original one that it’s impossible to tell the difference between the two.

The Not So Good

While porcelain tiles have numerous benefits, just like any other material they too have their drawbacks. Here are some of the cons of porcelain tiles:

Time consuming to install

Porcelain tiles require special cutting tools since they are denser. Also, you’ll have to call in experienced team to ensure that you get a seamless installation.

Not Suitable for all Walls

Since porcelain tiles are heavier, they are not ideal for all walls. Especially, if you live in a high rise or renovating old buildings, then you need to make sure that the current structure can bear the weight of porcelain tiles.

Cold to Walk on Barefoot

One major reason why homeowners hesitate to install porcelain tiles is that they are cold underfoot. After all, no one wants to walk on chilly floors barefoot as soon as they wake up. But this drawback is a hidden advantage for porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are a great choice for underfloor heating. If you plan to install floor heaters, then porcelain tiles are an excellent choice.

As you can see porcelain tiles, have multiple advantages and a few disadvantages that can be overcome. Weigh these pros and cons to decide if porcelain tiles are the right choice for your upcoming home design project. And, if you’re looking for the best porcelain tiles in the UK, look no further.

At DecorCera UK, we have hundreds of high-quality porcelain tiles perfect for indoor and outdoor usage. Whether you’re looking for stylish porcelain tiles to line your living room floor, or need a hard and