Porcelain Tile Flooring: The Look Of
Real Stone That Cost You Less

Click here to shop now for gorgeous tile at low prices. You may find a porcelain tile that you like and can get free samples of certain materials sent to you.

First, lets go over the basic difference between ceramic and porcelain materials. Most tiles are made from clay combined with other materials, and then fired in a kiln.

Porcelain and Non-Porcelain Tile

The general category for the majority of man-made tile is "ceramic." There are two main types of ceramic tile flooring: porcelain and non-porcelain. Porcelain is by far the most durable of the ceramic tiles. That is why it has it own category: because it is made differently then "non-porcelain ceramic tile."

High-grade fire clays, quartz, feldspar, silica and other items are put into stainless steel molds and then fired under high heat and pressure. The result is a very durable product that wears well and is much less likely to absorb water.

Because of advances in technology, newer porcelain materials take on a rich palette of colors. They are made to look like marble, slate, travertine and other real stone products.

The look of a series of tile will vary in final pattern and color. This allows you to add robust textures and works well with many kitchen color schemes.

Purchasing this product for your kitchen will generally cost more then a ceramic tile but less than a real stone like marble or travertine.

Porcelain Tile flooring Looks Like Real Stone

The benefit with using a real stone product is that each tile will be uniquely different. With ceramic or porcelain, you are limited to about a dozen patterns in any given run. But still, porcelain gives a very life like look of real stone.

You can get this type of flooring in many sizes, with the trend heading toward larger squares, 18” or more. These oversized tiles create a vast look across your kitchen floor design. You can also find this tile with deco stamping, grains that look like wood, and inlaid motifs.

Some tiles have a solid color running through them, hiding any chips that might occur over time. However, not all porcelain tiles are a solid color all of the way thorough. Check with your flooring supplier before making your purchase if you want a solid color tile.

Porcelain tile flooring can even be used outside. Outdoor kitchen designs will make good use of porcelain tile flooring, as they are frost and heat resistant.

Installation of Porcelain Tile Flooring

This type of tile cannot be easily cut with a simple cutter like is used with ceramic tile. Special cutting tools and machines are used for proper cuts. A table saw with a diamond tipped blade is often used.

As with other tiles, it requires an underlayment prior to putting it down. Starting in the center of the kitchen, you'll want the tiles laid out so that cut tiles are in the least noticed areas.

Borders and deco tiles can be mixed in to create a unique custom look for your kitchen. Laying tiles on the diagonal or mixing rectangular shapes with squares adds a fantastic random pattern. The width of grout joints will also enhance the look of the tiles, with narrow grout joints being much easier to maintain.

Ease of Care

Porcelain tile flooring is perhaps one of the easiest kitchen flooring products to maintain. Damp mopping is the best way to clean it, keeping away from harsh chemical cleaners. Check with your tile retailer to see if you can purchase grout that does not need sealing very often.

Using porcelain tile flooring in your kitchen will bring years of enjoyment and beauty to your kitchen space. While the cost is more than a ceramic tile in most cases, the benefit of a more durable, easy care surface will be worth it.

Visit Build Direct to see a wide range of color options you can get in this diverse kitchen flooring. You will be amazed at how a "man-made" product can look like real stone! See something that you like? Get it in your hands with their free samples program!

The following links will help you find out about:

Other interesting articles you may like: