Porcelain Tiles

If you want floors and walls that handle spills, scrapes and steamy showers, and still look sharp, you're in the right place. Here's how to choose, fit and get the most out of porcelain tiles.

 

Are porcelain tiles better than ceramic?

For high traffic or wet areas, the answer is usually yes. Porcelain is denser, harder and less porous, so it handles water and wear better. This makes porcelain tiles ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and utility rooms. Ceramic tiles are great for walls and lighter-use spaces, although can also be suitable for floors and wet areas when the product is specifically rated for that use.

 

Are porcelain tiles too heavy for walls?

Not necessarily, but the wall must be able to support the combined weight of the tiles, adhesive and grout. Keep these three things in mind:

• Substrate: Standard plasterboard has weight limits; tile backer boards or solid masonry can handle more.
• Tile weight: Check the product page for weight per m² and make sure your wall can take it.
• Adhesive: Use a high grab, cement-based tile adhesive rated for porcelain tiles.

 

Are porcelain tiles difficult to cut and fit?

As porcelain is dense and hard, it can be more difficult to cut than ceramic. Use a cutter or diamond blade rated for porcelain and allow for wastage caused by cuts, breakages and complex areas. Mitred edges require particular care and may be best completed by an experienced tiler with suitable equipment.

Before fitting rectangular tiles, check the manufacturer's permitted laying patterns. Some tiles should not be installed in a 50/50 brick-bond layout because slight curvature across the tile can make adjoining edges difficult to align.

Tile dimensions may also be nominal or approximate rather than exact. Measure tiles from several boxes before setting out the installation, especially if you intend to combine tiles from different ranges or align grout lines across walls and floors. Dry-lay the tiles and plan the layout and cuts before applying adhesive. For more detail on choosing tools and making different types of cut, see our guide to cutting tiles safely.

 

Do porcelain tiles need sealing?

Most glazed porcelain tiles don't need sealing. Polished porcelain, as well as unglazed porcelain tiles, can have tiny pores, so a pre-grout sealer and post-grout clean-up is a smart move to avoid haze.

 

Are porcelain tiles slippery?

Some can be, especially when wet, so check the slip rating of the porcelain floor tiles you're considering. This matters most in bathrooms, kitchens, entrances and other places where splashes are likely.

Matt or textured porcelain tiles can offer more grip than polished designs, but the finish alone doesn't tell you whether a tile is right for a wet floor. More texture can also mean a rougher feel under bare feet and a little more cleaning, too.

 

How much should I order?

Add at least 10% extra for cuts, breakages and awkward corners. Add even more (around 15%) if you're going diagonal or working with tricky layouts.