Porcelain Tile Fact Sheet

What is Porcelain Tile?

Porcelain tile is generally manufactured using a pressed method from porcelain clays, which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine-grained, and smooth with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non porcelain tiles making them frost resistant or frost proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any application from light floor traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic. Full body porcelain tiles carry the color and pattern throughout the entire thickness of the tile making them virtually impervious to wear, and are suitable for any application. Porcelain tiles are available in matte, unglazed or a high polished finish.

Characteristics of Porcelain Tile

• Remarkable durability
• Through body color
• Impervious material
• Manufactured product making it Environmentally Friendly
• Wide variety of colors, sizes and textures
• Ease of maintenance

Porcelain Tile Finishes and Styles

• Matte
• Glazed
• Stone look
• Refined look
• Rectified

Common Uses for Porcelain Tile

• High traffic residential floors
• Light commercial traffic
• Bathroom walls, floors, countertops, shower stalls
• Kitchen floors, countertops and backsplashes
• Pools

Porcelain Tile Installation Tips

• Make sure the substrate is prepared correctly
• Use the correct setting materials for porcelain tile
• Decide what grout joint you want. If a very tight joint is desired please consider a rectified tile.

Maintaining and Cleaning Porcelain Tile

What can you do with porcelain tile?
View our Porcelain Tile Gallery for a variety of colors, sizes, finishes, and installation options, and let your imagination run wild. The options are truly endless!

Download Porcelain Tile Fact Sheet