The Porcelain Solution
When choosing the type of tile for your next project, consideration of each materials pro and cons is an essential part of the selection process. As you research the best tile options, consider putting porcelain tile at the top of your list. This article will cover all you will need to know and understand about porcelain products qualities and their wide array of uses- indoor, outdoor, commercial, and residential.
What is Porcelain?
Porcelain is a type of man-made ceramic tile body comprised of many refined natural elements, including various types of clay and feldspar, and created without the use of added adhesives. It is fired in industrial kilns at temperatures up to 2500 °F which makes them highly impervious to moisture and degradation. During the production process, porcelain can be left in its natural state, or shaped to have a variety of textures resembling wood, stone, or other materials. Porcelain does not have to be sealed and is easy to take care of, making it an ideal long-term choice as floor tile or wall tile. Monterrey Tile Company (MTC) stocks collections of both porcelain pavers and porcelain tiles so your outdoor and indoor spaces blend seamlessly together.
Benefits of Porcelain
Since porcelain comes in many different styles, you can achieve the look of wood or stone in a space that would usually not be suitable for those materials. For example, wood in the bathroom might become damaged due to humidity, and the more porous ceramic tile might retain stains and bacteria in the kitchen. Porcelain can achieve the aesthetic you desire without compromising on functionality. Additionally, most porcelain tiles are sealed with matte or satin gloss glazes, which allows them to have more unique patterning and finishes, and even intricate printed designs. MTC stocks hundreds of different colors and styles here.
Porcelain is easy to clean and does not hold onto mold, mildew, or bacteria, making it very hygienic. It can be cleaned with harsher, acidic cleaning products, which would otherwise damage stone or ceramic. In addition it is also hypoallergenic and does not release harmful substances. In fact, it can even help improve air quality because it is impenetrable to pollen and dust. Another great benefit of porcelain is its wearability. Porcelain will maintain its look for many years without fading or wearing down. Compare this to stone which can wear and change over time.
MTC represents the leading manufacturers of porcelain in the United States and is one of the leading distributors in Arizona. This means that custom porcelain orders are usually readily available within a few weeks. Compare this to international shipping which may take multiple months. Additionally, the price point of porcelain is highly competitive, and it is typically cheaper than stone, although it is more expensive than standard ceramic tiles.
Porcelain Tiles Indoors
Porcelain tiles are significantly thinner than their paver counterpart. Coming in at 9-12mm in thickness compared to most paver’s 2cm thickness. This makes them the more accessible option for indoor installation, particularly for use on walls. The thickness of tile in comparison to pavers also means that the breaking strength is distinctly different and pavers are intended to endure much heavier traffic. Another benefit to porcelain tiles indoors is their coolness. Porcelain stays cool during the day which can help in keeping your home’s temperature low during the scorching Arizona summer.
As previously mentioned, porcelain tiles often come glazed and MTC stocks a wide variety of finishes and colors. But what about unglazed porcelain tiles? Unglazed tiles are frequently used in commercial settings. This is because unglazed, or full-bodied porcelain, is somewhat more durable. However, without the glaze coating, these tiles might appear more unfinished.
Porcelain Pavers Outdoors
What makes porcelain pavers a good choice for outdoor spaces? It has a high COF (or coefficient of friction) rating, meaning that it has been tested to be a slip resistant material. This makes it one of the best floor materials, especially for pool areas. It is also impervious to damage from saltwater pools. In addition, another benefit of choosing porcelain is the wide range of colors, sizes, and style options available to you. Porcelain pavers come in large format sizes(12x24 and up), making them excellent for covering large outdoor spaces and incorporating into your landscape. Finally, the temperature of porcelain is considerably cooler than concrete, retaining about 126°F. Compare that to concrete’s 138°F in the Arizona sun. Porcelain is however slightly warmer than natural stone, which comes in at about 122°F. Porcelain’s main benefit over natural stone is its hardness and breaking point. Porcelain is many times harder than stone, making it very scratch resistant and durable.
MTC does carry bullnose coping for pool edges which are manufactured locally in Arizona. Due to the hardness and density of porcelain, you will require specialty supplies for installation, including diamond blades and a GRABO (electric suction lifter). Porcelain pavers are installed using a sand set method, as most other paver products are. In Arizona, porcelain can be installed using 1/8th inch spacers due to the warmer climate. This allows for a narrower joint and a sleeker look.
Monterrey Tile Company is a one stop supplier for all things tile installation, and we provide training on installation entirely free of charge. Find the nearest showroom to your location. For more information contact Monterrey Tile Company at (480) 507-3356 or email us at order.desk@monterreytile.com.
