Why Are Porcelain Tiles So Popular?
With a history dating back to ancient China, porcelain has remained a popular tiling material that has consistently stood the test of time. Porcelain tiles excel in customisation, durability, and low maintenance, providing many benefits for property owners.
• Versatility: No matter which style you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find a porcelain tile that fits your look and space requirements. Our Classico range features affordable porcelain tiles that don’t compromise on quality, while our Primera range includes the industry’s best tiling solutions.
You can also shop by colour, from wood effect to modern grey porcelain tiles, and choose from popular tile sizes like 600 x 600 or 900 x 600.
• Strength And Longevity: Porcelain is far denser than other ceramics due to its intense firing process. The result is a strong material that retains its beautiful finish regardless of weather or footfall.
• Low Maintenance: Porcelain tiles require very little maintenance, with no need for sealants or extensive upkeep. All it takes is a sweep and mop to keep your tiles looking fresh, and they’re also stain, water, and scratch-resistant.
Style: Adding porcelain tiles to your property is a simple and stress-free way to transform your space’s look — indoor and outdoor. Our Alpine Noce Wood Effect tiles are perfect for a light, rustic touch; our Eze White tiles offer a chic, minimalist aesthetic, and our Bilbao Grey fits perfectly with modern properties.
How Are Porcelain Tiles Made?
Porcelain tiles are made from refined clay, feldspar, and silica, which is then mixed with water to form a paste. This paste is then shaped into tiles using a press and dried to remove any moisture for low porosity.
Next, the tiles are fired at temperatures of 1200 to 1400°C — this extremely high-temperature heating process gives porcelain its impressive strength, durability, and resistance.
Where Can You Use Porcelain Tiles?
Thanks to their durability and low maintenance, porcelain tiles are commonly used in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, shower rooms, and bathrooms — as flooring and as wall tiling. You can also refresh outdoor spaces like garden patios and pathways with porcelain tiles.
How Do You Clean Porcelain Tiles?
Porcelain tiles are very low-maintenance and easy to clean. This is why they’re a great option for busy households and commercial spaces. Follow the simple steps below to keep your porcelain floor tiles looking as good as new:
• Vacuum or sweep your tiles to get rid of any dirt, dust, and debris.
• Mop with warm water to clean the surface. You can also use a porcelain-specific cleaner, but avoid using bleach or ammonia solutions, as these can damage your tiles.
• Rinse with clean water and towel dry. For best results, use a microfibre cloth or towel to prevent watermarks.
Are Porcelain Tiles Slippery?
Porcelain tiles can get slippery when wet, but all of our tiles have a slip rating ranging from R9 to R13. R9 offers the lowest level of slip resistance, while R13 offers the best anti-slip coating.
Can You Jet wash Porcelain Tiles?
Yes, you can use a pressure or jet washer to remove any marks or stains on your porcelain tiles. However, we recommend using a low-pressure setting to avoid any damage and gently sweeping the jet across your tiles several times to remove any dirt sufficiently.
Do You Need Underlay For Porcelain Tiles?
If you’re installing porcelain tiles directly onto concrete, you won’t need an underlay as long as the concrete is level and free from any cracks. However, an underlay can be useful, especially if you’re fitting porcelain tiles indoors or on an uneven outdoor surface.
The best underlays for porcelain tiles include backer boards (made from concrete and fibreglass) and membranes. You can also get self-levelling underlay mixtures to pour onto the surface before laying your porcelain tiles.
How Do You Lay Porcelain Tiles?
Before you start laying your porcelain tiles, you will need to clear, clean, and measure the area to see how many tiles you need to cover the space. You may also need to cut your porcelain tiles to remove any excess and ensure the best fit.
Next, you’ll need to mix up some mortar and apply it to the prepared surface before placing your tiles onto the mortar, ensuring they are level. We suggest starting from the centre of the room or area and working your way outwards.
Do You Need To Leave A Gap Between Porcelain Tiles?
Yes, when laying porcelain tiles, you will need to add a small grout line gap between each tile. Depending on the size of your chosen tiles, this gap should be between 2mm and 5mm. Corner spacers are handy for this and can make sure that the gaps are even around each tile for a seamless, uniform look.
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