Porcelain Ceramic Tile

So you think you need porcelain? The truths and myths about porcelain.

Just what is porcelain tile?

With increasing frequency, people are asking for porcelain tile, and the porcelain industry is growing at a rapid pace to keep up with the demand for this product.  However, many people don't necessarily know why they want porcelain.  Why choose porcelain tile over another ceramic tile of high quality?

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile

Many people are under the impression that there is ceramic tile and there is porcelain tile.  The fact is, “ceramic” describes something that is made from earth materials and fired at high temperatures, fusing the clay particles together. This description applies to porcelain tile as well, and therefore, porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile.

What qualifies a tile to be classed as a “porcelain” tile begins in the manufacturing process. Specifically, porcelain tile is made from extremely compact dry-pressed materials of higher quality than other types of ceramic tile, pressed under very high pressure, fired at higher temperatures and for a longer period of time.  Because of this process, it is more dense, with extremely low porosity, .5% or less water absorption.  It is because of this characteristic, water absorption of .5% or less, that classifies it as “porcelain”.  This is also what makes it frost resistant, and therefore suitable for outdoor use.

Through-body porcelain and glazed porcelain

Another common misconception is that with porcelain tile, the color goes all the way through; however, this depends on whether you’re talking about a “through-body” porcelain or glazed porcelain tile.  A glazed porcelain tile, as implied, has colored glazes applied like other ceramic tiles.  Thus, if chipped, it will show just as much as with any other tile.

As with other tiles, there are different qualities of porcelain tiles, which will determine their suitability for various applications.  Slip resistance is one factor that may change depending on the glazes applied, and the quality of the glaze will determine whether the tile is suitable for only light traffic, or if it can be used in commercial applications.

If it is desired to install the tile with very narrow grout lines, then it is important to look at a “rectified” porcelain.  This means that the tile has been machined after the manufacturing process so that it meets very close size tolerances.  There can be significant size variations in non-rectified tile, so that close spacing (1/8" grout joint) is not possible.  It is never recommended to butt these tiles together with no grout joint..

Do you really need porcelain?

For the homeowner, porcelain tile is an excellent choice; however, it’s important to realize that other ceramic tile products may serve you just as well.  Therefore, the best recommendation would be to choose a quality ceramic product, whether porcelain or not, that fits your budget and also your taste for color, texture, and design.  There are many high quality tiles on the market, whether or not they are porcelain.