exploring the pros and cons of porcelain tile

pros of porcelain tiles

if you’re considering porcelain tile for your home, good news: porcelain offers a range of perks, from remarkable durability to easy maintenance. it comes in a wide variety of looks, too.

durability and longevity

porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that’s made from finer, denser clay—and fired longer at higher temperatures. this makes it even more durable than ceramic tile, with exceptional chip and crack resistance. it holds up to wear and tear beautifully.

many look to porcelain when selecting tile for high-traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen. with the right care and maintenance, your porcelain tile installation will last for many years or even decades.

low maintenance

you’ll find porcelain tile in glazed and unglazed options, and maintenance will differ depending on which you install. that said, porcelain tends to be low maintenance. in most cases, porcelain tile (aside from the grouting) doesn’t need to be resealed to retain its water-resistant surface, unlike natural stone.

as with all tile, porcelain benefits from some everyday maintenance to keep it free of dirt, dust, and other debris. regular sweeping or mopping and light scrubbing with a gentle cleaner are best here.

resistant to stains, water, and temperature extremes

the manufacturing process that makes porcelain tile so durable also makes it less porous. this means it is incredibly resistant to water and stains, sometimes even waterproof. if you’re installing tile in a high-moisture area like a shower or kitchen, porcelain is an excellent choice to consider.

when it comes to temperature extremes, porcelain can withstand a wide range of temperatures. this is, again, thanks to the manufacturing process.

wide range of design options

when you think of porcelain tile, you probably picture a glossy white tile or a mosaic of penny rounds, like those in our whiteworks collection. but that is just the tip of the iceberg. you’ll also find porcelain in matte black penny rounds and unglazed options that offer a little texture.

if you’re obsessed with blue and white tile like we are, you might also explore tile options that nod to chinese porcelain, italian maiolica, french faience, and dutch delft.

style and visual appeal

you’d be hard-pressed to find a design aesthetic porcelain tile can’t pair up with. for something classic and timeless, you can’t go wrong with white penny rounds on the floor. feeling bold? go for a colorful hand-painted tile. you might also try a matte black mosaic on the shower wall, or a patterned penny round floor.

eco-conscious

as for the eco-friendly side of things: opting for a more durable tile like porcelain can help reduce your environmental impact, as a longer-lasting tile reduces the need for replacement down the road.

what are the cons of porcelain tiles?

it’s hard to imagine what’s not to love about porcelain tile. as with all tile, however, there are aesthetic preferences to consider, and some characteristics of porcelain tile might not be a great match for you.

first, let’s talk about variation. porcelain—especially glazed porcelain—typically has low variation from tile to tile. (though, it should be said, any handmade tile will have some variation in thickness, size, and color.) for those who want a consistent and uniform look, low variation is a good thing. but if you want a look that’s delightfully imperfect, something akin to a field of wildflowers, you may prefer a different tile like zellige or unglazed brick.

the same goes for patina. porcelain stays remarkably consistent as it ages, which is something many people value. but if you’re looking for a tile that will develop a beautiful, natural, love-worn look over time, you may prefer another material such as raw terracotta or cement.

then, of course, you have slip resistance to consider. porcelain is generally less slip resistant, especially where water is involved. you can easily remedy this by opting for a smaller tile that calls for more grouting, such as penny rounds. but if you’re dreaming of a bathroom or kitchen floor with large swaths of tile, look to a more slip resistant material like terrazzo or slate.

porcelain vs. other tile options

while narrowing down your tile options, you may wonder about the difference between porcelain tile and, say, ceramic or natural stone tile.

porcelain vs. ceramic

porcelain and ceramic tile are closely related, but they are not one and the same. while both are molded from clay and fired in a kiln, porcelain starts with denser, more refined clay and is fired at higher temperatures. this makes porcelain tile stronger and more durable than ceramic tile. it is also less porous and more water resistant—a plus for high-moisture and high-traffic areas.

porcelain vs. natural stone

porcelain and natural stone are both popular options for bathrooms and kitchens, but they have vastly different compositions. where porcelain is made from fine clay and fired at high temperatures, natural stone like marble and travertine is quarried, then honed to a smooth finish.

another thing worth noting: while porcelain tile generally doesn’t need to be resealed (aside from the grouting), natural stone needs regular sealing for stain and water resistance.

answering your questions about porcelain tile

is porcelain tile durable? can it be installed outdoors? what about slip resistance? we hear a lot of questions about porcelain tile and are answering some of the most common ones below.

are porcelain tiles slippery?

tiles are given cof (coefficient of friction) slip resistance ratings—the higher the rating, the higher the slip resistance. this is helpful when you’re choosing tile for, say, a shower or bathroom floor.

porcelain typically has a lower cof rating than other tile materials such as cement and brick. that said, if you’re planning a new shower or bathroom floor, you can always opt for smaller porcelain floor tiles such as penny rounds. these have inherently high cof or slip resistance due to the higher grout to tile ratio. 

are porcelain tiles good for outdoors?

while porcelain tile can sometimes be installed in outdoor areas such as exterior floors and walls, fountains, and pools, there are specific installation requirements to consider in these cases. as always when choosing tile for your project, check the technical specifications of the tile and consult your installer.

do porcelain tiles chip easily?

porcelain tiles are known for their durability and resistance to chips and cracks. after all, they are made from denser clay and fired at higher temperatures compared to typical ceramic tile.

do take note that as with any type of tile, porcelain is not impervious to chips, cracks, and scratches. to protect the longevity of your tile, avoid dropping heavy objects on the tile. in addition, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to protect the integrity of the tile.

is porcelain tile right for your project?

after exploring the pros and cons of porcelain, we hope you feel better equipped to decide whether it’s the best material for your tile project.

if you’re looking for a tile that’s durable, water resistant, and blessedly easy to maintain, porcelain could be a good choice for you. this is especially true if you’re considering penny rounds for a shower floor, a mosaic for a bathroom wall, or even hand-painted tile for a living area. when installed by an experienced professional, porcelain tile will last a long time.

want something with greater slip resistance, more variation, or that’s famous for its patina? there’s a whole world of other tile options to consider, from glazed terracotta, brick, and zellige to raw cement and honed natural stone.