Porcelain Tile: A Look at Advantages and Disadvantages

Ceramic tile has long been a staple in many homes. Porcelain tile is a newer type of ceramic tile that is starting to become popular. It offers a few benefits and drawbacks when compared to standard ceramic tile. This article will discuss some of these advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Durability

One of the main advantages of porcelain tile is its durability. It is fired at higher temperatures and made from more refined clay, so it's much more dense than standard ceramic tile. It's durable enough to last a lifetime if you install it properly.

Moisture

Porcelain tile is also less prone to absorbing moisture since it is so dense. This is especially useful in colder climates that can lead to freezing. This means that your tile won't crack.

Cleaning

You will also like the fact that porcelain tile is very easy to maintain. It is non-porous so it won't harbor bacteria. The tile's dense nature also makes it more resistant to staining. This type of tile can be used in either indoor or outdoor applications.

Disadvantages

Density

You've already learned about the advantages that the density of porcelain tile provides. However, it also leads to a disadvantage. Its increased density means that it's very hard and more difficult to cut.

Weight

You will not like the fact that porcelain tile is also very heavy. If you accidentally drop one of these tiles, it will almost certainly break. You will also need to ensure that the subfloor is strong enough to support the weight of the porcelain tiles.

These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of porcelain tile. It's more dense than standard ceramic tile, so it's very durable. This type of tile also won't absorb moisture easily, so you don't have to worry about it cracking when used in colder climates.