10 benefits of porcelain tile: where beauty meets strength

10 key porcelain tile benefits

we could fill a book with the advantages of porcelain tile, from its go-anywhere versatility, to its impressive durability, to its easy-to-clean hard surface. (but we’ll do our best to be brief.) here are 10 important porcelain tile benefits to keep in mind as you plan your next tile install.

1. unmatched durability

porcelain tile is famous for its durability, and it all stems from how it’s made. compared to other forms of ceramic tile, porcelain is made from finer, denser clay — and fired in the kiln for longer (at higher temperatures too).

all together, these differences produce a tile that holds up to wear and tear beautifully, with exceptional chip and crack resistance. if you’re looking for a tile that can handle a high-traffic area, porcelain is an excellent choice.

2. aesthetic versatility

let’s not forget the aesthetic versatility of porcelain. because this type of tile is often glazed, it can take on a whole myriad of looks including glossy white, matte black, and really any color of the rainbow. shapes and sizes vary, too, from small penny rounds to statement-making rectangles.

left unglazed, porcelain has an earthen yet uniform look, adding natural texture to a space. you’ll also find unglazed tiles that are instead painted and dip-dyed for an entirely custom look. (just ask our watermark collection.)

3. water and stain resistance

the same manufacturing process that makes porcelain extremely durable also makes it less porous. this means it is exceptionally resistant to water and stains—and sometimes even waterproof. so, it probably goes without saying: porcelain tile is a popular choice for bathrooms, showers, kitchen backsplashes, and other high moisture areas.

stain and water resistance are notable when it comes to maintenance, too. porcelain tiles generally don’t need the type of sealing that cement, terracotta, and travertine tiles do in order to protect them from heavy moisture exposure. (of course, always be sure to check a tile’s technical specifications.)

4. frost and freeze resistance

if you’ll be installing tile in an outdoor location, and you live in a region that has freeze-thaw cycles, we have good news: porcelain tile is often freeze-thaw resistant. this is because porcelain tile is less porous than other types of tile, preventing water from seeping into the pores of the tile (and ultimately freezing).

again, it’s always a good idea to check a tile’s material guidelines before installing it in an outdoor area that sees freeze-thaw cycles. (especially if you’ll be tiling a pool.) if the tile’s porosity allows water to penetrate into the tile and freeze, it will develop cracks and other forms of damage over time.

5. scratch and impact resistance

porcelain tiles are known for their durability, so they’re incredibly resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. they can also withstand more impact than other, less durable types of tile. this makes them a good choice for high-traffic areas that tend to see a great deal of wear and tear.

of course, as with any tile, a common-sense approach is best here. avoid dropping heavy objects on the tile, and keep sharp objects away, as well. take care of your tile, and it will last for many years.

6. high-temperature and heat resistance

many people wonder if porcelain tile is heat resistant. the answer: yes, usually. again, this has to do with the tile’s production process, where it is fired in the kiln at very high temperatures for an extended period of time. this creates a tile that can withstand especially high temps.

if you are planning to install tile around a fireplace, stove, and other high-heat area, consider porcelain tile. the tile’s material guidelines may even specify that the tile can be exposed to direct heat, allowing it to be paired with radiant heat flooring, for example.

7. long term cost-effectiveness

when you consider the durability of porcelain tile — especially through exposure to moisture, heat, freeze-thaw cycles, and other types of wear and tear — it becomes well worth the investment. well-made porcelain tile (that is well installed by an experienced contractor, of course) can last for many years.

porcelain tile also happens to be relatively easy to maintain (read: it doesn’t need the same resealing natural stone does) which helps minimize the costs associated with upkeep.

8. versatility in installation

some types of tile, such as ceramic subway tile, can only be installed on walls and backsplashes. others are best for floors. while the usage for porcelain tile can vary, it can generally be installed on a vast array of surfaces.

take porcelain penny rounds, for example, one of the most popular porcelain floor tiles. they can be installed on stove and sink backsplashes, interior and exterior floors, on fireplace surrounds, in showers, and beyond. in addition, they are freeze-thaw resistant, radiant heating compatible, and uv resistant, so they can withstand direct sunlight and cold climates.

9. easy maintenance and cleaning

porcelain tile is an ideal choice for many homeowners because it’s famously easy to clean and maintain. this is especially true of glazed porcelain tile, who glazed finish resists water and stains. for everyday touch-ups, a mild, ph neutral soap and soft bristled cleaning brush are usually sufficient.

as for maintenance, porcelain tile is remarkably nonporous. this minimizes the need for regular sealing — a must for porous natural materials such as marble and travertine. (unless you’re willing to embrace a deep patina, that is.)

10. investment in luxury

one more advantage of porcelain tile is the elegant feel it can bring to a home. whether glazed or unglazed, it lends a beautifully cohesive look — and maintains that look over time (which many homeowners appreciate). and remember: among ceramic tile, porcelain tile is considered top tier. the process of manufacturing porcelain tile is more involved than with standard ceramic tile, but the result is well worth it.

how long does porcelain tile last?

how long your tile lasts depends on a myriad of factors, including where it’s installed, how it’s installed, and how much traffic and water exposure the tile sees. of course, how much attention and maintenance you give the tile is an important factor as well. in general, when your porcelain tile is installed by an experienced professional, you can expect it to last for many years, even decades.

is porcelain tile a good choice for outdoor use?

many types of porcelain tile are rated for outdoor use, making them an option for patio floors, pool waterlines, exterior walls, and more. depending on the tile, you may even find that it is uv resistant and freeze-thaw resistant (crucial if you live in a sunny or varied climate, respectively). of course, always be sure to check the tile’s technical specs before starting your project.

is porcelain tile right for your space?

ultimately, only you can answer that question. the right tile for your space is the one that 1) meets your functional needs and 2) suits your design preferences. if you have your eye on a type of porcelain tile that fits both of those requirements, you’ve likely landed on your perfect choice.