Flooring Questions Answered: What is Porcelain?

What is porcelain?

If you want an attractive yet very hardwearing floor, then porcelain is for you. Porcelain tile is made up of 50% feldspar and is fired at a much higher temperature than regular ceramic tile. It’s this process that makes porcelain much harder and denser than other tile products.

It’s a tile that is made from porcelain clays using the dust pressed method. All of Floorell’s porcelain range is suitable for light to heavy traffic in commercial or residential application. Basically it can go anywhere and everywhere and it won’t let you down.

Just to boast a little more, Porcelain tiles are non-porous so you don’t have to worry about sealants as water can not penetrate the surface of the tile, meaning it can’t be damaged by water.

They are strong and durable which makes them great for high traffic areas such as hotels, showrooms and shopping centers. And they are frost-resistant. They can cope with sub-zero temperatures and won’t crack under freezing temperatures like some tiles. They are also the best heat reactors- so they work well with underfloor heating. So there’s no need to worry about your flooring expanding or warping because of the heat.

They are hygienic and healthy, which is great if you have allergies. Simply dust them down daily or give them a quick mop. Ever wondered why hospitals always use porcelain? It’s because grimes and dirt can’t penetrate the stone and cause bacteria to fester. Plus you can use the majority of cleaning products on it, without worrying that it might erode away.

It’s also environmentally friendly as it’s made from natural materials. There is very little waste and what isn’t used can be reworked.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?

Ceramic Tiles are made from red or white clay, which are then kiln-fired. A majority of the time they are finished with a glaze which carries the colour and pattern. The main difference between ceramic and porcelain is that ceramics are easier to cut than porcelain - making them easier to work with. On the other hand they are more porous which means they are less resistant to frost, you are more likely to get chipping and signs of wear and tear on them than porcelain tiles.

Beautiful Ampuria Porcelain Tiles from £ 25.00 per m2 inc VAT.

Buxy Noce Porcelain Tiles from £ 16.00 per m2 inc VAT.

What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?

All Floorell’s Porcelain range is glazed. That means they have been coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. Glazing provides an unlimited source of colors and designs. It also protects the tile from staining. If a tile is ‘unglazed’ it just means that their surface has not been coated. Full-body porcelain tiles are great for commercial applications, such as showrooms as they do not show wear and tear. This is because the are ‘full-bodied’ because their color extends throughout the whole tile.

Should a sealer be used on ceramic tile?

As all Floorell’s tiles are already glazed, it means they are already stain proofed, so a sealant would have no purpose. However, a penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile or your grout joints is a good idea. It will act as an invisible, stain resistant cover that is absorbed into the surface - it’s a good way to give you peace of mind.

For our full range visit www.floorell.co.uk