Porcelain tile panels: A guide
If you want to enhance the design of your home or business with an elegant material that looks luxurious but is still easy to maintain, Dreamstone Inc. has the perfect solution – porcelain tile. This classic material has a beautiful shine, a silky texture, and a durability that’s tough to beat. It lends an upscale look to any interior, and is quickly become a popular option for homes and businesses alike. Here’s a quick guide to porcelain tile and how you can integrate it into your next design project.
What is porcelain tile?
You may have heard the term porcelain used before when referring to dining china or dolls. While it definitely has the ability to be delicate enough to use for these items, it’s also durable and resilient enough to be used as flooring, countertops, wall panels, and more. But what is it, and how is it made?
Porcelain tile is made differently than typical ceramic tile. Porcelain is sometimes referred to as a “high-fire” material – it’s clay that is seared at extremely hot temperatures, ranging from 2,300-2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this process, porcelain is an exceptionally strong material that can withstand the elements. Additionally, porcelain isn’t porous like marble or granite, which means that it offers superior protection against moisture and humidity (an important quality in Orlando).
Where can you use porcelain panels and tile flooring?
Porcelain tile can be used in a multitude of ways around your Orlando home or business. Not only can it be used as flooring, but it’s also perfect for wall tiles like backsplashes, accent walls, and more. Porcelain panels are becoming more and more popular in showers and bathrooms as they provide an elegant, sleek finish to the design. However, porcelain is also durable enough to be used in exterior design projects, too. The possibilities are endless with this type of material, no matter where you’re planning to use it.
How to choose porcelain flooring and accents
When you’re shopping for porcelain flooring or wall accents, it’s important to know how to navigate your choices. Here are a few things to consider:
Know what class you want. Class is the resistance to wear and tear. For this material, class ranges from 1-5, with five being the most durable and suitable for flooring. Class one material is not as durable. It’s better suited for porcelain panels or accents not located on the floor.
Know what grade you want.
Grade is a measure of the porcelain tile’s overall quality, which is linked to its thickness. It ranges from 1-3. Grade one is the thickest variety of porcelain tile at around ¾”, while Grade three is the thinnest at around ¼”. Grade one tile is not recommended for flooring because it’s too thin and not durable enough.
Know what color you want. Most people associate porcelain tile flooring with the color white, but believe it or not, there are endless options when it comes to style, color, shape, and size of porcelain tile.
Start your Orlando porcelain tile project today with Dreamstone Inc.
Ready to start your porcelain tile project? We’re ready to make it happen – contact our Orlando tile experts at Dreamstone today! You can reach us at (407) 677-5657 today, or email us for more information at info@dreamstonefl.com.