Porcelain Tiles for Flooring: Pros and Cons

The use of porcelain tiles for flooring in Cincinnati and Columbus is now a hot trend. 

It's important to weigh the porcelain pavers pros and cons before moving forward with your decision.

What Is Porcelain Tile?

As a result, you get beautiful porcelain tiles flooring and porcelain floors.

Due to the manufacturing process, porcelain tile floors can take on the appearance of many other building materials with impressive efficacy; unless you are an expert on porcelain flooring and tile alternatives, you won't be able to tell the difference. 

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Pros of Porcelain Tile

Because porcelain tiles were created to be stronger and better, they do come with several desirable benefits compared with other flooring materials that appeal to homeowners and business owners alike. We have highlighted some benefits of porcelain tile below:

#1 A Wide Range of Design Options

For example, maybe you're looking for textured porcelain tiles for flooring that differ from standard ceramic tile. You will find plenty of options that align with your design aesthetic.

In many cases, this offers more affordable solutions compared with other flooring solutions, especially if you're covering a large area or you consider the price per square foot. 

You will find plenty of options that align with your design aesthetic, such as limestone, unlike other tiles that might be more limited in their appearance.

#2 Porcelain Tile Floor Is Highly Durable

Are porcelain tiles durable? If you're wondering how durable is porcelain tile, know that some of the most durable flooring types include those that are made from fired clay. Porcelain tile durability is at a high level because it is produced at higher temperatures and pressure. It is made from high-quality components that are highly resistant to scratches and stains, appealing to many business owners and those running rental properties if they need flooring in high-traffic areas. Therefore, porcelain tiles are more durable than most other kinds of floors.

If you are particular about a flooring type that won't get damaged easily while offering adequate aesthetics, porcelain tiles fit into these roles adequately. They are fit for homes where pets and children are likely to mess things around or commercial spaces that use heavy equipment. In general, porcelain tiles can withstand years of rough use and the fact that they are scratch resistant make them superior to other tile alternatives.

#3 Minimal Maintenance Required

Unlike some other ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are not made from a highly porous material. They don't, therefore, suck in stains easily and they don't require any sort of special sealing for them to maintain these benefits. 

#4 Water Resistance

If you're considering porcelain tile installation in an area that gets exposed to a high amount of water, this is another benefit of porcelain tile floors. Overall, it has fewer air pockets and it's a dense material, meaning porcelain floor tiles are harder and thicker versus other natural stone options you might be considering.

It's common for porcelain floor tile to last for years and they're a leading choice for businesses and homeowners as they are well worth the initial investment. Many business owners find that they're worth investing in because they hold up so well over time. They are also a luxury product made from denser material that is less prone to breaking and damage. Some people even opt to use these gorgeous tiles as wall coverings. 

#5 Incredible Visual Appeal

No matter the style or pattern you choose, porcelain tiles are designed to be stunning. They give that posh and luxurious effect when used and their hardness makes them even more beautiful.

Besides, porcelain tiles can incorporate different kinds of designs. While you may not be able to decide on the design of porcelain tiles from the manufacturing company, you are sure to find stunning designs in the market all the time.

A good example of a porcelain tile that does it aesthetically is the Vulkon Nero porcelain tile.

#6 Excellent for High Traffic Use

Experienced flooring professionals often recommend porcelain tile over standard ceramic tile in areas where there's a lot of commotion and usage. As we've mentioned, porcelain tile floors are resistant to wear and breakage, even against instances of pet nails, dragging furniture, etc. If there is extra weight and pressure applied to the flooring, they are incredibly strong and resistant to damage.

All of these factors combined make it ideal for using this type of flooring in high-traffic areas, appealing to business owners and homeowners alike. Don't feel as though you need to baby the floor or walk lightly to avoid causing damage. Your everyday activities are perfectly suitable for this type of flooring and you can enjoy yourself without having to worry about causing damage.

#7 Fireproof

Another instance of positive when comparing porcelain tile floors' pros and cons is that they're fireproof. While this material doesn't mean that the house is immune to catching on fire due to these tiles, instead, these tiles will not feed into making the fire worse. If there are smaller fires within the kitchen, for example, porcelain tile floors will be able to withstand the heat. 

Cons of Porcelain Tile

These are some of the cons of porcelain tiles and disadvantages of porcelain tiles that are worth considering before making a decision.

#1 Porcelain Tile Floors Have a High Cost

Regarding the materials themselves, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0.50 to $10 per square foot. Other options such as slate can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot. If you have designer or customized tiles, these will cost even more than non-porcelain ceramic, which is usually the least expensive type.

Labor and installation costs can add anywhere from $4 and $35 per square foot depending on the exact type of porcelain tile you're using.

#2 Complex Repairs and Installation 

Expanding on this, the installation process is highly precise and rushed and imperfect installation will only cause additional problems in the future. If you attempt to DIY the installation process, you can expect to pay anywhere from $9 to $55 per square foot versus hiring a professional that will cost anywhere from $13 to $85 per square foot, in addition to the material cost. It's always better to make the investment in quality at the beginning. 

#3 Heavy Weight of Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are dense and that is a good thing because that helps to provide their extra strength. However, this could be a disadvantage for the upper floors of story buildings.

However, it is not impossible to install porcelain tiles on the upper floors. You only have to ensure the structure of the house is strong enough to support all of that added weight. To confirm this, you may need to speak to your building contractor and obtain expert advice.

On the other hand, you may have to pay extra to the installation company considering all the stress involved with carrying the heavy tiles up the stairs.

#4 Comfort and Convenience

Rounding out the pros and cons of porcelain tile, know that one of the main disadvantages is that it's uncomfortable underfoot. They are known to have a cooling effect which can be undesirable during the winter versus other types of flooring such as wood. Many people opt for radiant heating so they are able to enjoy the other advantages that this option has to offer. Keep in mind that this can be an expensive add-on so you'll want to prepare yourself ahead of time.

Conclusion

Reach out to the Stone Center today for our rich porcelain products collection in Cincinnati and Columbus. The tiles are made from the finest materials using advanced manufacturing practices that provide a wide array of patterns, shapes, and finishes.