Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

How to Buy Porcelain Flooring

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for most spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and outdoor areas. However, there might be better choices for bedrooms or rooms that require a softer, warmer flooring option.

The main qualities of porcelain and ceramic tiles include their easy-to-clean nature, stain resistance, and water resistance. How porcelain tiles are produced results in a robust, vitrified material with low porosity. While also made from clay, ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate and are generally more affordable.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are available in various designs, including wood effect tiles, large-format porcelain, and outdoor porcelain paving slabs. When choosing between different designs, consider the room in which they will be installed, the desired aesthetic, and maintenance requirements. For instance, wood effect tiles can look natural in living rooms, while porcelain paving slabs are perfect for outdoor patios and pathways.

Our range of porcelain and ceramic floor tiles offers various styles, colours, and patterns, ensuring you can find the perfect option for your home. Please browse our selection of designs and discover the ideal tile range to transform your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I install porcelain tiles?

You can install porcelain tiles pretty much anywhere. They're great for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens because they're so tough. However, they're also stylish enough for living areas and bedrooms. As they are water-resistant, they're a great choice for bathrooms, too with designs like the Lino White Bohemia Hexagon proving popular. With so many different styles to choose from, you can find porcelain tiles that are perfect for any room in your home.

These tiles can also be installed outdoors. Weather-resistant and hard-wearing, our outdoor porcelain tiles provide a great-looking, practical surface for patios, pathways, and other outside spaces.

How to cut porcelain tile/how to cut ceramic tile?

Cutting porcelain and ceramic tiles can be tricky, mainly if they feature a pattern. Use a manual tile cutter or a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut porcelain and ceramic tiles. For manual tile cutters, score the tile along the desired cut line and snap it for a clean edge. If using wet saws, carefully guide the tile through the blade along the cut line. 

What is porcelain made of?

Porcelain is made of dense, fine-grained clay. It is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a robust and low porosity material with high resistance to water absorption. They are thicker than ceramic tiles, making them suitable for wall and floor installations. However, this dense design also makes them heavier than ceramic tiles. 

How to clean outdoor porcelain tiles?

Clean outdoor porcelain tiles by sweeping or vacuuming daily to remove dust and debris. Once a week, fortnight, or month, mop the tiles with a suitable cleaning solution to remove built-up residue. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.

How to lay outdoor porcelain tiles/how to lay ceramic floor tiles?

To lay outdoor porcelain or ceramic floor tiles:

• Begin by preparing a clean, stable, and level surface. 
• Apply mortar or adhesive and set the tiles in the desired pattern. 
• Use spacers to ensure even grout lines.
• Allow the glue to set before grouting the tiles.

Can you paint ceramic tiles?

Yes, you can paint ceramic tile with suitable tile paint and primer. Clean and sand the surface, apply a high-adhesion primer, and use a paint designed explicitly for tiles. This is a great way to change the aesthetics of a room without spending a fortune. 

Can porcelain tile be used outside?

Porcelain tile can be used outside as it is resistant to water absorption, frost, and fading. It is ideal for those looking to breathe new life into their patios, driveways, and walkway. However, not all porcelain tiles can be used outdoors. They need a minimum depth of 20mm to be suitable for use in an outdoor setting. 

Should you seal porcelain patio tiles?

It is not always necessary to seal porcelain patio tiles. They are inherently water-resistant. However, sealing the grout lines can help prevent staining and protect the overall appearance of the tiles. This is a straightforward task that could expand the lifespan of your tiled floor. Just make sure you use a waterproof sealant designed for outdoor use. 

Is porcelain tile better than ceramic?

When it comes to durability and versatility, porcelain tiles tend to have the upper hand over ceramic tiles. They're made using a more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures, which makes them denser and less porous. This means they're better at resisting water and stains, and they're also less likely to chip or crack. While ceramic tiles are still a great choice, porcelain tiles tend to be a bit tougher.

If you want help choosing which porcelain tiles are for you, speak to our friendly customer service team.