All you want to know about porcelain tiles

LEENA JHA HOMIFY LEENA JHA HOMIFY
The Corner House, Ansari Architects Ansari Architects Salas de jantar modernas
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The porcelain tiles are cold and easy to maintain tiles that go well with Indian climatic condition and Indian fetish for cleaning the home by sweeping and wet mopping the floor daily. In hot and humid Indian weather condition it comes as a respite to have cold feel beneath the feet and cool and calm vibes spreading all over the room. Keeping this in mind, even Indian architects and interior designers and decorators prefer to have porcelain tiles in the interior and sometimes outside too to bring in respite and coolness in warm homes. However, it is important to know about the types of porcelain tiles and the specific space where it could be fixed to reap in the maximum benefits from it. Today we have brought for you the information about different types of tiles available in the market and the part of the home where it can be safely installed. We will also share the information about the right type of grout to use and also the maintenance of the porcelain tiles in your home. Have a look!

​1. The right choice of porcelain tile

The choice of porcelain tiles depends upon the space it is to be installed. Water absorption, water retaining capacity, resistance to moisture, friction it creates, cleaning comfort, stain-resistance, shades and colour… there are many things to consider before making a choice. So it is advisable to get professional help from professionals. They know what’s best for your home. Before meeting the professionals, just do a bit of your home and learn about the types of porcelain tiles.

2. Natural porcelain tile

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As the name suggest it is natural because it receives no treatment or polishing and is in its natural form appearing rough and rustic. It is ideal for wet areas or in high traffic area because it is stronger and less slippery.

3. Polished porcelain tile

Polished porcelain tiles are appreciated for its rich lustrous and smooth finishing. So it is quite popular among designers and home owners for the luxury it brings in the interior decoration of the home. For its glossy elegant look it is preferred in living room, hallway, dining room and bedrooms. However, it should be avoided in areas like bathroomkitchen and outdoors because it gets slippery when wet.

4. Enameled porcelain tile

Enameled porcelain tiles are most loved among all because of its versatility and amazing design it can bring into the space. It can be created in any design or print and can be produced in smooth, shiny, rough, satiny or matte finishing. As far as the installation is concerned, it is same like above. The smooth and shiny finishing are slippery and hence suited for dry areas and tiles with rough and matte finishing are suitable for wet areas and outdoors. Also the enameled tiles absorb less water and hence its maintenance is easy and simple.

5. Satin porcelain tile

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This category of tiles can be differentiated from others by look and feel of it. It doesn’t receive the glossy finishing and hence retains the rough matte look and feel. This tile can be created to imitate the natural products like marble, granite, concrete and even wood. It can be installed in any part of the home but still it is advisable to avoid it in wet areas.

6. Types of porcelain tile to be used in bathroom

Bathroom being the wet zone of the home, we have to be careful while selecting tiles for it. Apart from making it look beautiful we have to think about the safety for our family too. Shinier the tiles, less friction is creates thus making it slippery when wet. So for bathroom select natural or matte or satin finishing porcelain tiles. Since satin-finishing tiles can mimic various materials, so it broadens the horizon and allows you to choose from wide range to create a modern, safe and easy to clean bathroom for your home.

7. Types of porcelain tile to be used in kitchen

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Since kitchen is also a wet zone and quite prone to greasy dirt, so once again it is advisable to have satin tiles here. Satin tiles are more recommended for kitchen because modern kitchen has now become the social area of the home and hence it has to be smart and shiny in sync with the rest of the space. Satin tiles are non-slippery and easy to clean and maintain, thus making it ideal for kitchen use. Besides, since satin finishing is available in different textures, you can get one imitating marble or granite for your kitchen.

8. Types of porcelain tiles in the footer

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Footer or skirting on the walls provide a sense of continuity and adds elegance into the space. You can use the same porcelain tiles of the floor for skirting too or you may bring in variety by using any other material or different coloured tiles on the footer. Ideal is to use bold porcelain tiles with height to suit your style. The height of the footer could be anywhere between 7 cm to 20 cm.

9. Types of grout to fix the porcelain tiles

The choice for the grout is as important as the tiles you select for the space. Like the tile, the grout should be suitable to climate and should match the colour and finishing of the tiles. There are three types of grout used for porcelain tiles:

Cement: Water is used to mix the cement grout and hence it has to be given 24 hours to set in before using the space for traffic. It can be used in both wet and dry zone. Cement has rough finishing and is the cheapest among all the grout. With cement in the grout, the recommended distance between two pieces is 3 to 10mm.

Acrylic: Water is use to prepare the grout and it can also be used in both wet and dry zone. Here also after application, the space should be left to set for 24 hours before you start using it. Moderately priced, it has slightly smoother finishing. The distance between two pieces should be 1mm to 3mm.

Epoxy: It is the only grout where water is not used and it has very high resistance. It is resistant to water, fungus and stains making it ideal for wet areas. Even the distance between two pieces is highly reduced to less than 3mm. However, it need an expertise and specialized labour to apply it.

10. Maintenance and cleaning of the porcelain tiles

Once fitted all you now need is tips to keep it clean and shine intact for long. Check with the company whose tiles you have installed for cleaning agents to use for its cleaning. Adhere to the instruction provided by the company to prevent smudging and loosing the sheen.

Porcelain tile in living room

Porcelain tile in bedroom

Porcelain tiles in children room

Porcelain tile in hallway

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Porcelain tile in kitchen

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Porcelain tile in bathroom

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Porcelain tile on the facade of home

Get more ideas to decorate the facade of your home: 15 inspiring ideas of modern facades for your home

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