What You Need to Know About Porcelain Tile in Your Home
Porcelain tile is a great choice for any home, either as a flooring option or to install as a tub surround in the bathroom. Whatever your choice for installing porcelain tile, you need to ensure that you know everything you can about this material so you choose the right type and will be happy with the choice for years to come. Note a few things to consider about porcelain tile before you have it installed.
1. The difference between ceramic and porcelain tile
Ceramic tile has a type of clay biscuit as its foundation, and it is shaped and then given a gloss or protective coating. Porcelain is made from clay powder which is pressed and formed during its manufacture. This makes porcelain a denser, more durable, and heavier tile than ceramic.
2. The weight of the installation
Because porcelain is so dense, it may also be very heavy and especially when you tile a large area such as a kitchen and dining room floor. Its weight might mean that you would do well to add some type of structural bracing to the subfloor and especially if you have an older home with wood floorboards that may already be showing signs of wear. This can ensure that the weight of the tiles doesn't cause the floorboards to warp or even chip and crack.
3. Know the difference between wall tiles and floor tiles
Since adhering tiles to the wall means they pull on the drywall behind them, wall tiles may be thinner and lighter than floor tiles. This is why they're easier to break if you were to install them on the floor. By the same token, putting floor tiles on the wall can mean seeing the drywall crack and tear under their weight. Don't assume that all porcelain tiles are alike and that you can save money by putting wall tiles on the floor or can use leftover floor tiles on the wall, but be sure you ask for the tiles you need in particular.
4. Different classes of porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are classed according to how much wear and tear they can withstand, as well as foot traffic. A Class 0 tile is not the best for foot traffic or floors, whereas a Class IV is good for heavy traffic. You can choose a grade in between for your home's flooring depending on whether or not you have children and pets or just how durable you need your tiles to be.
For more information, contact Bayside Tiles or a similar company.