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Nationwide delivery on most products
Be inspired with a visit to our showroom
Discount on trade purchases

Exploring All Types of Porcelain Tiles

Today porcelain tiles are a popular choice for flooring and walls due to their great characteristics. Made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, porcelain tiles are known for their low water absorption and resistance to wear, which makes them suitable for residential and commercial projects.

Whether you want to create a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional aesthetic, porcelain tiles offer a wide range of options to suit any design style. From matte finishes to vibrant patterns, there’s a type of porcelain tile for every need.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of porcelain tiles, focusing on their unique features and best applications to help you make an informed choice.

To make your navigation easier, we have created this table of contents, so that you can quickly access any section:

Types of porcelain tiles by finish

Porcelain tiles come in a variety of finishes, each designed to meet specific aesthetic and functional needs. In general, there are 3 main types of finishes: matte, polished, and glazed. Let’s explore each of them in more detail. 

Porcelain tiles with matte finish 

Matt finish porcelain tiles have a non-reflective surface with a soft muted look. One of their advantages is that they offer great slip resistance, which makes them a great decision for bathrooms and kitchens. Besides the good slip ratings, they also hide smudges, scratches, and fingerprints and require minimal maintenance. 

These tiles are available in a wide range of colours and textures, from soft neutral tones to bold, earthy shades. They’re perfect for areas where a natural, rustic feel is desired. 

From our range, we highly recommend choosing – Grey Porcelain Tile Cera Rock.

Polished Porcelain Tiles

For those looking to add a touch of luxury to their interiors, polished porcelain tiles are an excellent choice. Their high-gloss finish creates a sleek, sophisticated look that strengthens the light in any room, making spaces feel brighter and wider. Polished tiles are often used in living rooms, dining areas, and feature walls where aesthetics take centre stage.

However, this finish does come with some trade-offs. Polished tiles can be slippery when wet, so they may not be the best option for bathrooms or areas prone to moisture. They’re also more susceptible to showing scratches and wear over time. Despite these considerations, their stunning visual impact and ease of cleaning make them a favourite for creating elegant and modern interiors.

From our range, we highly recommend choosing – Ice Bianco.

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

Glazed porcelain tiles are versatile and practical, featuring a protective layer that improves their durability and appearance. The glaze can range from a smooth, shiny surface to a more textured, matte look, depending on the design. 

These tiles come in an extensive variety of colours, patterns, and styles, allowing homeowners to achieve any look they desire. From vibrant, eye-catching designs to subtle, natural tones, glazed tiles offer endless possibilities. Plus, the protective glaze makes them easy to clean, requiring only a simple wipe to remove spills or dirt.

From our range, we highly recommend choosing – Gleeze – Giada or Gleeze – Grigio.

Types of porcelain tiles by design and texture

Porcelain tiles are not just about being strong and useful. They also come in lots of different designs and textures. This means they can be used in any style of decor. They can copy the look of natural materials or have bright patterns. These tiles can change the look of any space. Let’s look at some of the most popular designs and textures.

Stone effect porcelain tiles

These tiles replicate the beauty and texture of natural stone, such as marble, granite, or slate, without the maintenance associated with real stone. Stone effect porcelain tiles provide an elegant and timeless appearance, making them perfect for both classic and modern interiors. They’re also highly durable, stain-resistant, and suitable for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor patios. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic or luxurious atmosphere, stone effect tiles deliver a sophisticated aesthetic.

Cement effect porcelain tiles

Ideal for achieving an urban or minimalist style, cement effect porcelain tiles have a matte, understated finish that creates a sleek and modern look. These tiles work well in open-plan spaces, loft style apartments, or commercial settings where a contemporary design is desired. They’re durable, easy to maintain, and can handle high foot traffic, making them a practical yet stylish choice for floors and walls.

Wood effect porcelain tiles

Wood effect porcelain tiles offer the warmth and natural appeal of timber without the drawbacks of real wood, such as warping or scratching. These tiles come in a range of shades and grains, from light oak to rich mahogany, and can be used to create cosy, inviting spaces. They’re particularly popular in living rooms, bedrooms, and even outdoor decks, as they’re resistant to moisture and wear, making them a long-lasting alternative to traditional hardwood.

Patterned and decorative porcelain tiles

For those who want to make a bold statement, patterned and decorative porcelain tiles are an excellent choice. These tiles come in a variety of designs, including geometric patterns, Moroccan-inspired motifs, and digitally printed graphics. They’re perfect for creating feature walls, backsplashes, or eye-catching flooring. Patterned tiles can add personality and charm to any room, from vibrant, eclectic designs to more subtle, classic patterns.

Indoor and outdoor porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are designed to meet the demands of both indoor and outdoor spaces, but the requirements for each setting differ significantly. 

Outdoor porcelain tiles are typically thicker than indoor tiles, with an average thickness of 20 mm compared to the 8-12 mm thickness of standard indoor tiles. This added thickness ensures that outdoor tiles can withstand heavier loads and rougher conditions, such as garden furniture or fluctuating temperatures.

Outdoor tiles are specifically designed to resist harsh weather conditions. They are frost-resistant, ensuring they don’t crack in freezing temperatures, and UV-stable, which means their colours won’t fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Indoor tiles don’t require these properties, as they are protected from such elements.

Choosing the right tile for each space

When selecting porcelain tiles, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of the area. For indoor spaces, focus on aesthetics and ease of maintenance. For outdoor areas, prioritise durability, slip resistance, and weather resistance. By choosing the appropriate tile type, you can ensure both functionality and style in any environment.

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