← Back to Tilepedia
Materials

What Are Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile manufactured from highly refined clays and minerals that are pressed under very high pressure and fired in kilns at extremely high temperatures, typically between 1,200°C and 1,250°C. The result is a dense, hard-wearing tile with very low water absorption, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Today, porcelain tiles are widely used in homes, commercial buildings and public spaces because they combine durability with an enormous range of colours, styles and finishes.

What Makes Porcelain Different?

Although every porcelain tile is a ceramic tile, not every ceramic tile is porcelain.

The main difference lies in the materials used and the manufacturing process. Porcelain is produced using carefully selected clays, feldspar, silica and other natural minerals. These materials are milled into a fine powder, pressed under extremely high pressure and fired at temperatures high enough to create a dense, vitrified body.

This manufacturing process produces a tile that absorbs very little water and is considerably stronger than many traditional ceramic tiles.

How Are Porcelain Tiles Made?

The manufacturing process typically involves:

  1. Selecting and blending natural raw materials.
  2. Milling the materials into a fine powder.
  3. Spray drying to create uniform granules.
  4. Pressing under very high pressure.
  5. Drying before firing.
  6. Applying glazes and digital decoration where required.
  7. Firing in kilns at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C.
  8. Rectifying the edges (for rectified collections).
  9. Quality inspection and packaging.

Each stage influences the final appearance and performance of the tile.

Why Are Porcelain Tiles So Popular?

Porcelain offers a combination of beauty and practicality. Key advantages include:

These qualities make porcelain one of the most versatile flooring and wall materials available.

Types of Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain is available in many different forms, each designed for different applications and design styles:

Water Absorption

One of porcelain's defining characteristics is its exceptionally low water absorption. International standards generally classify porcelain as having water absorption of 0.5% or less.

This makes porcelain particularly suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, wet rooms, outdoor paving, and commercial environments. Its low porosity also contributes to excellent frost resistance when properly manufactured.

Is Porcelain Stronger Than Ceramic?

In general, yes. The combination of dense raw materials, high pressing pressures and elevated firing temperatures gives porcelain excellent mechanical strength and durability.

However, choosing the correct tile depends on its intended use. A quality ceramic wall tile may be a better choice than porcelain for certain wall applications because it is lighter and easier to cut.

Does Porcelain Need Sealing?

Most glazed porcelain tiles do not require sealing. Many unglazed porcelain tiles also require little or no sealing, although some manufacturers recommend sealing polished or certain specialist finishes to assist with maintenance.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding sealing, cleaning, and maintenance for your specific tile.

Can Porcelain Be Used Outdoors?

Yes. Provided the tile is designed for external use and installed correctly, porcelain performs exceptionally well outdoors. Many outdoor porcelain collections combine frost resistance, low water absorption, high slip resistance, and excellent durability.

Outdoor porcelain has become increasingly popular for patios, terraces and garden paths.

Common Misunderstandings

"Porcelain is completely waterproof."

No building material is absolutely waterproof. Porcelain simply absorbs very little water compared with many other materials.

"All porcelain tiles are the same."

Quality varies considerably between manufacturers. Differences may include digital printing, glaze technology, dimensional accuracy, shade variation, surface finish, and technical performance.

"Porcelain is impossible to damage."

Porcelain is extremely durable but not indestructible. Incorrect installation, impact from heavy objects or unsuitable cleaning methods can still damage tiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can porcelain tiles be used on walls?

Yes. Many porcelain tiles are suitable for both walls and floors.

Are porcelain tiles cold?

Like most stone and ceramic materials, porcelain feels cool to the touch. Underfloor heating is commonly used to provide additional comfort.

Do porcelain tiles fade?

High-quality porcelain tiles are highly resistant to fading and retain their appearance for many years under normal conditions.

Are porcelain tiles worth the extra cost?

For many projects, yes. Their durability, low maintenance requirements and long lifespan often make them an excellent long-term investment.

Conclusion

Porcelain tiles have become one of the world's most popular flooring and wall materials because they combine strength, durability and design flexibility.

Available in countless colours, textures and finishes, porcelain can faithfully reproduce the appearance of natural stone, marble, timber and concrete while offering excellent technical performance.

Whether used in a family bathroom, a busy commercial entrance or an outdoor terrace, porcelain provides a durable surface capable of performing for decades when properly selected and installed.

Browse Porcelain Tiles on TileFinder

Compare prices, check stock, and enquire directly with local shops.

Browse Porcelain Tiles →
Sources