Is Porcelain Worth the Hype?

Well, the easy answer is Yes.

Porcelain is not a new product, tiles made from clay have been around for many centuries in Europe and porcelain has been used as a ceramic since BC by ancient China. In more recent years, changes in technology and manufacturing mean that porcelain tiles are now man-made and can be used as garden paving slabs on walls, floors, ceilings and fireplaces with surface patterning on tiles made to resemble wood, stone, metal and even fabric.

Porcelain has a number of properties which makes it the ideal material for paving and interior flooring, the main one being that it has extremely low water absorption making it ideal for external landscaping but also for internal use in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways etc.

Key Selling Points

• Porcelain paving is highly resistant to severe weather changes and damage from mould or moss and it is impervious to ‘fading’ so the original colour will stay true.
• It is extremely durable so ideal for areas of hard wear and tear such as paths and driveways, and because the texture is naturally non-slip and frost-proof porcelain paving makes a safer choice for the inclement UK climate!
• The realistic wood-effect of some ranges make porcelain a good alternative to decking whilst the replica flagstones are stunning in more contemporary designs.
• The colour and thickness of porcelain tiles are totally consistent within each tile and from tile to tile which makes for beautifully neutral interior flooring and is perfect for those that prefer uniformity as opposed to the gradients in natural stone.
• Recent technology in surface patterns means that porcelain tiles can now faithfully replicate wood flooring but are much easier to maintain and harder wearing.
• Porcelain tiles can be laid on floors, walls and ceilings so are perfect for bathrooms, wet rooms, boot rooms and kitchens or any areas where there is water such as around swimming pools or hot tubs.
• Open plan living is very popular and porcelain tiles are the perfect choice for indoor/outdoor designs especially with bi-fold doors for seamless flooring to paving.

Before You Buy

With so many colours and choices on the market, choosing the right product is probably the hardest part!

Ensure you buy from a reputable manufacturer and obtain samples before you buy so you can see how the colour looks in your own environment. Porcelain is a very hard substance and requires specialist equipment to cut and lay it properly, so use an experienced fitter.