Buying Porcelain Floor Tiles

Porcelain tiles are stronger and the colour runs through the entire tile rather than just on the surface.  They way they are manufactured also makes them more resistant to the effects of weather when they are installed outside.  Porcelain floor tiles are suitable for any type of tile installation, indoors or outdoors, private or commercial.

Firstly you will need to decide where your porcelain floor tiles are going to be installed.  This is because you need to know if the tile needs to be waterproof.  Porcelain floor tiles can be classified by their water absorption rate.  Porcelain tiles that are classified as impervious to water have an absorption rate of 0.5% or less.  Porcelain tiles that are classed as vitreous have an absorption rate of 0.5% to 3%.  Semi-vitreous porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of 3% to 7%. Porcelain floor tiles that have a lower absorption rate are at their best when they are submerged in water, for instance in a swimming pool.

Before purchasing any tiles you should measure the area where you plan to install them.  This will give you an idea of how much tile you will need to purchase to cover the area.  Always bring your measurements with you when you start shopping for tiles.  Know what your budget is a porcelain floor tiles can vary in price.  Setting your budget before you start will help you to narrow down your choices and also help you to choose a tile that suits your lifestyle and decor as well as your wallet.

You will need to do a little research about the differences between full-body porcelain tiles and glazed porcelain tiles.  Each type of tile will offer a different look and may not be right for your home and its current decor.  A glazed tile has a coating on the surface that can make the tile appear a different colour whereas a full-body tile is coloured with a pigment and this is mixed throughout the tile giving it a consistent look.

It is much better to go and have a look at porcelain tiles in person as they can look much different in a picture than it does in person.  You will need to choose a colour that matches the current decor in your home so you need to know the exact colour of the porcelain floor tiles you are planning to buy.   If it is possible try to get a sample of the tile you are considering purchasing and look at the colour in the room you plan to install it in at different times of the day.  This is because glazed and unglazed tiles can appear to be a different colour depending on the amount of sunlight and artificial light a room gets.