Types of Porcelain Tiles: A Handy Guide on Pros & Cons

Summary: Porcelain tiles have been a popular choice in the home decor space in recent years, thanks to their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. These tiles are made from dense, fine-grained clay fired at high temperatures, resulting in a strong, non-porous material that is resistant to water, stains, and wear. 

With a wide range of types available, porcelain tiles offer endless design possibilities for residential and commercial spaces. 

Let’s dig into the types of porcelain tiles – characteristics, applications, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision. 

About the Author: Elchin, co-founder of Solidshape, brings over 20 years of design experience. He’s consulted on hundreds of projects—from malls to luxury homes—and is known for helping clients make smart, stylish tile choices.

Types of Porcelain Tiles

Matte & Unglazed Porcelain Tiles

Matte and unglazed porcelain tiles feature a non-reflective, natural-looking finish that adds a subtle, understated elegance to any space. The absence of a glossy surface creates a more rustic, earthy appearance, making these tiles a popular choice for those seeking a minimalist or industrial aesthetic. 

Pros

• Slip-resistant surfaces make them safer for high-traffic areas and wet environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Durable and long-lasting, as the color and pattern extend through the entire tile.
• Easy to maintain and clean, as the matte surface hides minor imperfections and dirt.

Cons

• Limited color and design options compared to glazed or printed porcelain tiles.

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

Glazed porcelain tiles are coated with a liquid glass layer fired onto the surface creating a smooth, glossy finish. This process allows for a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs. So, if you wish to add a touch of personality and style to your space, this is the right choice. 

From solid colors to intricate patterns that mimic the look of natural stone or wood, there are umpteen design opportunities. The non-porous surface prevents liquids and stains from penetrating the tile, making them a practical choice for areas prone to spills and splashes, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Pros

• Wide range of colors, patterns, and designs available, allowing for greater design flexibility.
• Highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Reflective surfaces can help brighten up a room and create a spacious feel.

Cons

• Glossy surfaces may be slippery when wet, requiring non-slip mats or treatments in wet areas.
• Chips and scratches may be more noticeable on the glazed surface, as the color and pattern do not extend through the entire tile.

Full Body Porcelain Tiles

Full-body porcelain tiles, also known as through-body porcelain tiles, are made from a single layer of colored clay that extends throughout the entire thickness of the tile. This means that the color and pattern remain consistent from the surface to the core, making chips and scratches less noticeable.

These tiles are known for their exceptional durability and longevity, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic commercial settings such as airports, shopping malls, and office buildings. 

Pros

• Exceptionally durable and long-lasting, ideal for high-traffic commercial and residential areas.
• Seamless installations and easy replacement of damaged tiles.
• Resistant to fading, as the color is inherent to the tile body.

Cons

• May be more expensive than other types of porcelain tiles due to the manufacturing process.
• Fewer color and design options compared to glazed or printed porcelain tiles.

Types of Porcelain Tile	Pros	Cons
Matte & Unglazed Porcelain Tiles	Safer in bathrooms and kitchens for its slip-resistant property	Limited color and design options as compared to other types
Glazed Porcelain Tiles	Wide range of colors & patterns	Chips and scratches become more visible on the glazed surface
Full-body Porcelain Tiles	Seamless installation and easy replacement of damaged tiles	Might be more expensive than other types
Polished Porcelain Tiles	Easy to clean and maintain	Not suitable for wet areas without anti-slip treatments
Double-Charged Porcelain Tiles	Suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial settings	Limited design options compared to the printed alternatives
Printed Porcelain Tiles	More durable because of the clear glaze coating	Printed surface wears away over time in high-traffic areas
Textured Porcelain Tiles	Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications	Difficult to clean than the smooth alternatives

Polished Porcelain Tiles

As the name suggests, polished porcelain tiles also feature a glossy, reflective surface, offering luxury and sophistication to any space. The polishing process involves grinding down the surface of the tile to create a smooth, mirror-like finish that reflects light and enhances the color and pattern of the tile.

These tiles are often used in formal living areas, dining rooms, and upscale commercial settings such as hotels and restaurants to create a sense of elegance and refinement. 

Pros

• Glossy and reflective surface adds a touch of luxury and elegance to a space.
• Enhances the color and pattern of the tile, creating a vibrant and eye-catching look.
• Easy to clean and maintain, as the smooth surface resists dirt and stains.
• Can help create a spacious and bright feel in a room by reflecting light.

Cons

• Requires more care and maintenance to prevent scratches and maintain shine.
• Slippery surface may not be suitable for wet areas or high-traffic zones without non-slip treatments.
• Demands more frequent cleaning to maintain the glossy appearance.

Browse the extensive collection of Solidshape’s polished porcelain tiles to create spacious spaces in your home. Explore our options. 

Double Charged Porcelain Tiles

Double-charged porcelain tiles are created using a unique manufacturing process that involves applying a second layer of color and pattern to the surface of the tile before firing. This additional layer adds depth, dimension, and durability to the tile, creating a more realistic and visually appealing look. 

Homeowners use these tiles to mimic the appearance of natural stone, such as marble or granite, without the maintenance and cost associated with these materials. 

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial settings.
• Cost-effective alternative to natural stone, with lower maintenance requirements.

Cons

• Limited design options compared to printed porcelain tiles.

Printed Porcelain Tiles

Printed porcelain tiles are manufactured using advanced digital printing technology. This allows for a vast range of colors, patterns, and designs to be applied directly to the tile surface. 

The process enables manufacturers to create highly detailed, realistic images that can replicate the look of natural materials such as wood, stone, or even fabric. 

With these tiles, you will have extensive design possibilities to create a unique, personalized look in your home or business. 

Pros

• Allows for unique and personalized designs that can’t be achieved with other types of tiles.
• Achieves the look of expensive materials without the associated high maintenance and installation costs/challenges.
• Durable and long-lasting, as the printed design is protected by a clear glaze.

Cons

• Some lower-quality printed tiles may have less precise or detailed designs.
• The printed surface may wear away over time in high-traffic areas, revealing the base color of the tile.

Textured Porcelain Tiles 

Textured porcelain tiles replicate the look and feel of natural stone with a three-dimensional surface that adds tactile interest to a space. These tiles often feature a range of textures, from the rough, cleft-like surface of slate to the smooth, undulating ripples of sandstone. 

It is an ideal choice for those who want to add a natural, organic feel to their space without the maintenance and cost associated with real stone. 

Pros

• Offers slip resistance, making them safer for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
• Durable and long-lasting, with lower maintenance requirements compared to natural stone.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Cons

• Sometimes, it gets difficult to clean than smooth porcelain tiles, as dirt and debris can settle into the textured surface.
• Some textured tiles may be more prone to trapping water, requiring extra attention to prevent mold or mildew growth in wet areas.

Porcelain for a Durable Home Decor

Porcelain tiles offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for enhancing the durability and style of your home decor. Some of the key advantages include:

Durability

Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to wear, scratches, and chips, making them a long-lasting choice for high-traffic areas.

Water resistance

The non-porous nature of porcelain tiles makes them resistant to water and moisture, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

Stain resistance

Porcelain tiles are resistant to stains and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for areas prone to spills and messes.

Versatility

With a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures available, porcelain tiles can be used to create a variety of looks, from classic and traditional to modern and trendy.

Low maintenance

Porcelain tiles require minimal upkeep, making them convenient for busy households and commercial settings.

Solidshape’s collection of porcelain tiles boasts all the benefits and brings the desired look to your interiors. 

Maintenance of Porcelain Tiles

While porcelain tiles are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, proper care is still essential to preserve their beauty and longevity. 

Here are some tips for maintaining the different types of porcelain tiles:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Mop with a damp cloth or mop, using a mild cleaning solution if needed.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the surface of the tile.
• Use a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid dulling the shine for polished porcelain tiles,
• Clean up spills promptly to prevent staining, especially on unglazed or textured tiles.
• Consider applying a penetrating sealer to unglazed tiles to protect against stains and moisture.
• Use protective pads on furniture to prevent scratches and chips.

In a Nutshell

Whether you’re renovating your home or planning a new build, incorporating porcelain tiles into your design can help create a space that is both beautiful and built to last. 

Find the perfect porcelain tiles for your next project at Solidshape. Our extensive collection features various colors, patterns, and textures to suit any style and budget. 

From classic glazed tiles to innovative printed and textured options, we have the expertise and selection to help you create a space that is both beautiful and built to last. 

FAQs

What is the best grade of porcelain?

Porcelain tiles are typically classified into three grades based on their quality and durability:

• Grade 1: The highest quality porcelain tiles, suitable for heavy traffic commercial and residential areas.
• Grade 2: Mid-range porcelain tiles, suitable for moderate traffic residential and light commercial areas.
• Grade 3: The lowest quality porcelain tiles, suitable for light traffic residential areas.

When choosing porcelain tiles, consider the intended use and traffic level of the space to select the appropriate grade.

What is the difference between porcelain tile and full-body porcelain tile?

The main difference between porcelain tile and full-body porcelain tile lies in the composition and color consistency of the tile. Regular porcelain tiles are made from a layer of clay with a glazed surface, meaning the color and pattern are only on the surface of the tile. 

Full-body porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made from a single layer of colored clay that extends throughout the entire thickness of the tile, ensuring color and pattern consistency from surface to core.

Is it better to use porcelain or ceramic tile?

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles have their advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of your project. 

Here are some factors to consider:

• Durability: Porcelain tiles are denser and more durable than ceramic tiles, making them better suited for high-traffic areas and outdoor use.
• Water resistance: Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles, making them a better choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Cost: Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive than porcelain tiles, making them a more budget-friendly option for some projects.
• Design options: Both porcelain and ceramic tiles offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, so the design possibilities are vast for both materials.

Consider your specific needs, budget, and design preferences when deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles.