Porcelain tile is a newer type of flooring that many homeowners and property owners are not super familiar with yet. While porcelain is associated with durability, strength, and attractiveness, there are many other characteristics that this product is known for – both good and bad.
Take a look at some of the pros and cons of porcelain tile below to determine if this type of flooring is ideal for your home or business.
Pros of Porcelain Tile
Many consumers are hesitant to invest in porcelain tile because it is more expensive compared to other types of flooring. However, there are reasons as to why this flooring type is more expensive and why it could actually end up saving you costs in the long haul. Below are some of the major pros of porcelain tile:
Resistance to Wear and Tear
Porcelain tile can withstand the normal wear and tear much better than ceramic tiles or other types of flooring. This is mostly because it is a denser material that is both thicker and harder than most other flooring types.
Little to No Maintenance
Porcelain tiles require little to no maintenance as time goes on. This is the opposite of hardwood flooring. It is very simple to keep these floors clean by simply wiping up any spills, sweeping occasionally, and wet mopping once in a while for a deeper clean.
Luxurious Look and Feel
Porcelain tiles give off a luxurious look and feel. This flooring type is visually-appealing and made of high-quality materials. There are also a variety of style that you can choose from in order to pick the ideal flooring for your home.
Can Handle High Foot Traffic
Porcelain tiles are resistant to scratches and scuffs, making them an ideal flooring type for rooms that have high foot traffic. They are also moisture resistant, where you can easily wipe up a spill without any damage to the floor.
Maximized Durability
This is one of the major benefits of porcelain tiles. This type of flooring can last for years without the need for replacement, saving you thousands in the long haul.
Cons of Porcelain Tile
While all of the above are excellent reasons to invest in porcelain tiles, there are also many reasons that this type of flooring may not be a fit for your home or business. Below are some of the major cons of porcelain tile:
Difficult Installation Process
Because porcelain tile is much denser than other types of flooring, it is harder to move around. It is also harder to cut through these pieces of porcelain, which can be an obstacle during the installation process.
Much Heavier in Weight
Porcelain tile weighs much more than other flooring types. Therefore, if you are installing porcelain on a second or third story bathroom, it can be a real challenge getting the tile up there.
More Expensive
As mentioned before, porcelain tile can be more expensive compared to other types of flooring. While there are reasons behind this, it may be difficult for someone on a budget to invest in this type of flooring.
Harder to Repair
While porcelain tile is meant to last for years, accidents can happen. It can be very difficult to repair porcelain tile compared to ceramic flooring or other types of flooring because porcelain tiles are much harder to work with, more expensive, and heavier.