Porcelain tile is highly durable. Because it is extremely hard and dense, this tile resists wear, scratching, chipping, and cracking.
However, porcelain tiles can be somewhat more brittle than standard ceramic tiles, and they have some of the same drawbacks as ceramic tile, including their heavyweight, coldness, and hardness underfoot.
Some tips to help prevent scratches in porcelain tiles:
Use a chopping board rather than cutting directly on the countertop. Avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects on tile floors and countertops. Use a cutting board to prepare food rather than cutting directly on the countertop.
Porcelain tiles are incredibly strong and resistant to scratches, chips, and wear. This translates to a long-lasting flooring solution. Polished porcelain tiles are impermeable to moisture, making them suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas exposed to water and spillages.
Tile made from ceramic or porcelain is the most scratch-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile is made of fired clay, and it's a hard and durable substance. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic, but they make it from a more cultivated clay and bake it at higher temperatures.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the best waterproof and scratch-proof flooring options. It gives a natural hardwood look and offers great durability and resistance to water and scratches. Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of multiple layers, including a tough top layer that protects against scratches and dents.
Ceramic tile is the natural choice for anyone who wants low-maintenance cleaning.
Sprinkle on a layer of baking soda to fix light scratches.
Buff it in with a wet sponge for about three minutes. Rinse the spot clean to see how much of the scratch is left. If there is a little more, repeat the process.
On average, porcelain tile can last 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained. In some cases, especially with premium-grade porcelain tiles, the lifespan can extend beyond a century, making it one of the longest-lasting flooring and wall materials available.
Ceramic and porcelain tile doesn't increase your home's value as much as hardwood or waterproof floors do. But if you want to make your kitchen and bathroom look gorgeous, they're probably your best options to achieve that goal.
Avoid using ammonia or bleaching agents on the tiles; they damage porcelain tiles and stain grout. Oil-based wax detergents and cleaners damage these floors, too. Cleaners with dyes also stain porcelain tiles; avoid them.
Some household members will use vinegar to clean porcelain tiles. However, experts suggest this is not a good idea because vinegar has a high acidic content which can damage the quality of the porcelain.
Porcelain tile is typically dense and impervious and as such, doesn't necessarily need to be sealed. Whenever any surface is sealed, there will always be an issue of recurring maintenance just for that sealer.
For high-traffic or outdoor areas, porcelain will usually be the better choice because of its durability and moisture resistance. For areas with lighter foot traffic or projects where budget is a concern, ceramic tiles offer a cost-effective and attractive option.
Yes. Tile flooring is designed to handle water, but it's not completely waterproof. Over time, grout can wither away and cracks can form, creating the perfect entrance for those accidental spills to seep into. Water that gets under your tile can lead to all sorts of problems, including mold growth.
Porcelain tile is tough and hard, which makes it a good option for pet owners. Porcelain is also resistant to spills and scratches. If you have large, energetic dogs, then porcelain tile would be a good option.
As we said before, porcelain tiles are denser and heavier than other types of tiles. The weight of porcelain is one of its negative characteristics. The weight of the tile floor is significant because the high weight makes it more difficult to install.
Have a professional apply a sealant or topical coating to your tile floors. Sealants add a protective barrier and can help prevent surface scratches. Reapply the sealant every few years based on the product recommendations to maintain protection.
Look for quality certification: To ensure that you're getting high-quality porcelain tile, look for porcelain tile certified by organizations such as NSF, Greenguard, USGBC, Kosher, etc. These certifications guarantee that the porcelain tile meets specific strength, durability, and performance standards.
Regularly sweep and vacuum porcelain flooring and in between tiles to prevent dirt build-up. Small debris can scratch tile surfaces if left to grind underfoot.
With regular upkeep, the deep clean should be very quick and easy. A magic eraser and diluted white vinegar are great tools to use when deep cleaning porcelain.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
Neutral shades, like black, white, beige, tan, and gray. Classic patterns and designs, like black and white checkerboard and herringbone. Natural stone or porcelain and ceramic lookalikes.
Porcelain tile is our number-1 choice for showers because of its diversity, durability, and water-resistance. Unlike some other tile materials, porcelain doesn't have any pores, which prevents the buildup of mildew and soap scum.
Vinyl or Linoleum Bathroom Flooring
Vinyl is one of the most budget-friendly bathroom flooring options available. It is also easy to clean, waterproof, stainproof, and softer than wood or tile if you include a felt or foam backing—a helpful quality in bathrooms, where slip-and-fall accidents are common on wet floors.