Is porcelain OK for bathroom?

Author: Prof. Herman Bednar  |  Last update: Sunday, April 20, 2025

Porcelain tile is recommended for bathrooms, including floors, tub and shower surrounds and countertops. Porcelain is recommended for kitchens, but glazed ceramic tile is a budget-friendly option. Glazed ceramic tiles are a good choice for a kitchen backsplash.

Is porcelain good for a bathroom?

Porcelain tile is a popular choice for bathroom floors. Porcelain is a denser, less porous and harder option that offers greater stain and water resistance than ceramic tile. Plus, it's suitable for radiant in-floor heat to keep feet toasty on cool mornings. Porcelain offers unmatched design versatility.

Can mold grow under porcelain tile?

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.

Is porcelain too slippery for a bathroom floor?

porcelain tile floors can be notoriously slippery. The very feature that makes tile easy to clean--its smooth, non-porous nature--also means that it is slippery underfoot. Add extra tile glazing, water, and dress shoes, and a rush to get to work can mean a trip to the emergency room instead.

What is better for a bathroom floor ceramic or porcelain?

Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for a bathroom? Porcelain tile is better for bathroom floors and walls because it's more resistant to water absorption than ceramic tile. It's also more durable and resistant to staining.

Porcelain vs Ceramic Bathroom Tiles: What You Need to Know

What is the best material to put on the bathroom floor?

The best flooring options for bathrooms are floors that can withstand moisture and humidity, aren't slippery when wet, are easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot. In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options.

What should you avoid with porcelain tiles?

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.

What happens if water gets under porcelain tile?

While tile floors are known for their durability and water-resistant properties, they are not impervious to the effects of moisture. Over time, excessive water exposure can weaken the grout, cause mold and mildew growth, and even result in the lifting or cracking of tiles.

Does bacteria grow on porcelain?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are inhospitable to the growth of bacteria hygienic benefits. There are options available with antimicrobial properties that can suppress and even destroy harmful microorganisms, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

What is the major disadvantage of porcelain?

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.

What is the best tile for a bathroom floor?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are always great options. They offer lots of colors, sizes, and patterns to make small bathrooms feel unique.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive porcelain tile?

The difference between cheap and expensive tiles lies in factors such as material quality, durability, aesthetic appeal, manufacturing quality, and versatility.

What are the cons of porcelain tiles?

Cons of Glazed Porcelain Tiles:
  • Expensive.
  • Difficult in Installation.
  • Quite Slippery.
  • Difficult to Repair.
  • Final Thoughts:

What tiles should not be used in a shower?

Avoid glazed ceramic tiles in this spot, as they tend to be slippery. Also, remember that non-vitreous tiles are not suitable for the shower floor. Only impervious or vitreous tiles should be used in the shower area, as they are relatively more waterproof.

Can you put porcelain tiles in a bathroom?

Flooring: The durability and water resistance of porcelain floor tiles make them ideal for bathroom floors.

What ruins porcelain tile?

Avoid oil- and wax-based cleaners and never use a solution containing acids, ammonia, or bleach on your glazed porcelain tiles. These products can alter the color of the tile and eat away the grout.

Can mold grow under ceramic tile?

If you notice black, blue, green, or pink growth appearing in water-prone areas (most commonly your grout), it's a sure sign you have mold issues. Mold will also grow under tiles, weakening their hold and lifting them. Loose or uneven tile can be another sign of mold.

Why is my bathroom wall tile cracking?

Typically, cracked tiles result from underlying concerns, most notably improper installation. However, it could also result from drastic temperature changes, fissures in the substrate or surface the tile is put on, carrying too much weight, or even the simple act of dropping a heavy object on them.

Can you use Clorox wipes on porcelain tile?

Although porcelain tiles offer exceptional durability, there are few products and techniques you should avoid at all costs. Never use a product that contains harmful chemicals such as ammonia or bleach (or any type of acid-based cleanser). These type of chemicals can alter the colour of the tiles and/or the grout.

Is ceramic or porcelain tile better for bathrooms?

The two biggest considerations are usually cost and water resistance. Porcelain tile is recommended for bathrooms, including floors, tub and shower surrounds and countertops. Porcelain is recommended for kitchens, but glazed ceramic tile is a budget-friendly option.

Does vinegar damage porcelain tile?

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.

What is the most popular bathroom flooring in 2024?

Patterned bathroom tiles are a wonderful way to incorporate colour and design into a bathroom scheme, with patterned bathroom flooring being particularly popular in 2024. These tiles come in a range of styles, from vintage-inspired floral motifs and bold geometric shapes to classic Moroccan style tiles.

What is the lowest maintenance flooring for a bathroom?

6 Low-Maintenance Flooring Options that Will Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
  • #1 - Ceramic Tile. Ceramic tile is one of the best choices for low-cost and low maintenance. ...
  • #2 - Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • #3 - Natural Stone. ...
  • #4 - Hardwood. ...
  • #5 - Porcelain Tile. ...
  • #6 - Linoleum. ...
  • Enjoy Your Home Without the Hassle.

Which bathroom flooring last longest?

Tile flooring, whether ceramic or porcelain, is known for its durability and water resistance, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-moisture areas. Properly installed and maintained tile flooring can last more than 50 years.

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