subject: Porcelain Tile Flooring For Your Studio Unit [print this page] It used to be that porcelain tile is often found only in kitchen and bathrooms. Nowadays, porcelain tiles are used for any area or room in the house. This strong, hard and high quality material has invaded even the most modern studio units of a condominium building. It is durable and requires little maintenance. Keeping them to look brand new and shiny is simple and easy. While porcelain and ceramic tiles use the same raw material which is clay, porcelain tiles use more refined clay than what is used for ceramic tiles.
The refined clay used in the manufacture or porcelain tiles are subjected to high temperature. This makes for a stronger tile compared to other ceramic types. Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic tiles. The process also makes them last a lifetime, with the right installation and following proper maintenance procedures. Porcelain tiles do not wear, tear and chip easily, thus making it ideal for use in places where there is heavy foot traffic. In modern applications, some studio units use porcelain tile flooring because they are resistant to moisture and stain, and there is little potential for cracking. It is a hygienic material suitable for household application because it is resistant to mildew growth. Its porosity also prevents the growth of bacteria. All of these qualities of porcelain tile make it a good material for installations inside or outside a home.
Laundry rooms, kitchens and bathrooms are areas where water constantly drips on the floor. Having porcelain tile flooring in any of these areas is ideal because porcelain floor tiles do not absorb water. In this application, porcelain tiles with low gloss will be ideal to avoid slipping and falling when the floor becomes wet. Tiles with high gloss are more slippery. And while porcelain tiles are waterproof, they are also fire proof giving the house or any structure additional protection against fire.
On the other hand, while porcelain tile flooring is naturally durable, the same quality makes the material difficult to cut. The ordinary snapping tools are not able to cut porcelain tiles. Special cutting tools like diamond blade tipped drill and wet saws are required to cut or drill the tiles. Because of its hardness, these tiles cannot be installed easily as extra pressure is required to lay them onto the wet concrete mix to put them in place. Unlike ordinary floor tiles, special skills and equipment may be needed to install the porcelain tiles properly.
Porcelain tiles are available in three different types. One can choose from natural porcelain tiles, which are smooth and dense and in the natural condition; polished porcelain tiles which are shiny and which retain granite-like surface. These tiles provide a clean and bright effect in a room but it can be less waterproof because the tiles surface is exposed; and glazed porcelain tiles which are shinier and has more waterproof properties because of the extra glazing. Porcelain tiles are also available in many colors. Depending on the use, porcelain tiles can take on a shiny look and finish through glazing, or have earthen effect or multi-dimensional colors that all add to the beauty of the material.
