Porcelain tile
Image:Chinese porcelain tiles, Cochin synagogue.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|Hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles on the floor of a Jewish synagogue in Cochin, Kerala, India
Porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles are either tiles made of porcelain, or relatively tough ceramic tiles made with a variety of materials and methods, that are suitable for use as floor tiles, or for walls. They have a low water absorption rate, generally less than 0.5 percent. The clay used to build porcelain tiles is generally denser than ceramic tiles. They can either be glazed or unglazed. Porcelain tiles are one type of vitrified tiles and are sometimes referred to as porcelain vitrified tiles.
Historically, porcelain was not the usual material for tiles, which were much more often made of earthenware or stoneware. The first porcelain tiles were made in China, and were largely used for decorating walls, such as in the 15th-century Porcelain Tower of Nanjing ; the use of porcelain tile as wall decoration long remained typical. In Europe, palaces also occasionally featured a few rooms with walls decorated in porcelain plaques, often with forms in high relief. These were manufactured by Capodimonte porcelain and Real Fábrica del Buen Retiro, among others. Historically, porcelain was too expensive for most tiling purposes, but it is now much cheaper, and is now widely used.
Production
Large-scale production of porcelain tile is undertaken in many countries, with the major producers being China, Italy, India, Spain and Turkey. Many countries also undertake small-scale production, such as Australia and Brazil. In terms of market size, the global ceramic and porcelain tile industry was valued at approximately $251 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $333 billion by 2032, reflecting steady growth and widespread demand across residential and commercial sectors.The wear rating of the tile can be graded from zero to five according to the ISO 10545-7 test for surface abrasion resistance of glazed tile, and this can be used to determine suitability for various end-use conditions.
Polished porcelain tiles
The dense, hard surface of porcelain has made polishing a viable alternative to a glazed surface. This means that a tile can be fired, then a polish cut into the surface, creating a shine without a glaze.Use
Porcelain is much harder than ordinary ceramic tiles and is often selected, despite its higher price, for its hard-wearing nature. Porcelain can be used in both wet and dry areas such as bathrooms, showers, and kitchens.Disadvantages
Porcelain is denser and therefore heavier to handle than other ceramic tiles. For this reason, it is generally more expensive. Being harder, it is more difficult to cut and drill and requires specialist tools, which can hamper fitting and increase costs. Polished porcelain may need sealing, where ordinary glazed tiles do not. The glazed surface is coated with less than two microns' thickness of glaze.Installation
The installation of ceramic of porcelain tiles generally involves the following steps:- Planning and preparation
- Surface preparation, including tile cutting
- Applying adhesive
- Laying tiles
- Grouting
- Finishing touches
- Cleaning, sealing and maintenance
Cutting
Manual cutting methods, such as scoring and splitting, can also be used for porcelain paving slabs. This process involves marking the cutting line, scoring it with a chisel and hammer, and deepening the groove until the slab can be split cleanly.Adhesives
Specialized cement is necessary for installation of porcelain tiles, and in the US specifications, are set by the Tile Council of America and supported by the Tile Contractors Association.Porcelain, being denser and heavier than ordinary ceramic tiles, needs a stronger adhesive to hold the weight on walls. Therefore, typical ready-mix adhesives are not recommended for porcelain. Standard adhesives used for porcelain tiles often include cement, redispersible polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate, silica sand, and additives like cellulose ethers, which enhance adhesion, flexibility, and durability.
Tile profiles and trims
Ceramic tile trims and profiles are specialized edging or transitional pieces that are used in conjunction with ceramic tiles. They serve several purposes:- Edge protection: Profiles protect the edges of tiles from chipping and wear.
- Transition: They provide a smooth transition between different surface materials or tile heights.
- Aesthetic enhancement: Profiles add a finished look, contributing to the overall design of the tiled area.
Profiles and trims are generally installed at the same time that the tiles are laid down.