byAlma Abell

Porcelain tiles add a touch of class to any surface; they are most often used for floors and countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain tiles in Brooklyn are extremely easy to clean and otherwise care for as long as they have been installed properly using the correct grout. Porcelain tiles are subset of ceramic tiles; what is the difference between the two and which is the better choice taking into account style and budget.

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from slurry of clay and inclusions; they are both fired at high temperatures, some are glazed and some are left unglazed. This in itself makes the tiles similar to one another but porcelain is considered by many to be the superior product, being more luxurious, harder and more water repellant. Porcelain tiles in Brooklyn offer;

• Hard hence long lasting

• Easy to clean

• Very low moisture absorption

• Wide range of colors and surface finishes

Porcelain is produced in a very similar fashion to ceramics but the firing temperature in the kiln is higher. The material that is used is a combination of all natural material including feldspar and kaolinite which are blended with certain chemicals which give it strength and durability. Once these materials have been mixed into a “mud” they are pressed into molds and then fired at temperatures as hot as 1350 degrees C; often they are coated with a colorant prior to firing which adds design features not found in the virgin material.

Porcelain is ideal for areas which see plenty of water such as shower stalls and kitchen and bathroom floors because it has a water absorption rate of a miniscule 0.5%. After firing a tile is weighed very accurately, the tile is then boiled in water for a full five hours at which time it is then submerged in cold water for 24 hours and then weighed again. If the weight of the test tile is less than one half of one percent heavier then it is considered as porcelain.

The one drawback to porcelain tiles, and this is not a problem for professional installers, is the fact that the tiles may not all be exactly the same size. Because they are fired at such extremely high temperatures they have a tendency to distort.

The problems associated with lack of commonality of size can be overcome by paying particular attention when selecting the tiles and to use professionals to install them. Not only do the professionals know how to deal with mismatched sizes, they have the equipment to cut this extremely hard material.

If you are looking to enhance the beauty of your home then you may wish to consider porcelain tiles. Italian Tile NYC carries a distinctive range of porcelain tiles in Brooklyn at very appealing prices.