Question 1

What are glazed porcelain tiles?

Accepted Answer

Glazed porcelain tiles are porcelain tiles with a fired glass layer on the surface. The body underneath is dense and absorbs almost no water, while the glaze carries the colour, the pattern and the finish. Unglazed or full-body porcelain has no such layer, so its colour runs right through the tile.

Question 2

What is the difference between glazed porcelain tiles and homogeneous tiles?

Accepted Answer

Homogeneous tiles are full-body: the colour goes all the way through, so chips and scuffs barely show, which suits heavy traffic. Glazed porcelain tiles carry their pattern in a surface layer, which gives far more design choice but means a chip exposes a different colour underneath. Choose by traffic first, then by look.

Question 3

Can you mop porcelain tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Warm water and a neutral pH floor cleaner is all a glazed porcelain floor needs. Wring the mop out properly, because standing water dries into a film that dulls the surface. Avoid abrasive powders and steel wool: they scratch the glaze, and a scratched glaze cannot be polished back.

Question 4

Does vinegar damage porcelain tile?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar will not usually harm the glazed surface itself, but repeated use attacks cement-based grout and any natural stone trim beside it. Since the grout is the weak point in a bathroom floor, use a neutral cleaner for routine mopping and keep vinegar for the occasional stubborn mark.

Question 5

Can you lay outdoor porcelain tiles on concrete?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, provided the concrete is sound and clean and falls away from the building for drainage, and provided the tile is intended for outdoor use. The adhesive has to be rated for exterior conditions and movement joints have to be respected. Do not assume an indoor glazed tile will do outdoors.

Question 6

What else should I look at?

Accepted Answer

If the floor takes heavy traffic, compare these against homogeneous full body tiles. For a high-gloss finish, see nano polished tiles, and for wall work our ceramic tiles.

Nero Marquina YR8011P

Nexus Bone SR150A

Nexus Cement SR150C

Nexus Charcoal SR150D

Nexus Latte SR150B

Perla H62093

Piasantina Anthracite X6R8020C

Portofino YR8018N

Portoro X6R8012S

Primoroso H95011P01

Primoroso H95011P02

Primoroso H95011P03

Primoroso H95011P05

Primoroso H95011P06

Primoroso H95011P07

Primoroso H95011P08

Primoroso HQ63021

Primoroso HQ63022

Primoroso HQ63023

Quercia & Acero HD93012_93112

Quercia & Acero HD93013_93113

Quercia & Acero HD93014_93114

Quercia & Acero HD93016_93116

Quercia & Acero HD93017_93117

Quercia & Acero HD93105_93115

Rainstone YR5050A

Rainstone YR5050B

Rainstone YR5050C

Rainstone YR5050D

Rosato H66001

Rosato H66003

Rosato H66004

Royal Cappuccino YR8010P

Rustic Stone KP106A

Rustic Stone KP106C

Rustic Stone KP106D

Rustic Stone KP106E

Saint Laurent YR8009P

Sand Storm DAD01

Sand Storm DAD03