(480) 507-7966 Search form Search HOME ABOUT US DESIGN CENTER MEDIA CONTACT US TILE SLAB OUTDOOR LIVING IN STOCK PRODUCTS TOOLS & SUPPLIES Porcelain Tile HomePorcelain Tile Useful information about Porcelain Tile Porcelain Tiles are ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent that are used to cover floors and walls. They can either be unglazed or glazed. Production Large-scale production of porcelain tile is undertaken in many countries, with the major producers being China, Italy, Spain and Turkey. There are also countries undertaking small-scale production, such as Australia and strong growth in Brazil. The hardness of the tile can be rated from zero to five according to ISO 10545-7 (also, ASTM C1027) 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 usually selected, despite its higher price etc. in areas where strength is more important, such as floors and commercial use, or in areas of high wear. Disadvantages of Porcelain compared to ordinary ceramic tiles Porcelain is denser and therefore heavier to handle; it is generally more expensive. Being harder, it is harder to cut and drill, which may make fitting harder and more expensive. Polished porcelain may need sealing, where ordinary glazed tiles do not. Adhesives Specialized cements are necessary for installation of porcelain tiles, and in the US specifications are set by the Tile Council of America,[1] and supported by the Tile Contractors Association.[2] 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. Sealing When porcelain is first made, it is not absorbent, but the polishing process for making the unglazed surface shiny cuts into the surface, making it more porous and prone to absorbing stains, in the same way as natural stone tiles do. Unless they have a suitable, long-lasting treatment put on by the manufacturer, such as nanotech treatment, polished porcelain tiles will need sealing. Porcelain sealers are either water-based, which is cheaper, but does not last as long, or solvent-based. 1 2 Gilbert Showroom 225 W. Baseline Road Gilbert AZ 85233 480-507-7966 [ Map ] Monday-Saturday: 8am-4pm Sunday: Closed Gilbert Contractor Sales Counter (Same location as above) Monday-Saturday: 6am-4pm Sunday: Closed Tolleson Showroom 8323 West Sherman St. Tolleson, AZ 85353 480-659-1088 [ Map ] Monday-Saturday: 8am-4pm Sunday: Closed Tolleson Contractor Sales Counter (Same location as above) Monday-Saturday: 6am-4pm Sunday: Closed Slab Showroom / Chandler 411 E. Ray Road Chandler AZ 85225 480-219-2494 [ Map ] Monday-Saturday: 8am-4pm Sunday: Closed Landscape Paver Presentation Area 401 E. Ray Road Chandler, AZ 85225 480-855-9988 [ Map ] Monday-Saturday: 8am-4pm Sunday: Closed Chandler Contractor Sales Counter (Same location as above) Monday-Saturday: 6am-4pm Sunday: Closed Copyright ©2016-2021 Monterrey Tile Co. Home About Us Careers Contact Scroll to Top