There are many variations of porcelain floor tiles to choose from, and they can come in a wide range of sizes compared to ceramic tiles.
Because of their superior strength, they can go up to at least 18 inches in size and beyond even 24 inches, unlike ceramic tiles, which would just snap at that size, basically because they could not support their own weight.
While these tiles are great to look at, you really need to know what you are doing if you want to go to those larger sizes of tile.
I have heard some people say "but if I use larger tiles, then I don't have to do as much work!".
While this sounds good in theory, the truth is the exact opposite.
Though each tile takes up more space, what actually happens is that now the floor tiler, must make each tile that much more level, with a greater chance of frustration and mistakes.
You see, the larger area means that, though the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sides of the tile may line up well to the other tiles, the 4th could be far off.
Unless of course you were able to make every tile beside that one almost perfectly flat.
I'm not saying it's impossible to lay, just do some research before you leap.
The size aspect also causes problems for laying, with regards to weight and overall reach, and if you ever wish to tackle such an adventurous project with these large variations of tiles, then it can certainly turn out to be a two-man job.
The mortar bed should also be thick enough to sustain the additional weight, so it would be highly advisable to use a 1/2" by 1/2" inch notched trowel.
It also comes in a variety of outdoor styles, and due to their bumpy surface properties, can provide an excellent non-slip tiled surface which is ideal when they become wet as compared to ceramic tiles, or any other with a gloss finish such as marble and granite.
When used outdoors though, a special outdoor use mortar bed must be applied to compliment the laying of porcelain tiles under these circumstances.
Generally a nice all-rounder of a tile, porcelain floor tiles can give a very pleasing finish, but certainly at a much higher cost than ceramic tiles.
Although in saying that, being more durable will certainly make them last a lot longer between changes, so in the end you could actually save money in the long term.
Because of their superior strength, they can go up to at least 18 inches in size and beyond even 24 inches, unlike ceramic tiles, which would just snap at that size, basically because they could not support their own weight.
While these tiles are great to look at, you really need to know what you are doing if you want to go to those larger sizes of tile.
I have heard some people say "but if I use larger tiles, then I don't have to do as much work!".
While this sounds good in theory, the truth is the exact opposite.
Though each tile takes up more space, what actually happens is that now the floor tiler, must make each tile that much more level, with a greater chance of frustration and mistakes.
You see, the larger area means that, though the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sides of the tile may line up well to the other tiles, the 4th could be far off.
Unless of course you were able to make every tile beside that one almost perfectly flat.
I'm not saying it's impossible to lay, just do some research before you leap.
The size aspect also causes problems for laying, with regards to weight and overall reach, and if you ever wish to tackle such an adventurous project with these large variations of tiles, then it can certainly turn out to be a two-man job.
The mortar bed should also be thick enough to sustain the additional weight, so it would be highly advisable to use a 1/2" by 1/2" inch notched trowel.
It also comes in a variety of outdoor styles, and due to their bumpy surface properties, can provide an excellent non-slip tiled surface which is ideal when they become wet as compared to ceramic tiles, or any other with a gloss finish such as marble and granite.
When used outdoors though, a special outdoor use mortar bed must be applied to compliment the laying of porcelain tiles under these circumstances.
Generally a nice all-rounder of a tile, porcelain floor tiles can give a very pleasing finish, but certainly at a much higher cost than ceramic tiles.
Although in saying that, being more durable will certainly make them last a lot longer between changes, so in the end you could actually save money in the long term.
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