Porcelain Tiles: What are the differences?

When selecting a porcelain tile for your garden, it is essential to understand the differences between porcelain veneers and full-bodied porcelain tiles to make an informed decision. Here is are detailed comparison to guide you:

Porcelain Veneer Tiles:

These pavers are crafted from fine, dense clay and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a durable and less porous material. This makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering resistance to moisture, stains, and wear. They are available in various colours, patterns, and finishes, providing flexibility in design. However, the colour and patterns are typically applied to the surface only, meaning any chips or cracks may reveal a different colour beneath. Porcelain veneer tiles are generally more affordable, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.

Full-Bodied Porcelain Tile:

These pavers, also known as through-body porcelain tiles, have the same colour and pattern throughout the entire thickness of the tile. This uniformity ensures that any chips or cracks are less noticeable, due to the colour remaining consistent throughout. These pavers are denser and often thicker than standard porcelain tiles, offering superior durability and resistance to wear and tear. They are ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces due to their robustness. However, they are typically more expensive than standard porcelain pavers, reflecting their enhanced durability and manufacturing complexity.

Key Differences:

1. Durability and Lifespan: Full-bodied porcelain tiles offer enhanced durability due to their consistent colour and pattern throughout the tile, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Standard porcelain veneer tiles are durable but may show surface wear over time.
2. Maintenance: Full-bodied porcelain tiles are generally lower maintenance because they are less likely to show signs of wear and tear. Standard porcelain veneer tiles may require more attention to maintain their appearance, especially if the surface layer is damaged.
3. Aesthetic Considerations: Standard porcelain veneer tiles offer a wide range of design options, allowing for greater flexibility in design. Full-bodied porcelain tiles focus more on durability and practicality, making them a popular choice for flooring in busy areas.
4.  Price Point: Standard porcelain veneer tiles are more budget friendly. Full-bodied porcelain tiles are a premium product, with a higher cost reflecting their superior durability and longevity.

Conclusion

Choosing between porcelain veneers and full-bodied porcelain tiles depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are seeking a cost-effective option with a variety of design choices for low to moderate traffic areas, standard porcelain veneer tiles are suitable. For high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces where durability and longevity are paramount, investing in full-bodied porcelain tiles would be advantageous.