Ever wondered what kitchens, poolside areas, and bathrooms have in common, beyond being busy spots almost every day? They are all exposed to water—whether it's from spilled drinks, rain, or the occasional shower spray.
In these spaces, having flooring that can handle moisture without losing its charm is a game-changer.
Today, we'll uncover the secrets behind porcelain tile in Hollywood, FL, and its ability to combat water. We'll explore why it's perfect for wet areas, how it compares to other flooring choices, and essential tips to ensure it stays in top shape.
Waterproof vs. Water-resistant: Understanding the Difference
Water-resistant materials, like many types of flooring, can repel water to some extent but are not entirely impervious. They are designed to withstand occasional spills and moisture exposure without immediate damage.
Waterproof materials, on the other hand, are completely impervious to water penetration. They create an impermeable barrier that prevents water from passing through, even under prolonged exposure.
What is Water Absorption Rate?
The water absorption rate refers to the ability of a material to absorb water when submerged or exposed to moisture. It is measured as the percentage of water absorbed by the material's weight after immersion for a specified period.
Materials with a low water absorption rate soak in minimal water, making them perfect for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. For floors, a low absorption rate is ideal to prevent water damage, stains, and mold growth.
In contrast, materials with a high absorption rate can swell, warp, or deteriorate over time when exposed to water.
The ideal water absorption rate varies depending on the use you will give to that surface. For example, indoor and outdoor floors should have a rate of less than 0.5% to make sure they last.
Walls, which may not be exposed to as much direct water, can tolerate slightly higher absorption rates. However, they still benefit from materials that resist moisture penetration.
How Are Porcelain Tiles Made?
Porcelain tile is crafted from a blend of fine-grain clays, minerals, and other natural materials.
The process begins with mixing these ingredients with water to form a malleable clay-like mixture. Manufacturers use precision milling techniques to finely grind and refine clay particles. As a result, clay can be compressed to a high degree and tiles are denser and more resistant to moisture.
The clay mixture is then shaped into tiles through pressing or extrusion, which determines the tile's size and texture.
Next, the tiles undergo high-temperature firing in kilns at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat causes the materials to fuse together and undergo vitrification, transforming the clay into a dense, durable tile.
After firing, the tiles are glazed to provide extra protection against stains and water absorption. Thanks to this process, porcelain tiles look stunning and get the strength and water resistance needed for various applications.
Are Porcelain Tiles Water-Resistant or Waterproof?
Porcelain tile falls under the water-resistant category, with an extremely low water absorption rate of 0.5% or less.
While not completely impervious like true waterproof materials, porcelain still repels water and withstands moisture exposure better than other options, such as natural stone and hardwood.
Aside from its high water resistance, porcelain also offers other convenient benefits, including:
Durability
Given their dense composition and high firing temperatures during manufacturing, porcelain tiles are resistant to scratches and dents as well.
The hard surface makes it difficult for sharp objects to scratch or gouge the tile, while the compact structure minimizes the likelihood of dents or indentations from heavy furniture or foot traffic.
As a result, porcelain tiles maintain their appearance and functionality over many years, even in demanding environments like entryways and busy kitchens.
Endless Designs
One of the standout features of porcelain tiles is their versatility in design. They are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing homeowners and designers to achieve various aesthetic effects.
When selecting porcelain tiles for your home, follow these design tips to achieve the perfect look:
- Consider the Room's Functionality: Assess the room's purpose and traffic flow. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways, pick tiles with textured finishes to enhance slip resistance. In bathrooms and shower areas, choose ones with higher water resistance and easy-to-clean surfaces.
- Explore Different Sizes and Shapes: Porcelain tiles are available in many sizes and shapes, from classic squares to large-format tiles and trendy hexagons. Larger tiles can visually expand smaller rooms, while mosaic tiles or subway tiles add character to backsplashes and feature walls.
- Consider Texture and Finish: Matte finishes help conceal dirt and smudges, while glossy finishes reflect light and add elegance. Moreover, textured finishes provide slip resistance, suitable for outdoor patios or poolside areas.
- Create Visual Continuity: Use porcelain tiles to create visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Opt for porcelain tiles with coordinating designs or colors to connect your living areas with outdoor patios or garden paths.
Easy Maintenance
Porcelain tiles are relatively low maintenance compared to many other flooring options. Their smooth, non-porous surface makes them easy to clean and resistant to dirt, grime, and bacteria.
Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a concentrated cleaner are usually all that's needed to keep porcelain tiles looking pristine.
Additionally, the non-absorbent nature of porcelain tiles means they are less susceptible to staining. Therefore, they’re a wonderful option for areas prone to spills and moisture.
Heat and Fire Resistance
Due to their manufacturing process and materials, porcelain tiles exhibit excellent heat and fire resistance. In other words, they don’t burn or emit harmful gases when exposed to high temperatures.
Porcelain flooring also holds up well outdoors, handling direct sunlight and temperature changes without warping or fading.
Environmentally Friendly
Porcelain tiles are made from natural materials like clay and minerals, which are abundant and sustainable resources. Since porcelain lasts decades, it also has a longer lifecycle compared to other flooring materials, which reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Finally, porcelain tiles contribute to energy efficiency by helping to regulate indoor temperatures, particularly when paired up with underfloor heating systems.
Cost-Effectiveness Over Time
Last but not least, the durability and low maintenance requirements of porcelain tiles translate into reduced repair and replacement costs over the years. They prove worth it in the long run with their lasting performance and lasting good looks.
Comparing Porcelain Tiles to Other Materials
Hardwood Flooring
While many homeowners and designers pick hardwood because of its timeless beauty and warmth, this type of flooring has a much higher water absorption rate compared to porcelain tiles.
Hardwood can absorb over 10% of moisture, which can lead to warping, staining, and even mold growth when not properly maintained.
If you want to preserve the looks and integrity of your hardwood surfaces in moisture-prone areas, you will need to reapply wood sealer every one to three years depending on how frequently the area is exposed to water and humidity.
Natural Stone
Natural stone, such as marble, limestone, and granite, exudes luxury and unique natural patterns but has varying degrees of water absorption rates.
Some natural stones have higher porosity, so they’re more prone to staining and require regular sealing to keep their appearance and water resistance.
In contrast, porcelain tiles offer consistent low water absorption rates, making them more resilient against moisture-related issues.
Natural stone can also be more costly to maintain compared to porcelain tiles, which offer a durable and cost-effective option for achieving similar aesthetic effects without the need for extensive upkeep.
Carpet
Carpet provides warmth, comfort, and sound insulation but has the highest water absorption rate among the materials mentioned.
Carpets absorb moisture easily, which turns to stains, mold, and mildew if not promptly cleaned and dried.
While carpets offer softness underfoot and a cozy ambiance, they require regular maintenance and may not be suitable for areas prone to spills or humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Porcelain tiles, with their low water absorption rate and easy cleaning properties, offer a practical and hygienic flooring solution for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.
How to Keep Your Porcelain Tiles in Shape
Here are some tips to keep your porcelain tiles looking their best:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum every week to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the tiles.
- Use Appropriate Cleaners: Choose pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for porcelain tiles to avoid damaging the surface.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of abrasive cleaners, bleach, or ammonia-based products, as they can dull the tiles and the grout over time.
- Prompt Spill Cleanup: Wipe up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining, especially on grout lines. Use a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning.
- Protect High-Traffic Areas: Use mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
- Grout Maintenance: When cleaning grout, use cleaners similar to those for clothing stains, and make sure they are suitable for both the tile and grout. Alkaline cleaners will work best than acid-based ones.
- Gentle Scrubbing: Use a soft brush or sponge for scrubbing to avoid scratching the tiles.
Find the Best Porcelain Tile in Hollywood, FL, at D&B Tile
For the best quality and selection of porcelain tiles, contact D&B Tile or visit one of our locations. Our experts can help you find the perfect tiles to enhance your space and withstand the test of time. Call us today!