Month: September 2023
Porcelain Tiles: A Better Choice For Your Indoor Space
Designing and renovating your indoor space can be an exciting thing to do. But it comes with some challenging tasks to choose the best possible products. You might be thinking of porcelain indoor tiles to enhance your space. In this blog, we are going to discuss everything about porcelain tiles, including their advantages, types, and differences.
What Is A Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tile is a ceramic tile made with a mixture of dense natural clay. It is pressed into a desired shape at a very high temperature to eradicate all the moisture it has. These tiles have a water absorption rate of even less than 0.5%.
What Are The Advantages Of Indoor Porcelain Tiles?
Extra-large-formatted Porcelain Tiles have taken the remodeling industry by storm as they are now able to provide a plethora of benefits. It has come a long way as one of the most durable tiles. Let’s take a look at its unique benefits.
Adaptable
Porcelain is an easy-to-adapt stone that can be matched with any type of decor or architectural structure. It can easily be paired with a modern, contemporary, traditional, or any other kind of setting. It easily eliminates concerns related to flooring options.
Low Maintainance
Indoor Porcelain tiles are one of the best choices for those looking forward to having a shining and clean floor without doing much. Spills on the surface of porcelain tiles can be easily wiped away with the help of a damp cloth and gentle detergents. In the case of any defect or break, necessary repairs are also not that much more expensive.
Great Color Finishes
One of the most astonishing qualities of porcelain is that it can be made in any color and has a printed surface that mostly resembles other natural stone tiles. Whatever your requirement, whether it is a limestone finish or marble look, you can use porcelain to trick.
Durable Flooring
Porcelain tiles and slabs are considered one of the best options for kitchens, bathrooms, and other indoor house spaces. They can easily prevent the swelling or rot that emerges from exposure to moisture in different environments.
Wear And tear-resistant
Porcelain tiles win as the perfect choice for indoor spaces as they combat the majority of heavy impact stresses. It also has a PEI rating of 5 and is robust enough to oppose any environmental change.
Liquid And stain-resistant
Porcelain tiles are claimed to be one of the most impermeable flooring surfaces, having the ability to prevent water penetration to an extent unmatched by any other material. With porcelain tiles, it is assured that not even the smallest particle can go through your flooring.
What are Tile Slip Ratings? A Detailed Guide
Fireproof
Porcelain is one of the strongest materials against fire. Even extremely high temperatures can’t melt or burn porcelain easily. In case of a fire breaking out in any residential space, you can be assured of your possessions due to indoor porcelain tiles and slabs.
Options
In addition to their practicality, porcelain tiles also offer aesthetic benefits. In Porcelain slabs, there are almost endless options to choose from for the interior of a home, whether it is a granite-look tile or a marble one. Porcelain tiles provide the perfect mimic look of all the stones and cost less than the actual stones.
Porcelain Countertops vs. Granite: Choosing the Best Option (Infographics)
What Are The Disadvantages Of Indoor Porcelain Tiles?
Along with such great benefits, some issues come up with porcelain flooring that you should be aware of which includes:
Difficult Installation
Porcelain tiles are denser which makes them difficult to install, you need to have professionals along for the installation and it is not also easy to cut these tiles.
Heavy Weighted
Porcelain tiles are quite heavy and for this, you need to have a stronger base that can handle the extra weight of these tiles. And this makes it hard during installation too.
Mastering the Art of Cutting Porcelain Slabs: A Comprehensive Guide
What Types Of finishes Are Available In Indoor Porcelain Tiles?
Indoor porcelain tiles have four types of finishes available which are:
Polished Porcelain Tiles
Polished Porcelain tiles are made by polishing the tile’s surface using the diamond disk. This tile has a shiny gloss with a smooth finish.
Features Of Polished Porcelain Tiles:
- They provide a luxurious feel to any residential or commercial space.
- They can be used in dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.
- They are slippery which makes them less suitable to use in wet areas.
- You can use them to provide a sophisticated look at your indoor area.
Unpolished Porcelain Tiles
Unpolished porcelain tiles are also known as honed or matte-finished tiles. They are made by grinding the surface with fewer abrasive grits.
Features Of Unpolished Porcelain Tiles:
- They have a rustic appearance which is less reflective and provides a natural feel.
- They are less slippery and provide a relatively better grip.
R11 Porcelain Tiles: The Ultimate Guide
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles have a glazed surface coated with a layer of glass. These tiles are available in a glossy and matte finish in both colored and clear looks.
Features Of Glazed Porcelain Tiles:
- These tiles are easy to clean and can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
- These tiles are also water resistant which makes them a popular choice for moisture areas.
- They also come in a variety of colors and designs to choose from.
Unglazed Porcelain Tiles
Unglazed porcelain tiles don’t have a glass coating and are porous. They have a textured and more natural appearance than other porcelain tiles which makes them ideal to use in outdoor areas.
Features Of Unglazed Porcelain Tiles:
- They are the ideal choice to use in high-traffic areas as they are more resistant to normal wear and tear.
- These tiles require more maintenance as they are more prone to stains.
What Is The Difference Between Hardwood Look Porcelain Tile And Hardwood Flooring?
While looking for a flooring option for indoor spaces, many have to go through different types but some of the major differences are to choose hardwood flooring or hardwood looks like porcelain flooring. And here is the answer on a different basis:
Maintenance
It is always a possibility of visible scratches and dents on hardwood flooring while porcelain flooring is resistant to both scratches and dents. And it is easier to clean and maintain a tile due to its durable nature.
Water Resistance
Hardwood flooring is a natural material that absorbs moisture and other liquids that can be a limitation for a longer period. While porcelain flooring is tile and is resistant to water and other liquids which will benefit you in long run.
Style And Design Options
Since Hardwood is a natural material but still it is available in various designs but has a limitation on its own. On the other hand, porcelain is a man-made tile and has no limitation of options, and can be available in several designs, styles, and also shapes.
Conclusion
Indoor Porcelain Tiles are considered one of the best tiles to meet all our indoor needs. You can match them with other things in your space with its wide range of styles and designs. If you are considering buying porcelain tiles for your next project, then MPG Stone is a must-go for you.
We are one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of porcelain tiles. You can choose from our range of porcelain tiles from the explore section.
And tell us what you think about using porcelain tiles for the indoor area. Comment us down below.
Mastering the Art of Cutting Porcelain Slabs: A Comprehensive Guide
Porcelain slabs have gained immense popularity in the world of engineered stones, and the primary reason behind this is their exceptional properties and the benefits they offer. It is a highly durable, versatile stone that is also aesthetically appealing when it comes to looks.
Demand for porcelain stone slabs has increased in recent years, and many homeowners and designers prefer using this distinctive stone in their projects. Whether you are working on a commercial design or a home improvement project, understanding the art of cutting porcelain slabs is an essential thing to do.
How you cut your stone plays a vital role in the design of your preferred project, and in this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of cutting porcelain slabs, including all the essential details. We will cover everything from tools to be used and safety precautions to different techniques we can use for cutting.
Let’s dive in and master the art of working with these remarkable materials.
Table of Contents:
- Understanding Porcelain Slabs
- Essential Tools for Cutting Porcelain Slabs
- Safety First: Precautions and Gear
- Cutting Techniques for Porcelain Slabs
- Tips for Achieving Precision Cuts
- Handling Complex Cuts and Shapes
- Finishing Edges: Honing and Polishing
- Maintenance of Cutting Tools
- Maintaining Porcelain slabs
- Conclusion
1. Understanding Porcelain Slabs
Porcelain slabs are not natural; they are engineered stones that are created by baking the clay at a high temperature. The reason behind their creation is to mimic the look of natural stones and add durability and other stunning features of engineered stone to them.
These slabs are relatively denser in nature and have a hard and strong surface that offers high durability and remarkable resistance to water, heat, and normal wear and tear. They contain an inherent strength due to their manufacturing process, which makes them a popular choice for countertops, walls, floors, and outdoor installations.
2. Essential Tools for Cutting Porcelain Slabs
Before you dive into the cutting process for porcelain slabs, you must have some essential cutting tools in hand, which include:
Wet Saw
A wet saw is a primary tool you will need while cutting porcelain slabs, as it is a small stationary saw that uses a water stream to keep the diamond-edged blade cool and lubricated during the cut.
Tile Cutter
A tile cutter is a manual cutting tool used to cut hard objects to a required shape or size. It is an easy-to-use tool that doesn’t require a power source and provides a straight cut to the tiles and slabs.
Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade
An angle grinder with a diamond is a versatile and useful tool used for intricate cuts and shaping in various construction and renovation projects. It also has variable speed benefits that can be adjusted as per different cutting needs and requirements.
Diamond Hole Saw
A diamond hole saw is a tool designed to drill holes in porcelain slabs for fixtures or outlets. This tool is welded with diamond, as it is the toughest known material on earth.
Safety Gear
Using safety materials is a must to protect yourself from any potential harm during the cutting process. It includes things such as hearing protection, safety glasses, dust masks, and gloves.
3. Safety First: Precautions and Gear
Safety is a must and should be a priority while working with cutting tools and materials. Here below, we have listed some safety measures to take during the cutting process, which include:
- Safety Glasses: The potential risk of getting debris and dust in your eyes is possibly there while working, so to protect your eyes, do wear safety glasses.
- Dusk Mask: While cutting the tiles, a flow of dust in the air is possible, and to prevent inhaling airborne particles, you must wear a dust mask.
- Hearing Protection: The cutting of hard tiles generates noise that can differ from stone to stone, from lower to higher, and may cause you hearing damage. Wear hearing protection to prevent ear damage.
- Gloves: Hands are at the highest risk of injury, and to prevent that, it is highly recommended to wear gloves, as they also help in a firm grip on tools.
4. Cutting Techniques for Porcelain Slabs
There are various cutting techniques that can be used to achieve the desired cut and shape based on the type of tool you have, which are as follows:
Wet Saw Cutting
It is an ideal tool for straight cuts and can be used for both smaller and larger project requirements. The water-cooled diamond blades help create a precise cut without overheating the porcelain material.
Tile Cutter
A suitable tool to make simple straight cuts on the surface. All you need to do is score the surface of the slab using the tile cutter tool, and then apply pressure to break the slab along the scored line.
Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade
If you require some complex cuts and shapes in your porcelain tile, then it is the perfect cutting material to achieve that look. It helps in seamlessly achieving difficult shapes, but remember to use a continuous-rim diamond blade to prevent chipping.
Diamond Hole Saw
It might be possible that you will be required to have some holes in your porcelain slabs, and to achieve that easily, this material is a perfect choice. But it is recommended to use a guide or template to ensure accurate hole placement.
5. Tips for Achieving Precision Cuts
Achieving precision cuts is a task that requires much patience and technique, which we have listed below. Have a look at the steps:
- Marking: Mark the place where you want a cut and draw the cut line using marking tape or a pencil to guide your cuts easily.
- Adjustment: Adjusting the tool is a necessity. For wet saw cutting, adjust the blade depth to slightly more than the thickness of the slab.
- Maintaining Pace: To maintain control over the slab and prevent overheating, maintain a steady pace while cutting the stone.
- Avoid Pressure: Let the blade do the work; avoid excessive pressure from the stone and the tool that could damage the blade or the porcelain.
6. Handling Complex Cuts and Shapes
Handling complex cuts and shapes that are difficult to achieve is a task that requires the most attention and focus.
To achieve your desired intricate designs and complex cuts, an angle grinder with a diamond blade is your best friend. Take your time and follow these steps:
- Clear Marking: Mark the cut line clearly to ensure a precise cut from start to end.
- Small Steps: Make small, controlled cuts and avoid rushing through the process.
- Internal Cutting: If making internal cuts, drill a hole at the corners to allow for easier blade insertion.
7. Finishing Edges: Honing and Polishing
We all know that cutting makes the edges of stone slabs rough, and smoothing them will give them a precise and clean look. So to achieve these desired shapes, use a honing stone or sandpaper to smooth out the edges well.
For a polished finish, gradually increase the grit of the sandpaper until you achieve the desired smoothness.
8. Maintenance of Cutting Tools
Maintaining the cutting tools is an essential task to perform, as they have many uses. Not only can they be used for cutting tiles, but for a lot of other tasks too.
So, Regularly clean and inspect your cutting tools. Replace the blades if they show signs of wear or damage. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity of your tools and the quality of your cuts.
9. Maintaining Porcelain Slabs
Porcelain is a low-maintenance engineered stone that doesn’t require sealing or regular maintenance. But maintaining it on a weekly basis will be enough to keep it looking new for years to come.
Cleaning it with warm water and mild detergent using a mop or damp cloth is all you need to do to make it look new as always.
10. Conclusion
Cutting porcelain slabs requires precision, patience, and the right tools. By understanding the different techniques and following safety precautions, you can achieve professional-looking cuts that enhance the beauty and functionality of your projects.
Remember to invest in high-quality tools, practice on spare materials, and refine your skills over time. With dedication, you’ll become a master of cutting porcelain slabs and bring your design visions to life.
What Are PEI Ratings? All You Need To Know About
The PEI rating is specifically designed to showcase the tile’s resistance to abrasion. PEI stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute. This rating system plays a vital role in determining the stability and durability of porcelain and ceramic tiles to be used in different types of applications, specifically flooring.
The PEI rating helps homeowners, designers, and professionals determine and select the correct kind of tile based on their level of usage, foot traffic, and wear. This rating system consists of ratings that go from 0 to 5, in which each rating detects the ability of a tile to withstand foot traffic, abrasion, and wear.
Here’s a breakdown of the PEI ratings:
PEI 0:
These tiles are not good enough to take high foot traffic or any load. These tiles are primarily used for decorative purposes, such as on walls or areas that require minimal contact.
PEI 1:
Tiles with a PEI rating of 1 are suitable for use in areas with less foot traffic and wear, such as light-duty residential areas. These tiles can be used in guest bathrooms and bedrooms with limited wear.
PEI 2:
These tiles are suitable to handle a little to moderate foot traffic, such as those areas that are walked on by normal footwear with a little scratched dirt. The best place to use the PEI 2 rating is in residential areas like kitchens and entryways, where there is a bit more activity.
PEI 3:
Tiles with a PEI 3 rating are also named Group 3 tiles, which are designed to withstand medium to heavy foot traffic. These tiles are best suited for all light commercial and residential areas, which include Boutiques, countertops, residential bathrooms, reception areas, offices, and interior walls.
PEI 4:
PEI 4 rating tiles are more robust in nature and can easily withstand regular levels of foot traffic. These tiles are best recommended for use in light institutional and medium commercial spaces such as hotels, shops, and restaurants.
PEI 5:
Tiles with a PEI rating of 5 are best suited for areas that require very heavy foot traffic, wear, abrasive dirt, and moisture. These tiles are commonly found in places such as Public buildings, airports, shopping centers, swimming pools, and leisure centers.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that the PEI rating primarily assesses a tile’s resistance to abrasion and wear. Other factors, such as the tile’s water absorption rate (often denoted by its “water absorption percentage”) and its slip resistance, should also be considered when choosing tiles for specific applications.
When selecting tiles, it’s crucial to match the PEI rating with the intended use of the tile to ensure that it will perform well and maintain its appearance over time. Using tiles with an appropriate PEI rating for the intended level of foot traffic can help prolong the life of the tile installation and maintain its aesthetic appeal.
You can also explore our wide range of products and choose the one that best suits your needs. We offer tiles and slabs to use in various applications for distinctive project needs. If you have any doubts regarding the selection of tile type for your project or anything related to it, feel free to ask us anytime. You can comment down your queries below for further guidance.
