The Beauty and Strength of Polished Porcelain Floor & Wall Tiles

The Elegance and Durability of Polished Porcelain Tiles

When it comes to selecting floor and wall tiles, polished porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for any home. Polished porcelain tiles have a gorgeous high-gloss finish that resembles natural stone, but with even more durability and easier maintenance. One stunning example is the Pisa Gold Polished Porcelain Tile.

What is a Polished Porcelain Tile?

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is denser and less porous than regular ceramic tile. The clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and pressed into shape under higher pressure, resulting in a harder, tougher, and more durable tile. Polished porcelain takes this a step further by giving the tile surface an extra glossy finish.

To make polished porcelain, the surface of the tile is ground and polished using fine abrasives. This brings out a shiny, reflective surface that accentuates the colors and veining patterns. The glossy finish also makes the tiles easier to clean as dirt and spills have a harder time adhering to the smooth surface.

Benefits of Polished Porcelain Tiles

There are many reasons polished porcelain tiles are a popular choice for residential and commercial settings:

• Durability - As one of the toughest types of tile, polished porcelain stands up extremely well to heavy foot traffic, scratches, stains, and daily wear-and-tear.
• Water resistance - Polished porcelain has very low porosity and won't absorb water. This makes it great for kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas.
• Stain resistance - The dense, non-porous surface resists staining from spills and does not need to be sealed.
• Easy maintenance - The glossy finish just needs an occasional mopping to keep the tiles looking like new.
• Stylish appearance - Polished porcelain mimics the look of natural stone with realistic veining but offers greater consistency.
• Design options - Polished porcelain comes in a wide array of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes for tremendous design flexibility.

Pisa Gold Polished Porcelain Tile

A prime example of polished porcelain tile is the Pisa Gold Porcelain Tile. This luxurious tile features a polished finish in a warm golden hue. The glossy surface beautifully reflects light to create a rich visual texture.

The Pisa Gold tile mimics the appearance of polished marble but has a more uniform look. The realistic veining pattern adds depth and visual interest. The tile has a moderate variation to emulate natural stone while retaining color consistency from tile to tile.

In terms of technical specifications, the Pisa Gold Porcelain tile has a hardness rating of PEI 4, making it suitable for residential floors in medium traffic areas as well as walls. It is extremely scratch resistant. The tile format is a classic 30x60 rectangular shape in a matte finish that is elegant and versatile.

Design Applications for Polished Porcelain

Thanks to their stylish good looks and rugged durability, polished porcelain tiles work beautifully in many rooms throughout the home:

• Kitchens - Use polished porcelain floor tiles in cooking zones where spills are common. The glossy finish hides smudges and wipes clean easily. Porcelain wall tiles make a backsplash that withstands splashes and heat.
• Bathrooms - Wet areas like showers and tub surrounds greatly benefit from the water resistance and stain resistance of polished porcelain. Use floor tiles with textured finishes for slip resistance.
• Entryways - High-traffic entry spaces demand tough porcelain tiles that can withstand years of wear from foot traffic and exposure to the elements.
• Laundry rooms - Polished porcelain floor tiles are the perfect surface to handle messy utility room activities and detergent spills while retaining their shine.
• Fireplace surrounds - The high temperature resistance of porcelain makes it an ideal surface surrounding fireplaces where ceramic tiles may crack.

For an eye-catching statement, install polished porcelain tiles in a herringbone or geometric mosaic pattern. Contrasting grout colors also emphasize the shape and dimensions of each individual tile.

Caring for Polished Porcelain Tiles

While polished porcelain tiles are low maintenance, some basic care will keep them looking radiant:

• Sweep or vacuum frequently to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and scratching the surface.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent potential staining. Use a pH neutral cleaner and avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Use cleaners made specifically for polished porcelain as they contain polishing agents to maintain the glossy shine.
• In bathrooms, use a squeegee after showering to prevent water spotting and mineral deposits from the water.
• Reapply tile sealer on an annual basis for added protection and sheen.

Achieve Timeless Style With Polished Porcelain

With its refined glossy finish and rugged durability, polished porcelain tile achieves a timeless elegance perfect for any home. Each tile has its own unique personality from subtle veining to dramatic coloration. Polished porcelain tiles by leading brands deliver sophisticated good looks that will stay looking new for years to come.

For a closer look at the Pisa Gold Polished Porcelain and many other polished porcelain collections, visit your nearest tile showroom. The extensive selection of colors, textures and formats allows you to create your own customized flooring or wall covering design. Let the possibilities inspire you!

FAQs

What is polished porcelain tile?

Polished porcelain tile has a super smooth, shiny surface that is achieved through extensive polishing and grinding. This creates a glossy, mirror-like finish. The dense porcelain material is highly water and stain resistant.

How durable is polished porcelain tile?

Polished porcelain is one of the toughest, most durable types of tile. The dense composition resists scratches, chips, cracks and wear from high traffic. Porcelain rates very highly on the PEI scale for abrasion resistance.

Can polished porcelain tiles be used outdoors?

Yes, polished porcelain is a great option for outdoor use. The material stands up well to freezing temperatures, UV rays and the elements. Proper installation is key to prevent cracks.

Does polished porcelain need to be sealed?

Polished porcelain has very low porosity, so sealing is not required. However, some choose to apply sealant to provide extra protection and enhance the glossy shine. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.

How do you clean polished porcelain tile?

For routine cleaning, sweep then use a damp mop with a pH neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals. Use a porcelain-specific polish regularly to maintain the luster. Always wipe spills immediately to prevent stains.