Porcelain tiles

Choose the look before the material does the talking

Porcelain can feel softly mineral, richly coloured or remarkably close to quarried stone. Stone look tiles create broad movement, while terrazzo tiles bring a finer scatter of colour. Travertine looks suit warm, tonal rooms, and glossy finishes give smaller walls more energy. Choose one visual idea first, then compare pattern scale and repetition. The best result is usually the tile that supports the room rather than asking every other finish to compete.

Plan porcelain floor tiles at full scale

Porcelain floor tiles can be a practical starting point for kitchens, entries and living spaces, but the exact specification still matters. In a larger room, generous formats reduce visual breaks and allow stone or render movement to read more clearly. Smaller formats create more rhythm and may suit compact areas. Browse the wider floor tile collection, then ask for a set-out that shows joints, edge cuts and transitions. A grout colour close to the tile keeps the floor calm; contrast makes the grid much more visible.

Give porcelain wall tiles their own rhythm

Porcelain wall tiles are not limited to quiet neutrals. A coloured gloss tile can make a splashback feel lively, while a large stone look creates an architectural backdrop behind a vanity or bath. For more line and repetition, compare subway tiles. When planning bathroom tiles, choose the wall finish for atmosphere, then check the floor separately for slip performance and intended use. One colour across both surfaces can feel composed even when the formats differ.

Take porcelain outdoors with the right specification

Exterior porcelain tiles need to be selected for the actual exposure, not simply because the material is porcelain. Start with the outdoor tile collection and check slip rating, thickness, edge detail, substrate and installation method for the chosen location. A covered alfresco area, an exposed path and a pool surround place different demands on a surface. If indoor and outdoor areas meet, compare the tones together in daylight. They can feel connected without needing the same finish in both places.

Let the room test the sample

View porcelain samples beside the fixed materials and move them around the room. A stone look may feel quiet in soft light and more graphic in direct sun. Gloss can pick up colours from cabinetry and paint, while matte finishes absorb light and feel steadier. If the design has printed variation, look at more than one piece and ask how many different tile faces are included. That small check helps the finished surface feel more natural and less repeated.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?

Both are fired clay products, but porcelain is generally denser and has lower water absorption. Ceramic tiles are often chosen for decorative wall formats and glazes. The individual product specification should still guide the final decision.

Can porcelain tiles be used on floors and walls?

Many can, but not every porcelain tile suits every surface. Check the intended application, tile weight, finish and any slip requirements before choosing it for a floor, wall or wet area.

Are large porcelain tiles suitable for small rooms?

They can be. Fewer joints may make a small room feel calmer, but the cuts and set-out need to suit the room. Review the full tile dimensions and planned layout with the installer before ordering.

Are porcelain tiles suitable outdoors?

Only products specified for exterior use should be considered. Confirm slip performance, thickness, exposure, substrate and installation requirements for the exact area.

Do porcelain tiles need sealing?

Many porcelain tiles do not require sealing, although polished surfaces, specialist finishes and grout may have different care requirements. Follow the product guidance and installer recommendations for the selected tile.

How should porcelain tile samples be compared?

Place them beside cabinetry, paint, stone and timber, then view them in morning and evening light. For a varied design, compare several pieces so the pattern scale and repetition are clear before ordering.