The word porcelain conjures up images of fragile dolls with a shiny gloss. The only time the word is associated with flooring is when those same dolls fall, causing a loud clatter, the sound of broken glass, and a rush to grab a broom. That being said, porcelain tile flooring is quickly becoming one of the more popular flooring options in 2017, rising to heights usually reserved for the likes of traditional flooring options, such as wood flooring and carpet. There is a lot to love about porcelain if you can get past the preconceived notions about its durability. At Ozburn-Hessey, we are here to make sure that any floor you want to install is something that is going to last.
Porcelain Durability
Although there is that fragile image of porcelain, the truth is that porcelain is really, really durable. This is the material used on the sides of rockets, after all. One huge advantage porcelain tiles have over basically every other material used for flooring is that it is basically scratch proof. While most people would not use tiles everywhere in their home, it is something you might want to consider, especially if you have scratched and scuffed up wood flooring now. Porcelain is something you probably want to use in the kitchen or bathroom because of the way it holds up against water damage, where again, it is basically better than just about every type of material. Because of this, it makes a great entryway flooring option, since you can easily wipe away any mud or rain that gets tracked in.
Porcelain also comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can even look like the wood flooring it is probably replacing. Since it is a more versatile material, the tiles can be installed just about anywhere. However, the installation process is a little bit more involved than others materials, which is why you should talk to the professionals here at Ozburn-Hessey for advice or to set up an install.
Drawbacks
Not everything is great, however, because if it were, no one would use anything but porcelain tiles. The chief drawback is the way it affects your feet. Porcelain tiling is a lot harder on your feet than other flooring options, since the material itself is harder. It’s easy to work around this, however, by throwing rugs down in places you know you’ll be standing for a while, like in the kitchen. Additionally, the tiles are cold – shockingly cold – in the morning. This might not be a bad thing for everyone, especially in the summer when the temperature flirts with hitting triple digits, but it is something you want to keep in mind during winter. They also tend to make your home louder, since they reflect the sound waves instead of absorbing or muffling them, like carpet would. It is important to get the tiles professionally installed, since if they are not installed correctly, they could chip or crack.
In my opinion, the benefits far outweigh the negatives when it comes to porcelain tiling, since they are very durable and look nice. With this many design options to look at, if you are on the fence about what flooring material you want to use, give the professionals at Ozburn-Hessey a call and we’ll help you make your floor the floor you are happy with.