Porcelain Tiles for Floor | Pros and Cons You Need to Know
Porcelain floor tiles have become a top choice for modern WA homes because they offer an amazing blend of style and practicality. But how do they stack up against other floor tile options?
In this guide we’ll answer all your questions, from what exactly is porcelain tile? to its real-life pros and cons so you can decide if porcelain is right for you.
What Are Porcelain Tiles?
Porcelain tile is a premium type of ceramic tile made from very fine clays and other minerals. It’s created using a highly refined white clay mixture combined with sand and feldspar and then fired at very high temperatures around 1200–1400 °C (2200–2500 °F).
This high-heat process vitrifies the tile, making it non-porous, ultra-dense, and highly durable. That’s a major reason why porcelain tiles are preferred for both residential and commercial spaces in WA. They are ideal for areas that demand long-lasting performance, like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
So, if you’re looking for kitchen flooring porcelain tiles that can handle heavy use, spills, pets, and even kids, porcelain floor tiles are a top choice.
But what are the real advantages and disadvantages of choosing porcelain tiles for your floors? Let’s explore the key pros and cons next.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Floor Tiles
Pros of Porcelain Tiles for Flooring
1. Porcelain Tiles Are Incredibly Durable
Porcelain’s toughest claim is its durability. It’s rated among the hardest flooring choices available in Western Australia.
All porcelain floor tiles are classified to a PEI rating of 5. This means they’re made for heavy traffic. Thus, they can withstand kids’ toys being dropped, pet claws, or heavy furniture being dragged, day after day.
This exceptional strength comes from porcelain’s density. It has a high feldspar content and is fired under extreme pressure, so it’s very unlikely to crack from normal use. In fact, porcelain resists scratches and chips far better than regular ceramic or hardwood. So, you can expect a porcelain floor to last decades like 25–50 years of service with proper installation.
2. Porcelain Tiles Are Available in a Wide Range of Designs
One of porcelain’s biggest attractions is the design flexibility it offers. Modern porcelain tile can mimic almost any material. You’ll find porcelain tiles that look just like natural stone, marble, granite, wood, or even metal.
Advances in printing technology mean these tiles can replicate veins, grains and textures so well that it’s hard to tell them apart from the real thing. For example, polished porcelain floor tiles can look like white marble, complete with grey veining, while matte porcelain can resemble slate or concrete.
3. Porcelaon Tiles Come in Many Finishes & Large Format
Porcelain is available in many finishes; from high-gloss polished to rough-textured or honed surfaces. There are large-format porcelain slabs (60×60 cm or bigger) that make a room feel seamless, and small mosaics or wood-look planks too.
With so many sizes, shapes, colours and textures, you can match any décor style. Whether you want the natural look of timber underfoot or the polished shine of marble, porcelain has an option. This makes it easy to get just the right aesthetic without sacrificing porcelain’s performance.
4. Porcelain Tiles Are Highly Water Resistant
Thanks to that dense composition, porcelain is almost resistant to water and stains. Its water absorption rate is usually under 0.5%, by industry definition.
That means spills simply bead up on the surface instead of soaking in. A drop of red wine, oil or tomato sauce can be wiped away before it leaves a mark. Even if you use your oven or a barbecue on the tile without a mat, any splatters are easy to clean before staining occurs.
This moisture-resistance makes porcelain ideal for wet areas. In Western Australia’s kitchen or bathroom, that means you don’t have to worry about mould, mildew or damp damage on the tile itself.
5. Porcelain Floor Tiles Are Excellent for High Traffic Areas
Porcelain’s strength makes it perfect for any high-traffic spots like busy hallways, living rooms, retail spaces or even bustling restaurants.
It carries a PEI 5 rating, so it’s manufactured to handle repeated wear. Where a ceramic or vinyl floor might eventually show scratches or glaze wear, a porcelain floor will stay intact. Even drag heavy sofas or exercise equipment across it – the dense porcelain won’t chip easily.
For designers and homeowners, that means porcelain is often used in commercial and demanding residential areas. It won’t fade underfoot either. It can even be graded for UV stability. Many WA builders use porcelain planks in their designs specifically because they can handle pets, children, and parties without looking worn.
6. Porcelain Tiles Are Fireproof and Heat Resistant
Unlike wood or vinyl, porcelain is fireproof. It simply will not burn. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures, so they are inherently flame-retardant.
In fact, porcelain can withstand high temperatures without cracking, warping, or discolouration. This means a porcelain tile floor is safe around kitchen ovens, stovetops or even fireplace surrounds. If you accidentally drop a hot pan or work near the barbeque, the tile will be unaffected. Porcelain is also fully compatible with underfloor heating, radiating gentle warmth without damage.
7. Porcelain Tiles Are Beautiful, Offer Visual Appeal
Beyond performance, porcelain offers tremendous aesthetic appeal. You can get it in almost any colour, pattern or finish.
There are glossy polished porcelain tiles that reflect light and look like marble, as well as rustic stone-look or wood-look options that bring natural textures indoors. Many designs even include subtle relief or etched patterns; from geometric shapes to vintage motifs.
Because porcelain tiles can be made in large sizes, they reduce grout lines for a seamless effect on the floor. Dark porcelain can add a sleek modern vibe, while light neutrals open up smaller rooms. Homeowners have taken advantage of this variety: porcelain tile can convincingly mimic expensive hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost.
8. Porcelain Tiles Are Low Maintenance
Once installed, porcelain floors are easy to live with. They don’t require polishing, waxing, sealing or refinishing. Only the grout lines benefit from a one-time sealant to prevent staining.
Because porcelain resists stains and wear, you won’t have to constantly touch up or replace tiles. A porcelain tile floor will keep its look for decades with little effort; a major advantage over wood (which can scratch and warp) or carpet (which stains and traps dirt).
9. Porcelain Tile is Easy to Clean
Cleaning porcelain floors is straightforward. For routine cleaning, just sweep or vacuum loose debris, then mop with a solution of warm water and a gentle detergent (or plain mild soap). Skip anything acidic or ammonia-based, which could dull the grout.
If you need to tackle tough spots (like grease or scuff marks), use a pH-neutral tile cleaner or diluted vinegar solution, then rinse thoroughly. Microfiber mops work well on glossy tiles, while a soft-bristle brush can agitate dirt on textured surfaces.
While porcelain floor tiles offer many benefits, they’re not perfect for every situation. Here are a few drawbacks to consider before you decide.
Cons of Porcelain Tiles
1. Higher Material and Installation Cost
The top drawback of porcelain is cost. Porcelain tile generally runs pricier than standard ceramic or vinyl. You might pay $5–$25 per square foot just for the material, depending on design and quality.
Installation is also more expensive. Expect pro-labour to be another $10–$25 per square foot or more if you have specialty patterns or large-format slabs. An average installed porcelain tiles cost around $9–$10 per square foot. In comparison, basic ceramic can cost significantly less.
Fans of porcelain argue it pays off in longevity and performance. Porcelain can last 25–50 years, so over time the cost-per-year might be lower than cheaper floors that need replacement.
2. Heavier Weight (Concerns for Upper Floors)
Porcelain tiles are very dense which is great for durability, but it also makes them heavy. A typical large-format porcelain tile can weigh much more per square meter than wood or vinyl. This extra weight means you must ensure your floor structure can carry the load.
In short, if you have an older home or a light-frame floor, you might need to reinforce the subfloor or choose a lighter material above. In Western Australia, most modern homes can handle the weight, but it’s still a factor in renovations.
3. Complex Installation & Repairs
Installing porcelain tile is labour-intensive. The very qualities that make it great also make it challenging to cut and fit. You usually need a wet saw with a diamond blade to slice through porcelain without chipping. Cutting out odd shapes or radiator corners takes practice.
Hiring an experienced tiler is highly recommended. It raises your upfront costs, but it also avoids errors like misaligned seams or broken tiles during installation.
Further, if a tile does crack later, repairs aren’t small either.
You’ll have to carefully remove the grout around the damaged tile and chisel out the piece, using specialised tools. Then a new tile must be mortared in place. Fortunately, porcelain repairs are doable if you have spare tiles and a pro.
4. Slippery When Wet (Use Textured Alternatives)
A final con is slipperiness. A smooth glazed or polished porcelain tile will feel slick underfoot when wet. This is true of many shiny floors, and porcelain is no exception.
This matters most in areas that see water like bathroom floors, entryways, or pool surrounds.
However, there are easy fixes. Choosing a matte or textured porcelain improves traction. If you prefer the look of polished porcelain, you can simply add bathmats or rugs near the sink and tub.
Is Porcelain Tile Right for Your Flooring?
Considering these factors, porcelain floor tiles can be an excellent choice if you want a long-lasting, attractive floor that handles everyday life. They really shine in places that demand durability and water resistance. Their ability to mimic high-end materials like marble or wood gives you design freedom that few other flooring types offer.
On the other hand, if initial budget and ease of installation are your biggest concerns, the higher cost and extra labour for porcelain might be a drawback. You’ll need to weigh that against the longevity: remember, porcelain’s high cost repays over a very long lifespan (often 25+ years). Also consider your home’s structure. If you’re tiling an upstairs room, ensure the floor can bear the weight.
Ultimately, the question is: do you want a premium, hassle-free floor that will look great decade after decade? If so, porcelain is probably right for you.
Looking for a flooring solution that checks all the boxes?
Find Stunning, High-Quality Porcelain Floor Tiles at WA Kajaria Ceramics
We offer a wide range of porcelain tiles for flooring perfect for every style and need.
Our tiles combine stunning designs with family-proof durability, from polished marble looks to textured stone and wood effects. Plus, our Australian showroom is stocked with slip-resistant tiles for kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors.
Contact WA Kajaria Ceramics to start your next flooring project today.
Still have questions? Here are some of the most common queries homeowners ask about porcelain tiles; answered simply.
FAQs About Porcelain Floor Tiles
Q1: Are porcelain kitchen floor tiles good for homes?
Yes. Porcelain tiles are very durable and have very low water absorption. This makes them highly resistant to stains, cracks, and moisture damage, perfect for areas like kitchens where spills are common. You’ll surely enjoy years of use, without any high upkeep.
Q2: How do I clean porcelain floor tiles?
Porcelain is easy to clean. Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dust, then mop with warm water and a mild soap or pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic or bleach-based cleaners that can dull grout. Dry the floor after mopping. For most messes, this basic routine is enough as porcelain’s non-porous surface doesn’t trap dirt or stains.
Q3: Can porcelain floor tiles be used outdoors?
Absolutely. Porcelain is well-suited for outdoor use, especially in WA’s climate. It has a very low water absorption rate, so it won’t crack or spall in the sun and rain. Many patios and pool surrounds use porcelain pavers safely. Just choose tiles rated for outdoor slip resistance.
Q4: What are the disadvantages of porcelain floor tile?
The main drawbacks are cost and weight. Porcelain tiles themselves tend to be more expensive than other materials. Professional installation can add to the bill. They are heavier than wood or laminate, which can be an issue on upper floors. Plus, very smooth glazed porcelain can be slippery when wet. So, in wet areas it’s wise to use matte or textured versions.
Q5: Do I need to seal porcelain tile flooring?
Porcelain tile itself does not need sealing. Its surface is glass-like and non-porous. However, you should seal the grout lines after installation. Sealing grout prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the joints. After the grout cures (in the first week), apply a grout sealer as per the product instructions. This simple step will keep the grout looking new and make ongoing cleaning easier.
Q6: How long will porcelain floor tiles last?
When properly installed and cared for, porcelain floors can last decades. It’s common to see 25 years or more of use. Some glazed porcelain installations have been known to last 50 years with minimal wear. This longevity is one reason porcelain is popular in commercial and high-traffic areas.