A Beginners Guide to Choosing Porcelain Tiles

Now is certainly one of the best times to buy porcelain tiles in Perth. Thanks to the advancement of digital printing technologies, porcelain tile designs are becoming more attractive and more realistic than ever. And if you buy tiles from Ross’s Discount Home Centre, you’ll get better service and greater value than ever before!

If you are about to build or renovate your home, you should definitely consider porcelain tiles. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to look for when buying porcelain tiles in Perth; I’ll help you out. As the head of purchasing at Ross’s, I’ve helped plenty of customers choose their tiles and today, I’ll do the same for you.

So, continue reading this post as I guide you through choosing the right tiles for your needs. After you’re done reading, you can simply shop for porcelain tiles from our store and get started with your renovation!

Introduction to Porcelain Tiles

If you’re new to the world of tiles, let me introduce you to one of the most popular choices out there—porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are made from a finer, denser clay and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles, which makes them incredibly durable and versatile. They’re perfect for a wide range of applications, from indoor flooring to bathroom walls and even outdoor areas.

Unlike other materials, porcelain tiles are known for their strength, water resistance, and the ability to replicate the look of natural stone, wood, or even concrete—all while being low-maintenance.

Benefits of Porcelain Tiles

So, why should you consider porcelain tiles for your home? Well, there are plenty of reasons!

First and foremost, they are exceptionally durable—tough enough to withstand high foot traffic and daily wear and tear. They are also highly water-resistant, making them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Plus, they’re a breeze to clean; a quick wipe is often all it takes to keep them looking brand new. And let’s not forget the endless variety of designs, colours, and finishes available, allowing you to create a look that perfectly suits your style and space.

While the benefits are plentiful, there are also some drawbacks. You can learn about the pros and cons here.

Types of Porcelain Tiles

As you’ll soon see from our range of porcelain tiles, there are several types, each suited to different needs and preferences:

• Glazed Porcelain Tiles: These tiles have a protective coating that adds a shiny finish and additional stain resistance, making them ideal for indoor areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Unglazed Porcelain Tiles: Unglazed tiles offer a more natural, matte finish. They are slip-resistant and weather-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor use or areas that might get wet.
• Polished vs. Matte Finish: Polished porcelain tiles have a glossy, reflective surface, adding elegance to any room. In contrast, matte-finish tiles offer a more subdued, sophisticated look and are great for minimising slips.
• Rectified vs. Non-Rectified Tiles: Rectified tiles have precise edges, allowing for tighter grout lines and a seamless look. Non-rectified tiles have more natural edges and can create a more traditional or rustic appearance. For more details, see our guide on Rectified vs. Unrectified Tiles.

How to Choose the Right Porcelain Tile for Your Space

Choosing the right tile can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help simplify things! Start by considering the room size; larger tiles can make small spaces feel bigger, while smaller tiles can add texture and interest to larger areas. Next, think about your colour scheme—light-coloured tiles can make a room feel bright and airy, while darker tiles can add warmth and cosiness. Check out this year’s trending colours for some colour inspiration. And don’t forget to consider the natural light in the room; glossy tiles can reflect light and make a dim space feel brighter. Finally, think about the style of your home.

Whether you’re going for modern chic or classic charm, we’ll have a porcelain tile to perfectly match your vision.

Tile Installation Considerations

Now, let’s talk about installation. Porcelain tiles are known for their durability, but they can be challenging to install due to their density and weight. If you’re an experienced DIYer, you might feel confident tackling this yourself—but for most, I recommend hiring a professional tiler.

The right tools, a good adhesive, and careful planning are crucial for a successful installation. Mistakes like uneven tiles or gaps can be costly and difficult to fix, so investing in a professional installation can save you time and money in the long run.

Porcelain Tile Maintenance and Care

Keeping your porcelain tiles in top shape is easy! For routine cleaning, simply use a damp mop or cloth with a mild detergent—there’s no need for harsh chemicals. For glazed tiles, avoid abrasive cleaning tools that might scratch the surface.

If you have unglazed or textured tiles, a soft brush can help clean between the grooves. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will also help prevent dirt and debris from scratching the tiles. And here’s a tip: using doormats at entryways can reduce the amount of dirt and grit brought in from outside.

Comparing Porcelain Tiles to Other Materials

You might be wondering how porcelain floor tiles stack up against other flooring options. Compared to ceramic tiles, porcelain floor tiles are denser and more durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Unlike natural stone, porcelain tiles require little maintenance and don’t need to be sealed regularly. They’re also a great alternative to hardwood floors if you want the wood look without the upkeep—porcelain tiles won’t scratch, dent, or warp over time. And compared to vinyl, porcelain tiles offer a much longer lifespan and are more resistant to heat and heavy impacts.

Cost Considerations and Budgeting Tips

Let’s talk numbers: while porcelain tiles can be more expensive upfront compared to some other flooring options, they’re an investment worth making. Their durability means they won’t need to be replaced for years, potentially saving you money in the long term. When budgeting, consider not just the cost of the tiles themselves but also the installation costs, which can vary depending on the complexity of your space.

To keep costs down, shop around for sales or look for discount options like those we offer here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We always have great deals to help you stay within your budget without sacrificing quality. Look at our collection today and see how much you can save!

What to Look for When Buying Porcelain Tiles in Perth

When it comes to choosing the right porcelain tiles for your home, it’s all about finding the perfect match for each specific area. Different spaces have different needs, and understanding these can help you make the best choice:

Indoor Porcelain Tiles

For living rooms, hallways, or any indoor areas with high foot traffic, you’ll want to choose large, durable porcelain tiles that can withstand daily wear and tear. Look for tiles that are designed to be tough and scratch-resistant. Choose neutral tones or natural-look designs that complement your home’s design style and create a cohesive flow throughout your living spaces.

Bathroom Porcelain Tiles

Bathrooms require tiles that are not only stylish but also highly water-resistant. Smaller porcelain tiles or mosaic tiles are perfect for walls, shower spaces, and areas around tubs and sinks. These tiles help create a slip-resistant surface while adding intricate detail. For bathroom floors, consider larger bathroom floor tiles with a matte or textured finish to prevent slips and maintain safety. Light-coloured tiles can make a small bathroom feel more spacious and bright.

Kitchen Porcelain Tiles

In the kitchen, practicality is key. Choose tiles that are easy to clean and resistant to stains, spills, and splashes. Porcelain tiles with a smooth, glazed surface work well for kitchen floors and walls, especially around splashbacks. You can also opt for wood-look or stone-look porcelain tiles to add warmth and character to your kitchen without the maintenance concerns of natural materials.

Outdoor Porcelain Tiles

For patios, carports, or areas around pools, you’ll need tiles that are designed to handle the elements. Look for unglazed or textured outdoor porcelain tiles that offer slip resistance and are weather-resistant. These tiles should be thicker and more robust to withstand outdoor conditions, including exposure to sunlight, rain, and temperature changes. Choose a style that complements your outdoor aesthetic, whether that’s a natural stone look or a contemporary design.

If you’re shopping for outdoor tiles, read our guide, What to Look for When Shopping for Outdoor Tiles.

By understanding the specific requirements of each area in your home, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect porcelain tiles that provide both style and functionality. And remember, no matter your choice, you’ll find a wide range of porcelain tiles for every application right here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre!

Where to buy porcelain tiles in Perth?

When it comes to buying porcelain tiles in Perth, look no further than Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Our warehouse is chock-full of quality porcelain tiles that are suitable for any application. Whether you’re looking for indoor tiles, floor tiles, wall tiles, outdoor tiles, bathroom tiles, or kitchen tiles, we offer it all!

Conclusion:

Porcelain tiles are incredibly popular all over the world. They are very versatile, and they are available in a range of styles, types and colours these days. However, porcelain tiles can be more expensive than other types of tiles so you must plan your budget carefully before buying them.

Porcelain tiles are available as indoor tiles, outdoor tiles, bathroom tiles, and kitchen tiles, with each type exhibiting different properties. They are also available in glazed and unglazed variants.

And, for the best value-for-money porcelain tiles in Perth, look no further than Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Simply drop by our showroom in Guildford or look at our online store to see our collection of porcelain tiles.

Check out our stunning collection of tiles today!

View our Porcelain Tiles