Durability Pros and Cons

• One of the biggest advantages to using a glazed porcelain tile, as opposed to a glazed ceramic tile, is its durability. Porcelain tiles are made from compressed clay dust that has been fired to extremely high temperatures. This produces a tile that is water resistant, dense and difficult to break. This makes glazed porcelain suitable for any application from shower surrounds to countertops in both commercial and residential areas. The drawback of this durability, however, is that porcelain tiles can be extremely difficult to cut. Only a tile wet saw can cut through them properly, with special porcelain tile nippers used for small cuts. Normal tile nippers and score and snap tools will not cut a porcelain tile.
  
  

Style Pros

• Porcelain tiles are frequently color through, which means that the color of the surface extends straight through the body of the tile. A glazed tile has additional color or colors added only to its surface, giving it additional depth and texture. Glazed porcelain tiles can be glazed in a single, uniform color, but are more frequently found in specialty tiles. The glaze may be applied in thin strips of overlapping colors to produce a textured pattern that is reminiscent of carpeting. The glaze may also be applied in layers to produce leather or metal texture. The benefit of this is the wide range of durable products. Glazed porcelain tiles can mimic the look of glass or stone as well as other materials, making them highly versatile and able to fit into any home decor.
  
  

Style Cons

• One of the downsides of having a glaze on top of a tile is the potential for this glaze to chip. While the clay body of the porcelain itself is extremely durable and resistant to chipping, the glaze may not be. Depending on how thick the glaze is, it may be removed with contact if a large or heavy object falls on it.
  
  Some glazed porcelain tiles have been glazed using a screen printing process. This produces a visible screened effect on the surface of the tiles when viewed up close. This may detract from the beauty of the overall finish.
  
  Glazed porcelain tiles may also be more slick or slippery than nonglazed tiles, particularly if the glaze is extremely smooth. To check, step on a loose tile in both dry and wet feet and with smooth-soled shoes before buying.
  
  

Size Irregularity

• Unless the porcelain tiles have been vitrified, meaning they have been produced through the vitrification process, which produces extremely square, even tiles, they may be irregular in shape. Many porcelain tiles are available in large sizes of up to 36 inches square, which is a benefit for modern installations or for installations where fewer grout lines are desired.
  
  Unfortunately, if the tiles are slightly out of square or out of alignment, this can make the installation process more difficult. The tiles will need to be back buttered with additional mortar to help them sit evenly over such a large surface area, and the grout joint between the tiles will need to be larger to accommodate any warping.