Polished porcelain tiles
Polished porcelain tiles can give any residential or commercial space a distinct aesthetic. It is an eye-catching and contemporary style, with a signature character and texture. In this article, we look at what polished tiles are, and how to maintain them.
What is polished porcelain?
Polished porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles that are specially treated with a polishing technique using a diamond disk. Thanks to this process, their smooth surfaces are revealed, providing elegant styles for modern finishes. These tiles, especially in the case of large marble look tiles, are appealing for business and residential homeowners, as they offer a lot of design variety and color tones.
Polished porcelain: pros and cons
Polished porcelain comes with certain advantages as well as some drawbacks.
Pros
- Luxurious aesthetics
Polished porcelain tiles have a high-gloss finish that reflects light, creating a spacious and elegant look, especially suited for modern marble effect bathrooms. They come in various colors and patterns, offering diverse design possibilities. - Easy cleaning
These types of tiles offer a non-porous surface, making them resistant to stains and easier to clean. Dirt and spills typically wipe up easily with minimal effort. - Durability
Porcelain tiles are incredibly strong and resistant to scratches, chips, and wear. This translates to a long-lasting flooring solution. - Moisture resistance
Polished porcelain tiles are impermeable to moisture, making them suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas exposed to water and spillages.
Cons
- Can be slippery when exposed to moisture
The smooth, shiny surface of polished tiles can get slippery when wet, which makes them less ideal for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and households with young children or elderly individuals. - Visible footprints and scratches
The glossy finish can show water marks, footprints, and even minor scratches more prominently. This may require frequent cleaning to maintain a pristine appearance. - Bigger budget needed
Polished porcelain tiles are more expensive than other types of tiles due to the additional processing involved. Therefore, if you are considering using these tiles for your interior design projects, you need to be mindful that you will need to budget accordingly.
Polished vs unpolished porcelain tiles: what are the differences?
Both polished and unpolished porcelain tiles are durable and popular choices, but they offer different aesthetics and functionalities. Here are their key differences.
- Finish and texture
Polished tiles have a smooth, high-gloss finish that reflects light well, creating a bright and spacious feel. Unpolished tiles have a matte or honed finish, offering a more natural and textured look. This can be smooth or slightly rough depending on the type. - Slip resistance
Due to their smooth surface, polished tiles can be slippery when they are exposed to moisture. This means they are not ideal for high traffic areas. Unpolished tiles, on the other hand, have textured surfaces that provide better slip resistance, making them safer for wet environments and high-traffic areas. - Scratch resistance
Polished tiles are durable, but their smooth surfaces can be prone to scratches, especially from sharp objects. In comparison, unpolished tiles are usually more scratch-resistant thanks to their textured surface which helps hide minor imperfections. - Cost
Polished tiles are more expensive than unpolished tiles due to the additional processing involved in achieving the glossy finish.
How to clean polished porcelain tiles
Here is a quick summary on how to clean polished porcelain tiles. Head over to our full guide if you want comprehensive advice on how to clean all types of porcelain tiles.
- Remove loose dirt and debris
Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. This helps prevent scratching the surface. For daily cleaning, use a microfiber mop to trap and remove dust. Avoid traditional mops, as their abrasive texture can scratch the tiles.
- Deep cleaning
Choose mild, non-abrasive cleaning products, and avoid using harsh chemicals, soap-based detergents, or oil-based products, as they can leave a film and dull the shine.
