What Is Porcelain Stone?

Advantages

• Using porcelain stone in place of ceramic tile or natural stone has numerous advantages. Because of its manufacturing process, porcelain stone is very dense, hard and nonporous. Porcelain stone tile is waterproof, virtually stain proof and impervious to mold and mildew. Natural rock and porcelain stone are almost indistinguishable in appearance, with natural stone commonly being more expensive. Porcelain tile is a favorite building material due to its easy clean-up with a mild detergent and water, and the variety of shapes, sizes and colors available.

Residential

• Porcelain stone tile floors are attractive, durable and available in a variety of natural stone looks. These qualities make the floors ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, family rooms and bedrooms. Under-floor radiant heating may be installed to offer warm, cozy floors during winter months. Area rugs add color, texture and softness to porcelain stone floors. Bathroom walls, countertops and shower stalls are ideal areas to install porcelain stone tiles. Installing porcelain stone countertops and backsplashes adds luxury and function to kitchens.

Outdoor

• Some varieties of porcelain stone tiles are well-suited for the outdoors as well as the indoors. They're frost-resistant or frost-proof, making them ideal for accenting patios, walkways, barbecue areas or entryways. Porcelain stone tile is less likely to chip or crack, because of its density. Waterproof, glazed porcelain tiles are often used in swimming pools to create colorful, one-of-a-kind patterns.

Disadvantages

• The disadvantages of using porcelain stone tile are few. Price is commonly the most prohibitive factor. Porcelain stone does cost more than most laminates for kitchen countertops, but may cost much less than natural stone, such as granite or marble. Some colors of porcelain stone are more expensive than others. This is due to increased manufacturing costs. Some coloring agents are more expensive and require additional time, skill and technology to produce.