Are you feeling overwhelmed by the variety of porcelain tiles on the market? More so, does this also mean struggling with quality concerns, budget constraints, or the complexity of installation?

That's a helluva concern. Don't worry. You're not alone. Many contractors, homeowners, artists, and even resellers feel the same way as you.

In fact, their problems are even much more complex. They would even consider how their choices match the tiles' aesthetics, sizes, and layout with their chosen platforms. This also includes their durability, proper maintenance, and care.

But most importantly, matching their tiles with the proper accessories and furniture, including dealing with availability, shipping, and color variations, keeps them awake at night. After all, furnished porcelain tiles are supposed to last more than a lifetime, aren't they?

That's why the pick must not be done lightly. It goes beyond one's children's children.

Well, lucky for you, Otile understands the challenges of buying porcelain tiles online. And while there's a variety of companies to choose from, we're even here to help you.

That's why, in this guide, we'll provide essential tips and insights to make your tile-buying journey as smooth as possible.

So, whether you're a contractor, artist, reseller, or homeowner, reading this blog post will empower you to make the best choices for your space ever!

Let's roll up our sleeves and keep reading, shall we?

 

Types of Porcelain Tiles

Before we dive into the tips for buying porcelain tiles, let's begin with the basics. It's about understanding the different types of porcelain tiles and how they can enhance or add beauty to your home.

For beginners, porcelain tiles are renowned for their elegance and durability. In fact, they're often more expensive than other tiles. But of course, the investment is always worth it.

And what's even more surprising is that many contractors and resellers love them. It's simply because they can last for a very long time. Now, here are tiles to choose from:

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

These tiles are coated with a layer of liquid glass before firing, giving them a glossy finish. They're even perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your space. Some of these are porcelain mosaic tiles and Carrara tiles.

Matte/Unglazed Porcelain Tiles

While these tiles lack the glossy finish of glazed tiles, they offer a more natural, rustic appearance. They're even a popular choice for those who prefer a muted, understated look. Well-known options include porcelain wood pattern tiles and gray matte tiles.

 

Polished Porcelain Tiles

These tiles undergo additional polishing, resulting in a shiny, reflective surface. They're an excellent choice for creating a modern, luxurious ambiance. Some examples are backsplash tiles, porcelain tile mosaics, and marble mosaics.

 

 

In addition to the classic white porcelain look, there are several other notable looks for porcelain tiles that can seamlessly complement various designs.

Aside from wood-look, marble-look porcelain tiles capture the timeless elegance of genuine marble with intricate veining and a polished finish. To achieve a luxurious space, you can choose from black marquina, Florian Grafito, or an Italian golden black marble-look tile.

Stone-look porcelain tiles replicate the rugged beauty of natural stones like slate and travertine, lending a rustic charm to both indoor and outdoor spaces. 

 

Natural stone-look porcelain tiles are another option, offering the allure of slate or granite with the added benefit of porcelain's resilience. Concrete-look porcelain tiles provide an industrial, minimalist look with their sleek, urban finish. 

Porcelain tiles can also portray the softness and comfort of fabric, the sophistication of metallic surfaces, or the intricate patterns of mosaic tiles, allowing for versatile design possibilities to suit a wide range of interior and exterior applications.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the types of porcelain tiles let's explore some tips to help you make the right choices.

 

Tip 1: Determine the Tiles' Application

The first step in selecting the perfect porcelain tiles is determining their intended use. Here's why this matters:

Safety First

To prevent accidents, tiles used in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or outdoor spaces must offer slip resistance. Choose tiles designed for these applications.

By doing so, you strongly emphasize preventing accidents, reducing liability, ensuring peace of mind for users, promoting long-term durability, complying with regulations, and achieving a balance between safety, aesthetics, and functionality in design.

Aesthetic Alignment

Different spaces require different aesthetics. Consider how the tiles will complement your overall design. For example, your kitchen tiles should match cabinetry and countertops.

Aesthetic alignment ensures that the tiles in your kitchen complement the overall design, creating visual harmony. The tiles match the cabinetry and countertops, creating a cohesive and pleasing aesthetic. This harmony can enhance the overall atmosphere of the space and make it more inviting.

Maintenance Matters

Think about how easy it will be to clean and maintain your tiles. Kitchen tiles resist staining, while bathroom tiles should fend off mold and mildew.

Size and Layout

The size and layout of your porcelain tiles can significantly impact the appearance and functionality of a space. Larger tiles work well in open areas, while smaller mosaic tiles are ideal for intricate designs or backsplashes.

Durability

Outdoor tiles must withstand weather elements like sunlight, rain, and frost. Choose your tiles designed for outdoor use.

 

Tip 2: Stay Fashionable and Know the Trends

Now that you know your application, it's time to think about aesthetics. Keeping up with the latest design trends is essential because of the following considerations:

Resale Considerations

Trendy porcelain tiles can increase the resale value of your property. In fact, a modern, fashionable design can even attract potential buyers.

Personal Satisfaction

Staying on top of the line regarding trends ensures that your space reflects up-to-date tastes and preferences. It can enhance your satisfaction with your home environment.

Cost Considerations

Some trendy styles may be budget-friendly due to high demand. The high demand for modern styles often leads to cost-saving benefits for consumers due to economies of scale, increased competition, efficient production techniques, advancements in materials and technology, retailer discounts, availability of alternatives, the fast fashion industry, and online shopping options.

As a result, individuals can enjoy fashionable products without necessarily overspending. However, it's essential to consider factors like quality and ethical production when purchasing budget-friendly trendy items.

Regional Trends

Consider regional trends in your porcelain tile preferences. Understanding these trends can help you choose the right supplier and origin.

Suppose you plan a home improvement project in Southern California, specifically in a coastal city like Los Angeles.

Given the Mediterranean-like climate, homeowners often opt for porcelain tiles that can endure temperature variations and resist moisture.

Coastal influences encourage colors like blue and sandy beige, and the emphasis on indoor-outdoor living makes tiles that seamlessly transition from interior to exterior spaces a popular choice.

Additionally, the focus on drought-resistant landscaping favors porcelain tiles resembling natural materials.

 

Tip 3: Consider the Origin and Supplier's Profile

Knowing what tile type you need, how to determine each piece's application, and how to stay fashionable isn't enough. It's essential to consider the origin of your porcelain tiles.

Why? It can influence their quality, cost, and design. For instance, porcelain tiles come from various origins, each with unique characteristics.

For instance, Asian porcelain tiles typically feature intricate designs and many colors inspired by traditional Asian art. In contrast, European porcelain tiles lean toward minimalist and contemporary aesthetics with clean lines and solid colors.

Asian tiles offer competitive pricing and accessibility, whereas European tiles are known for quality and may be relatively more expensive. European manufacturers often prioritize environmental sustainability, while Asian manufacturers' practices can vary.

Supplier Reliability

This factor carries significant weight, as it entails selecting trustworthy suppliers to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the products.

Look for suppliers with excellent reputations, customer reviews, a wide product range, competitive pricing, and exceptional after-sales service, among other things. You won't be misled, and Otile is here to help you.

Support Local Suppliers

Supporting local or regional suppliers has environmental benefits, shorter supply chains, and potential cost savings. I'm sure you won't regret it when you do so.

 

Tip 4: Do Your Homework on Porcelain Tile Grades

Well, we're almost there for the last part of this post. And since this blog post claims to be comprehensive in scope, understanding the porcelain tile grading system is crucial here. Here's how why it matters:

Visual Appearance

Different grades indeed affect the visual appearance of tiles. Lower grades can also offer stunning patterns and colors, ideal for decorative wall applications.

Cost Considerations

The choice of grade can influence project costs. Lower grades are often more budget-friendly and suitable for decorative or less traffic-prone areas.

Residential vs. Commercial

This is an essential factor to consider. That's why grades distinguish tiles suitable for residential and commercial spaces. Choose accordingly to ensure your tiles can withstand the expected foot traffic.

Versatility of Grade 3

Grade 3 tiles are versatile and can be used in various spaces within the home. They suit kitchens, family rooms, hallways, countertops, and outdoor applications.

Maintenance and Longevity

Choose the appropriate grade based on maintenance and longevity considerations. Higher grades are ideal for high-traffic areas, offering you lower maintenance costs and longer lifespans.

 

Where to Buy Porcelain Tiles in California?

We've covered crucial tips for choosing the correct porcelain tiles for your space. Remember to determine your tile's application, stay fashionable, consider its origin and supplier, and understand its grading system.

We're sure these insights will empower you to make informed decisions and confidently transform your space.

Offering at this point our vast selection of high-quality porcelain tiles, including glazed, matte, and polished varieties, ordering tiles online from us at Otile has never been easier.

Don't miss out now on our exclusive offers. Become even an insider today, and unlock the best deals that combine elegance and durability, ensuring your spaces remain beautiful for years to come!