One of the most important choices you will have to make when selecting the perfect porcelain tile for your space is the type of texture you want for your tile. Porcelain tiles can be rough or smooth and come in many different finishes that will each give your floor or wall a truly unique look and feel. When making your selection, you will need to consider not only the design aesthetic you are going for, but also the conditions under which the floor will be used. Some other key factors that you may need to consider are the tiles’ traction, hygiene, durability, and maintenance.
In this article, we will take a look at the pros and cons of rough and smooth porcelain tiles, along with an overview of the most popular porcelain tile finishes. We will look at matte, polished, glossy, and rough sand surface porcelain tiles. Finally, we will wrap up by discussing tips for the care and maintenance of your porcelain tile, specifically the benefits of sanding textured porcelain.
Porcelain tiles can be rough or smooth and come in many different finishes that will each give your floor or wall a truly unique look and feel
Which is better, rough or smooth tiles?
There is truly no correct answer to whether rough or smooth porcelain tile is better because it depends on the preferences of each individual. Both rough and smooth tiles have their own unique advantages and disadvantages and should be considered when choosing the right tile for your project. Things you will need to bear in mind include the amount of traction each tile will have, how easy it is to clean and maintain, as well as its design, style, durability, and temperature.
The amount of traction provided by a porcelain tile is probably the most important factor when choosing your tile because a poor selection can lead to potential slips by people on your floor, as well as potential injury. Rough, textured tiles are typically the superior choice for areas of the home where your floor will be exposed to water, such as the bathroom and kitchen. This is because water on smooth tiles will exacerbate their slipperiness. Smooth tiles are a great choice for backsplashes or other areas of the home.
When choosing rough and smooth tiles, you should use them for the right purpose.
Smooth tiles are probably the better choice if you are looking for a tile that is easy to clean and hygienic. A smooth surface can be cleaned by simply running a mop or sponge over it to wipe away all the dirt and grime that will build up. By comparison, a rough, textured tile has a lot of nooks and crannies where that same dirt and grime will hide. To properly clean it, you will need to use a bristle brush. There is a slight benefit to this feature of rough tiles in that it will hide the dirt, debris, and discoloration better than smooth tiles because of the shadows the texture casts. Therefore, you will not need to clean rough tiles as often. This in turn can make rough tiles the less hygienic option because if you can’t see the dirt and debris, you are less likely to clean it.
Rough, textured tiles are often more desirable because they retain heat better than smooth tiles. They are also usually more comfortable to walk on because of the traction they provide. Smooth tiles are typically much colder and can be unpleasant to walk on late at night or when you first wake up in the morning. However, their coldness could be a benefit in areas of the home where you will first be stepping on them after being outdoors in the heat.
When it comes to design, choosing the better tile is simply a personal choice. Smooth tiles will have a more glossy, luxurious look, while rough tiles will appeal to others due to their natural stone look.
When it comes to design, choosing the better tile is simply a personal choice
Different porcelain tile textures and finishes available
Matte porcelain surface
Covered in a non-shiny glaze that offers a finish that reflects no light, matte tiles give a room a softer, more informal look. As a rough tile, they are more slip-resistant than polished or glossy tiles, which makes them the obvious choice for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, or wet rooms. Since they do not reflect light, they are not ideal for smaller rooms, as they will make them look smaller than they actually are.
LX Hausys TERACANTO ARABESCATO ROYALE White Marble Collection
Polished porcelain surface
Polished porcelain is the most common finish for man-made tiles, and it is easy to see why. These tiles offer all of the beauty that comes with a natural stone surface without the required maintenance. Due to the process of first being fired with a color and pattern that mimics stone, and then a second time with a clear coat of polish, these porcelain tiles are able to match the look of marble, quartz, and other stone surfaces perfectly. Once buffed, they will shine with a high degree of reflection just like those natural stone products. Polished tiles are smooth, so be sure to take that into account when selecting them.
LX Hausys TERACANTO CALACATTA EXTREME White Marble Collection
Glossy porcelain surface
Tiles with a glossy finish will give any room a sleek and modern look. These tiles are the opposite of matte tiles and are often mistaken for polished porcelain. Instead of using a polishing compound in the manufacturing process, these tiles are made by applying a glaze that creates a shiny look and a mirror-like sheen. The glossy finish better reflects light around the room and can trick the eye into thinking a space is larger than it actually is. For this reason, glossy tiles are an excellent choice for small bathrooms or any narrow space. Glossy tiles, like polished porcelain, also tend to be smooth and slippery.
Rough sand surface
Meant to mimic the look and feel of natural sand or stone, rough sand surface porcelain provides the tile with a rough or grainy texture that is slip-resistant. This makes them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces that will be exposed to moisture on a regular basis. It will also add depth and character to your space and give it a natural, more rustic appearance.
Tips for care and maintenance: sanding textured porcelain
The process of sanding porcelain tile should only be done prior to repainting and resealing it in order to remove its shiny, smooth, and lustrous appearance. To properly sand porcelain tile, you will need these items: tile cleaners, a sponge, an orbital sander, sandpaper, a soft brush, and a vacuum.
Tips for care and maintenance
To start, you will first need to clean the tile thoroughly using the tile cleaner and sponge. Next, inspect the tile and grout and repair any damaged or missing parts. You will then need to use 220-grain sandpaper and the orbital saw to remove the tiles’ shine. The tiles should look scratched and feel rough when you are done. Then use the brush and vacuum to clean up the debris created by the sanding process. Finally, apply the primer and paint to refinish the tiles.
Before sanding the surface of the tile, you must cleanse the surface of the debris.
Contact us
Ready to select a porcelain tile for your home? Contact LX Hausys through the form on our website and one of our experts will get back to you promptly to answer any questions you may have.
