What to Look For When Buying Porcelain Tile

Knowing what features to look for will help you select high-quality porcelain flooring. Here are some simple tips on what to look for when shopping for porcelain tile. 

• Find the right “class” or category of porcelain. For example, Class 5 is the toughest and most durable category, making Class 5 porcelain ideal for heavy use and foot traffic. Class 1 porcelain, on the other hand, should never be used for flooring because it is prone to damage from wear. 

• Find the right “grade” of porcelain. Not to be confused with class, which indicates resistance to wear-and-tear caused by abrasion or grinding, grade indicates the porcelain’s overall quality, which is linked to tile thickness. The best or highest grade of porcelain is Grade 1, which is also the thickest variety of tile (up to ¾”). Grade 3, being the thinnest variety (up to ¼”), falls at the opposite end of the spectrum. Grade 3 tile is not recommended for flooring, especially in high-traffic areas. 

• Find the right color. When you say the word “porcelain,” most people immediately think of the color white. But did you know that porcelain is actually available in a huge range of fun, bold colors and patterns? Don’t feel like you have to restrict yourself to the classics!