Floral motifs

There’s nothing inherently new about tiles with floral motifs. However, each year, tile manufacturers take designs to the next level, and a pandemic wasn’t going to dim the light on their brilliance.

One of my favourite expressions of floral design showcased at Cersaie is ‘Imagine’ by La Fabrica. Each design features a variation of exotic plants in different colours and textures on thin slabs of porcelain for a dramatic effect. With this collection, La Fabrica has achieved wallpaper-like aesthetics with the durability of porcelain.

Stone interpretations

Another constant in the tile design realm is natural stone-look porcelain. I can’t even begin to describe how many times my jaw hit the floor when I saw some of the collections. Some interpretations looked so real; it was hard to believe they were porcelain tiles.

‘Mystic’ by Ceramica Sant’Agostino caught my eye, and it was love at first sight. Inspired by the essence of marble, each graphic face of Mystic is a piece of art and captures the beauty and intricacies of natural stone.

Decorative features

Cersaie also highlighted the versatility of porcelain, with many manufacturers showcasing bathware and decorative pieces constructed entirely of porcelain stoneware. Spain’s Roca Tiles took three of their stunning tile collections and transformed them into a sculptural masterpiece.

Through a collaboration with creative studio, Masquespacio, they created a collection of small sculptural and furniture pieces as part of their installation. Aptly named ‘Infinite Majesty’, the collection features polychromatic spheres, cylinders, cones, and prisms. But most importantly, the installation reminds us that porcelain can go beyond its traditional applications on floors and walls.

Cersaie 2021 was certainly a success (in my eyes anyway). Now, please help me manifest a world where these collections land in our showroom soon!

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 16 October 2021

Deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles looms over every customer when it’s time to redo their bathroom, kitchen, splashback, or tile any other room in the home. However, to most consumers, porcelain and ceramic mean virtually the same thing. While they technically are, there are some elements that separate them from each other. So, allow us to guide you through the real differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles.

High-quality Italian porcelain tiles Product: 600x1200 Opulence Eccentric — High-quality Italian porcelain tiles **Product:** 600x1200 Opulence Eccentric

Why do People Confuse Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?

Like with everything in the industry, building materials are constantly evolving and improving with technological advancements; and the treatment of porcelain and ceramic tiles has been no different.

For many years, ceramic tiles were the preferred option for tiling floors for their easy installation. But as tile manufacturing advanced, people were introduced to porcelain tiles, the alternative material with a much higher price tag. This left people wondering (and still does); if porcelain and ceramic tiles are used for the same applications and installed with the same methods, why should I pay more for porcelain?

Ceramic floor tile Product: 450x450 Lexicon White — Ceramic floor tile **Product:** 450x450 Lexicon White

How They’re Made

The major differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles boil down to the process of making them. Porcelain tiles are made with a special, high-density clay, fired at a high temperature, and glazed with a liquified glass coating. Ceramic tiles are made with a coarser clay fired at a lower temperature and then glazed.

Due to the differences in density, porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles – making them the preferable option for high-traffic commercial applications.

The other difference to understand is the way in which they’re finished. Porcelain tiles have straight, rectified edges which means they can be installed with tighter grout lines to create the illusion of a seamless surface. Ceramic tiles come with cushion or rolled edge which requires larger grout lines between tiles.

Similarly, high-quality porcelain tiles feature more intricate and realistic prints to replicate natural stone and concrete surfaces, while ceramic tiles are manufactured with basic glazing patterns with less variation.

Italian-made travertine-look tiles with a rectified edge Product: 600x1200 Reverso Beige — Italian-made travertine-look tiles with a rectified edge **Product:** 600x1200 Reverso Beige

Factors to Consider When Selecting Tiles

When you’re selecting tiles for your next bathroom, kitchen, or renovation project, you should firstly consider the scale of your project, aesthetic, and budget.

Most entry-level builder’s selections will allow a budget for ceramic tiles for their affordability and easy installation. If you’re building your dream home and want to invest a little more into your finishes, porcelain tiles are the perfect solution.

Concrete-look porcelain tiles Product: 600x600 Trust Grey — Concrete-look porcelain tiles **Product:** 600x600 Trust Grey

Doing the Best for Your Project

There you have it, friends; the real difference between porcelain vs. ceramic tiles explained. Geelong Tiles & Bathware has a huge selection of porcelain and ceramic designer tiles that will elevate the look of your new space. Book in a selection with our designers, who will take the time to understand your needs and find the best material and tile design for your project.