Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles made using special raw materials and high technological processes. They are made from clay – in this case, porcelain clay, and valuable feldspars, undergoing a firing process at extremely high temperatures, turn into compact tiles with the following features: chemical- and thermal-resistance, impact strength and scratch hardness. They have a moisture absorption rate which is less than 0.5% which make them perfectly suited for all kinds of environments.

Tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles are generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln at temperature bellow 1200ºC. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain, and usually have a PEI 0 to 3 rating.
Ceramic tiles are suitable for light to moderate traffic and generally have a relatively high water absorption rating making them less frost resistant than porcelain tiles.

Porcelain tiles are the result of a mixture of porcelain and various minerals burned at over 1200º C. The resulting material is more homogeneous, dense, vitrified, and resistant than conventional ceramics. It is also less porous and therefore has a very low water absorption index, making it suitable for heavy traffic and all kind of enviroments.

Ceramic tiles can be used on top of existing coverings and flooring (ceramic, stone, painted plaster) provided that these are not damaged in such a way as to compromise the stability of the new material (tiles coming loose, cracking). Some materials may require additional treatment before going ahead with the new application.