Porcelain Tiles Floor & Wall: Complete Guide

Porcelain tile floor and wall designs have gained wide use for their strength and clean finish. Those are made from refined clay fired at very high temperatures, making them dense, hard, and resistant to water, scratches, and stains. Their strength allows use on both floors and walls, even in busy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. The material also performs well outdoors due to its low porosity and durability.

Designers often choose porcelain tiles for their wide range of colours and finishes. Many mimic natural stone or timber, giving a clean, modern look that suits both contemporary and classic interiors.

Types of Porcelain Tiles You Can Use

Porcelain tiles come in several types designed for both floors and walls, offering a mix of looks and finishes that suit different areas of the home. Their finishes range from smooth and polished to textured and matte, each serving a distinct purpose. Polished tiles work best in living spaces where brightness and style matter, while matte and textured finishes suit wet zones like bathrooms and kitchens for better grip and safety.

Common Types of Porcelain Tiles:

1. Glazed: Coated with a protective layer that adds colour, pattern, and easy cleaning.

2. Unglazed (Through-body): Natural finish with colour running through the tile, ideal for high-traffic areas.

3. Polished: Shiny surface for a refined look, best for indoor dry areas.

4. Matt: Non-reflective, slip-resistant surface, easy to maintain.

5. Textured: Slightly rough surface that improves traction, perfect for outdoor use.

6. Wood, Stone, and Marble Look: Designed to mimic natural materials with long-lasting durability.

What Are the Different Popular Locations for Porcelain Floor and Wall Tiles?

Porcelain floor and wall tiles are used in many parts of a home because they’re strong, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Their versatility makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas. In living spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms, porcelain offers a modern look that lasts for years. For outdoor settings, it performs well under changing weather conditions and keeps its finish intact.

Popular Locations for Porcelain Tiles:

• Bathrooms: Ideal for wet areas due to low water absorption and slip-resistant finishes.

• Kitchens: Great for splashbacks and floors that face stains, heat, and heavy use.

• Hallways and Living Rooms: Durable surface that handles frequent foot traffic.

• Outdoor Areas: Perfect for patios and garden paths, offering frost and moisture resistance.

• Commercial Spaces: Suitable for shops or offices needing long-lasting flooring.

Why Pick Porcelain for Floors and Walls

Porcelain for floors and walls offers strength, beauty, and long-term performance that few materials can match. Its dense structure makes it resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, which is why it suits busy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. The surface is easy to clean, requiring only simple care to maintain its fresh look. 

Porcelain tiles also come in countless colours, sizes, and patterns that can mirror natural materials such as marble, stone, or timber, allowing flexibility for both classic and modern designs.

Sizes and Shapes That Fit Any Room

Porcelain tile sizes and shapes help set the mood and scale of a room. Large format tiles cut grout lines and make rooms feel more open, while smaller tiles add pattern and grip in wet zones. Rectangular planks create a timber look and guide the eye along a room. Geometric shapes like hexagons add character to a feature wall or floor. Match tile choice to room size, light levels, and the layout of fittings.

Common Porcelain Tile Sizes and Shapes:

• Small (100×100 mm / 200×200 mm): Adds texture and visual depth for compact areas.

• Medium (300×300 mm / 400×400 mm): Balanced look for most indoor rooms.

• Large (600×600 mm): Creates an open, seamless effect in larger spaces.

• Extra-large (900×900 mm or more): Ideal for open-plan layouts and minimal grout lines.

• Shapes: Square for balance, rectangular for modern layouts, hexagon or mosaic for creative designs.

How to Lay Porcelain on Floors

Learning how to lay porcelain on floors helps achieve a durable and even finish that lasts for years. Proper preparation is key before setting any tiles. The surface must be clean, dry, and level, as porcelain needs strong bonding to stay firm. A suitable adhesive should be chosen for the tile type and room condition. Careful planning of layout lines avoids uneven cuts, especially near walls or doorways, ensuring the pattern aligns correctly across the floor.

Steps to Lay Porcelain Floor Tiles:

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Clean, level, and dry the base; apply primer if needed.

2. Plan the Layout: Mark guidelines for even tile placement.

3. Spread Adhesive: Use a notched trowel to create uniform ridges.

4. Lay the Tiles: Press tiles firmly into place and use spacers for consistent joints.

5. Grout the Joints: Fill gaps evenly and clean off residue once set.

6. Final Check: Inspect alignment, wipe surfaces, and allow curing before use.

Fitting Porcelain Tiles on Walls

Fitting porcelain tiles on walls is a task that needs careful prep and steady work. Start by making sure the wall is clean, dry, and flat. Fix tile backer boards where moisture may be a problem and seal any porous surfaces with primer. Measure the wall and mark a central guideline to keep tiles straight. 

Use a thin-set mortar made for vertical use so tiles do not slip. Back-buttering larger tiles helps them stick. Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe off excess adhesive as you go.

1. Prepare surface: Fit backer boards, seal and mark centre lines.

2. Mix adhesive: Follow maker instructions to a peanut-butter consistency.

3. Apply adhesive: Use flat then notched trowel for even ridges.

4. Set tiles: Press with a slight twist, use spacers, check plumb.

5. Cut tiles: Use a wet saw for neat edges around fittings.

6. Grout and seal: Remove spacers, grout joints, then clean tiles.

Common Mistakes People Make

Common mistakes people make while installing porcelain tiles often come from skipping small but important steps. Porcelain is heavier and denser than most tiles, so it needs proper preparation and the right materials to stay secure. 

Rushing through surface cleaning or using the wrong adhesive can weaken the bond. Uneven layouts or ignoring alignment lines also cause visible gaps that are difficult to fix later. Proper spacing, levelling, and planning help avoid these issues and give a clean, professional finish.

• Skipping surface prep: Failing to level and clean the base leads to poor adhesion.

• Using wrong adhesive: Not all adhesives suit porcelain’s density or weight.

• Incorrect spacing: Tiles placed too close may crack once grout expands.

• No back-buttering: Large tiles need adhesive on both sides for full contact.

• Uneven layout: Forgetting to mark centre lines results in crooked rows.

• Rushing grouting: Grouting before adhesive cures can cause loose tiles.

Care Tips to Keep Them New

Care tips to keep them new help porcelain tiles maintain their shine and durability for years. Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup that can dull the surface or mark the grout. Start by sweeping or vacuuming often to remove dust and grit. Use a damp mop with warm water or a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for porcelain. Avoid harsh or acidic chemicals as they may damage the finish. Quick action on spills also stops stains from setting, keeping floors and walls spotless with minimal effort.

1. Sweep or vacuum: Do it regularly to stop scratches from grit and debris.

2. Mop gently: Use warm water or a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft microfibre mop.

3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Skip bleach, ammonia, or oil-based cleaners.

4. Dry after cleaning: Wipe with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

5. Clean grout lines: Use a mild grout cleaner and seal them to stop discolouration.

6. Tackle stains early: Clean spills straight away to maintain the finish.

Final Thoughts

Porcelain tiles for floors and walls offer a lasting mix of design appeal and strength that suits both homes and commercial spaces. Their resistance to water, stains, and wear makes them one of the most reliable options for modern interiors. When maintained properly, porcelain can keep its finish for decades without fading or cracking.

For readers who want a broader understanding of how porcelain tiles compare with other materials, explore our A Complete Guide to Porcelain Tiles. It covers everything from how porcelain is made to where it performs best, helping you make an informed choice for your next flooring or wall project.

FAQS

Q1. Can I use the same porcelain tiles on both the floor and the wall?

Yes. Pick rectified tiles with a matt finish for floors and polished ones for walls from the same range. Check that the PEI rating stays above 3 for foot traffic.

Q2. How long do porcelain floor tiles last?

They last 20–50 years with proper fitting. My cousin’s kitchen tiles still look fresh after 12 years of kids and dogs.

Q3. Do porcelain wall tiles need sealing?

Glazed ones don’t. Unglazed or natural stone-effect tiles may need a quick sealant spray once a year to stop stains.

Q4. What grout colour works best with grey porcelain?

Light grey grout hides dirt on floors. Dark grey grout makes white or black tiles pop on walls. Test a small patch first.

Q5. Can heavy furniture scratch porcelain floors?

Hardly. Porcelain rates 7–8 on the Mohs scale. Felt pads under chair legs stop rare scuffs anyway.

Q6. How soon can I walk on newly laid porcelain floors?

Wait 24 hours for the adhesive to set. Full strength comes after 72 hours; keep pets off until then.

Q7. Are large-format porcelain slabs hard to fit on walls?

They need a flat surface and two people to lift. Back-butter the tile and use a suction lifter for safety.