Porcelain tiles, faience or terracotta – which is the best solution for your home?
When choosing tiles for a bathroom, kitchen, hallway, terrace or living room, the question often arises: should we choose porcelain stoneware, faience or terracotta? All three materials have their uses, but they differ in strength, water absorption, durability and suitable areas for installation.
In modern homes in Bulgaria, granite tiles are increasingly becoming the leading choice because they are strong, durable, practical and suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
What is the difference between porcelain stoneware, faience and terracotta?
Faience is commonly used for wall cladding. It is suitable for bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes or decorative areas, but is not a good choice for floors with high traffic.
Terracotta is a traditional flooring solution for residential spaces. It is suitable for more moderate loads, but is usually inferior to porcelain stoneware in terms of strength, density, and moisture resistance.
Porcelain stoneware is the most versatile of the three materials. It has very low water absorption, high mechanical resistance, and can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, living rooms, terraces, yards, offices, or commercial spaces.
When should we choose faience?
Faience is mainly suitable for walls. If you are looking for a bathroom, kitchen or decorative accent wall, faience tiles can be a good choice. They come in many colors and designs, but they are not intended for heavy-duty flooring.
When to choose terracotta?
Terracotta can be used for floors in residential areas when the load is moderate. This is a more classic solution, but in new construction and modern renovations it is increasingly being replaced by granite tiles due to its better technical characteristics.
Why is porcelain stoneware the most preferred solution today?
Porcelain tiles are a practical choice for people looking for a long-lasting flooring with a modern look. They are resistant to moisture, wear, scratches and temperature changes. Therefore, they are suitable for both apartments and houses, as well as public and commercial spaces.
- For the bathroom – suitable for floors and walls, especially when choosing a matte or anti-slip surface.
- For the kitchen – it is easy to clean and resistant to daily wear and tear.
- For a corridor – withstands intense traffic and dirt.
- For a living room – offers a modern look with a marble, concrete, stone or wood effect.
- For a terrace – if chosen correctly, it can be frost-resistant and suitable for outdoor use.
What kind of granite tiles should we choose for different rooms?
Bathroom porcelain tiles
For a bathroom, it is a good idea to choose granite tiles with a matte or anti-slip surface. This is especially important for floors where safety is a priority.
Porcelain tiles for kitchen
In the kitchen, the flooring should be durable, easy to clean and practical. Matte granite tiles are a very good choice because they do not show traces of water and dirt so easily.
Porcelain tiles for living room
Large-format tiles with marble, concrete, stone or wood effects are often chosen for living rooms and dining rooms. They create a more luxurious and finished look for the interior.
Porcelain tiles for hallway
The hallway is a high-traffic area, so granite tiles are one of the best solutions, especially when looking for a durable and easy-to-maintain flooring.
Porcelain tiles for terrace
For terraces and outdoor spaces, it is important to choose frost-resistant granite tiles with a suitable anti-slip surface.
Popular sizes of granite tiles
Today, the most popular sizes are 60×60, 60×120, 75×150 and 120×120 cm . Larger formats create fewer joints and a cleaner look, making them preferred for modern interiors.
Porcelain tiles in Sofia and Bulgaria
If you are looking for granite tiles in Sofia or quality tiles for a project in Bulgaria, Izida Ceramica offers a variety of series for bathroom, kitchen, living room, hallway, terrace and public spaces. You can choose between different designs, sizes, surfaces and technical characteristics according to the specific application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can porcelain stoneware be used outdoors?
Yes, but it must be suitable for outdoor use, frost-resistant and with an anti-slip surface.
Is porcelain stoneware suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes, porcelain stoneware is a very good choice for underfloor heating because it conducts heat effectively and maintains its stability during temperature changes.
What is the difference between matte and polished granite tiles?
Matte granite is more practical for areas with more traffic and moisture. Polished looks more luxurious, but can be more slippery and requires more maintenance.
How many replacement tiles should I order?
It is usually recommended to provide a reserve of about 10%, and in the case of diagonal installation or complex cuts – even more.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a practical, long-lasting and modern solution, porcelain tiles are the safest choice . Faience remains a good option for walls, and terracotta for lighter residential applications, but in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway, living room or terrace, porcelain tiles offer the best balance between appearance, strength and durability.