Main Image Main Image

What is porcelain tile?

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile, but it's denser, harder, and less porous than traditional ceramic. It's made from finer clay and fired at a much higher temperature. The result is a tile that’s incredibly tough and resistant to moisture. Porcelain is often chosen for areas that get a lot of use or face constant exposure to water—think bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, and even outdoor patios.

Unlike softer materials, porcelain tile easily withstands everyday wear and tear. It won’t scratch easily and is not likely to chip. Porcelain tile can even handle freezing temperatures if you want to use it outside. In short, it’s built to last.

Porcelain tile: from wood look to marble and beyond

One of the biggest perks of porcelain tile is its ability to mimic other materials very well. Thanks to digital printing and advanced manufacturing, you can get nearly any look you want, all while keeping the performance of porcelain.

Wood-look porcelain tile

Love the charm of hardwood but worried about water or scratches? Wood-look porcelain tiles give you the texture and warmth of natural wood without the downsides. Wook-look tile is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements where real wood won’t hold up.

Marble-look porcelain tile

Marble is elegant but expensive and high-maintenance. With porcelain tile that looks like marble, you get the luxurious veining and high-end feel without the worry of stains or sealing.

Concrete-look porcelain tile

Concrete-look tile is industrial and modern, making it great for sleek spaces. Use it in lofts, modern bathrooms, or kitchens where you want a minimalist edge.

Stone-look porcelain tile

Want the feel of slate, travertine, or limestone? Porcelain tiles can capture the organic textures and color shifts of real stone while being easier to care for and more consistent in quality.

These styles are also available in a range of sizes—from small mosaics to large-format slabs—making it easy to mix, match, or go bold with your design.

What are the benefits of porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tile isn’t just pretty. It’s packed with benefits that make it a smart choice for residential and commercial remodels. Here's why more people are making the switch:

Durability: Porcelain tile is one of the most durable surfaces you can buy. It handles heavy foot traffic, pet claws, dropped pans, and more without breaking a sweat.

Water resistance: Because it’s so dense, porcelain tile resists moisture better than many other flooring materials. That makes it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways.

Low maintenance: You don't need to worry about sealing, polishing, or refinishing porcelain tile. It just needs a quick sweep and mop to keep it looking fresh.

Versatility: Porcelain tile can go in any room of your home, from kitchens and bathrooms to basements and entryways, and it’s tough enough to be used outside on patios, walkways, and porches too.

Fade resistance: Planning to use tile near windows or in outdoor spaces? Porcelain resists fading, even with exposure to UV rays.

Allergen friendly: Tile doesn’t trap dust, pollen, or pet hair like carpet can. For allergy sufferers, that’s a major win.

Eco-friendly options: Many porcelain tiles are made with recycled content and can contribute to green building certifications.

Your New Jersey tile store

At Standard Tile, we carry a wide selection of porcelain tiles from top brands to suit every taste and space. Whether you’re aiming for cozy and rustic or modern and polished, there’s a porcelain tile to match. Not sure where to start? Our expert design team can help you narrow it down and find the right tile for your project.

Ready to explore porcelain tile in person? At our tile store, you'll be able to see samples, feel textures, and get expert advice on which tile will work best for your space. We have showrooms in Totowa, East Hanover, Succasunna, Edison, Watchung, and Jersey City, NJ. We invite you to visit one of our New Jersey tile stores today!