It might seem counterintuitive to talk about tile in the context of stone surfaces. However, there are a number of applications in which both stone tiles and DalTile porcelain tiles are the material of choice. So it stands to reason then that some of the same professionals would be installing both materials. In this brief article, we are going to talk a little bit about what kinds of applications large format porcelain tiles are generally used in. As we do, we will talk a little bit about some of the necessary tools for working with large format porcelain tile like DalTile Porcelain and products with which to care for it. So let's get into the article.
Introduction to Large Format Tile
What are large format porcelain tiles? As a general rule most people are familiar with porcelain tile. And many know that there are several sizes of porcelain tile. Large format porcelain tile is tile that is made in large sizes. There are a number of sizes of large format tile, so we won't go into a full, exhaustive list of each available size. But providers of this durable and versatile material such as DalTile Porcelain will have a selection of sizes from which to choose.
Applications for Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is used for a number of applications. For many years this material has been used for floor covering in several sizes. However, larger sizes are available for use indoor and outdoor. These "large format" tiles (also called panels) allow more ground to be covered with fewer tiles. Porcelain is a material that is easily cleaned with proper cleaners. The material also is scratch resistant and holds up well when used as a floor covering. Because of its durability, products like DalTile Porcelain large format porcelain tiles are used for wall covering, floor covering, building facades and even countertops.
Isn't Porcelain the Same as Ceramic?
It is not uncommon for people to conclude or even be told that porcelain tile is the same thing as ceramic tile. However, they are actually two different materials and they are distinct form one another. Note what the Cosmos Surfaces website says about this topic:
Considering how similar they are in appearance – and the fact that their uses often overlap – its no wonder why many people use the terms "ceramic" and "porcelain" interchangeably when describing tile. However, its important to note that each surfacing material has its own distinct characteristics.
Yes, porcelain tile is a different material than ceramic. In fact, additional requirements are necessary for a ceramic tile to qualify as porcelain.
The Look of Large Format Porcelain Tiles
It may be surprising for some to learn that there are many occasions where large format tile does not even appear to be a man-made material at all. That is because porcelain tile has advanced to the point where it can be made to look like any number of materials; including natural stone. Several brands of large format tile offer collections that are engineered to resemble natural stone surfaces.
Colors of DalTile Porcelain Tile
As is the case with any popular product, there are a variety of colors in which DalTile Porcelain is available. And although not all tile brands dealing in porcelain tile offer large format tiles, a number of brands do, including DalTile. Since there so many options available, it is good to look through the colors available for the brand of large format porcelain tile you are considering.
In fact, here is a list of colors for the brand of tile we are currently discussing as they are shown on this website:
Almond Blend
Multiplex Blue/Taupe
Grigio
Artisan Brown
Cinder Rail
Pumpkin Spice
Graphite
Sapphire Status
Fog
Drama
Clementine
Thunder
Dark Grey
Aqua Glow
Gypsum Calacatta
Luminary White
Notable Beige
Macaron Blend
Ocean Blue
Berry Blend
Oak Moss
Magistrate
Ashgrey
Pearl
Waterfall
Grigio Scuro
Golden Granite
Castlerock
Amber
Desert Gray
Nautical Blue
Regent Honey
Suede Gray Speckle
Belmont Terrace
Soil
Composer
Architect Gray
Brass
Green
Cube Positive
Vapor
Marsala
Amplify Black
Navy
Dusk
Ash White
White
Rosa
Voyager Black
Diamond Mine
Ice
Deputy Grey
Ocra
Degrees Silver
Blue
Light Grey
Multiplex Black/White
Classic Grey
Wheat Blend
Calacatta Topaz
Commander Beige
Calacatta Aries
Stria Maestro
Pepper White
Willow
Coal
Manor White
Olive Blend
Taupe
Beige
Obsidian
Stria Bravura
Spa
Maple Blend
Biscuit/Black Dot
Travertino
Elemental Tan Speckle
Electric Moss
Jasper Grey
Rye Blend
Naval
Sunshine
Artisan Brown Speckle
Stereo Grey
Hearth Smoke
Marble
Proxy
Opal Travertine
Romantic White
Stonewall Coal
Black/Ebony
Elemental Tan
Buffstone Range
Sonic White
Black
Moonshine
Grigio Chiaro
Lime Sherbet
Urban Putty Speckle
Urban Putty
Mustard
Marine
Botanical
Bluestone
Cube Negative
Red
Arctic White/Black
Deep Purple
Grey
Onyx Galaxy
Uptown Taupe
Sun Green/Blue
Bureau Brown
Mottled Medium Brown
Emerald
Moonstone
Almond
Maestro
Anthracite
Stria Composer
Emissary
Mint Ice
Sand
Blanc
Calacatta
Bravura
Tobacco
Sea Speckle
Proxy Grey
Superior Taupe
Tortora
Documentary
Titanium Grey
Cornsilk
Hickory Pecan
Marfil
Arctic White
Clay
Desert Gray Speckle
Uptown Taupe Speckle
Rosso
Intensity Pebbl
Onyx
Navy Speckle
Sterling
Cypress
Balsam Fir
Sun Marsala
Charred Nickel
Glacier
Ivory
Brownberry
Biscuit
Accent Brown
Reverb Ash
Statuario
Suede Gray
Brazilian Walnut
Truffle
Chromium
Galaxy
Luminary Gold
Moonlight
Butter Pecan
Jet Setter Dusk
Aegean
Beach Blend
DalTile Porcelain Large Format Porcelain Tile Tools
One of the questions that might be asked is, "How does working with large format porcelain tile differ from working with stone?" Porcelain is like stone in some ways and in other ways it differs. For example, like some natural stone, porcelain, including DalTile Porcelain is very hard and requires diamond blades for cutting it. On the other hand though, it is so hard that using diamond blades for cutting porcelain is better than opting for a diamond blade for cutting hard natural stone materials. Blades designed for cutting porcelain have features that give a chip-free cut.
Another variation in the way large format porcelain tile is installed has to do with the surface areas covered with this relatively lightweight material. Large spans of floors, walls, and interior or exterior surfaces are covered with materials like DalTile Porcelain. Additionally, the use of multiple tiles for a surface combined with the size of the tiles being used necessitates a tile leveling system for the most accurate installation. A tool that is being popularized because of its efficiency is the vibrating suction cup tile leveling tool like the Tile Quake from Weha. This tool makes the work of leveling tile very efficient which improves profitability because the speed of work is increased while maintaining accurate leveling.
Porcelain Tile Care
One of the selling points for large format porcelain tile such as DalTile Porcelain is that it's relatively easy to maintain. Being a non-porous material, porcelain does not require sealing. When cleaned with the proper cleaner, and cared for according to the guidelines from the material's manufacturer, porcelain offers many years of service. Using a cleaner designed for use on porcelain such as DalTile will offer the greatest benefits.
As we have briefly considered in this article, DalTile Porcelain large format porcelain tile is an interesting material choice that offers a range of applications and is fashioned to look like other materials in some cases. And we took a brief look at some of the tooling and care products used for porcelain. Choosing it as a material for a project offers diversity and many possibilities. It also offers benefits, but it will take a little specific attention to work with it and care for it.
