Inspiration
The all-weather appeal of porcelain
As the blustery, windswept days of autumn begin to transition to wetter weather, keeping our homes clean and dry becomes rather a challenge. Muddy wellies and dirty paws, rain soaked shoes and damp dog towels become a frequent feature of entryways and hallways – not to mention the snow, slush and salt of winter months, which can wreak havoc on natural flooring.
Enter, porcelain. This remarkable material not only stands up to the elements year round, but looks simply beautiful too. Within our curated collections, you will find the very highest quality porcelain floor tiles in realistic terracotta, timber and stone finishes to suit your space.
In today’s article we share the features that make porcelain so special, particularly in the winter months, and then finish with a carousel of favourite porcelain floor tiles from across our collections to offer inspiration.
Both beautiful and practical, porcelain floor tiles are a true winter home hero. Above, from left to right: Bamburgh flagstones and Marlborough Oak planks.
Durable, waterproof and easy to clean
While natural timber and stone will gradually age and change colour, porcelain remains the same as the day it is laid. Over time, mud and moisture on a natural stone or wooden floor will cause trouble, but porcelain’s waterproof nature means it won’t wear, warp or stain - it doesn’t even require sealing. Any spots are easily wiped away with just a damp cloth, and can be safely cleaned with household cleaning products.
Compatible with underfloor heating
Porcelain flooring is the perfect partner for underfloor heating. It’s also a highly efficient choice, retaining the heat and keeping your home warm and toasty, however chilly it gets outside.
Low slip (and frost proof!)
In the winter, slippery surfaces often pose a risk, but the waterproof, low-slip surface of a porcelain floor tile provides peace of mind. It’s worth noting that porcelain is also fully frost proof, so you can run it both inside and outside the home – from your sitting room, through crittal doors to a terrace or swimming pool surround. You can learn more about the individual slip ratings of our porcelain floor tiles here.
Best loved collections
Creating a realistic porcelain tile requires artistry, and it’s the finest details that make an unmistakable difference.
Whatever the aesthetic of your home, you'll find a variety of stunning options within our collections. If it's a contemporary look you seek to create, you might consider a wood-effect floor tile with a planed finish such as Marlborough Oak, or flagstones with rectified or straight edges such as those from our Antique Stone collection. For a more rustic look, you might choose a timber effect porcelain floor tile with antique texture, such as our Weathered Oak collection, or a flagstone with tumbled edges like those from our Ridgeway collection.
We offer free cut floor tile samples all year round, and recommend ordering a few to help you make your decision. Place your samples in the space where you plan to use the tiles. Moving them around the room, and looking at them at different times of day as the light changes will help you to make a decision. And if something doesn’t feel quite right, never be afraid to go back to the drawing board and order more samples.
If you have any questions, would like some advice, or simply need a second opinion, please get in touch - we'll be more than happy to assist.
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