Porcelain tile question

We're remodeling our kitchen and my wife has fallen in love with a porcelain tile that has a high shine. I'm not sure if you refer to such tile as "polished" porcelain or not. However, my father-in-law has cautioned us against this choice claiming that it can get very slippery when wet and would be overly hazardous for a kitchen floor. I, too, think it is very attractive but wanted to do my due diligence to ensure we're not making a mistake. Any advice would be appreciated.

Reply to
hpinsley
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Good for walls, but I don't recommend it for floors. After a while it will tend to become less glossy in the high traffic areas. I guess if you don't have that much traffic, it could last a long time. I have not noticed a problem with slipping, normally, but with the right combination of shoe soles and water, I expect it could be a problem.

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

Depends on the size of the tile. A high gloss 1" tile is not going to be nearly as slippery as a 16" tile. I would go with a tile that has some texture but no spots to catch dirt. Our master bathroom has 12", genuine imitation, marble on the floor and it is a death trap.

Go with a dark grout and forget about the sealers and all the other nonsense. No matter what you do the grout will get stained. My grout was the color of spilled coffee when I put it in and after several spills it still looks the same. Kitchen grout killers: coffee, tea, red wine, all kinds of jellies, tomato sauce, kool aid, food dye, etc.

Reply to
RayV

What does the manufacturer say? Find the manufacturer's web site, look for recommended use of the tile. If published material doesn't satisfy you, don't hesitate to e-mail and ask. TB

Reply to
tbasc

What does the manufacturer say? Find the manufacturer's web site, look for recommended use of the tile. If published material doesn't satisfy you, don't hesitate to e-mail and ask. TB

Reply to
tbasc

The mfg. or package might give a clue. Do they call it floor tile? I would be afraid of a shiny glazed tile. We have porcellain tile, but with more of a matte finish, irregular surface that looks a bit like old stone. Ours isn't at all slippery. In addition to being slippery when wet, it may also be a hazard to those in stockings or slippery shoes. It is the rage in Florida to tile walkways and patios with tile that is very slippery when wet. Depends a bit on whether slipperiness is expected. Retired nurse - can't ignore the safety issues :o)

Reply to
Norminn

This is not a matter of opinion.

Just get the COF (coefficient of friction) rating from package or the manufacturer and compare it to the allowable ranges for various applications.

Reply to
Richard J Kinch

porcelain is harder (less porous) than ceramic tile, so can be much more slippery, expecially the glossy kind

you could buy one tile, wet it, and slide a bare foot across it to see

a textured tile might be best for a kitchen (or bathroom) application where one has to contend with liquid spills on the floor

Reply to
nowforsale

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