Pros of Porcelain Tile Flooring

1. Durability
   

   • Porcelain is very dense and hard-fired, so it resists scratches and heavy foot traffic really well.

   • It can last a very long time if installed correctly — decades, even.

1. Water Resistance
   

   • Porcelain tiles typically have a very low water absorption rate (often below 0.5%).

   • That makes them a solid pick for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.

1. Low Maintenance
   

   • They’re relatively easy to care for: sweeping and occasional mopping with mild cleaner is usually enough.

   • Because the surface is so hard and non-porous, it's resistant to many stains.

1. Design Flexibility
   

   • Thanks to modern manufacturing (like digital printing), porcelain can mimic stone, wood, concrete — a lot of different looks.

   • You can pick finishes to fit your design style (matte, polished, textured, large formats, etc.)

1. Heat Compatibility
   

   • Porcelain works well with radiant (underfloor) heating because it tolerates heat well.

   • This can make tile feel more comfortable underfoot in colder climates.

1. Long-Term Value
   

   • While the upfront cost can be high, its longevity and durability often make it a very good investment.

   • It may also increase your home value, since tile is often seen as a quality, permanent flooring.

❗ Cons / Trade-Offs to Consider

1. Higher Initial Cost
   

   • Porcelain tends to cost more per square foot compared to cheaper flooring options (like some vinyl or laminate).

   • Labor also tends to be more expensive because the tile is hard and dense.

1. Complex Installation
   

   • Because it's so hard, cutting porcelain requires special tools (e.g., wet saw with a diamond blade).

   • If your subfloor isn’t perfectly level, you could run into problems like cracked tiles or lippage.

   • Also, because tiles are heavy, some structures (especially older homes) may need reinforcement.

1. Cold & Hard Underfoot
   

   • Porcelain feels cool and rigid, which some people don’t like for living spaces unless they use radiant heat or rugs. In warm climates the coolness may be a plus.

   • It’s not very forgiving — if someone falls, it's a hard surface.

1. Slipperiness
   

   • Glossy or polished porcelain can be slippery, especially when wet. This is mostly a concern in entry areas.

   • For safety, you might need to choose textured or matte finishes in certain areas.

1. Grout Maintenance
   

   • Tile looks great, but the grout between tiles can be a pain: it’s porous, and without proper sealing/cleaning, it can stain or grow mold.

   • Over time, grout may require more upkeep than the tile itself.

1. Sound
   

   • Because porcelain is so hard, footsteps, dropped objects, and echoes can be more pronounced.

   • You might mitigate this with rugs, furniture, or acoustic treatments.

💡 When Porcelain Tile Is One of the Best Choices

Porcelain tile is particularly strong in these scenarios:

• Areas with high moisture (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry).

• High-traffic zones (hallways, entries).

• Homes where you want a long-term, durable solution rather than redoing floors every few years.

• Spaces where you want luxury looks (like stone or wood) without the cost or maintenance of natural materials.

⚠️ When It Might Not Be the Best Choice

• If your budget is tight and you want something cheaper upfront.

• In rooms where softness underfoot is more important (bedrooms, for example).

• If you're looking for super quick DIY installation — porcelain is more demanding to cut and lay.

• If your subfloor or structure can’t support the weight without reinforcement.

🧱 Some Porcelain Tile Options to Consider

Here are a few examples of stylish, high-quality porcelain tiles you might like, depending on what look you’re going for:

• ICTC Tile Collection - By: Viking Distributors

• Florida Tile

• Panaria Tile

• Portobello Tile

• Landmark Tile

• Wow Tile

• Anthology Tile

📌 My Verdict

Yes — porcelain tile is often one of the best choices for home flooring, especially for durability, water resistance, and long-term value. But it's not a one-size-fits-all “best.” It’s especially strong if you're okay with the higher upfront cost and want something permanent and classy.

If I were in your shoes, I’d:

1. Think about which rooms I want to tile and what the traffic + moisture will be.

2. Compare total costs (materials + professional installation vs. other flooring).

3. Decide on finish (matte or polished) based on slip risk and look.

4. Check whether my subfloor can handle the weight, or if it needs prep.

The tile: basically waterproof

Ceramic tiles are fired in a kiln, so the tile surface doesn’t really absorb water. Glazed ceramic is especially good — the glass-like coating makes it super resistant to moisture.

⚠️ The weak spot: the gaps between the tiles

Grout? Yeah… grout is a thirsty little beast. It will absorb water unless it’s:

• sealed properly, and

• resealed every so often (usually once a year-ish)

Also, the substrate under the tile (like drywall or backer board) needs proper waterproofing in wet areas like showers.

💬 So what does this mean in real life?

• Bathroom floors? Ceramic is great.

• Kitchens? Totally fine.

• Showers? Works great as long as the installer waterproofs behind it.

• Flood-prone areas? Ceramic survives, but the grout and whatever’s underneath might not. Proper subfloor preparation during installation can insure a flood proof installation.

Conclusion

Yes, Ceramic tile is waterproof. The system around it needs proper waterproofing

If you're buying tile flooring for your home and want it professionally installed, your best bet is a trusted local flooring dealer. Look for a dealer with years of experience in the tile business — they’ll not only ensure high-quality installation, but many also offer design support to help you choose the right tile for every area of your home.