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Polished porcelain tiles are all the rage right now and why not? Their smooth shiny surface and minimal grout lines present a look that no other tile can match. Minimalist, sophisticated and sensuous.

This unique unglazed porcelain tile gets it’s sheen via a painstaking polishing process. The porcelain surface is honed so smooth that it almost appears to be coated - but it’s not. What you see remains raw porcelain and it needs proper care to keep its good looks.

Did you know…

All polished porcelain tiles are not actually shiny?
Its true. Some tiles may appear to be perfectly shiny when in fact they are not. Depending on the angle of light reflected, they may in fact look quite hazy. This phenomenon is called ‘optical hazing’ and its absolutely normal. The optical hazing effect may be more pronounced with some tile finishes than with others and only becomes truly apparent once the tiles are laid. So choose the colour you prefer, but expect the lighting characteristics of your home to define the shine.

Some polished porcelain tiles don’t need initial sealing?
Unlike conventional tiles, nano-sealed tiles are factory sealed and thus stain-free from the day they are laid. Depending on traffic loads, they may of course require re-sealing over time, but they do get you off to a good start. Conventional polished porcelain tiles are a little less expensive, but need to be sealed immediately, and then maintained. Ask your sales consultant to explain the sealing process for each before you decide which type to buy.

Polished porcelain can be permanently marked in the laying?
Yes, all tiles need to be bedded down with a rubber mallet in the laying process. Because they are unglazed and so fine in texture, polished porcelain tiles can be marked for life if the incorrect rubber mallet is used. A light coloured tile requires the use of a white-- not black-- rubber mallet whereas a dark or black tile calls for a black rubber mallet. A qualified tiler will know this but, as they are your tiles for life, it pays to make sure that he does!

This is a tile with an impressive sheen. The highly reflective surface adds depth and dimension to a room. Because they are manufactured mainly in larger sizes, their application is suited to larger floor areas. Durability compares with, or even exceeds, the strength of natural granite. That’s why you will find them in high traffic, upmarket commercial environments.

Polished porcelain is available mostly in neutral tones. It adds a striking complement to more modern, uncluttered interiors, sometimes interspersed with either matt or shiny mosaics, an elegant border or an elaborately contrasting rossone.

Having grown in popularity, porcelain tile technology has seen many developments. First-generation porcelain tiles offer a simpler face, with or without repeated veins and textural movement. Second-generation tiles are referred to as ‘double loaded’, offering many more colours with added reflective depth. Third-generation tiles achieve an even livelier look, with textural movement running diagonally across the face. A more recent introduction is a natural-looking, random vein.

The technology used in each tile can dramatically influence the price. The uncompromising value that CTM insists on, however, means you’re assured of the very finest manufacturing processes and finished quality.