Terrazzo Tiles or Porcelain Tiles: Which to Choose

Terrazzo tiles or porcelain tiles? Each of these options offer a hard wearing solution for use in all areas of your home but what are their differences? Which option best suits which type of application? We explore the pros and cons of terrazzo and porcelain tiles to help you find the very best fit for your next design project!

What are Terrazzo Tiles?

Terrazzo tiles were made popular in Art Deco styled homes of the 1920s. Since then, these traditional tiles have experienced many resurges in popularity, cementing their status as a timeless choice for the home. Terrazzo tiles are characterised by their unique speckled patterns that are usually made up of an assortment of marble, granite or coloured glass chips that have been embedded in a concrete tile. Terrazzo tiles are incredibly hard wearing and durable, with options available for both indoor and outdoor use as either a floor or wall tile, allowing you incredible flexibility in creating the perfect design scheme. You will also find many exciting options available in terrazzo tile collections with variations in size, format, colour and even various sized chips, allowing you to explore your creativity when curating the perfect design scheme. Being made of porous materials, terrazzo tiles do require sealing however, they can be professionally rejuvenated if needed to bring them back to their original state and increase their longevity in any application. You will find more detailed information on caring for authentic terrazzo tiles in our Resources section here.

Our authentic terrazzo tile collection includes a stunning array of colour options in a selection of different sizes. These tiles can be used as both a floor or wall tile throughout your home’s interior spaces, easily complementing a range of stylish materials and colours from timber and concrete to natural stones and more!

What are Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are created using a combination of raw materials that are shaped and then baked in a kiln at extreme temperatures, resulting in a non-porous and highly durable material. These types of tiles are famous for their exceptional durability, being resistant to staining, scratching, heat and moisture. Porcelain tiles will not require sealing, making them an ideal choice for use in a busy home where a low maintenance finish is preferred. As a result of these impressive qualities, porcelain tiles are available in a wide range of designer tile options, including varieties that are specifically designed to emulate the appearance of an authentic terrazzo tile. The designs are digitally printed onto the surface of the porcelain tile, complete with variations in pattern and colour to enhance their realism. Terrazzo look tiles are the next best solution to authentic terrazzo materials, once again offering options that are suitable for use as a floor or wall tile in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Available in a selection of timeless colour options in a versatile 200 x 200mm size, our Galleria terrazzo look tiles are suitable for use as a floor or wall tile throughout your home’s interior spaces. These porcelain tiles offer an ultra-realistic look that effortlessly emulates the distinct speckled patterns of a true terrazzo material.

Which do I Choose?

When selecting between authentic terrazzo ties or porcelain tiles, the decision will be based on a few key factors. These include: your project’s budget, your maintenance preferences and your intended application.

Terrazzo tiles are often pricier than porcelain options however, with the right care and maintenance their longevity in the home will more than make up for this factor. Porcelain tiles will still offer an incredibly long lasting and durable finish however, they cannot be professionally rejuvenated in the same fashion as an authentic terrazzo material can be. This is an important factor to take into consideration, especially when selecting outdoor tiles for example.

Porcelain tiles are often a better choice for wet spaces such as the laundry and bathroom where their resistance to moisture, staining and scratching is of extreme benefit. You will also find that porcelain tile options are an excellent choice as an all over interior floor tile, allowing you to create a continuous style throughout your entire home. Taking factors such as cost, application and maintenance into account, you will be able to make the very best decision between terrazzo tiles or porcelain tiles for your next design project.

The stylish Ditto collection features an authentic terrazzo material in a trending Kit Kat mosaic tile format. Ditto includes a selection of neutral, earthy colour options that will tie in with any style of design from classic to contemporary, allowing you to explore your creativity in combining a range of different materials and colours in your interior design scheme.

Terrazzo and porcelain tiles each offer their own set of unique benefits to the home. Terrazzo patterns will easily integrate into any style of home, whether it be classic or contemporary thanks to their timeless charm. Our team at Perini Tiles can assist and guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tile materials that will suit your project and style preferences whether you are shopping for tiles online or visiting us in person!