How to choose the ideal porcelain tile: complete guide for each project

Choosing the ideal porcelain tile goes beyond aesthetics: it is necessary to consider usage, resistance, finish, and ease of maintenance. With different types, textures, and applications, porcelain tile is one of the most versatile coverings in contemporary architecture — and understanding its technical characteristics makes all the difference in the final outcome of the project.

Blaia and Moura Architects signs a studio of only 26 m² in São Paulo. In the photo, kitchen with backsplash with porcelain that imitates wood.

Projeto: Blaia e Moura Arquitetos (Fernando Crescenti/CASACOR)

In this guide, you will find the main types of porcelain tile, their applications by project, available finishes, maintenance care, and the pros and cons of each model.

Main types of porcelain tile

The porcelain tile is one of the most popular coverings in architecture and interior design, recognized for its resistance, sophisticated aesthetic, and application versatility. Available in different finishes and compositions, it can transform projects with elegance and functionality. Next, get to know the main types of porcelain tile — polished, satin, glazed, and technical — and understand the characteristics and usage indications of each to make the choice most suitable for your project.

Polished Porcelain Tile

Project by Leo Shehtman. White room with black porcelain tile.

Leo Shehtman - Casa Grafismo. Life is made of contrasts, which is taken into account when exploring dualities - floor in porcelain and black ceilings with furniture in white. The handcrafted wallpaper refers to op art in the repetition of dots, as in the works of Yayoi Kusama. Other referenced artists are Mondrian and Rietveld, in the arrangement of the textured glass of the facade. (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

Polished porcelain tile is characterized by its shiny and reflective surface. Due to the sophisticated finish, it is widely used in living rooms, bedrooms, or indoor projects that value elegance and refinement. Although visually appealing, this type requires additional care with cleaning and maintenance, as it can scratch or stain more easily.

Satin Porcelain Tile

[caption id="attachment_116935" align="alignnone" width="2047"] Caroline Oliveira, Isabela Diniz and Olívia Campos - Gallery. CASACOR Brasília 2021 project.

Caroline Oliveira, Isabela Diniz and Olívia Campos - Gallery. CASACOR Brasília 2021 project.

[/caption> Unlike polished porcelain, satin porcelain has a more matte surface that is smooth to the touch. Its maintenance is simpler and more practical, being suitable for both residential and commercial projects with medium traffic. It offers greater scratch resistance, making it a versatile option for different project styles.

Glazed Porcelain Tile

[caption id="attachment_43682" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

CASACOR São Paulo 2017. Denise Barretto - Guests Space. Living room with fireplace and Italian sofas, home theater, gourmet kitchen and even a small square are integrated into 218 m². Wood and caramel bricks generate coziness, combined with a 12 m² rug from the Design (Kian) collection, hung vertically as artwork. On the floor, the porcelain from Portobello Shop was laid in planks. This annex to the house is built with a removable metallic structure and a 4.3-meter ceiling, completed in two months.

[/caption> This type has an additional layer of glaze, offering a decorative finish with different textures and prints. It is ideal for indoor projects such as kitchens and bathrooms because it is more resistant to stains and features various decorative options — from solid colors to patterns inspired by natural materials like wood or stones.

Technical Porcelain Tile

[caption id="attachment_116949" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Daniele Franco - Urban Refuge Loft. CASACOR Brasília 2021 project.

[/caption> Made from a single mass, technical porcelain is resistant, durable, and versatile. Its structure ensures low water absorption and high mechanical protection. Thus, it is suitable for high-traffic areas or external projects subjected to weather extremes.

Applications of porcelain by project

Living rooms and social areas

Melo and Ker Architecture and Design Ninho CASACOR Minas Gerais 2022 garden balcony living room

Melo e Ker Arquitetura e Design - Ninho. Projeto da CASACOR Minas Gerais 2022. (Gustavo Amorim/CASACOR)

Social projects tend to prioritize aesthetics, making polished and satin porcelain tiles popular options. Light colors or imitation marble are common in these projects, contributing to the visual sense of spaciousness and integration.

Bathrooms

[caption id="attachment_134466" align="alignnone" width="2260"] Cioli Stancioli Architecture and Design Public Bathroom CASACOR Minas Gerais 2022 mirror counter

Cioli Stancioli Architecture and Design Public Bathroom CASACOR Minas Gerais 2022 mirror counter

[/caption> In bathrooms, safety and practicality are essential. For this reason, porcelain tiles with light textures or satin finishes stand out. Besides safety against slipping, these finishes are more resistant to the moisture characteristic of this room.

Kitchens

[caption id="attachment_51562" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CASACOR Brasília 2017. Chef São Geraldo Space - Dora Lettieri and Giovanini Lettieri. The porcelain with concrete texture creates an urban atmosphere while ensuring the functionality of the project that will be frequented by many people. Just like the flooring and fixed furniture, the ceiling also receives very few interferences. For a sophisticated touch, polychrome glass tiles in gold.

CASACOR Brasília 2017. Chef São Geraldo Space - Dora Lettieri and Giovanini Lettieri. The porcelain with concrete texture creates an urban atmosphere while ensuring the functionality of the project that will be frequented by many people. Just like the flooring and fixed furniture, the ceiling also receives very few interferences. For a sophisticated touch, polychrome glass tiles in gold.

[/caption> Due to the high traffic nature and ease of dirt, glazed or satin porcelain tiles are recommended for kitchens. They are practical for cleaning and also protect the project against potential stains or scratches. Moreover, they offer a wide aesthetic variety, allowing for creative combinations.

External areas

[caption id="attachment_132573" align="alignnone" width="1613"] Depieri Landscaping Square CASACOR Brasília 2022 garden

[/caption> For external spaces (such as balconies, pools, and gardens), technical or anti-slip porcelain is the most recommended due to its resistance to weather conditions and external disturbances. Here, safety is as important as durability — justifying the investment in specific materials for such applications.

Care and maintenance

Maintaining porcelain tile is simple, requiring regular cleaning with water and neutral products — regardless of the chosen finish. Avoiding abrasive or oily products and ensuring immediate cleaning of spilled liquids will prolong the useful life of the covering. For the grouts, it is recommended to use colors close to the tile's tone, which helps disguise everyday dirt. [caption id="attachment_146459" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Adriana Cirbián, Eliana Onaga and Verónica Peña - Gracia Plena. CASACOR Bolivia 2023 project. In the photo, a room with frames, fireplace covered in porcelain, and sofa.

Adriana Cirbián, Eliana Onaga and Verónica Peña - Gracia Plena. CASACOR Bolivia 2023 project. In the photo, a room with frames, fireplace covered in porcelain, and sofa.

[/caption> Therefore, the final tip is to choose a finish that not only complements the style of the project but also eases your care routine — ensuring long-term satisfaction with the material.

Advantages

High durability and mechanical resistance;
Ease of maintenance;
Aesthetic versatility, allowing a wide range of styles;
Low water absorption, reducing the risk of infiltration;
Various options in sizes, textures, and finishes.

Disadvantages

Some finishes can become slippery and unsafe, especially in wet areas, requiring careful selection;
The cold touch can cause discomfort, especially in regions with low temperatures;
Installation requires qualified professionals to ensure proper alignment of pieces and avoid aesthetic failures;
Polished models require more continuous and careful cleaning to avoid stains and marks.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. [abril-veja-tambem]W3siaWQiOjE5NjM2MiwidGl0bGUiOiJUZWNub2xvZ2lhIG5hIGFycXVpdGV0dXJhOiBkaXNwb3NpdGl2b3MgaW50ZWxpZ2VudGVzIHRyYW5zZm9ybWFtIGVzcGEmI3hFNztvcyJ9LHsiaWQiOjE5NjMwNSwidGl0bGUiOiJWaWRybyBuYSBhcnF1aXRldHVyYTogbGV2ZXphLCBsdXogbmF0dXJhbCBlIGVmaWNpJiN4RUE7bmNpYSBub3MgZXNwYSYjeEU3O29zIn0seyJpZCI6MTk2MjU0LCJ0aXRsZSI6IjggY29ycmVkb3JlcyBpbmNyJiN4RUQ7dmVpcyBxdWUgbiYjeEUzO28gcGFzc2FtIGRlc3BlcmNlYmlkb3MgbmEgZGVjb3JhJiN4RTc7JiN4RTM7byJ9XQ==