Your Guide to Porcelain Tiles for a Welcoming Entryway

The flooring you have in your foyer works hard in more than one way. It essentially withstands one of the highest foot traffic areas in the house while trying to look good for guests. In many cases, the floor is the first place where you’d notice signs of wear and tear — especially in a relatively busy zone like the entryway. This is why investing in the right flooring option is crucial for both style and function. One type of flooring material that is prized for its beauty, as well as durability, is porcelain.

Although it is typically associated with toilets (hence the term “porcelain throne”) and vintage figurines, porcelain is also a popular choice among many homeowners — and its qualities make it ideal for entryway flooring. Besides its strength, this material is known to be incredibly versatile, paving the way for a host of ideas.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tiles in the Foyer

Several reasons point toward porcelain tiles being a great choice for entryways. As great a flooring material it is, porcelain also has a handful of common reservations around it. Weighing both the pros and cons of this popular type of tile will help you decide whether it’s worth the investment.

Pros of Porcelain Tiles

Many homeowners tend to shy away from porcelain flooring mostly because it’s on the expensive side. If you have the budget for it, however, you’ll find out that there are good reasons behind the price of this material.

Long-Lasting

Porcelain’s resistance to wear and tear, in addition to its density, allows it to last considerably longer than its ceramic counterpart and other tile varieties. Its longevity makes it a go-to option among many homeowners and businesses alike. Besides holding up to years of heavy foot traffic, porcelain flooring also maintains its visual appeal over the years, making it ideal for an entryway where first impressions are everything.

Low-Maintenance

Porcelain tiles are among the easiest flooring materials to maintain. They don’t need the sealing treatment like most other varieties do, and cleaning them is a piece of cake. This makes porcelain a great choice for foyers where the floor can get dirty quickly.

Visually Appealing

A major advantage of porcelain floors is the aesthetic appeal they carry. High-quality components constitute the material, resulting in a product that exudes luxury. This composition is often unmatched by other tile varieties and can truly elevate any entryway.

Porcelain tiles guarantee pleasing visuals.

Moisture-Resistant

The density of porcelain allows it to be resistant to moisture. In other words, being less porous than other types of flooring prevents moisture from seeping into the material. This makes it an ideal choice for spaces that are prone to getting wet every now and then — picture your children rushing through the entryway on a rainy afternoon.

Available in a Wide Variety of Styles

Porcelain tiles can cater to various styles and tastes. Not only does the material itself boast visual appeal, but it can also be designed to resemble just about any type of flooring — be it marble, limestone, hardwood, or whatever style that corresponds with your entryway decor.

Cons of Porcelain Tiles

Any flooring option will normally have a few setbacks to be aware of, regardless of how great material it may be. Porcelain is no exception.

Heaviness

Although the density of the porcelain is known to be beneficial in many ways, it also means that the material is rather heavy. However, this is only an issue when it comes to transporting and installing the product. Once the porcelain flooring is installed, the weight should no longer be a problem.

Somewhat Expensive

The list of benefits that porcelain provides comes at a price. Although not excessively pricey, the material is still more expensive than ceramic tiles. Then again, this comes as no surprise because higher quality naturally means a higher price. And the amount you pay for a porcelain floor will be compensated by its longevity.

Difficult to Install

The heaviness of porcelain tiles can make them a burden to install. In addition, the material is known to be quite hard. Although this quality is what allows porcelain tiles to be durable and long-lasting, it also makes them tricky to cut when you need to fit them into your entryway. Consider hiring a specialist to handle the installation process. Do bear in mind, however, that the cost of labor will naturally add to the overall expenses of the project.

Make sure to consider the potential labor costs that come with installing porcelain tiles.

Porcelain Tile Entryway Ideas

The versatility of porcelain allows for a plethora of patterns, styles, and finishes. From checkered floors to glazed finishes, you’re sure to find a design that perfectly resonates with the style of your foyer.

Checkered Design

Eye-catching patterns can elevate a foyer.

Leave it to a checkered pattern to set the scene for a dramatic entryway. This stylish choice can speak to both retro interiors as well as contemporary ones. And since the foyer is often the first thing that guests see when entering your house, it’s an ideal place to make a statement with a feature floor. The fact that entryways are typically defined spaces perfectly sets the stage for a bold pattern. Checkered porcelain floors offer an aesthetic that’s in line with any era, and can elevate an understated foyer.

Terracotta-Style Tiling

Give your entryway a Mediterranean twist with terracotta-style porcelain tiling.

With porcelain, there are virtually no limits as to how you can tile your entryway. This includes recreating the look of other flooring materials. One type of flooring that porcelain can be made to resemble is terracotta. As a matter of fact, the two materials aren’t very different from each other as they share the production method of baking clay. Terracotta tiles are practically synonymous with a number of design styles including but not limited to the Mediterranean, Spanish revival, and Santa Fe.

Herringbone Pattern

Herringbone patterns carry a unique aesthetic value.

Nothing defines a space more than a distinct pattern that’s sure to catch the eye. A timeless style of patterning found in many homes is herringbone. This unique yet popular way of laying tiles has a welcoming appeal that makes it seem as though it was specifically designed for foyers. Herringbone patterns are also known to make a room appear longer than it is — perfect for entryways that lead straight towards hallways. Although this pattern is more common in hardwood floors, it can look even more defined with porcelain tiles.

Mosaic Flooring Feature

Creating a focal point with mosaic porcelain tiles is trendy.

The best place for a focal point is sometimes right below your feet — and what better way to create one than with porcelain mosaic tiles. A well-placed floor mosaic in the entryway can add instant charm to the area while making a first impression that goes a long way. This bold design choice is an excellent way of bringing a sense of grandeur to your foyer, whether the patterns are dispersed throughout the space or concentrated in one area.

Mimicking Natural Stone 

Recreating a natural stone aesthetic with porcelain flooring.

Another flooring material that porcelain can look and feel like is natural stone. This includes marble, slate, granite, and limestone. Besides the uncanny resemblance, porcelain tiles are relatively less expensive than their stone counterparts — and typically don’t need sealing as opposed to certain varieties of stone. So if you have an eye for natural stone but the amount of maintenance it involves doesn’t sit well with you, porcelain can be an ideal alternative.

Modular Tiling Pattern 

The visuals of laying porcelain tiles in a modular pattern would guarantee uniqueness.

An interesting take on entryway flooring involves a modular tiling pattern. This unique style makes use of both small and large porcelain floor tiles to create a fascinating feature. You can keep the modular design subtle with a neutral tone or create contrast by introducing an additional color or two. Either way, laying porcelain tiles in this pattern makes for a captivating entryway floor.

Glazed Porcelain

The many visual advantages of glazed porcelain flooring.

High gloss cream porcelain tiles can lay the foundation for a pleasant entrance. The polished finish of the glazed porcelain reflects both natural light and entryway lighting, allowing the space to feel more open and airy. This only goes to show how the right choice of flooring can completely transform even the smallest foyer.