There are 8 benefits for installing porcelain tile in dental offices from application technology to care and maintenance.
Porcelain tile has become a sought after item for dental healthcare and in the marketplace in general. This trend has been growing and continues to increase in 2023 for a variety reasons. A recent research report from Research and Markets released in April 2022, states the global ceramic tiles market is expected to reach USD 656.25 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period.
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Darwin Fisher dental office porcelain tile installation
The availability of ceramic tiles in a wide range of products including porcelain, glazed, and scratch-free ceramic tiles, coupled with their superior properties including durability, rigidity, and abrasion resistance, is expected to propel the product demand over the forecast period along with increased demand in construction. The durability and enhanced lifespan offered by these tiles are likely to increase their utility in high-traffic commercial construction applications. Technological advancements in the manufacturing process have introduced customization options in color, size, texture, and dimensions, thus likely gaining high traction in residential and commercial building renovation projects.
Specifically, the demand for porcelain ceramic tile is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.6% over the estimated time due to durability and enhanced aesthetics.
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Darwin Fisher dental office porcelain tile installation
8 Benefits of Installing Porcelain Tile in Dental Offices
In addition to market factors, porcelain tile has become more popular in healthcare settings such as dental offices as it offers many benefits when it comes to high traffic and long-term maintenance.
- Porcelain tile is harder and denser than ceramic products and is also highly resistant to damage such as stains, scratches, and chips.
- This tile is also frost and moisture proof.
- As porcelain absorbs very little water, it is much easier to clean and disinfect and can withstand harsher solvents.
- The finish is protected and requires no polishing, sealing, or waxing and can simply be cleaned with a damp cloth.
- Due to the hard finish of this product, porcelain is also a great investment for heavy foot traffic areas as it is very resistant to wear and tear.
- Porcelain is digitally printed making the design options virtually endless. Many different types of natural surfaces can be mimicked including wood, stone, and marble.
- Products made from porcelain tile are now classified as green solutions and eligible for LEED points.
- Since the pandemic it is more sought after as it is much easier to sanitize and clean making it better suited to the healthcare environment.
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Darwin Fisher dental office porcelain tile installation
Dental Office Porcelain Tile Care and Maintenance
Porcelain has slightly better water resistance and is easy to clean and maintain by damp-mopping with a mild water-soap solution. Porcelain is made of clays that are less porous than ceramic clays. The hard surface is more impervious to moisture than ceramic tile and increases durability heavy traffic and use areas. Chip a porcelain tile, and the color continues all the way through; as a result, the damage is nearly invisible. Porcelain maintenance only requires a daily damp mop and periodic sealing of the grout lines. As it offers solid color throughout, porcelain tiles are stronger and more durable, and chips are less likely to be visible.
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Darwin Fisher Dental office porcelain tile installation – herringbone pattern
Porcelain Tile and Ceramic – What is the difference?
The differences between porcelain tile and ceramic tile can be confusing. According to the Tile Council of North America, the industry group that decides whether a tile is porcelain or ceramic, everything boils down to whether the tile can meet a set of highly controlled water absorption criteria.
In November 2007, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) launched the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) to certify porcelain tile.
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Darwin Fisher dental office porcelain tile installation
According to the PTCA, porcelain tile is defined as an impervious tile with a water absorption of 0.5% or less as measured by the ASTM C373 test method. There is tile being sold in the market which does not meet this standard despite it being advertised and sold as porcelain tile. This has led to marketplace confusion, installation problems and liability concerns due to misrepresentation.
Under the PTCA certification program, manufacturers who want to prove that their tile is porcelain — meeting the 0.5% water absorption criteria — can have their product tested to determine compliance with that requirement. They may then use the PTCA certification mark on their product packaging, marketing materials, etc., as confirmation of that compliance.
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Darwin Fisher dental office porcelain tile installation
As you can see from the pictures that accompany this article, dental offices are no longer cold and clinical. There have been many changes over the past several years and it all starts with the flooring.
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