SORA 700 Series Porcelain Pool Tile - Black Galaxy

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile made from refined clay fired at very high temperatures, producing a dense, hard, and very low-porosity tile. It's one of the most versatile and practical tiling materials available, suitable for almost any setting indoors or outdoors.

Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic, making it denser, harder, and far less porous. This means it absorbs very little water, making it more durable, frost-resistant, and suitable for a wider range of applications including outdoor and heavy-traffic use.

Generally no — porcelain's very low water absorption means it doesn't need sealing the way natural stone does. Unglazed porcelain is a slight exception and benefits from a light sealer to resist surface staining, but glazed porcelain is essentially maintenance-free in this respect.

Almost anywhere — floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, outdoor terraces, pool surrounds, commercial spaces, and high-traffic areas. Porcelain's durability and low maintenance make it one of the most universally applicable tile options available.

Yes, and it's one of the best choices for outdoor use. Porcelain is frost-resistant, UV-stable, and unaffected by weathering in the way natural stone can be. For outdoor use, choose a tile with a suitable slip-resistance rating and confirm it's rated for exterior use.

Glazed porcelain has a protective glass-like coating applied to the surface, which gives color, pattern, and a degree of stain resistance. Unglazed porcelain has no surface coating — its color runs through the body of the tile, making chips and scratches far less visible, which suits high-traffic floors well.

Through-body (or full-body) porcelain has the same color and pattern running through the entire thickness of the tile, not just the surface. This means surface chips and wear are barely visible, making it a practical choice for commercial and high-traffic settings.

Slip resistance is typically rated by R-value (R9 to R13) for floors — the higher the number, the greater the grip. R9–R10 suits most domestic floors and bathrooms; R11 and above is recommended for wet rooms, outdoor areas, and commercial settings. Always check the specific tile's rating for your intended use.

Yes, and modern porcelain does this very convincingly. Digital printing technology allows porcelain to closely mimic marble, slate, travertine, limestone, concrete, and wood, often with very realistic texture and variation, while offering the practical benefits of porcelain over the real material.

Porcelain is generally harder and more resistant to scratching, staining, and moisture than most natural stones. It doesn't require sealing, is unaffected by acids, and holds up better in demanding conditions. The trade-off is that it lacks the unique, one-of-a-kind character of a natural material.

Porcelain is one of the easiest tiles to maintain. Regular sweeping and mopping with a neutral cleaner is sufficient for most settings. Unlike natural stone, it tolerates a wider range of cleaning products, though abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals are still best avoided to protect the surface and grout.

Yes, porcelain is an excellent choice for underfloor heating. Its density means it conducts and retains heat well, and it's dimensionally stable so it handles the expansion and contraction of heating cycles without issue when correctly installed with a suitable flexible adhesive.

Each box covers approximately 15.0 square feet. Measure the area you need to cover and add about 10% extra for cuts and waste.

Yes — for this product you can order a swatch sample or a 4-piece sample set before placing a full order.