Porcelain tile
Dense, low-absorption, and the workhorse of NYC bathrooms. Large-format sizes reduce grout lines.
$6 – $25 / sq ft
Indicative NYC pricing — final scope confirmed at estimate.
About porcelain tile
Porcelain is fired denser than ceramic, absorbs under 0.5% water, and holds up to heavy traffic. It's the default recommendation for bathroom floors, shower walls, and entryways.
Large-format porcelain — 24x48 and larger — dramatically reduces grout lines, which is the main thing people actually clean.
Specifier's tips
- Large format needs a flat substrate — plan for self-leveling underlayment
- Check the DCOF slip rating (0.42+) for any floor tile
- Rectified edges allow tighter grout joints and a cleaner look
Frequently asked
Porcelain or ceramic for a shower floor?
Porcelain, in a small mosaic format so the sheet can follow the slope to the drain.
Does porcelain need sealing?
The tile doesn't. Cement grout does, unless you use epoxy grout.