Ask Ken: Is ColorBody or Through-Body Porcelain Tile a Gamechanger?
Ken's Quick Answer:
"A chipped floor is a chipped floor! I don't care what color the chip is. Instead, save a few extra tile pieces and do a proper repair if you run into issues down the road."
Ken's In-Depth Answer:
Today, I would like to de-bunk another misconception about the floorcovering business. In this case, it involves porcelain tile. In the video above, I show you a tile sample from Daltile called 'Valor,' which is ColorBody porcelain.
ColorBody is another way of saying through body. What they're trying to do is persuade you that what you see on the surface of the tile goes all the way through the tile. It's not just a glaze or a pattern that's screened on the tile.
Basically, if you chip the tile, and there's any damage to the surface of the tile, you'll see the same color underneath.
"You don't need ColorBody or through-body porcelain. Focus on getting a tile that you like and keep a couple of extra pieces instead."
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My reaction is always skeptical. A chipped tile is a chipped tile. I don't care what color it is! Instead, I advise my clients to save the leftover tile at the end of a job. Keep the tiles on a shelf in your basement or garage. If a tile breaks or chips down the road, you can replace it.
Let's say you get a chipped tile. An installer can come in, dig out the old tile, and put the new tile in. Now it looks like a proper floor. (Not a floor with a chip in it!)
You don't need ColorBody or through-body porcelain. Focus on getting a tile that you like and keep a couple of extra pieces. You'll be in good shape if you have any problems.
If you have any questions about selecting tile for your home, don't hesitate to give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom."
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.