Choosing Between Extruded Tiles and Pressed Porcelain Tiles: A Comparative Guide

Hollow Extruded Tile

Our Solid Pressed Plank

Limited Design Options

One of the primary downsides of hollow extruded profiles is their limited design options. Extruded profiles tend to feature simpler designs and textures, which can be a drawback if you’re seeking more intricate, realistic or detailed patterns for your space. Solid pressed porcelain tiles like Dura Deck Inspire on the other hand, offer a broader range of design possibilities. Our 1.8m long design not only replicates the classic ‘plank’ aesthetic but also captures the intricate nuances of natural woodgrains.

Porosity & Water Absorption

Hollow extruded products often have higher porosity than solid pressed porcelain planks, meaning they can absorb more water. This characteristic makes them less suitable for areas with high moisture levels, and can lead to staining and damage, making extruded planks a less practical choice. Solid pressed porcelain Dura Deck Inspire, with its low water absorption properties, is a superior option in moisture-prone environments, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance.

Durability & Resistance

The dense and hard composition of Dura Deck Inspire planks makes them highly resilient, especially in high-traffic areas. In contrast, extruded tiles are generally less durable, they have a much lower breaking strength, making them more susceptible to damage. This is particularly important when considering your installation method as hollow extruded products will be much less suited to the bearer and pedestal or floating floor method than a solid pressed porcelain plank. In terms of span capability, hollow extruded planks will also span up to 50 percent less than their stronger solid pressed porcelain counterparts, meaning you’ll need to invest more in your supporting substructure, adding cost to your project.

Variation in Quality

The quality of hollow extruded products can vary significantly depending on the manufacturing process and materials used. Therefore, inconsistent quality (including a slight curvature along the length) is a notable downside, making it challenging to ensure uniformity in appearance. For that reason, hollow extruded decking planks are often installed with large joint gaps to try and minimise the visual issues presented by the dimensional inconsistencies from piece to piece. By contrast, solid pressed porcelain planks like Dura Deck Inspire have a tolerance that’s up to 5 times lower, providing flexibility in design and installation.