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Porcelain countertops have a fairly long life span, sometimes lasting for decades. Depending on how much wear and tear you put your countertops through, it could last 25 to 50 years. But be warned, porcelain is also prone to cracking, so as long as you take good care of it, you’ll have those countertops looking brand new for years to come.

The tile spacing you should use will depend on the tile and where you’re installing it. Choosing the right tile spacers to maintain a consistent gap between your tiles is tricky. Generally, tile spacing shouldn’t be less than 2 millimeters on walls and 3 millimeters on floors because of stress relief requirements. Getting it wrong can result in uneven tiles and early repairs.

The average cost for tile installation is about $2,000, with a typical price range between $500 and $6,500. On a per-square-foot basis, you can expect to pay between $5 and $45 for installation.

Several factors influence the total cost, including:

• Installation Site: Costs vary for different areas. Common project costs are: kitchen floor ($870–$6,100), countertop or backsplash ($500–$3,000), bathroom floor ($300–$2,400), or shower wall ($225–$2,000).

• Tile Type and Quality: The material significantly impacts price. For example, standard ceramic or travertine tile can cost about $1 per square foot, while luxury options like marble can be as much as $350 per square foot for the material alone.

• Project Size and Complexity: The total square footage, the complexity of the pattern, and the shape of the tile (e.g., square, rectangle, hexagon, mosaic) will affect labor and material costs.

• Site Preparation: The amount of prep work needed, such as removing old tile or installing a new subfloor or backer board, can add to the final price.

• Tile Characteristics: The tile's durability rating and porosity can also influence the price.

• Location: Labor rates vary by geographic location.

Porcelain tiles can last 60 years or longer. With high-quality tiles and proper installation, your porcelain tiles may even outlive you, making them well worth the initial investment.

To help your porcelain tiles last longer, you should clean and maintain them regularly. You don’t need any harsh chemicals to get the job done. Rather, use a cloth, hot water, and mild detergent. And don’t forget to learn how to clean floor tile grout, as that’s just as important as tile maintenance.