Porcelain Tiles Vs. Ceramic Tiles
Most people do not know the difference between Porcelain Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles. Let us know about Porcelain Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles.
Tile is an important building material for flooring. The durability of tiles, moisture resistance, and low maintenance requirements are essential factors for flooring.
Usually, you use tile mostly in flooring, kitchen, and bathroom. But it can be versatile in a variety of applications. Tile is also used in other ways as countertops, backsplash, and decorative wall coverings.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are mainly used in flooring tiles. Its various advantages and disadvantages should be considered before making a purchase decision.
What Is Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tile is made from fine kaolin clay, ultrafine sand, and feldspar. Porcelain has a simple, highly water-resistant finish. This type of tile is made heavier and harder than ceramic by firing in a kiln at a high temperature of 2500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Due to the durability of porcelain tile, it is an excellent commercial floor tile. Therefore, it is suitable for use in outdoor projects, indoor flooring, and wall tiles.
Porcelain tile is generally more expensive than ceramic tile, making it suitable for use in water-prone areas such as bathrooms or outdoor patios. So this type of flooring will get maximum protection due to its water-resistant properties.
What Is Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tile making includes pure minerals from clay and natural minerals like feldspar. It uses the necessary chemical additives during the firing temperature reduction and shaping process.
Ceramic tile is generally more porous than porcelain and less water-resistant. The use of ceramic tiles is ideal for indoors, including walls and floors. The use of high-quality and water-resistant ceramic tiles should be limited to patios and walkways.
Ceramic tile has a more textured surface than porcelain tile. In addition, it is not as smooth and polished as porcelain.
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Porcelain Tiles Vs. Ceramic Tiles
1. Durability
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile is denser in structure than ceramic clay. Porcelain tiles are more complex and more permeable to moisture than ceramic tiles as they are less porous. Due to its dense composition is more durable than ceramic tile and more suitable in heavy traffic areas.
Ceramic Tiles
Since ceramic tiles are less dense than porcelain tiles, they are not as durable as porcelain tiles. It is better to avoid using it in high traffic areas.
The main difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is their water resistance. Ceramic tiles are more porous and have a higher water absorption rate. It is therefore advisable to use it in the bathroom and outdoor applications.
2. Easy Installation
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are heavier than ceramic tiles, making them difficult to install in the right place. In addition, it is difficult to cut as required. So it needs a professional to cut and install it properly.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are less robust than porcelain tiles and are easier to cut manually with a snap tile cutter. So it can be cut as per the requirement for installation.
3. Lifespan
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both very durable building materials when maintained. But there is a slight difference in porcelain and ceramic tile lifespan.
Porcelain tile
Porcelain tile can be installed better than ceramic tile as it is a hard flooring material, but it is easily responsible for cracking since it is a hard material.
Ceramic tile
If these tiles are adequately maintained, then the flooring of ceramic tile can last for 75 to 100 years. Since it is porous, it absorbs water. So it doesn’t wear as long as porcelain tile.
4. Water Resistance
Porcelain tile
Porcelain tiles are less porous than ceramic tiles. Its water absorption rate is less than 0.5%. So its use makes it suitable for flooring bathrooms and other wet areas.
Ceramic tiles
Since ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain tiles, they have a higher water absorption rate. Therefore its installation should be done in the bathroom and outdoor application, with suitable quality grout.
5. Cleaning
Porcelain tile
Porcelain tiles can be easily cleaned of wet-mopping with a mild water-soap solution. The joints between the tiles need to be periodically grouted and sealed to protect their flooring from stains and mildew.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tile has the same care and cleaning requirements as porcelain tile. It also requires regular grouting of joints between common tiles.
6. Porcelain Tile Vs. Ceramic Tile Cost
Porcelain tiles
If your budget is tight, you will definitely find more expensive porcelain tiles. The porcelain tile price starts from $ 3 to $ 35 per square foot. Porcelain tiles are much more costly than other tiles because they are challenging to repair.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles, which are generally affordable for everyone, are cheaper than porcelain tiles. Its starting price is $ 0.50 to $ 40 per square foot. But, the cost of its maintenance and repair has to be done from time to time.
7. Performance
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain Tile is almost waterproof; it is best to install in the area of moisture level.
Ceramic tiles
Since the ceramic tile is porous, it is used in the bathroom. With a vast selection of available designs, it also has anti-slip properties.
8. Porcelain Tiles Vs. Ceramic Tiles for Bathroom
Porcelain tiles in the bathroom tile have higher resistance to water than ceramic tiles; it is used to be used in high traffic and damp areas.
In addition, porcelain tiles have more durability and more weight than ceramic tiles. However, the value of porcelain tiles is more than ceramic tile, and it needs a unique tool to cut in the right shape.
9. Ceramic Vs. Porcelain Tiles for Shower
It would help if you considered the aspects of ceramic or porcelain tiles when choosing tiles for a shower wall or floor. These include matters of importance such as durability, cost, and cleanliness. But clay mixture is used for the production of both tiles.
Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles and can be used on bathroom floors in humid areas. Thus, for your shower, ceramic tiles are more suitable for the walls. When using porcelain tiles, it is advisable to choose the floor because it is more durable and water-resistant.
Final Thoughts
Choosing ceramic and porcelain tiles for flooring in your home can be an important decision. It affects things like the type of tile, budget, installation for new homes or for home improvement projects.
Understanding each tile is essential to determine the best option for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Porcelain Tiles Vs. Ceramic Tiles Difference
The main difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is their water resistance. Ceramic tiles are more porous and have a higher water absorption rate. It is therefore advisable to use it in the bathroom and outdoor applications.
Porcelain tiles are heavier than ceramic tiles, making them difficult to install in the right place. In addition, it is difficult to cut as required. So it needs a professional to cut and install it properly.
Porcelain tile can be installed better than ceramic tile as it is a hard flooring material, but it is easily responsible for cracking since it is a hard material.
Ceramic Vs. Porcelain Tiles for Shower
Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles and can be used on bathroom floors in humid areas. Thus, for your shower, ceramic tiles are more suitable for the walls. When using porcelain tiles, it is advisable to choose the floor because it is more durable and water-resistant.
Porcelain Tiles Vs. Ceramic Tiles for Bathroom
Porcelain tiles have more durability and more weight than ceramic tiles. However, the value of porcelain tiles is more than ceramic tile, and it needs a unique tool to cut in the right shape.