Ceramic and porcelain tiles work well in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms. These kiln-fired, clay-based tiles are durable and easy to clean. They also resist water, stains and everyday wear. These tiles can be used on floors or walls. They are available in many colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are more cost-effective than other types of decorative or natural stone tile. They will last for many years.
It is important to understand the differences between porcelain and ceramic tile when trying to make a decision about which type of tile to choose. This guide will help you understand the main considerations in choosing the right tile for your space.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Although porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from very similar materials and processes there are some differences. Porcelain tile is more durable than ceramic, and has greater design flexibility. Both are made from clay, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay. It is fired at higher temperatures and under greater pressure to produce a dense, hard material.
Porcelain tiles work well in cold climates, where freeze/thaw conditions can be a problem. Porcelain tiles are also less likely to crack due to their low moisture absorption rate (0.5% to 0.5%), and more resistant to stains. Woods states that porcelain is a brand name. "It is as much to tile as Kleenex to tissue." "But that does not mean that all porcelain tiles are equal."
Here's a detailed explanation of Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile.
Porcelain Tile
According to the American Society for Testing and Materials section C373.2, porcelain tile has a water absorbency rate of 0.5 percent. It is then weighed again. It is considered porcelain if it weighs less that half of one percent due to water absorption.
This density is achieved by using a special mixture of kaolin clay and clay. You will often find significant amounts of quartz and feldspar in the mixture. The temperatures at which porcelain tiles are fired range from 2,200 to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. The consumer should know that porcelain tiles are dense, fine-grained and smooth, making them more resistant to water than regular ceramic tile.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are made from a coarser clay that contains a lower proportion of fine kaolin clay. It also lacks many of the additives found in porcelain clay. Ceramic tile is generally fired at a lower temperature, usually no higher than 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit. Ceramic tile may be more susceptible to water infiltration than porcelain tile. However, these differences are minimal if the tile is glazed.
Appearance
Both porcelain and ceramic tile are made with a glazed coating.
Porcelain Tile
A recent innovation in porcelain tile manufacturing is the ability to make them look like different materials. Ceramic tile is usually a solid color with a pattern. However, porcelain tiles can be made to look like natural stone like marble and even wood grains. Porcelain tile is an excellent choice if you want to replicate the natural look of wood, but without the water damage.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile that isn't classified as porcelain is generally a solid color. Simulations of natural stone or wood grains are also not common in basic ceramic tile.
Porcelain tile is the best for appearance
Porcelain tiles have the best appearance because they are available in more colors, patterns and finishes. This includes tiles that look like natural stone and wood grains.
Water and Heat Resistance
Ceramic and porcelain are both heat-resistant and can be used as countertops.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are denser, more heavy and more resistant to water than ceramic tiles. However, outdoor use should only be done in milder climates. Porcelain tiles are a great choice for countertops because of their excellent heat resistance.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is more vulnerable to moisture infiltration than ceramic tile, but the differences are negligible if the tile has been glazed. The ceramic tile's face can resist water as long as it is in good condition and is glazed.
Water will not be able to penetrate the unglazed areas of the back and sides of the tile. The bottom of ceramic tiles is usually protected from water by being embedded in thinset mortar. The grout should be used to fill in the grout lines.
Ceramic tile is a great choice for countertops because of its heat resistance.
Porcelain Tile is the best for heat and water resistance
Porcelain is slightly more resistant to water, so it can be used outdoors in areas with mild climates. Ceramic tile is not recommended for outdoor use in any environment.
Cleaning and Care
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are easy to clean by using mild water-soap. To protect against mildew and stains, the cementitious grout that connects tiles should be sealed regularly.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile requires the same maintenance and care as ceramic tile. Routine damp-mopping is recommended, along with period sealing grout joints.
Tied is the best for cleaning and care:
Ceramic tile and porcelain both require the same care and cleaning.
Cleaning supplies for tile floor
Margot Cavin/The Spruce
Durability and maintenance
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain clays tend to be denser than ceramic clays and are therefore less porous. Porcelain tile is more resistant to moisture than ceramic tiles, and therefore harder. It is more durable than ceramic tile and is better suited to heavy use because of its through-body structure. A porcelain tile can be chipped and the color will continue all the way through. This makes the damage almost invisible. Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain and require only a short sealing period.
Ceramic Tile
If you chip a ceramic tile, you will find a different color beneath the top glaze. This means that chips can be very visible. Ceramic tiles are more susceptible to cracking and breaking because the clays used to make ceramic tile are lighter than porcelain clays. Sealers may be required for unglazed ceramic tiles. This applies to all tile and not just grout lines.
Porcelain tile is the best for durability and maintenance
Porcelain tiles are a stronger material with a solid color, so they are more durable and last longer. Chips are also less likely to occur.
Installation
Both types of tile flooring can be installed using the same methods. The mortar-based thin-set adhesive is used to attach the tiles to a cement board underlayment. After the tiles have been set, the mortar-based grout is used to fill the joints between them. Once it dries, it is sealed against moisture. Ceramic tile and porcelain tiles are treated differently depending on their densities.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are slightly harder and will require the expertise of a professional tile-setter in order to be cut correctly. A wet tile saw should be used to cut porcelain tile, but a snap cutter works well with ceramic tile.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is more durable than porcelain tile, but it is lighter and less dense than porcelain tile.
Ceramic Tiles are the best for installation
Ceramic tile is easier to install than porcelain tile, even though the techniques are similar. In terms of ease of installation, ceramic tile is generally easier to install than porcelain tile.
Cost
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are more costly to make than ceramic tiles, which results in higher retail prices. Porcelain tiles start at $3 per square feet and can go up to $35 per sq. foot.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is more affordable than porcelain tile if all other factors are equal. On average, ceramic tile is 60-70 percent cheaper than porcelain tile. Ceramics can be bought for as low as $.50 per square feet or as high as $35 per sq. foot. You can also buy tile online for a fraction of the cost.
Ceramic Tiles are the best for cost:
Ceramic tile is generally less expensive than porcelain tiles. There are surprisingly many prices available for both types. The most expensive designer tiles are usually the ceramic and porcelain ones.
Lifespan
Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be used as building materials for many years, provided that they are properly maintained. There is little difference in the lifespan of porcelain and ceramic tiles for homeowners.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are a stronger material and can last longer than ceramic tile. However, its hardness may make them more vulnerable to cracking during structural shifting in buildings.
Ceramic Tile
According to some estimates, ceramic tile floors can last between 75 and 100 years if grout is properly maintained and sealed frequently. Although it is theoretically less durable than porcelain tile and can last for a longer time, ceramic tile floors are more resistant to cracking from structure shifting than porcelain tile.
Best for lifespan
If they are well maintained, both materials can last a lifetime.
Different types of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
There are many types of porcelain and ceramic tiles that can be used for various purposes. Although all tile feels tough, some tile types are more difficult than others. The body of a tile is sometimes known as the biscuit or bisque. It is made to cover a specific purpose, such as covering a bathroom's floor or lining a backsplash in the kitchen. Thickness is only one indicator of strength. The composition of the tile, as well as the time and temperature of firing will also affect its strength.
Check the rating of the ceramic or porcelain tile to determine if it is suitable for your location. This is determined by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. These are the hardness ratings:
- Class 0: no traffic. This tile type is only for walls and should not be used on floors.
- Class 1: Light traffic. These porcelain or ceramic tiles are best used in areas with very little wear, such guest bathrooms where stocking feet or bare feet are the norm.
- Class 2: medium traffic. These tiles can be used in interiors with little to no abrasion. These tiles are not recommended for use in kitchens, entryways, or stairwells.
- Class 3: medium-heavy traffic. This type of porcelain and ceramic can be used in most rooms, including bathrooms and kitchens.
- Class 4: heavy traffic. These tiles can be used in both homes and light-to medium commercial areas.
- Class 5: extra-heavy traffic. These tiles can be used almost anywhere, but they are most commonly found in commercial spaces and stores that see heavy foot traffic.
How do you choose between ceramic and porcelain tile?
A tile with a high coefficient for friction is best to ensure safety in wet areas and flooring applications that require accessibility. This property can be measured on a 10-point scale with ten being slip-resistant. The honed surfaces offer better traction than glossy ones, which can also show footprints and fingerprints.
Woods states that porcelain also has strong design advantages. Because of its strength, there are many sizes available. You can get small mosaics 1x1 up to large slabs 24x48 or other unusual sizes. Porcelain can be resized or cut to exact size so that all tiles are identical. This allows the tile contractor to put in tight grout joints.
Conclusion:
When it comes to ceramic tile and porcelain tile, there is no clear winner. Both materials are similar and can be used as flooring, wall coverings, or countertops.
You should ensure that the tile you choose is suitable for its intended use. Tiles that are rated for flooring use tend to be thicker, and the product will indicate this. However, your choice of porcelain or ceramic tile depends on what style appeals to the eye.
Porcelain is often preferred because of its style versatility and durability. However, every situation is unique so choosing between porcelain or ceramic tile will be determined by the space.
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