Discover the difference of opinion between ceramic and porcelain tile and survey these tips to total tile accents to your kitchen , bathroom , entryway , and more .
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are idealistic for kitchen , bath , basements , laundry rooms , and other wet - prostrate areas . These clay - base , kiln - fired tile are highly indestructible , easy to clean , and resistant to weewee , stain , and daily wear . They work well on walls and floor and areavailable in various color , patterns , shape , and sizes . Typically more affordable thanother type of natural stone or cosmetic tile , ceramic and porcelain tile are a practical choice that will hold up well for geezerhood .
If you ’re trying to determine between ceramic vs. porcelain tile , knowing the difference between them is essential . Our guide will walk you through the central retainer when choosing the safe type of tile for your space .
Credit:(L) Adam Albright, (R) Edward Gohlich
( L ) Adam Albright , ( R ) Edward Gohlich
What’s the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?
Porcelain and ceramic tile are made with very similar materials and processes , but the two have slender differences . In general , porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and put up greater design flexibility . Although both are made from clay and other by nature pass materials sack in a kiln , the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and sanctify . It ’s fuel at a higher temperature and great pressure , bring on extremely dense and solid material .
" Porcelain is show to be a long - wearing fabric that is really gain its mark on the industry , " says Tanya Woods , aMichigan - based kitchen and bath designer ( AKBD ) . Porcelain tiles are ideal for moth-eaten - weather clime where freeze / thaw condition are a concern . In addition , due to its low moisture engrossment rate ( 0.5 % or less ) , porcelain is less likely to crack up and ismore imperviable to discolouration . " The term porcelain has become brand to some degree — it is to tile as Kleenex is to weave , " Woods suppose . " But this does not mean all porcelain tile are created equal . "
Types of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a variety show of physique that are well suited for unlike United States of America . All tile feels hard , but some type are strong than others . The body of a tile , sometimes called the bisque or biscuit , is bring forth to fulfill a specific need , such as lining a kitchen backsplash orcovering a bath flooring . Although thickness is one gauge of potency , the opus of the roofing tile and the temperature and duration of firing also find out its strength .
To help you determine whether the porcelain or ceramic roofing tile you ’re considering is appropriate for a particular locating , check the roofing tile ’s rating , as determined bythe Porcelain Enamel Institute . Hardness ratings are as follow :
Proper underlayment is a must when installing ceramic or porcelain tiles on trading floor . roofing tile must be establish over firmly hold subflooring to prevent chipping and fracture . If tile give over time , they should always be supplant or else of repaired . It ’s also important to observe that tile groutcan be challenge to cleanif leave behind unseal .
Credit:Jay Wilde
Jay Wilde
How to Choose Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
For safety in wet areas or flooring applications where accessibility is a concern , look for a tile , whether porcelain or ceramic , with a highcoefficient of friction . This property is measured on a 10 - breaker point scale , with ten being the most slip - immune . In world-wide , perfect finishes offer more adhesive friction than glossy surfaces , which also incline to show fingerprint and footprints .
If you ’ve decided on using porcelain roofing tile , it ’s estimable to select one with " through body colour " for the highest quality . Some tiles have only a ceramic glaze displace over the body ; the clean , tan , or red clay base will be display if chipped .
" Porcelain also offers strong advantage when it comes to plan , " Woods says . " Due to its strong nature , many size of it are available from a small mosaic 1×1 to heavy slabs of 24x48 and many unusual sizes in between . " Porcelain can also be rectified or cut to a precise size so all tile are identical , allow the roofing tile contractor to set extremely tight grout joints .
However , certain broker makeinstalling porcelain tilea more difficult DIY project . Its density and ruggedness require a wet byword with a porcelain ball field blade . For right surface adhesion , you should use a rubber-base paint - modified thin - set howitzer . For large - format porcelain tile , you involve a level substratum to reduce lippage or variations in height . And if you ’re worried about the roofing tile feeling cold-blooded underfoot , consider installing radiant or hydronic heating plant coils underneath for surplus heat .
Porcelain roofing tile ’s payoff of lasting beauty is well worth the extra installment requirement . " Notably , surface finishes , textures , patterns , and variation of color are very conventionalized and bestow to porcelain ’s appeal , " Woods says . " The tile industry has grown as a result of the introduction of porcelain roofing tile , and it reckon as though it ’s only go to continue to increase in popularity . "
