What is the Difference Between Porcelain Tiles and Ceramic Tiles?


porcelain tiles v/s ceramic tiles

It may be easy to get lost in the world of Luxury tile selection that we provide. The distinction between porcelain and ceramic tiles is particularly perplexing because the former is a subset of the latter. Although all porcelain is made of ceramic, not all ceramics may be referred to as porcelain. Continue reading to learn the qualities of ceramic and porcelain tiles as well as how to distinguish between the two.

What distinguish porcelain tiles from ceramic

Even though porcelain and ceramic tiles have numerous similarities, it can occasionally be challenging to tell them apart from one another when they are laid.

Although both types of tiles are made of clay and burned in a kiln, porcelain is a more specialized form of ceramic with minor distinctions in the materials and manufacturing processes. Accordingly, one may be a bit more advantageous for your project.

You may wish to compare porcelain vs. ceramic tiles to see which is better for your needs based on how you plan to utilize the room. You will learn about the distinctions and their ideal applications here.

Porcelain Tiles

Ultrafine sand and feldspar are also added to the refined clay used to make porcelain tiles. They resemble stone, wood, concrete, or other materials after being changed by being burned at high temperatures in a kiln. Porcelain tiles are a sort of ceramic tile since they are made of clay. However, compared to non-porcelain ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are more difficult to manufacture, robust, and long-lasting. Porcelain floor tiles, porcelain slabs, and countertop porcelain tiles are all available.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are created from a particular type of clay (red, brown, and white clay) and are burned in the kiln at a temperature greater than that of porcelain tiles but lower than that of wood, which lowers the water content and makes the tiles less dense, softer, and more porous. It is less durable than porcelain tile because of the less refined clay used in it. Ceramic tile is cheaper and comes in a variety of designs.

The Comparison

Ability to withstand water and stains

Porcelain tiles

Compared to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are better made, denser, and less porous. As impermeable tiles, they are ideal for bathrooms and other moist locations since they absorb water. A tile with a poor water absorption rate might absorb stains from food and beverages less thoroughly.

Ceramic tiles

Water resistance is the primary distinction between porcelain and ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate and are more porous. It may be used outside and in bathrooms with correct installation and high-quality grout.

Durability

Porcelain tile

As porcelain tile is made of a very solid substance, it is significantly tougher than ceramic tile and can endure continual severe use. Porcelain tile is more resistant to wear and more durable. This makes it perfect for both personal and professional use.

Ceramic tiles

Porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic ones. It is also less rigid and more adaptable due to its less thick composition. It is preferable to avoid using them in areas with heavy traffic. We provide tiles with a more organic feel through our ceramic tile manufacturing business in India.

easier to cut

Porcelain tiles

It is more difficult to install porcelain tiles since they are heavier and denser than ceramic tiles. Its difficulty in being correctly cut through and laid out is what makes it so durable and dependable. To cut it properly, you need a qualified and expert tile installer.

Ceramic tiles

Comparing ceramic and porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are less robust and dense. With a snap tile cutter, manual cutting is equally simple. Since ceramic is a softer substance, installation is simple.

colour and elegance appeal

Porcelain tiles

There are many different styles of porcelain tiles, so you do not need to stick with one particular style when investing in them. Porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of looks, including marble, granite, hardwoods, limestone, and many other types of flooring.

Ceramic tiles

Some professionals believe it is simpler and more versatile to produce an artistic design. It may be printed on stone or hardwood with a beautiful appearance and is often only available in natural colors. The best option for kitchen walls to create a warm appearance is ceramic tiles.

Maintenance

Porcelain tiles

In addition to being durable and long-lasting, porcelain tiles also have a lovely appearance. They may be kept in good condition for years if you wash them frequently.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are incredibly resilient, virtually unbreakable, and simple to maintain. Simply mopping can effectively remove a stain or other type of debris.

prevents growth of germs and moulds

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain over time and will maintain their original appearance with routine washing. They do not harbor bacteria as certain porous materials do. Porcelain tiles are impermeable, which inhibits the formation of bacteria and mold.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are not only simple to clean, but they also stop mold and bacteria from growing. Since they have a hard surface and are impervious to water and moisture, they are less likely to harbor bacteria and mold.

Cost

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are undoubtedly more expensive. Porcelain tile costs substantially more than other tiles and is also more expensive to replace.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are more cost-effective and accessible for everyone’s budget than porcelain tiles. Keeping in mind that you will incur costs for upkeep and repairs over time.

How to Tell Ceramic Tiles Apart from Porcelain Tiles?

How to Tell Ceramic Tiles Apart from Porcelain Tiles?

Ceramic tiles frequently have a glazed surface that reveals several colors beneath, whereas porcelain tiles are unglazed and have the same color below.

Ceramic tiles absorb 0.5 % more water than porcelain tiles, which absorb less than 0.5%. Ceramic tiles are less dense and softer than porcelain tiles, which are denser and tougher.

Ceramic tiles might be more prone to breaking in cold weather and come in more contemporary patterns, while porcelain tiles are more brittle and come in a variety of styles.

Being thick and rigid by nature, porcelain tiles are challenging to cut. Ceramic tiles are less thick, softer, and simpler to cut than natural stone.

Conclusion

You learned about the distinctions between porcelain and ceramic tiles, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each, from the article above.

Despite being more costly, porcelain tiles is extremely durable and resistant to breaking because of its tougher composition. Ceramic tiles is less expensive, but it is also less dense and prone to cracking in the cold.

Porcelain tiles are an alternative for use both indoors and outdoors because of their superior water resistance. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, frequently have a softer surface, making them ideal for use inside the home in hotter regions.

Paradigm Surfaces provide the best solution for your home, office, or outdoor space. Our experts will pick up the best tiles for you. We are available 7 days a week. You can also visit our showroom in Surrey!

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