Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

The Main Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles?

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1- Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

2- Benefits of using Porcelain tiles

3 - Disadvantages of Porcelain tiles

4 - Benefits of Ceramic tiles

5 - Disadvantages of Ceramic tiles

6 - Precaution When Using Polished Porcelain

7 - Why You Should Be Careful When Choosing Polished Porcelain 

8 - Would Like A Free Quote

So What's Different Between These Tiles?

Most people find it very hard to see the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles, but there are huge differences. You might hear the terms porcelain and ceramics always used when searching for tiles as if they were the same materials. This should never be ignored that ceramics and porcelain tiles are used for the same purposes and installed simultaneously. The particular materials have specific merits and drawbacks.

At first glance, it is hard to understand the difference between ceramics and porcelain tiles. That's why both of the materials and their products are similar, and they can feel identical as well. Both types of tiles are made from a similar process.
But there are many substantial and keys differences for people to understand about these tiles for flooring options. If you are looking for the best floor tile options for your home, make sure that you know all about the latest tile trends and how they can differ from each other!


The considerable difference between these two tiles is the process of how they are made? Even though both tiles are made from a clay mixture that is fired in a glace furnace at very high temperatures, the main difference between porcelain tiles is that they are generally made from more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. This particular process makes porcelain tiles more durable and denser. As a result, porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramics in the retail tile market. If you are looking to install tiles in your home, office or commercial project, porcelain tiles are considered the best option for you.

Benefits Of Using Porcelain Floor Tiles

Water Resistance

The way porcelain tiles are made, they are much less porous and denser than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are highly water-resistant, enabling them to be used in damp locations, such as basements, bathrooms, balconies, outdoor areas, main living areas, kitchens, walls, or floors.
When required, porcelain tiles are best used for flooring options as they typically hold up moisture well. Generally, porcelain tiles can be used everywhere, but they are great for any area with a lot of traffic.

High Stain Resistant

Keeping in mind the liquid resistance of porcelain tiles, they are also highly stain resistant. In this case, porcelain tiles are highly recommended in kitchens, dining areas, etc., where spilled juices, shakes, tea, and coffee can be easily wiped away.

Tile Durability

The durability of porcelain tiles is much higher than those of ceramic tiles. That's why they can be used in high traffic locations, shopping malls and commercial environments. The particular highly denser material can never be broken easily. Porcelain tiles can even support more significant weight, and For example, these tiles can even stand up to heavy furniture, sanitation instruments and even car showrooms.

Tile Lifespan

There are very few durable tile options that can hold the test time as porcelain tiles usually do. As a result, porcelain tiles are tougher to break, and they can be more scratch-resistant. Porcelain tiles have a much greater life span than any other ceramics in the market as their life expectancy is over 60 years, so you will definitely get your money's worth if you choose these tiles.

Low Maintenance

Because of their high durability and life span, These tiles are simple to maintain. Wash them regularly with a mild tile shampoo and very gently scrub or wipe the grout joints between these tiles, finally dry the tiled areas with a microfiber cloth. By maintaining your tiles regularly, they should keep their original appearance for decades. If you notice any damage or cracks within these tiles, you should contact your local tiler to have them repaired.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Tiles

Cost to install

Now we know that porcelain tiles are more rigid than ceramic tiles, they can be more challenging to work with, making them a lot harder for tile layers to install.
However, these tiles can be more time-consuming and harder to cut. As a result, most contractors will charge more when installing porcelain tiles as they know that the job will be more complex and time-consuming. If you are still willing to install these in your home or office, you should be prepared that you might pay significantly more for purchasing, installation and adhesives.

Weight

Porcelain tiles are much heavier than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are a lot denser than ceramic tiles, and they are also a lot heavier for tile installers to work with.

Benefits of Ceramic Tiles

Glazed Ceramic 

Glazed ceramic tiles are definitely the most commonly used tile in the world. They are produced when tile manufacturers glaze the top surface of a tile. This is usually done with a liquid frit that is sprayed to make the tile's colour and pattern.
The main benefits of ceramic glazed tile are that they are easy to care for, resistant to stains, dirt, odours, and fire-resistant.

Unglazed Ceramics

The significant and exceptional advantage of unglazed ceramic tiles is their natural feel. This is an immense advantage of ceramic tile over other tiles that need a glaze to function correctly. Unglazed ceramic tiles are more durable, affordable but less water-resistant than the glazed variety.

Water-Resistant

If you want to install tiles in the bathroom, kitchen or any other damp location, you should proceed with ceramic tiles as they can hold moisture very well.

Design

Since synthetic adhesives and dyes are added to the mixture used for ceramic tiles, these tiles are comparatively porous than other that can be easily moulded in different shapes and colour. These tiles can be made in very unique and gorgeous looking patterns.

Allergen Concern

In most parts of the world, people suffer from severe allergies, so that's why they do not want flooring that can hold mould, dust and other allergens that stay in carpets for a considerable amount of time. Ceramic tiles are perfect for those people suffering from allergies, and they can be cleaned very quickly too.

Cost

When you are on a strict renovation budget for tile installation, it is wiser to choose ceramic tiles instead of any other tile as you will spend less on purchasing the tiles plus on the install too. As a result, you can spend extra savings on any additional enhancements you desire to make in your home, either in the bathroom, kitchen, or other areas.

Disadvantages of Ceramic tiles

Can be difficult to Clean

You would typically think that ceramic tiles are easy to clean but sometimes there not. The grout joints between ceramic tiles are often much larger than porcelain tiles, which can collect more dirt and grime, making it more of a challenge to clean. You might need to scrub the grout joints every time you clean so that your floor tiles are always looking fresh.

Weight

Ceramic tiles are made from softer clay, and it can be difficult for these lightweight ceramic floors to bear the weight of heavy objects. Always make sure the criteria and composition of the tiled ceramic floor you install are best for your home or office situation.

Precaution When Using Polished Porcelain

When choosing polished porcelain tiles for your flooring, its always best to pick a high-quality product as some polished porcelain tiles can stain easily from spills (e.g. red wine); to avoid any future problems, you should test your tile sample by leaving a few drops of red wine on the surface of the tile for a couple of hours then see if it wipes away easy or it has absorbed into the surface of the tile and stained. Staining on polished porcelain tiles is due to the grinding process of the tiles surface during manufacturing, where sometimes microscopic pores are left on the tile's surface. These tiny pores can trap liquids and dirt, making it very hard to clean.
If you want to be 100% safe, you can always apply a colourless impregnating sealer for your floor or wall areas.

Why You Should Be Careful When Choosing Polished porcelain for Your Bathroom or wet areas flooring

Your wet areas, including your bathroom, are constantly exposed to water, and when tiles get wet, they can become dangerous. That's why in wet area situations, it's always best not to use a polished porcelain tile but instead try to use a non-polished tile to help prevent any accidents.

Would Like A Free Quote

If you need more help deciding on your next tile or tiling project, don't hesitate to give your local company Tiler Tiling Perth a call or message today.

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