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Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for kitchens, baths, basements, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas. These clay-based, kiln-fired tiles are highly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to water, stains, and daily wear. They work well on walls and floors and are available in various colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Typically more affordable than other types of natural stone or decorative tile, ceramic and porcelain tiles are a practical choice that will hold up well for years.
If you're trying to decide between ceramic vs. porcelain tile, knowing the difference between them is essential. Our guide will walk you through the key considerations when choosing the best type of tile for your space.
Jay Wilde
What's the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made with very similar materials and processes, but the two have slight differences. In general, porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. Although both are made from clay and other naturally occurring materials fired in a kiln, the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified. It's fired at a higher temperature and greater pressure, producing extremely dense and solid material.
"Porcelain is proving to be a long-wearing material that is really making its mark on the industry," says Tanya Woods, a Michigan-based kitchen and bath designer (AKBD). Porcelain tiles are ideal for cold-weather climates where freeze/thaw conditions are a concern. In addition, due to its low moisture absorption rate (0.5% or less), porcelain is less likely to crack and is more impervious to stains. "The term porcelain has become branded to some degree—it is to tile as Kleenex is to tissue," Woods says. "But this does not mean all porcelain tiles are created equal."
Types of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a variety of forms that are best suited for different uses. All tile feels hard, but some types are harder than others. The body of a tile, sometimes called the bisque or biscuit, is produced to meet a specific need, such as lining a kitchen backsplash or covering a bathroom floor. Although thickness is one gauge of strength, the composition of the tile and the temperature and duration of firing also determine its strength.
To help you determine whether the porcelain or ceramic tile you're considering is appropriate for a particular location, check the tile's rating, as determined by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. Hardness ratings are as follows:
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Proper underlayment is a must when installing ceramic or porcelain tiles on floors. Tile must be installed over firmly supported subflooring to prevent chipping and cracking. If tiles break over time, they should always be replaced instead of repaired. It's also important to note that tile grout can be challenging to clean if left unsealed.
Edward Gohlich
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 high coefficient of friction. This property is measured on a 10-point scale, with ten being the most slip-resistant. In general, honed finishes offer more traction than glossy surfaces, which also tend to show fingerprints and footprints.
If you've decided on using porcelain tile, it's best to choose one with "through body color" for the highest quality. Some tiles have only a ceramic glaze fired over the body; the white, tan, or red clay base will be exposed if chipped.
"Porcelain also offers strong advantages when it comes to design," Woods says. "Due to its strong nature, many sizes are available from a small mosaic 1×1 to large slabs of 24x48 and many unusual sizes in between." Porcelain can also be rectified or cut to a precise size so all tiles are identical, allowing the tile contractor to set extremely tight grout joints.
However, certain factors make installing porcelain tile a more difficult DIY project. Its density and hardness require a wet saw with a porcelain diamond blade. For proper surface adhesion, you should use a latex-modified thin-set mortar ($21, The Home Depot). For large-format porcelain tiles, you need a level substrate to reduce lippage or variations in height. And if you're worried about the tile feeling cold underfoot, consider installing radiant or hydronic heating coils underneath for extra warmth.
Porcelain tile's payoff of lasting beauty is well worth the additional installation requirements. "Notably, surface finishes, textures, patterns, and variation of color are very stylized and lend to porcelain's appeal," Woods says. "The tile industry has grown as a result of the introduction of porcelain tile, and it looks as though it's only going to continue to increase in popularity."
After all the time, energy, and money you put into getting a tile flooring installation , you’re going to want it to last for decades. If you have small children or pets, finding the most durable tile flooring in West Palm Beach is a must. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is the best choice?Choosing the best tile flooring for your home depends on many things. Is there a lot of foot traffic in the area you want to install it? How much time are you willing to put in for maintenance? Can you afford it? Installing the right tiles in the right areas of your home can save you from costly repairs and also prevent yourself and others from getting hurt. Typically, entryways and kitchens should have the most durability, living rooms and bedrooms should be comfortable, and bathrooms should be slip-resistant.Now that you know which tile flooring is best for each area, it’s time to choose the most durable option for your household. Picking the best tile can make a big difference in maintenance, repair, or reinstallation costs. Here are some options you might want to consider if you’re looking for the most durable tile flooring for your home.Natural stone tiles like granite, marble, and limestone are extremely durable. They can also come in various forms and colors, giving you more decorating options. These are perfect for bringing some character and personality to your living room and bathroom!Because they’re heavier and less porous, porcelain tiles are another ideal tile flooring option for those seeking durability. Therefore these tiles are suitable for heavy foot traffic locations, like doorways or stairs. However, they can crack if heavy materials fall on them, so be mindful about putting things made of iron or metal nearby.Concrete tiles’ durability is unparalleled! This material is extremely durable and strong, making it the best choice for your outdoor flooring. They could also be used for your indoor flooring and are a wonderful alternative for hardwood floors. Ultimately, they are great for any area of your house, especially high-traffic areas.Quarry tiles are a great option if you want to add some color to your home flooring. This tile is often red but can come in other warm colors like brown and tan. Quarry tiles don’t have a surface glaze and are made from the same minerals used to make bricks. Furthermore, its durability makes it the best option for the kitchen. In fact, many commercial kitchens have quarry tiles!When you think about ceramic tile, one of the first things that comes to mind is probably their durability. There are ceramic tiles from thousands of years ago that are still in great condition today! Coupled with their low maintenance and easy installation, this tile choice is perfect for many homes.These are only a few of many durable tiles to consider for your home. D&B Tile is dedicated to providing everything you need for a beautiful tile installation. Give us a call and allow us to find the best tile flooring to complete your home.
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