Porcelain Tiles Vs ceramic tiles – What’s the primary Difference
When it comes time to decide between porcelain and ceramic tile, there’s tons to think about , including quality, durability, application, and cost. Ultimately, the selection is pretty simple once you consider the project at hand. In other words, it’s really not something you would like to overly stress about.
With expert insight from an interior designer and a number of other tile experts, we’re outlining the first differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles, the advantages and disadvantages of every , and highlighting scenarios where it’d be advantageous to settle on one over the opposite .
Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
Despite the very fact that ceramic and porcelain tiles look very similar, there are many noticeable differences between the 2 .
The majority of technical differences between porcelain and ceramic are in material composition and sturdiness (Durability) . Differences supported finishing. Porcelain, for instance , offers crisper, cleaner edges, whereas ceramic tiles are often handmade and have an imperfect shape. These differences are slight and challenging to spot , even for the eyes of tile experts.
Beyond that, the first difference between porcelain and ceramic tile—and this difference will really help steer your decision—is that porcelain offers a way denser composite compared to ceramic. this suggests that porcelain is best ready to keep from absorbing water and air, which tend to expedite the aging process.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile features a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or lower as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) section C373. to check this, the fired tile is first weighed, then it’s boiled for five hours and left to take a seat in water for twenty-four hours. Then it’s weighed again. If the tile weighs but half one-percent more as a result of water-absorbing into its surface, it’s considered porcelain.
Ceramic Tiles
Tile defined as ceramic uses a coarser clay with a smaller ratio of fine kaolin clay, and it generally lacks a number of the additives utilized in china clay . Ceramic tile is fired at lower temperatures, generally no quite 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit. Ceramic tiles are often slightly more susceptible to water infiltration than is porcelain tile, though these differences are fairly minimal if the ceramic tile is glazed.
Basic Difference Between Porcelain Tiles and Ceramic Tiles
| Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles |
| Porcelain tile is denser, heavier, and more impervious to water, and thus is a better choice than ceramic tile for outdoor locations. | Ceramic tile is somewhat more susceptible to moisture infiltration, though the differences are minimal if the tile is glazed. |
| Porcelain is a type of ceramic made by the fusion of clays. | Ceramic is a type of material which is semi-crystalline, amorphous and inorganic. |
| Equally as versatile | Versatile designs and textures |
| Stronger, more resistant to damage and fading | Weaker, more prone to damage and fading |
| More stain-resistant | Captures more stains |
| Harder to repair | Easier to repair |
| Less frequent deep cleaning | Requires more frequent deep cleaning |
| Porcelain is more expensive compare to Ceramic | Ceramic is less expensive compare to Porcelain |
| Porcelain has higher durability | Ceramics is less durable compare to Porcelain |
| Porcelain is heavier than ceramics, and their tiles are more difficult to be cut. | Ceramics is less dense when compared to Porcelain and therefore, ceramic tiles are easier to cut. |
| Requires a monthly deep cleaning with either a mop or brush scrub | Requires weekly deep cleaning with a mop |
| Best for floor applications, high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces | best for wall applications, including backsplashes and shower walls, and in small, indoor decorative motifs |
Final Thoughts
When choosing a tile, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t only look good and fits your style. It should also be capable of withstanding the test of time, where to use and fits in your budget and requirements.
