The different types of tile are suitable for various parts of a house. Deciding between ceramic vs. porcelain tile flooring? Some tiles have only a ceramic glaze fired over the body, and if chipped, the white-, tan-, or red-clay base is exposed. Versatile ceramic tile comes in finishes ranging from simple to ornate and classic to contemporary. Need Help? Homeowners should consider using ceramic tiles in areas with low or moderate foot traffic. True. Porcelain is actually a type of ceramic made from denser clays. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile. Ceramic tile is not as durable as porcelain, and homeowners must clear away spills quickly due to its relatively high absorption rate. Porcelain Tile Vs Ceramic Tile Durability Comparison. After being kiln-fired, the tiles are either left in their natural state or transformed to look like stone, wood, concrete, or other materials. What's the difference between these two types of tile? If you install ceramic tiles, you got to be prepared to protect them from stains. Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. Also, due in part to its tendency to absorb moisture, ceramic tile requires weekly deep-cleaning, as opposed to monthly. For one, porcelain tiles are known to be denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. The two biggest considerations are usually cost and water resistance. They will work well in rooms subject to a lot of moisture. Ceramic tiles aren’t as dense as porcelain and therefore are slightly lighter by comparison. However, there are other considerations. What is the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile? When it comes to strength, ceramics are not as good as porcelain. Porcelain tile is a desirable solution for many applications, but it does have drawbacks. Take care to avoid using oil-based products, waxes, abrasive scrubbers, and anything containing bleach or ammonia. Faster and easier. According to the ASTM standards, porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0.5-percent or lower. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has a certification process for manufacturers producing porcelain. Also, there is a vastly greater selection of porcelain tiles than there is of ceramics. The clays used to make porcelain have a higher density and are fired longer at a higher temperature than ceramic. Avoid using it in high-traffic areas. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Also, porcelain has a higher feldspar content, which makes it more durable. If you've decided on using porcelain tile, it's best to choose one that has "through body color" for the highest quality. After the tile has been baked in a kiln, a glaze is applied to remove most of the water. Durability. What does this mean? Generally ceramic tile costs less than porcelain tile. Vinyl Tile. Both porcelain and ceramic tile are in the category of “ceramic tile.” Ceramic tiles are divided into two groups: non-porcelain tiles (or ceramic) and porcelain tiles. Ceramic tile generally is the less-expensive option, with average prices ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. Porcelain vs. ceramic tile. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Porcelains: Porcelain tiles are more durable and can be installed in more places than ceramics can. Porcelain tiles are more likely to survive a frost; thus, most of them are suitable for use on outdoor patios. Porcelain tiles are also made from clay, although the clay is denser and ground sand is added to the mixture. As stated above, the primary differences between porcelain and ceramic tile are composition and the manufacturing process. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. See “What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Tile” below for more information on outdoor uses. Unlimited options of colors, sizes and designs. Professional installation is preferred for a flawless finish with undamaged tiles. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. If you have unglazed or textured tile, rely on scrub with a soft-bristle brush instead. It requires skill using special tools to cut it. It also has a very low absorption rate, meaning it’s virtually impervious to water damage, even after prolonged exposure. A broken or chipped piece of unglazed porcelain will have a uniform color throughout its thickness. With that said, the properties of the tile are not that critical in terms of breakage in a residential bathroom situation. Porcelain Tile is a perfect choice for exterior uses. The coolness of the tile might feel nice in the summer, but it can also be uncomfortably cold during the winter. When choosing tile flooring or wall tile, you’ll probably come across the option for porcelain or ceramic tile. Basically, porcelain tiles are better for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as hard wearing. A homeowner may prefer to pay for professional installation. Installing ceramic tile is labor-intensive and takes a lot of time, so you will most … Once per week, sweep or vacuum your ceramic tile to clear the way for easier mopping. Read on to learn the pros and cons of using porcelain vs. ceramic tile for your next project. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Cutting: Porcelain is very strong. If you’re looking to take on a budget-friendly DIY installation project, ceramic tile might be the smarter choice. Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. Porcelain tiles are produced in … Appearance. On average, porcelain tile costs at least 60 percent more than its ceramic competitors. The finish of porcelain is smoother than that of ceramic. For step-by-step guidance, consult our tutorial for cleaning porcelain tile, which breaks down the routine for glazed, unglazed, and even textured tiles. Both are made from a mixture of clays and other materials, then kiln-fired. It should not be used in outside applications. All Rights Reserved. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are two elegant and versatile surfaces. Durability: Ceramic tile is not as tough as porcelain. "Porcelain also offers strong advantages when it comes to design," Woods says. The main difference between a porcelain and ceramic tile is the rate of water they absorb. They are more comfortable to walk on than porcelain. Cost: It costs more to manufacture porcelain tile. Ceramic is a popular tile choice for many residential uses. They are suitable for outdoor use as well as in damp areas such as the kitchen and the bathroom. Flexibility: Some experts find ceramic tile more flexible if you want a more artful, intricate and eye-catching design in such places as backsplashes. 2. The Difference Between Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile. From the14th century tin glazed tile making unfold from Holland over to England. The higher water resistance of porcelain tiles makes them an option for outdoor patio or other exterior uses. True. Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tile. Porcelain tile has the same color throughout the material. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is a extremely hard ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, making them less dense, softer, and more porous. Expect average total costs to be between $8 and $15 dollars per square foot installed. According to online estimates from FloorCritics.com, ceramic tile … Before picking the style for you, understand the difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile. That price difference is offset somewhat by the fact that porcelain tends … Ceramic tiles are made with red, brown, or white clay, while porcelain tiles are almost exclusively made with refined and purified white clay. Some of the most spectacular ceramics can be found at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and in the Great Mosque in Cordoba. Ceramic floor tiles, however, tend to have a softer surface. Ceramic tiles are coated with a glaze, and if the tile cracks or chips, the clay material underneath the glaze will show through. Although porcelain tile and ceramic tile are very similar in appearance, there is a major difference in the cost. Which is Better, Ceramic or Porcelain Tile? Porcelain tile is made of refined clay and other natural elements. This means a higher price compared to ceramic tile. Water Absorption: Resistance to water is perhaps the biggest factor in the ceramic tile vs. porcelain decision. Porcelain tile consists of a ceramic covering classified by Standard ISO 13006 (Bla), signifying a pressed material with absorption equal to or lower than 0.5%. Follow up with a hot water rinse, and dry thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth. Whichever way you lean—porcelain versus ceramic tile—we can equip you with the maintenance advice to keep each looking good as new. It depends. by：Boya 2020-11-23. The difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles lies in their genetic makeup. Texture: Some varieties of ceramic tiles have a textured surface that adds visual depth and dimension. This gives porcelain tile several important traits. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are frequently used in bathrooms and showers. Ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles absorb more than 0.5% water. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). You can often find tiles with ripples, waves or raised shapes. These tiles can be found in kitchen and bathroom floors and on walls and backsplashes. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are similar in many ways. Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate. This type of tile delivers a tasteful finish to any improvement you want to make to your interior. Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. 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