Major Difference between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile - IBO
There are many ways in which ceramic and porcelain tiles are the same. You can't always tell them apart just by taking a quick look at the products that are already in place.
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay and fired in a kiln, but porcelain is a unique ceramic. Porcelain is made from denser clays that are fired at a higher temperature for longer.
Different types of tiles have different qualities because they are made with other materials in different ways. When choosing between porcelain tile and ceramic tile, each has its pros and cons.
How to Tell the Difference Between Ceramic Tile and Porcelain Tile
People shop in a store for tiles.
The packaging for new tiles will say if they are porcelain or ceramic. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has a way for companies that make porcelain to get certified. Some rules of thumb can help you determine whether a tile is ceramic or porcelain, whether it is loose or already in place.
Porcelain tile is always the same colour all the way through. A piece of broken or chipped unglazed porcelain will have the same colour all the way around. Most ceramic tile has a coloured glaze on top, so if you break it, you might see a different colour underneath.
Porcelain is smoother on the outside than ceramic. Flip over a loose piece of tile. Unglazed ceramic tile will have a rough surface. Porcelain with a finer grain will feel smooth to the touch.
Because ceramic tiles are not as dense as porcelain tiles, they are a little bit lighter.
Why you should use porcelain tile
There are both porcelain and ceramic tiles in the bathroom.
As was already said, the main differences between porcelain and ceramic tile are what they are made of and how they are made. Porcelain is made by pressing more refined clay together under more pressure and baking it at higher temperatures. Because of this, porcelain tile has a few essential qualities.
Durability: Porcelain tile is more durable than ceramic tile because it is denser. It also wears and tears less quickly than ceramic tile. This makes it better for use both at home and in a business.
Regarding water resistance, porcelain tile is almost as good as ceramic tile. The ASTM standards say that porcelain can't absorb more than 0.5% of its weight in water. Ceramic tiles are usually more porous and can soak up more water.
Through-Body Composition: Small chips may not be as noticeable on unglazed porcelain tile as on ceramic tile because the material is all the same colour.
Porcelain tile has some drawbacks.
A sunroom with furniture on tiles made of porcelain.
Porcelain tile is a good choice for many situations but has some problems.
Cut: Porcelain is a solid material. To cut it, you need to be skilled and use special tools. This can be hard for someone who hasn't done it before. A homeowner may want to pay for installation by a professional.
Cost: It costs more to make porcelain tiles than other types. This means that the price will be higher than for ceramic tile. Its long-term durability, however, saves money in the long run.
Why you should use ceramic tile
There are both porcelain and ceramic tiles in the bathroom.
Ceramic tile is versatile and comes in a wide range of finishes, from simple to fancy and from classic to modern.
Cost: Because ceramic tile is made with different materials and is made in another way than porcelain tile, it can be less expensive.
Cutting: Ceramic tile is easier to cut, making it a better choice for do-it-yourself projects around the house.
Some experts say ceramic tile is easier to work with if you want a more artistic, complicated, and eye-catching design in places like backsplashes. When this happens, ceramic wall tile may be a better choice. Glazed ceramic tiles can also be made in a broader range of colours and patterns.
Texture: Some ceramic tiles have a rough surface that makes them look more three-dimensional. Many tiles have ripples, waves, or shapes that stand out.
Why you shouldn't use ceramic tile
A bathroom with a floor made of ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tile is a popular choice for many home projects. But there are other things to think about.
Water resistance may be the essential thing to consider when choosing between ceramic tile and porcelain. Because ceramic tile is more porous, it can soak up more water. Who shouldn't use it for anything outside?
Ceramic tile doesn't last as long as porcelain tile. Please don't use it in places with a lot of people.
Which is Better: Tile made of ceramic or porcelain?
A kitchen with a tiled wall behind the stove.
Which tile is better for you: ceramic or porcelain? It depends. Different kinds of tiles work well in other parts of a house. Cost and water-resistance are the two most important things to consider.
Porcelain bathroom tiles can handle water better than other kinds. They will work well in rooms where there is a lot of humidity. Tiles made of ceramic and porcelain are often found in bathrooms and showers.
When deciding between ceramic and porcelain tiles for a shower, some decorators suggest using ceramic tiles for the walls and porcelain tiles for the floor. This way, you can get the best of both worlds in terms of functionality and price.
Because porcelain tiles are more resistant to water, Who can use them on a patio or other outdoor space, this is especially true in places where it gets colder because porous tile is more likely to soak up water and break when it freezes.
Are you trying to decide between ceramic and porcelain tiles for your floor? The floor tiles made of porcelain are more complex and denser. It works well in places where many people go, like kitchens, mudrooms, hallways, and living rooms.
On the other hand, ceramic tile flooring tend to have a softer surface. You can walk on them more quickly than on porcelain. Because they stay cooler than porcelain, they are often used in homes in warmer climates.
When it's time to find suitable tiles for your home, we have everything you need. Need help figuring out what something is? The Home Depot app's image search makes it easy to find what you need quickly. Take a picture of something you like, and we'll show you other items like it. Or, if you'd instead not do it yourself, we have tile installers who can do it for you.