Ceramic Tiles Vs. Porcelain Tiles
One of the challenges that homeowners who wish to remodel their floors face is how to choose between ceramic and porcelain tiles. This difficulty may be because such homeowners have a limited knowledge about how tiles are made. Read on and discover what makes ceramic tiles different from porcelain tiles. Use this information as you select the most appropriate type of tiles for your home renovation.
How Tiles Patterns are Made
Both types of tiles are made from a mixture of different kinds of clay. However, the patterns that you see on the surface of the tiles are made in a different way for each type of tile. The patterns on ceramic tiles are glazed onto the surface of the tile. That is why it is easy to see signs of wear on these tiles; the glazed colour and pattern eventually wear off. The pattern or colour that you see on porcelain tiles is not on the surface only. They run throughout the tile. That is why these tiles hardly show signs of wear. For that reason, porcelain tiles are better suited to high traffic areas, such as hallways, while ceramic tiles should be used in places with minimal foot traffic, such as bedrooms.
Density
Another difference between the two kinds of tile is their density. Ceramic tiles are not as dense as porcelain tiles. That is why it is easier to cut ceramic tiles than it is to cut porcelain tiles. One needs to have a higher skill level in order to avoid damaging the denser porcelain tiles during the cutting process.
Porosity
All tiles are porous to varying degrees. Ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain tiles due to the lower density of ceramic tiles. Consequently, ceramic tiles are more susceptible to moisture damage and should not be used in environments where there is plenty of moisture (such as bathrooms). Porcelain tiles are more resistant to moisture so they can be used in moisture-prone areas.
Cost
The process through which porcelain tiles are made is more demanding than the process of making ceramic tiles. That is why porcelain tiles are generally more expensive than ceramic tiles. Contact several tile suppliers both online and offline so that you get quotes for the different tiles that you find attractive.
As you can see, you should consider several factors before selecting a given type of tile. Never make your purchase decision based on price alone. Otherwise, you may end up with the wrong type of tile for your needs. Remember to look at both tiles online and local tile suppliers to consider all your options.