Difference between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

Tag : Ceramic color

Tile products are available in an unbelievably large selection ofcolors, patterns and textures. This fact alone can be overwhelmingwhen trying to choose the perfect tile to suit your needs. But thething that seems to confuse consumers more than design choices isthe difference between the types of tile. Each type is made from adifferent composition, and that is what determines the tiles bodycolor, texture and density.

There are three basic types of tile: Ceramic Tile, Porcelain Tileand Glass Tile. Of the three, ceramic and porcelain are the onesthat confuse consumers most. Glass tile is apparently lessconfusing because everyone knows what glass is. Youll find moreinformation about glass tile in the article "Glass Tile GainingFavor&Again."

The term "ceramic tile" is often used as a generic name for alltypes of tile. But the composition of true ceramic is verydifferent from that of the other types. Ceramic is made primarilyof clay mixed with various minerals and water. This composition isthen processed with heat to create the solidified product. Sinceceramic material is porous, the top surface is usually sealed witha glaze. The glazed surface is referred to as the design layersince it determines the tiles finished color, design and texture.

Glazed ceramic tile is very durable, and when properly installedand cared for, it will last longer than any non-tile material usedfor the same purpose. It is also one of the easiest surfaces toclean, and because of its composition, it will not absorb odors,nor support allergens or bacteria. When coated with a Grade III orhigher glaze, ceramic tile is highly resistant to scratching andmoisture. Another important feature is that it will not burn, emittoxic fumes or scorch. For more information on the durabilityratings of ceramic tile, see the article "Ceramic Tile Qualities &Ratings."

The primary ingredient in the composition of true porcelain tile isfinely-ground sand. Unlike ceramic, processing of the porcelaincomposition involves pressure and extremely high temperature. Theend result is a very dense, glass-like material with a waterabsorption rate of less than 0.5%. Because of its density andcomposition of natural ingredients, porcelain tile has all the sameexcellent qualities of glazed ceramic.

Recently, porcelain has experienced a surge in popularity due to astatement sometimes made by sales people. They tell consumers thatporcelain tiles will not need replacement if chipped, based on amisperception that all porcelain tiles are the same color all theway through. This may have once been true, but new design creationshave led to the addition of a design layer. Like glazed ceramic,the top surface of some porcelain tile is glazed to produce aspecific colored finish. A chip in such a surface would reveal thetiles different body color and thus warrant replacement.

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles have their positive and slightlyless positive points, but they tend to offset each other. Forexample, since porcelain is a denser material, it is stronger thanits ceramic counterpart. By the same token, porcelains hardnessmakes it a little more challenging to install. Porcelain tilerequires special tools for cutting and shaping. The averagedo-it-yourselfer would not typically have these tools and may notbe experienced enough to use them if they were rented or purchased.

When comparing price and durability, there is little differencebetween ceramic and porcelain tile. Expensive and inexpensivestyles are available in both types, and under normal circumstances,there would be no noticeable difference in wear between the two.

The bottom line is that it doesnt really matter which type of tileyou select. Ceramic and porcelain are both exceptional floor andwall covering materials. The only problem youll have is decidingwhich size, color and texture will suit your needs.
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Ceramic tile flooring - Your guide to ceramic tile design and installation.
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