Most of us have the question Should I choose porcelain or ceramic tiles? It is not easy to differentiate between the two at first glance because Porcelain and Ceramic tiles belong to the same family and are similar in many ways. Both materials are highly durable, long-lasting, easy to maintain and available in various colours and styles. Although they are both crafted or manufactured using a similar process as baking clays, they have some important differences.
Ceramic tiles are made using natural clay and are fired in a kiln at higher temperatures to reduce the water content. They are more delicate and less porus compared to porcelain tiles.
Porcelain tiles are made from refined clay and fired at higher temperatures for longer periods. This makes them water-resistant, more durable, and denser than ceramic tiles.
The colour or design of porcelain tiles is applied to the entire body. If they get chipped, the tile will be the same colour as its surface.
Ceramic tiles have colours printed on their surface and are secured with a glaze. If they get chipped, the tile’s body will be a different colour from its surface.
As Porcelain tiles are made of a finer clay mixture to make them denser & smoother, so obviously, they are more expensive than ceramic tiles.
Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are denser and less porus. This makes them more durable and absorb less water.
Ceramic tiles are less denser and more delicate. This makes them easier to work with.
Now that we have discussed the key differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles, it’s time to decide which one suits your home or commercial needs. The following aspects can help you analyze and decide whether to install porcelain or ceramic tiles in your home or office.
Porcelain tiles are heavier and denser than ceramic tiles, so most Canadians prefer to use them on the floors. Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are waterproof and more porous, with a high absorption rate. You can use ceramic tiles on a bathroom wall and porcelain tiles on a floor.
Avoid ceramic tiles in high-traffic areas like a living room because they are easily prone to scratches. Ceramic tiles are more suitable for installation as your backslash decor because of their lightweight and design availability.
Although porcelain and ceramic tiles look similar, their prices are different. Ceramic tiles are cost-effective, whereas porcelain is expensive compared to ceramic because it is made up of a finer clay mixture and conditions. So, before browsing different tile design ideas and styles online, assess your budget for tiles.
Ceramic tiles offer more designs than porcelain tiles. So, when you are looking for a customized flooring option, ceramic will be your go-to choice. Ceramic tiles are available in multiple colours, and you can mix different designs to achieve a unique style and look for your room.
As porcelain tiles are heavy, you need to hire professional tile installers or home renovation experts to install them. If you prefer to install them independently, ceramic tiles are your choice.
Porcelain tiles are more wear and tear than ceramic tiles. They are water-resistant, stain-resistant, solid, easy to clean, and long-lasting. You cannot easily break or crack porcelain; they are the right choice for high-traffic areas.
Ultimately, the tile selection depends on your personal needs and choices. In addition to the above aspects, it is wise to consult a tile expert. Markham Tiles has professional floor consultants who can help you pick the right option from their huge porcelain and ceramic tiles collection. We also provide installation advice with your purchase. So, walk into our store, contact us or call us at 905-470-8108 to pre-book an appointment with our flooring experts. We can promise you will get a clear idea after visiting our store, which has an extensive tile collection.
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