A Close Glance At Ceramic And Porcelain Tiles

Looking at that beautiful kitchen and bathroom floors and walls at your friend’s house? Those are either made of ceramic or porcelain tiles. You can have them on your house walls or floors too. But for that, we need to understand and recognize both the tiles specifically. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in different colors and designs and are very elegant to look at. Both are often confused with each other. But let us find the difference between them.

Elements Of Differences Between Ceramic And Porcelain Tile
  • PACKAGING: The packaging method can help you figure out whether the tiles in question are ceramic or porcelain.
  • THE FINISHING: The finish of a ceramic tile will feel coarse whereas that of porcelain will be smoother.
  • COLOR: Porcelain tile has color uniformity throughout whereas ceramic tile appears glazy from the surface with colorful chips.
  • DENSITY: Ceramic tiles are less dense than porcelain tiles and thus feels lighter too.
Advantages Of Using Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is constructed under very high pressure and is baked at higher temperatures in the kiln which gives it several noteworthy traits.

  • DURABILITY: Dense porcelain tiles are more durable and can withstand damage when compared to ceramic tiles which make them suitable for residential and commercial use.
  • WATER RESISTANCE: Porcelain tile is impermeable to water up to a large extent, unlike ceramic tiles which are highly water absorbent.
  • THROUGH-BODY COMPOSITION: As a result of color uniformity throughout the dull porcelain tile, tiny chips may not be as noticeable as they would have been on a glazy ceramic tile.
  • DENSITY: Ceramic tiles are less dense than porcelain tiles and thus feels lighter too.
Disadvantages Of Using Porcelain Tile
  • CUTTING: Not everyone can cut a porcelain tile piece flawlessly. Porcelain is very strong and thus needs a special tool for cutting. Therefore it can be disadvantageous for a non-professional.
  • COST: Porcelain tile costs higher than ceramic tile in terms of manufacturing. Therefore not everyone can afford it. Although in terms of quality, it is worth it.
Advantages Of Using Ceramic Tile
  • LESS EXPENSIVE: Ceramic tiles are less expensive than porcelain tiles.
  • SMOOTH CUTTING: Ceramic tiles can be used or cut by any first timer as they are comparatively easier to cut than porcelain tiles.
  • TEXTURE: There are textures on some ceramic tile surfaces which make it appear visually deep such as waves, ripples, etc.
Disadvantages Of Using Ceramic Tile
  • POROUS: Ceramic tiles are porous and highly water absorbent which makes them less desirable for external applications.
  • LESS DURABLE: Ceramic tile cannot be used in high-traffic areas as it is not as durable as porcelain.
Bottom Line

The bottom line is that porcelain and ceramic tiles have their advantages and disadvantages which makes them unique and different from one another. Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used for different purposes according to suitability, durability, cost, and water resistance characteristics of both. So, the next time you decide to get that beautiful floor you saw at your friend’s house and you think of which tile piece to consider, just go through this article, analyze it well and shop well. All the very best!

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