Porcelain floor tiles are among the popular types of tiles with unbelievably wide range of selection. In fact many contemporary residential and commercial buildings are using this both for functionality and decorative sense. In addition to porcelain, You can now find different patterns, textures and colors using ceramic tiling.
The wide selection of different types of tiles makes it confusing in choosing the right one that will perfectly suit your needs. Basically, tiles differ in its composition. This is usually the determining factor of the tile’s color, density and texture.
There are only three basic types of tiles based on their components. These are the Glass Tile, Porcelain Tile and Ceramic Tile. Among these three, it is the porcelain and ceramic that often confuses customers the most.
Generally, the term “ceramic” is use to refer to all types of tiles. But in reality, the composition of ceramic is pretty much different from that of porcelain floor tiles.
Ceramic tile is made of various mixed materials primarily clay and water which is processed with heat to form a solid product. Being made of porous material, the top surface of a ceramic tile is usually glazed. This determines its design, color and texture. Because its durability is known to last longer than non-tile material, this is most often preferred for ceramic tiling.
Ceramic tiling can surely last long especially if you are using these type of tile coated with high grade of glaze. Heavily glazed ceramic floor tile is also scratch and moisture resistant. Glazed ceramic tiles are also easier to clean because of its composition, since they do not absorb odor. Another advantage of having ceramic floor tiles is the fact that these will not emit toxic fumes or scorch.
Porcelain floor tiles on the other hand, are made primarily of finely-ground sand. These are very dense types of tiles that absorb water at a rate of less than 0.5%. Other than its water absorption property, these tiles have the same qualities of glazed ceramic because of its density and the natural ingredients they are made of.
Porcelain tiles have recently gaining popularity. This is because of how sales people have successfully spilled the wrong notion that this type of tiles does not need to replaced even when chipped. Contrary to what most people perceived, the latest designs of porcelain tiles do not have the same color all throughout. Hence, it should be replaced when chipped.
Those are just a few differences of porcelain floor tiles and ceramic. Both have their positive and not so positive features that seem to complement each other. If we are to compare these two based on price and durability, there is really a slight difference between these two types of tiles. But for sure the difference is barely noticeable.
Expensive and inexpensive designs are surely found on both types of tiles. Though the two differ in density, installation for both can be both easy and hard depending on how you want it done. The bottom line is deciding, which of these two types of tiles really suit your needs. Hence, you should bear this in mind before you purchase either ceramic or porcelain floor tiles.