Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles

Tiles are flat slabs of material used in flooring, roofing, walls, showers, and countertops. They are available in different shapes, colors and texture, require low maintenance and are easy to clean than granite or marble.

They are made with clay or a mixture of clay and other materials. There are two main groups of tiles, porcelain and non porcelain or ceramic tiles.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made of red or white clay that are crushed in three separate mechanisms and are then separated by size which is the basis for the different grades of the tiles. The different clays are then mixed together and are either dry milled or wet milled to produce ceramic tiles.

The process of dry milled ceramic tiles can take up to 3 days of firing and glazing at low temperature while it only takes a single 60 minute of firing the wet milled ceramic tiles which make them harder and stronger. Glazing provides the color and designs and also makes the tiles more durable.

Ceramic tiles are more prone to chipping and wear as well as they are less resistant to frost. Installing and repairing ceramic tiles is easier though and they are also easy to cut. They also bond easily with the floor so any person who has basic skills can do the installation.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles made from porcelain clays that are fired at very high temperature which make them have a translucent finish. It makes the tiles hard and dense with solid structures and surfaces that are water and stain resistant, making them stronger and more durable.

Because of their hardiness, porcelain tiles are more difficult to bond and cut and it is important to use the right installation materials when using porcelain tiles. There are two types of porcelain tiles, glazed and through-bodied porcelain tiles.

Glazed porcelain tiles are applied with glaze over their surface that resembles ceramic tiles. Although the tiles are durable, they are not as strong as through-bodied porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are also available in matte or highly polished finish.

Through-bodied porcelain tiles are not glazed, their color is applied to the surface while firing so when it is chipped, the broken part has the same color as the surface. This is more expensive and is used by most commercial establishments.

Summary

1. Ceramic tiles are made of red or white clay which are crushed and mixed together to produce tiles while porcelain tiles are made of porcelain clay.
2. Ceramic tiles are fired at low temperature while porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperature.
3. Ceramic tiles are less durable than porcelain tiles.
4. Ceramic tiles are usually glazed while porcelain tiles already have glossy finish but porcelain tiles are also available in glazed, matte, and highly polished finish.
5. Ceramic tiles get their color, texture and design from the glaze while porcelain tiles get their color and texture while firing so some porcelain tiles have colors that are run through the whole tile.

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