Making a home is a dream of many. A beautiful floor is an absolute necessity to give your dream home a unique touch. Because of their longevity, classic style, and reasonable cost, ceramic and porcelain tiles are quite popular among homeowners.
Face-Impex is a ceramic and porcelain tile exporter. We offer high-quality tiles with high durability and water resistance.
By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each, you can make informed decisions to select the ideal tile for your specific needs.
Porcelain Tile
Glazed porcelain tiles have smooth surfaces, are rich in kaolin, and are dense porcelain tiles with lesser water absorption ability than ceramic tiles. They can be glazed or unglazed. These can be used outdoors in mild climate conditions.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tile is made of coarser clay and low kaolin. It is a heat-hardened, clay-based tile that is frequently glazed on top for protection and water resistance, but the sides or back that are not glazed cannot withstand moisture.
Differences Between Glazed Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
How do both tiles look?
Porcelain Tile:
The body of porcelain tile is uniformly colored, has a smooth back, and weighs slightly more than ceramic tile. These tiles come with PTCA certification and labels that inform you about water absorption. Face-Impex is a trusted agency that manufactures the best-glazed porcelain tiles.
Ceramic Tiles:
Turn over the tile and you will feel it a little coarser than porcelain and a little lighter in weight. Crack pieces of ceramic tiles show different colors in the interior.
Which one is durable?
Porcelain tile is stronger and more moisture-resistant than ceramic tile because dense clay is less porous and brittle.
Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are composed of less dense clay and can easily break with a slight shock. Entirely sealed tiles are better than the ones with only grout lines. In short, porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles and less visible chips.
Installation
Porcelain Tiles
Because glazed porcelain tile is slightly more brittle, a professional tile setter’s ability may be needed to cut it appropriately. A wet tile saw is recommended for cutting porcelain tile, whereas a cheap snap cutter typically works well for cutting ceramic tile.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tile is easier for do-it-yourself homeowners to cut manually, with a wet tile saw, or with a snap tile cutter, but it is less durable than porcelain tile due to its lower density.
When it comes to ease of installation, ceramic and porcelain tiles are frequently comparable for homeowners.
Which one is cost-effective?
Ceramic Tiles:
Porcelain tile is more expensive at retail because ceramic tile is less expensive to produce.
Porcelain Tiles:
Porcelain tiles are comparatively 60-70 percent higher in cost than ceramic tiles due to their high durability and water resistance properties. In general, ceramic tiles are less expensive than most porcelain tiles. Both types of tiles, however, come in a relatively broad price range. Remember that the priciest designer tiles, whether they are porcelain or ceramic, frequently cost around the same. We at Face-Impex provide the best possible price for ceramic tiles.
High Water Resistance
Porcelain Tile:
Although they are not waterproof, porcelain tiles are regarded as impermeable or water-resistant. When a tile is impervious, it indicates that it satisfies or above testing requirements, absorbing no more than 0.5% of its weight after five hours of boiling and twenty-four hours of soaking. On the other hand, glazed porcelain tiles surfaces are said to be waterproof.
Ceramic tile:
Ceramic tiles will absorb more than 0.5% water since they are not as dense as porcelain. The density of clay plays a vital role in water resistance; the denser the material, the better the resistance. Therefore, glazed porcelain tiles provide better water resistance.
High Heat Resistance
Porcelain tile:
Due to its density, porcelain is less likely to break when heated to high temperatures.
Ceramic tile:
Under intense heat, ceramic tile is more prone to break or sustain damage since it is less dense than porcelain. Because of their better heat resistance than other options, ceramic and porcelain tiles are occasionally utilized on counters.
Porcelain Tiles:
Additionally, porcelain gives unparalleled design possibilities. Granite and limestone are two examples of natural stone types that tiles can imitate. Its surfaces can have leather, fabric, or even animal prints; more recent designs are influenced by fashion runways and exotic locations.
Because of its durability and low porosity, porcelain tile is more stain- and water-resistant than ceramic tile, making it a popular choice for bathroom flooring. Porcelain is also a wonderful option for high-traffic areas like kitchen counters and flooring since it is far more durable than non-porcelain ceramic.
Ceramic Tiles:
Ceramic tile is a good option for a variety of home surfaces, including backsplashes, countertops, floors, and walls. It can withstand stains, is moisture-resistant, and won’t absorb germs or smells. It’s an excellent flooring choice for spaces that get hot throughout the warmer months because it frequently feels chilly.
| Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic |
| Durability | Superior durability, resistant to cracking, chipping, and scratching | Less durable, more prone to damage |
| Water resistance | High water resistance, ideal for wet areas | Moderate water resistance, not as suitable for high moisture areas |
| Versatility | Available in various finishes and textures, including wood and stone looks | A broad range of colors and designs, but less variety in textures |
| Heat Resistance | Can withstand high temperatures, ideal for areas with direct sunlight or fireplaces | Moderate heat resistance, suitable for typical indoor use |
| Cost | More expensive due to the manufacturing process | More affordable, ideal for budget-conscious projects |
| Ease of Installation | More difficult to cut and install due to density, and may require professional help | Easier to cut and install, suitable for DIY projects |
| Applications | Best for high-traffic areas and demanding environments (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms) | Suitable for moderate-traffic areas, residential applications |
Conclusion
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles offer distinct benefits and drawbacks. Porcelain tiles, known for their superior durability, water resistance, and versatility, are well-suited for high-traffic areas and demanding environments. Ceramic tiles, while less durable, are often more affordable and offer a wider range of colors and designs.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and desired aesthetic. By considering factors like durability, water resistance, heat resistance, cost, and design options, you can select the perfect tile to enhance your home’s beauty and functionality. Contact Face-Impex today to order your preferred tiles.