One of the primary elements individuals need to consider when undertaking a tile installation project is the best option for your project. There are numerous alternatives to consider in this category, but porcelain and ceramic are arguably miles ahead of the rest in terms of market share and popularity. These two options have been featured in millions of home remodeling projects around the world because of their several attributes.
Although they might look similar, porcelain and ceramic are not the same. Some of the aspects you should keep in mind when considering porcelain and ceramic with your Jackson WY Tile Installation include.
Composition
One of the primary elements that categorize a tile as ceramic or porcelain according to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is the ability to absorb water. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% of water in the environment, while ceramic alternatives will feature higher absorption rates. This is due to how ceramic and porcelain tiles are produced. The addition of sand and feldspar makes the composition denser than its ceramic alternative which is generally made from brown, white, or red clay. Ceramic tiles are also fired at a lower temperature than porcelain, making them less dense and more porous.
Appearance
Multiple studies have shown that porcelain and ceramic tiles will generally have a similar resemblance to the inexperienced eye. This is especially true when both are given a glazed finish to enhance their water resistance. For those with a keener sight into detail, porcelain generally features a smoother texture than its ceramic counterpart, allowing for sharper designs on the surface. Porcelain also tends to maintain consistency of shading and hue, while lower grades of ceramic might slightly vary from one tile to the other, generally in a very minimally detectable way. Porcelain is also denser than ceramic tiles because of its composition, meaning it’s heavier than its counterpart. It’s also more brittle than ceramic tiles, which one can usually tell by knocking lightly on the surface. Porcelain will tend to feel harder and give off a crisp but rigid texture.
Maintenance
The other element where ceramic and porcelain share close similarities are maintenance requirements. Both are impressively durable for their price range and can be implemented indoors and outdoors. Choosing a tile with a glazed finish is crucial in enhancing the longevity of your installation. A glazed surface is a feature with most porcelain tiles but you might need to double-check for its presence in lower-grade ceramic tiles. Both tiles will require regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of debris and weakening of bonding agents. This can be easily accomplished with a quick sweep and mopping up with warm water and soap. Pressure washing your tiles isn’t generally recommended as it can tend to loosen individual units after some time. Stubborn stains can be handled with a hard bristled brush and some vinegar. If the stain proves difficult to remove you can cover it with a paste of baking soda and vinegar for a day and then wipe it dry. It’s wise to use minimal water while cleaning the tiles, especially when dealing with glazed designs because they can be extremely slippery when wet.
For the best porcelain and ceramic tiling solutions in Jackson, call us today! Custom Royal Countertops and Tile, your preferred contractor!