One of the first elements considered with a tiling project is the best material for the particular objective involved. The kind of tiles you choose with your installation can play a significant role in the potential results enjoyed. There are multiple options present in the market, and your final decision will be influenced by factors such as your available budget, suitability, and preference. Two of the most popular options available in this category are porcelain and ceramic.
These tiles offer a wide variety of benefits and can be integrated into almost any environment. In the long run, your particular needs will determine the best Tile Installation solution for your project.
What’s the Difference?
Porcelain and ceramic are closely related which can sometimes make it difficult to differentiate between the two. The major difference between the two options is the manufacturing process. Although they technically come from the same family tree as they’re both made from a mixture of clay that is subjected to high temperatures, there are a few differences between the two options. Porcelain is made from denser clay material, meaning it’s less porous than ceramic and absorbs less water. According to the Tile Council of North America, porcelain and ceramic are generally differentiated according to the water absorption rate of the tiles. The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) takes it a step further by clarifying that tiles qualify as porcelain if it features a water absorption rate of 0.5% or lower. This is tested by initially weighing the tile being tested before boiling it for five hours and then letting it sit in water for 24 hours. The tile is then weighed again and if the additional weight is less than 0.5% of its initial weight then it can be considered porcelain. Ceramic tiles will exhibit higher water absorption rates.
Porcelain is also made from finer clay which is purer compared to the clay used with ceramic. It’s also combined with quartz and feldspar to enhance their waterproof levels. The tiles are fired at temperature levels between 2200° to 2500°F. Ceramic, on the other hand, is fired at a range of between 1800° and 2000°F and generally consists of white, brown, or red clay with no sand or feldspar added to the mix. It should also be noted that the particular grade involved with your Tile Installation process will play a role in the quality one can enjoy.
Choosing Between the Two
Both porcelain and ceramic represent great options for a tiling project. Ceramic tiles are a bit more affordable compared to porcelain, but the prices don’t represent a significant difference. Ceramic tiles are used for wall installations and flooring projects in low-traffic areas. Porcelain is recommended when dealing with areas such as bathrooms because of their high density and lower porosity – meaning they’re likely to last longer than their ceramic counterparts. Porcelain is also a better option when it comes to outdoor installation projects. We offer a wide variety of porcelain and ceramic tiling solutions, so call us today! Custom Royal Countertops and Tile, your preferred contractor!