Choosing the right type of tile for your home or even your commercial space can be very confusing due to the abundance of options. Among all these options, whenever someone figures out the tile types, particularly porcelain and ceramic tiles, they become unavoidable due to their immense value as tiles. Their versatility, design flexibility, durability, and aesthetic often render them at the top compared with other options in the tile line. Which type of tile between these two is the ideal one for you? This blog is for you.
What are Porcelain Tiles?
Porcelain tiles are types of ceramic tile that are made from a refined clay mixture that is fired at high temperatures (1200 to 1400°C). These tiles are less dense and less porous, making them more durable, water-resistant, and ideal for areas with high moisture or heavy traffic. These tiles can be customised with a variety of finishes including matte, glossy or textured finish.
What are Ceramic Tiles?
ceramic tile are made from natural clay and other minerals, which are fired at high temperatures around 1000°C. These tiles are strong and colourful and come with a wide range of patterns and designs. These tiles are available both glazed and unglazed, giving an earthy look.
Key Differences Between Porcelain Tiles and Ceramic Tiles
| Feature | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles |
| Raw Materials Used | Made of refined clay along with a mixture of minerals with water for shaping. 1. Kaolinite and ball clay 2. Quartz 3. Silica 4. Feldspar | These tiles are made of natural clay and minerals. 1. Natural clay 2. Feldspar 3. Pottery stone 4. Silica 5. Talc |
| Firing Temperature | Fired at higher temperatures from 1200°C to 1400°C, thus making them much denser. | Fired at 1000°C temperature. |
| Porosity | Non-porous and waterproof. | More porous with higher water absorption. |
| Durability | Highly durable and resistant to wear, scratches, and chipping. | Less durable and more damage-prone, and wears after some time. |
| Sustainability | Good for both indoor and outdoor applications, high-traffic, and areas with moisture. | Suitable indoor applications, wall tiles, low-traffic floors, and dry areas. |
| Finish and Design | Available in a variety of finishes, mimicking natural materials like wood and stone. | Available in an extensive variety of colors and designs, often in more vibrant patterns. |
| Cost | More expensive due to greater durability and high-end manufacturing process. | Less expensive and mostly installed in small projects with budget limits. |
| Weight | Heavier due to the denser material. | Lighter and easier to handle and install. |
| Maintenance | Easier to clean and maintain. | Require high maintenance to prevent staining. |
| Installation | Requires skilled labourers due to the complex installation process. | Easier to cut and install without the need for skilled labourers. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain Tiles
Advantages
- It is pretty strong, and durable enough to withstand chips, scratches, abrasions, and wear, that are great for busy areas.
- Its very low water absorption rate increases protection against stains and, therefor, can be preferably placed in wet areas and external settings.
- It comes in a huge variety of colours, patterns, and finishes to help meet all styles of the design from classic to contemporary.
- It retains the newer looks owing to extreme durability.
- It is dense and non-porous, so it is very easy to clean and maintain, where a damp cloth wipe is enough.
Disadvantages
- These tiles are pretty much costlier than ceramic tiles due to advanced manufacturing.
- Generally harder to install, which often needs special equipment and expertise.
- Making matters uncomfortable is that in chilly climates it tends to feel cold underfoot.
- Smoothly finished porcelain tiles can prove to be slippery, especially during rain, making it unsafe in some places.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic Tiles
Advantages
- It offers vast colours, patterns, and textures that create various design styles, from classical to contemporary.
- It is easy to cut and install compared with porcelain tiles, thus making them a popular choice for DIY applications.
- It is warmer and comparatively comfortable underfoot, making it suitable for bedrooms.
- Cheaper and more economical than porcelain tiles, thus ideal for small-scale, budget-conscious constructions.
- These tiles can be used for many purposes, like walls, backsplashes, and light traffic floors.
Disadvantages
- Less durable than the porcelain tiles, and more subject to chipping and cracking, thus needing frequent repair and maintenance.
- The porous surfaces of this absorb more water, hence rendering it more easily stainable and conducive for mold growth in moist places.
- Less durable and more absorbent to water further prove that this tile’s outdoor use cannot be relied upon.
- It needs to have proper sealing, and frequent resealing to avoid any possible damage and fading of colour.
Which Tile Is Right For You?
Ceramic tiles could be a good option for walls or areas that see light foot traffic, where a great variety of designs, and staying on the cheaper side of the spectrum is crucial. However, one must note that it is not quite as resistant as the other and would need regular maintenance.
If you wish to have something hard and water resistant, as well as for heavy footfalls and wet areas, then porcelain tiles are the right choice for you. But remember, it has limited textures, and it can turn out to be costly in comparison.
Conclusion
In summary, porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles have their respective pros and cons, and the choice lies in what you are looking for. If you prefer stylish, vibrant, and economical tiles for lighter-use areas, then ceramic tile is what you’re looking for. On the other hand, if looks take a backseat and you are looking for durability combined with waterproofing and life of the tile for high-traffic areas, then porcelain would be your best bet. With a quick learning of the basic differences between these two and their needs, it becomes easy to choose the proper tile.