No home is complete without the impact of thoughtful tile design. Both decorative and practical uses are possible for it. The marketplace is brimming with a diverse range of tile designs and options. Among them, ceramic and vitrified tiles are the most popular choices for many people to decorate their indoor and outdoor spaces.
This Brick & Bolt blog will help you understand the features of both these tiles and make an informed decision about choosing the best tile option to elevate your indoor and outdoor areas.
Understanding of Ceramic Tiles
An earthy element that adds a rich and traditional look to the place where you live is ceramic tiles. The raw material for ceramics is natural clay with minerals such as feldspar, silica, and kaolin added to it. The process of creating these ceramics is about molding the clay, which is then baked in a kiln at 900 degrees to 1,200°C (1,650 to 2,200°F) to become hard as a tile. An example of Ceramic tiles is Clay Roof Tiles which are hard and strong.
The tiles can have a glaze to protect them from easy staining, water, and scratches, or the glaze may be omitted to give an unadorned and more natural hand-made appearance. The surface of glazed stoneware is porous, but the roughness of the product prevents slippage.
The Different Varieties of Ceramic Tiles
They are presented in different styles and thus each of them is good for its specific use and design style.
1. Glazed Ceramic Tiles
The applied vitreous coating makes these tiles look glossy and smooth. The extra layer of glaze emphasizes the pattern, color, and texture, which also improves their decorative merit. They are effortless to clean, while wetness can be a problem; hence, they are better for wall applications and areas with low traffic.
2. Unglazed Ceramic Tiles
Also known as quarry tiles. These tiles do not have a glazed surface and, thus, have a natural matt finish. Although they are more porous and require sealing to avoid staining, they still provide a high degree of slip resistance.
3. Porcelain Tiles
Made from finer clays and fired at higher temperatures, it makes a denser, more durable product. They come in a variety of finishes, including glazed, unglazed, and polished, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
4. Vitrified Tiles
They are non-porous due to having been manufactured through the process of vitrification. First, during the procedure, the tiles are compacted and hardened, and next, they are exposed to the high temperature of the burning kiln. The final result is both fine and finished tiles that have been produced without voids or pores.
5. Textured and Rustic Tiles
These tiles are rough in texture and have patterns that are only highlighted on the surface. The rustic look of these tiles, combined with the depth and character they add to the room, is a perfect enhancement.
6. Mosaic Tiles
Small, brightly colored tiles that are used to faithfully execute colors, and mosaics can be applied to floors, walls, and backsplashes. Ceramics, glass, or stone are the three major materials from which these tiles are usually made.
Spaces Where You Can Use Ceramic Tiles
You can use this type of tile in wet areas, as it is water-resistant and easy to clean. Kitchen countertops and bathrooms are ideal places for these tiles.
Understanding of Vitrified Tiles
Vitrified tiles are high-quality ceramic tiles well known for their sturdiness, smooth surface, and low moisture absorption. They are composed of a mixture of raw materials, including clay, silica, quartz, and feldspar, which undergo a special high-temperature firing process (1,200°C to 1,300°C). This process results in the creation of a dense, glass-like surface of amalgamated materials.
The vitrification process of the raw tiles helps make the tiles less water absorbent, more resistant to moisture and stains, and become scratchproof. Due to their hard-wearing and low-absorbency features, vitrified tiles are the best option available for use in high-traffic commercial buildings.
Variations of Vitrified Tiles
The main types of best vitrified tiles are below, one by one. By which their manufacturing processes, characteristics, and ideal uses are the key points.
1. Full Body Vitrified Tiles
They are made from a homogeneous material throughout the entire tile, meaning the color and pattern run through the entire thickness of the tile. A great feature of the product is that it is highly durable, and the surface is resistant to scratches or any other sort of damage in case which does not affect the overall appearance of the tile. They can be used in places where people go about all the time, such as malls, offices, and metro stations.
2. Double Charge Vitrified Tiles
Comes with two layers, where the top one is a design or pattern that is melted with a layer of greater thickness underneath. The upper layer carries two pigments, which make the tiles unique and brighter in color. These tiles are stronger than ordinary glazed tiles and are perfect for tough conditions such as high-traffic footfall in offices, malls, and passageways.
3. Nano Vitrified Tiles
Product of nanotechnology, which resulted in a surface that is smooth and high-gloss and prevents the deposit of stains, dirt, and bacteria. The thin layers of the tiles are created by the nano-coating technology process, therefore the tile becomes less porous and provides much more moisture and scratch resistance. Such tiles are ideal for example, running kitchens, bathrooms, and hospitals.
4. Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT)
They are manufactured with the help of a glaze layer that is applied to the surface of the tile, and this gives them a glossy, marble-like finish. The addition of the glaze layer not only increases the strength of the tile and the visual effects of it but at the same time, it provides resistance against things like stains, water, and scratches. GVTs are the perfect tiles for living rooms, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.
5. Double Body Vitrified Tiles
In this type, two different colors of raw materials are pressed together to form a tile with the design embedded in the top layer (around 3–4 mm). Unlike GVT, no glaze is applied. These are suitable for industrial and commercial spaces where medium durability is needed and design requirements are basic.
Spaces Where You Can Use Vitrified Tiles
You can use vitrified tiles for large areas as follows,
- Bedroom
- Kitchen
- Restaurant
- Office or commercial space
- School
- Parking
- Porch
- All places with heavy foot traffic
Key Differences Between Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles
Below are some critical differences between ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles,
| S.no | Specification | Ceramic Tiles | Vitrified Tiles |
| 1 | Composition | Made from clay and water. | Made using silica and clay (60:40) and additional components such as quartz, silica, and feldspar. |
| 2 | Manufacturing Process | Clay and water mixture is finely mixed, moulded, and heated to a high temperature. | The materials are heated at high temperatures, giving them a glassy appearance. |
| 3 | Strength | Less strong than vitrified tiles. | Stronger due to the vitrification process and material composition. |
| 4 | Durability | Less durable than vitrified tiles. | More durable because of it’s higher strength. |
| 5 | Scratch Resistance | Resists scratches but is weaker than vitrified tiles. | More scratch-resistant due to its tough surface. |
| 6 | Stain Resistance | Less stain-resistant. If spills are not cleaned quickly, they may leave stains. | Non-porous nature makes it highly stain-resistant. |
| 7 | Anti-Slip Properties | Has a coarse surface, making it less slippery. | Has a smooth and glossy surface, which can be slippery when wet. |
| 8 | Texture | Usually comes in coarse and textured styles. | Has a glossy texture with a glass-like finish. |
| 9 | Finish | Usually comes with a matte finish. | Usually has a glossy finish. |
| 10 | Glazing | Needs an extra glaze for strength and shine. | Does not need a glaze. |
| 11 | Colors and Sizes | Available in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. | Available in different sizes, colors, and designs. |
| 12 | Water Absorption | Absorbs around 3% water, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. | Absorbs less than 0.5% water, making it highly water-resistant. |
| 13 | Installation | Installation is easy. | Installation is easy. |
| 14 | Care and Maintenance | Available in medium sizes, so has more joints, making cleaning and maintenance harder. To avoid stains, these surfaces need quick and careful cleaning. | Has fewer joints and a glossy surface, making cleaning easy. Resists stains. |
| 15 | Repair and Replacement | Easy to repair and replace. A single tile can be replaced. | Difficult to repair and replace. May need professional help. |
| 16 | Cost | ₹32 to ₹200 per square foot | ₹38 to ₹368 per square foot |
| 17 | Area of Use | Best for indoor spaces like halls, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Not ideal for outdoor use. | Suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas due to its water resistance. |
Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing between ceramic and vitrified tiles for your space, consider the following factors,
1. Budget
Ceramic tiles are more affordable, making them ideal for budget-conscious projects. Vitrified tiles, while more expensive, offer long-term durability and lower maintenance costs.
2. Durability
Vitrified tiles are denser and more durable, suitable for high-traffic areas. Ceramic tiles are less durable and may be prone to chipping under heavy impact.
3. Water Resistance
Bathrooms and kitchens are ideal locations for vitrified tiles due to their low water absorption. Ceramic tiles may absorb more water, leading to potential staining and damage.
4. Aesthetic Preferences
Ceramic tiles offer a wide range of designs and finishes, allowing for creative expression. Vitrified tiles provide a sleek, modern look with a glossy finish.
5. Proper Maintenance
The non-porous surface of vitrified tiles makes them low-maintenance. Ceramic tiles may need periodic sealing and more frequent cleaning.
6. Installation
Both types are easy to install, but vitrified tiles may require professional installation due to their density.
Conclusion
Both ceramic and vitrified tiles offer distinct advantages depending on the needs of your space. Ceramic tiles are affordable, easy to install, and ideal for low-traffic, interior areas. On the other hand, vitrified tiles offer superior strength, lower water absorption, and enhanced durability, making them perfect for high-traffic or outdoor spaces. Your choice should be guided by factors such as usage area, foot traffic, budget, and desired aesthetics. Understanding the differences helps ensure you pick a tile that not only looks good but also performs well for years to come.
Apoorva H P Achar