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Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tiles: Which is better?

Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are commonly used within the home to cover surfaces such as walls and floors. These two popular types of tile can sometimes resemble each other quite closely, yet have some very subtle and important differences. Knowing these differences can help you decide which tile fits your requirements best.

The variations between these coverings result from the different materials used within the tile as well as the process used in their production. Ceramic tiles are most commonly made of white, brown or red clay mixed with a variety of minerals or water. These tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures and the resulting tiles can either be used in their natural state, or glazed to make them more durable and less likely to stain. The glaze used on ceramic clay often carried white clay within it.

Porcelain tiles are made from finer textured sand along with white clay. Once the materials are mixed and formed into tiles they are fired at a high temperature and also exposed to pressure; this results in a much denser tile. It is possible to produce porcelain tiles which have patterns running all the way through the tile, unlike ceramic tiles where any colour or design is carried on the surface or in the glaze.

The type of tile you select is likely to depend on whether you are carrying out work yourself, your budget, and also the surface which you are tiling. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used on floors and walls, although porcelain tends to be more suitable for outdoor use because its properties make it more weather resistant and durable. Because ceramic tiles are less dense they are easier to cut and also easier to adhere to walls than their porcelain counterparts. Porcelain tiles also need specialist equipment for cutting which can make them an unusual choice for inexperienced workmen.

In terms of overall finish, ceramic tiles are almost as durable as porcelain and are less porous and prone to staining when glazed. There are a huge range of glaze colours and designs available, for style inspiration look at collections provided by specialist retailers such as The Tile Depot Ceramic Wall Tiles. It is this design versatility combined with the ease of application of ceramic tiles which make them a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms. It is also worth noting that although ceramic tiles are perhaps more prone to chipping than porcelain varieties, they are also far easier and less expensive to replace.

If after absorbing all of these porcelain versus ceramic facts you are still not sure which is the tile for you, there are of course other options you could explore, to learn more about glass wall tiles, try reading this article: http://www.diy-site.co.uk/kitchens/glass-mosaic-tiles-for-kitchens/