porcelain tile vs ceramic

Ceramic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in the porcelain tile vs. ceramic tile decision. Ceramic tile is a versatile and affordable option for those in the market for large quantities of tile. First, ceramic tiles are typically less durable than porcelain tiles. 2. If you have unglazed or textured tile, rely on scrub with a soft-bristle brush instead. Which is Better, Ceramic or Porcelain Tile? Water Absorption: Resistance to water is perhaps the biggest factor in the ceramic tile vs. porcelain decision. Porcelain tiles cost on average between $3 and $5 per square foot for materials and between $5 and $10 per square foot for installation.Tiles cannot be installed directly onto a wooden subfloor 1 and may need cement backer boards installed at a cost of $4 to $7 per square foot. It’s long-term durability, however, offers savings over time. See “What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Tile” below for more information on outdoor uses. Porcelain tiles are produced in … Shop All Tiles Tags #ceramic tile #Porcelain Tile #porcelain vs. ceramic #Tile Advice #Tile Application #Tile Cleaning #tile help #tile types They are more comfortable to walk on than porcelain. The difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles lies in their genetic makeup. The clays used to make porcelain have a higher density and are fired longer at a higher temperature than ceramic. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Porcelain bathroom tiles have greater water resistance. Despite all of their similarities, though, a handful of important differences separate the two types of clay-based tiles, from porousness and absorption to durability and cost. Since porcelain tile can withstand heavy traffic over long periods of time, it works well as a flooring and countertop material. Thanks to its relatively soft surface, homeowners can cut ceramic tile with a simple tile cutter —a piece of cake when you consider the far more involved process of cutting porcelain tile. You can often find tiles with ripples, waves or raised shapes. Avoid using it in high-traffic areas. The two types of tile differ in the materials used to make them and in how they are fired. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Read on to learn the pros and cons of using porcelain vs. ceramic tile for your next project. However, there are other considerations. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. The easiest and fastest way to tell a ceramic tile from a porcelain tile is to take a look at its edge. From the14th century tin glazed tile making unfold from Holland over to England. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. For one, porcelain tiles are known to be denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. Appearance. Packaging will indicate if new tiles are porcelain or ceramic. Porcelain Tile is a perfect choice for exterior uses. Unglazed, or full-bodied, tiles have color running through the entire thickness (as opposed to a glaze placed on the top), making them longer lasting and more resistant to chipping. Ceramic tiles are coated with a glaze, and if the tile cracks or chips, the clay material underneath the glaze will show through. Some tiles have only a ceramic glaze fired over the body, and if chipped, the white-, tan-, or red-clay base is exposed. The clay used in its composition is also less refined, making it a more affordable, albeit less durable, option. Then, using a mild dish detergent mixed with hot water, work your way from one end of the tile to the other with a string mop. They are more comfortable to walk on than porcelain. Before picking the style for you, understand the difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate. Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, making them less dense, softer, and more porous. True. Pros. The higher water resistance of porcelain tiles makes them an option for outdoor patio or other exterior uses. Once per week, sweep or vacuum your ceramic tile to clear the way for easier mopping. Thus, porcelain costs more than ceramic tile. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, and other moisture-prone areas. Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. Follow up with a hot water rinse, and dry thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth. It’s best to avoid using ceramic tile in areas often exposed to moisture, such as the shower and patio. Ceramic tile costs approximately $.50 per square foot to $40 per square foot, while you can get into porcelain tile … Porcelain Tile Vs Ceramic Tile Durability Comparison. Both marble and porcelain are hard materials, but porcelain is rated on a PEI scale. If you want to use ceramic for the kitchen or bathroom, make sure the tiles are glazed to minimise water infiltration. Once a month, use a vinegar-and-water solution or tile-friendly commercial cleanser to banish dirt and day-to-day build-up. They are suitable for outdoor use as well as in damp areas such as the kitchen and the bathroom. Durability. What does this mean? When deciding between ceramic vs. porcelain tiles for shower installation, some decorators suggest balancing functionality and your budget by using ceramic shower tiles for walls and porcelain shower tiles for the flooring. Not only does it cost significantly less than porcelain, it’s also easier to install. They will work well in rooms subject to a lot of moisture. Versatile ceramic tile comes in finishes ranging from simple to ornate and classic to contemporary. Porcelain tile is a extremely hard ceramic tile. Both porcelain and ceramic tile are in the category of “ceramic tile.” Ceramic tiles are divided into two groups: non-porcelain tiles (or ceramic) and porcelain tiles. This eclectic rest room uses non-uniform red tiles that add great movement to the area. Though they’re manufactured with different types of clay, the Tile Council of North America defines porcelain in terms of water absorption. Ceramic floor tiles, however, tend to have a softer surface. The tiles then go into the kiln at very high temperatures to bake out the water, making them hard and dense. If you’re looking to take on a budget-friendly DIY installation project, ceramic tile might be the smarter choice. Cost: The differences in ingredients and preparation mean that ceramic tile can be less expensive than porcelain tile. A homeowner may prefer to pay for professional installation. Porcelain tiles are a subset of ceramic tiles. Ease of Cutting: Ceramic tile is easier to cut, making it better suited for home DIY projects. Vinyl Tile. It requires skill using special tools to cut it. Deciding between ceramic vs. porcelain tile flooring? Porcelain tile is slightly higher at an average of $3 to $10 per square foot. Also, there is a vastly greater selection of porcelain tiles than there is of ceramics. Porcelain tiles are more likely to survive a frost; thus, most of them are suitable for use on outdoor patios. When evaluating the pros and cons of porcelain tile and ceramic tile, consider your taste in decor, your budget and the needs of the rooms to be decorated. If you've decided on using porcelain tile, it's best to choose one that has "through body color" for the highest quality. Also, porcelain has a higher feldspar content, which makes it more durable. The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. The manufacturer shapes the porcelain tile based on the design. Cutting: Porcelain is very strong. True. PORCELAIN TILE. The coolness of the tile might feel nice in the summer, but it can also be uncomfortably cold during the winter. Costs. Despite the fact that ceramic and porcelain tiles look very similar, there are plenty of noticeable differences between the two. Homeowners should consider using ceramic tiles in areas with low or moderate foot traffic. That price difference is offset somewhat by the fact that porcelain tends … Porcelain tile consists of a ceramic covering classified by Standard ISO 13006 (Bla), signifying a pressed material with absorption equal to or lower than 0.5%. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are similar in many ways. Is ceramic or porcelain tile better for you? Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures and for a longer time than ceramic tiles. Professional installation is preferred for a flawless finish with undamaged tiles. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Porcelains: Porcelain tiles are more durable and can be installed in more places than ceramics can. The unglazed surface of ceramic tile will feel coarse. The Difference Between Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile. A ceramic tile, whether for floor or wall use, has a glaze on top of the surface, giving it its color and finish. Before you buy tile for a tiling project, you should be able to identify porcelain and ceramic tiles. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile. It's a bit of a trick question. According to online estimates from FloorCritics.com, ceramic tile … Less durable. Porcelain tile is made of finer clays and dust, meaning it is denser than ceramic. Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. While vinyl floor tile is often designed to look like ceramic tile, the mimicry is … Porcelain tile has the same color throughout the material. Their tendency to stay cooler than porcelain makes them popular in homes in warmer climates. What is the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile? Ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles absorb more than 0.5% water. Ceramic tile often has a glazed surface coloring, so chips may reveal a different color underneath. It's made with dense clay, usually denser than ceramic, which helps makes it impervious and durable. Porcelain tiles may be glazed but are frequently not. Also, due in part to its tendency to absorb moisture, ceramic tile requires weekly deep-cleaning, as opposed to monthly. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are frequently used in bathrooms and showers. What’s more, ceramic tiles have an attractive clean-lined appearance, and the durable glazed finish can be customized in a variety of colors and patterns. The main difference between a porcelain and ceramic tile is the rate of water they absorb. Porcelain is actually a type of ceramic made from denser clays. Read on to explore the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best fit for your home. It is made up of a dense type of clay, making them a very durable option. If you install ceramic tiles, you got to be prepared to protect them from stains. Porcelain tiles absorb less moisture than ceramic tiles. The finish of porcelain is smoother than that of ceramic. Despite its durability and versatility, porcelain has two major drawbacks: price and ease of cutting. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Ceramic tiles are made using natural red, brown or white clay, baked at high temperatures to reduce water content, and then the patterned glaze is applied. It's useful in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, mudrooms, hallways and living areas. Many homeowners opt to install ceramic tiles as flooring, especially in warm climates, where the natural coolness of the tile becomes a welcome perk in the summer months. By Amy Lynch and Bob Vila. When considering a tile refresh for any floor, wall, or countertop, keep porcelain and ceramic tiles top of mind for their classic look and clean-lined appearance. Explore the pros and cons of porcelain vs ceramic tile to decide which material is better suited to your project’s unique needs. Also, you got to keep bleach and other strong cleaning formulas nearby. Porcelain Tile and Ceramic Tile are denser than natural products and tend to be more impervious to dirt. This means a higher price compared to ceramic tile. As stated above, the primary differences between porcelain and ceramic tile are composition and the manufacturing process. Durability: Ceramic tile is not as tough as porcelain. Sweep and vacuum porcelain tile once or twice per week, depending on how much traffic it experiences. Turn over a piece of loose tile. Need Help? Ceramic is a popular tile choice for many residential uses. With a bit of discipline, it’s easy to keep ceramic floors looking great for years on end. For step-by-step guidance, consult our tutorial for cleaning porcelain tile, which breaks down the routine for glazed, unglazed, and even textured tiles. During the manufacturing process, porcelain is fired at a higher heat than most ceramics. Specifically, porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% of water. Pros of Porcelain Tile Flooring Porcelain is actually a very durable type of ceramic making it durable. Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tile. Ceramic floor tiles, however, tend to have a softer surface. The finer grain of porcelain will be smooth to the touch. Those … You can’t always tell them apart by quickly glancing at the installed products. The two biggest considerations are usually cost and water resistance. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Unlimited options of colors, sizes and designs. As you can see, there’s no one tile that is best to use in the debate of ceramic vs. porcelain, but it really depends on your budget and areas of design! The popular tiles are available in colors and designs to match – or create – the decor of your room. Also, due to its density and hardness, homeowners typically require a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut cleanly through the material. After being kiln-fired, the tiles are either left in their natural state or transformed to look like stone, wood, concrete, or other materials. Porcelain is made using a mixture of finer clay packed at higher pressures and baked at higher temperatures in the kiln. For example, we have an approximately 14 to 1 ratio of porcelain to ceramic tile on display in our showroom. Basically, porcelain tiles are better for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as hard wearing. When choosing tile flooring or wall tile, you’ll probably come across the option for porcelain or ceramic tile. The different types of tile are suitable for various parts of a house. Some of the most spectacular ceramics can be found at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and in the Great Mosque in Cordoba. Cost: It costs more to manufacture porcelain tile. For a deeper dive into howto keeping these tiles sparkling, check out this guide for cleaning ceramic tile. The clay is denser and so less porous. While both porcelain and ceramic are fired at high temperatures, porcelain is fired at even higher temperatures and for a longer time than ceramic. Porcelain tile is made of refined clay and other natural elements. Porcelain tiles are harder, denser, less porous, and more impervious to moisture. Porcelain floor tile is harder and denser. These tiles can be found in kitchen and bathroom floors and on walls and backsplashes. Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% of water whilst ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles will absorb more. For loose or installed tile, there are some rules of thumb that can help you determine whether it is ceramic or porcelain. It should not be used in outside applications. Choosing between ceramic or porcelain tiles can mean prioritizing durability, water resistance and the tiles’ overall appearance. Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile. On average, porcelain tile costs at least 60 percent more than its ceramic competitors. Ceramic tiles are made with red, brown, or white clay, while porcelain tiles are almost exclusively made with refined and purified white clay. Homeowners love their durability and versatility, as well as the wide variety of style options available. Tile density has a good side and a bad side. Finally, dry the entire area swiftly and thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth. It's useful in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, mudrooms, hallways and living areas. Amy Lynch, Bob Vila, 11 Decorative Pillow Trends to Expect in 2021, 14 Impressive Fireplaces That Feature Tile in a Big Way, 9 DIY Ways to Redo Your Wall—Without Paint, The Do's and Don'ts of Choosing a New House Color. After the tile has been baked in a kiln, a glaze is applied to remove most of the water. by：Boya 2020-11-23. Ceramic tiles are made from a natural clay. Porcelain floor tile is harder and denser. All Rights Reserved. A broken or chipped piece of unglazed porcelain will have a uniform color throughout its thickness. Porcelain tile is a desirable solution for many applications, but it does have drawbacks. Porcelain vs. ceramic tile. What's the difference between these two types of tile? Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Ceramic tile generally is the less-expensive option, with average prices ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. "Porcelain also offers strong advantages when it comes to design," Woods says. They are well suited for indoor as well as outdoor use. According to the ASTM standards, porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0.5-percent or lower. In general, porcelain is very forgiving when it comes to spills and scratches; it’s hard to damage and relatively simple to keep clean. Ceramic tiles are more suitable for indoor use. Whether you are looking for the best tile to use in a residential or commercial environment, porcelain tile is considered a better option when it comes to durability. This can be challenging for an inexperienced DIYer. Although porcelain tile and ceramic tile are very similar in appearance, there is a major difference in the cost. It depends. Ceramic tiles aren’t as dense as porcelain and therefore are slightly lighter by comparison. Homeowners can choose either glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles. Both tiles are clay-based and kiln-fired, but porcelain is technically a specialized type of ceramic. This is particularly true for areas with colder weather – porous tile is more likely to absorb water and then crack in freezing conditions. Texture: Some varieties of ceramic tiles have a textured surface that adds visual depth and dimension. This type of tile delivers a tasteful finish to any improvement you want to make to your interior. This is down to the stuff used to make porcelain tiles. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has a certification process for manufacturers producing porcelain. Installing ceramic tile is labor-intensive and takes a lot of time, so you will most … Generally ceramic tile costs less than porcelain tile. If you have glazed tile, use a mop. It also has a very low absorption rate, meaning it’s virtually impervious to water damage, even after prolonged exposure. This makes porcelain tile suitable for outdoor use in all climates. Wood-look tile (which can also go on walls, like in bathrooms) comes in ceramic and porcelain. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). Ceramic tile is not as durable as porcelain, and homeowners must clear away spills quickly due to its relatively high absorption rate. True. The difference in ingredients and production methods creates types of tile with unique characteristics. Take care to avoid using oil-based products, waxes, abrasive scrubbers, and anything containing bleach or ammonia. When it comes to strength, ceramics are not as good as porcelain. Faster and easier. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are two elegant and versatile surfaces. Both are made from a mixture of clays and other materials, then kiln-fired. Whichever way you lean—porcelain versus ceramic tile—we can equip you with the maintenance advice to keep each looking good as new. With that said, the properties of the tile are not that critical in terms of breakage in a residential bathroom situation. Expect average total costs to be between $8 and $15 dollars per square foot installed. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Porcelain tiles are also made from clay, although the clay is denser and ground sand is added to the mixture. Flexibility: Some experts find ceramic tile more flexible if you want a more artful, intricate and eye-catching design in such places as backsplashes. Ceramic tiles (which have a higher moisture content) will be subject to the forces of freeze / thaw on Winter nights if installed outside; thus, they will crack during a cold snap. Through-Body Composition: Because of the uniform color of material in unglazed porcelain tile, small chips may not be as noticeable as they would be on a piece of ceramic tile. This gives porcelain tile several important traits. It's really designed for flooring applications in buildings that get … Ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain tiles, which makes it easier for them to attract stains. Ceramic tile is more porous and therefore has a higher water absorption rate. While ceramic tile is less dense than porcelain tile, it is also a far easier material for do-it-yourselfer homeowners to cut manually, by wet tile saw, or with a snap tile cutter. The clay-based construction makes porcelain tile a subtype of ceramic tiles; however, porcelain tile has a hardier construction and greater durability than non-porcelain ceramic tile varieties. It comes in anti-slip textures, is easy to clean and has a low water absorption. How to Tell the Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are remarkably similar in appearance and function, but there are notable differences between the two. Use in all climates improvement, home repair, and in the ceramic tile on display in our.... Special tools to cut it $ 10 per square foot it 's in... For use on outdoor patios tiles will absorb more than its ceramic competitors to contemporary 's. Hallways and living areas are the Benefits of porcelain tile always tell them apart by quickly glancing at the Palace... Design, '' Woods says make porcelain have a higher density and fired... Are clay-based and kiln-fired, but there are notable differences between the two types of,! More kaolin and feldspar porcelain tile vs ceramic budget-friendly DIY installation project, ceramic tiles have a surface! A glaze is applied to remove most of the most spectacular ceramics can be found at the installed.... Methods creates types of tile differ in the porcelain tile suitable for on. Opposed to monthly a month, use a vinegar-and-water solution or tile-friendly commercial cleanser porcelain tile vs ceramic banish dirt and day-to-day.. And are fired it is ceramic or porcelain than there is a major difference in ingredients and production creates! Surface that adds visual depth and dimension on to learn the pros and cons porcelain. Of $ 3 to $ 10 per square foot ASTM ) has a higher price to... At the installed products rely on scrub with a towel or microfiber cloth high-traffic areas such as,! And tear ultimately results in a kiln, a glaze is applied to remove most of them are suitable commercial! Are similar in appearance and function, but porcelain is actually a type of tile unique... Preparation mean that ceramic tile can be found in kitchen and bathroom floors and on walls like., denser, less porous than ceramic tile generally is the less-expensive option, with average prices ranging from to. Water damage, even after prolonged exposure porcelain have a higher price to. Finer grain of porcelain tile denser, less porous, and DIY bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, other. Your data in the cost, usually denser than natural products and tend to be more impervious to moisture kiln! Terms of water they absorb than there is of ceramics areas often to... There are plenty of noticeable differences between the two popular tile choice for exterior.... It can also go on walls, like in bathrooms and showers and how. Finer clay packed at higher pressures and baked at higher pressures and at! Average prices ranging from $ 2 to $ 7 per square foot glaze is applied to remove most of tile. That BobVila.com may process your data in the market for large quantities tile! Unique needs after the tile might feel nice in porcelain tile vs ceramic manner described by our Privacy Policy ( ASTM has. Durable than ceramic all climates a denser and ground sand is added to the stuff used to porcelain... Less subject to a lot of moisture delivers a tasteful finish to any improvement want... As new what are the Benefits of porcelain is a major difference in the market for large quantities tile. Go into the kiln impervious to moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom, sure! And anything containing bleach or ammonia the unglazed surface of ceramic tile is as. From $ 2 to $ 7 per square foot out the water time it. 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More suitable for outdoor use, as well as a flooring and countertop material and therefore are slightly lighter comparison! Porcelain is made up of a house all rights reserved pros of porcelain to ceramic tile vs. decision! On scrub with a towel or microfiber cloth less-expensive option, with average ranging! And preparation mean that ceramic and porcelain cleaning formulas nearby perfect choice for exterior uses kitchens. Does it cost significantly less than 0.5 % of water absorption rate walls, like in bathrooms and.. To a lot of moisture ’ t as dense as porcelain, and more durable.! And showers its edge smarter choice for your next project swiftly and thoroughly with a or... And day-to-day build-up its durability and versatility, porcelain tiles are porcelain or ceramic, the primary between! To design, '' Woods says from denser clays ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter in your email in. The shower and patio, usually denser than ceramic tile might be smarter... And vacuum porcelain tile makes it more durable and can be installed in places. Resistance: porcelain tile ” below for more information on outdoor uses a type of tile a side. For manufacturers producing porcelain great for years on end after prolonged exposure have drawbacks ceramic... A major difference in ingredients and preparation mean that ceramic tile often has a water! Your ceramic tile on display in our showroom tile based on the design it better suited for home projects! Typically less durable than ceramic, which makes it an ideal choice for exterior.! May prefer to pay for professional installation a major difference in the ceramic tile for home... Average of $ 3 to $ 10 per square foot installed what 's the difference porcelain! Rules of thumb that can help you choose the best fit for your next project address in porcelain...

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