Choosing the best tiles for a room can be a challenging task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. And unlike other materials, it’s really not just about the price. If you are stomped at choosing between ceramic and porcelain tiles, here are a few helpful tips that should help you arrive at an informed decision:
The Material
- Ceramic tiles are made of natural clay, sand, and water. These are moulded and baked in a kiln to remove most of the moisture.
- Porcelain tiles are made from clay, too, but a denser kind. They are baked in very high temperatures and may take a long time to remove most of the water. This makes porcelain tiles much harder and denser than ceramic ones.
Features
- Ceramic tile is known for its brownish red finish. It may also be glazed to create a different surface appearance. The white chips in the glaze can be quite noticeable on ceramic tiles. If you want to cover the chipped tile, you might need to use grout or replace it entirely.
- Porcelain is usually white or grey and is often unglazed. Porcelain may have chips as well, but they are less obvious because it has the same colour throughout.
Use and durability
You can use both porcelain and ceramic tiles for various areas in your home such as walls, ceilings, countertops, showers, and backsplashes.
-Ceramic is designed specifically for indoor use. The higher moisture content the ceramic tile has, the more likely it is to crack due to harsh weather conditions. It is not ideal for commercial use where traffic is heavy.
- Porcelain can be used indoors or outdoors. Its moisture content is lower, which makes it less likely to crack in cold or freezing temperatures.
The Price
- Ceramic tiles are usually more affordable than porcelain, however, they are not as durable. They may need to be replaced over time, in case of chipping or breakage. Ceramic tiles are not stain-resistant either, and will have to be replaced once they accumulate stains.
- Porcelain tiles are more expensive and durable. They are less porous and are easy to clean and maintain. When it comes to long term use, porcelain tiles are your best option.
Installation
- Ceramic is mostly the better choice if you are to install it yourself. Also it’s better to use ceramic if you need a lot of odd shapes for corners or borders, which require special cuts.
- Porcelain is a tough and durable material, but it can be tricky during installation. Its dense nature makes it difficult to cut, especially when you need irregular shapes for certain areas.
Tiles are an integral part of any construction or renovation project. It’s important not to compromise on quality, especially when it comes to durability and use. If you need more inspiration or high quality tile options, check out Amber Tiles here.