Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tiles What Should You Choose?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are very similar to each other but can be termed as cousins. Most people use both the name interchangeably, but they have their own differences. This thing can be that one of them can be of more benefit to your project. Depending on how you wish to use them, let’s look at this blog below to know how porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles differ from each other and which one suits you best. For use at your home or office, any interior design company in Kolkata is ready to guide you in this field.

What are ceramic or porcelain tiles?

Ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles are used to cover floors and walls. They have a less water absorption rate of 0.5 percent. Porcelain tiles are made out of denser clay. They can be glazed or unglazed. China was the first country to make porcelain tile back in the 15th century.

A Peek Into The Quick Comparison Of Both The Tiles

The main point of distinction between the two tiles is the rate of water absorption. Porcelain tiles absorb about 0.5 percent of water, whereas ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles absorb more water. Since the clay remains denser and less porous, it affects how the tiles behave.

Below is the overview of the key things that differentiates each tile:

• Processing: Ceramic tiles are made with red, white, or brown clay. It is softer and less dense. Porcelain is made of white clay, sand, and feldspar. It is fired at a high temperature and is more brutal and dense.
• Benefit: Ceramic is easy to use and is available in most of the interior design firm in Kolkata. Porcelain tiles absorb less water and are more hard-wearing.
• Drawback- Ceramics can easily crack in cold weather. Porcelain is more brittle and is available in simple designs.
• Usage- You can use ceramics in walls and floors, commercial interior walls, and low foot traffic areas. Depending on the weight, porcelains can be used in walls, hotels, offices, retail outlets, and also in areas with high moisture.
• Price- Prices are cheaper for ceramic tiles, whereas porcelain tiles are expensive.
• Cutting- Ceramic tiles are easy to cut, while porcelain tiles are more difficult to cut.
• Place- Ceramic tiles are designed only for interiors, while porcelain tiles can be used both in exterior and interior.

• The Construction Process

Ceramic

Natural red, brown, or white clay is used to make ceramic tiles. At first, they fire the clay at a high temperature to reduce the water content, after which the glaze followed by a pattern is applied.

Porcelain

A specific clay is used to make porcelain tiles. Later finely ground sand and feldspar are added to the mixture. Higher temperature is used to fire them than ceramic. Such a process makes the tile more hardwearing.

• The Price Of Tile

Ceramic tiles are more budget-friendly than porcelain tiles. For a simple white ceramic tile, the cost can be around Euro 24.00 per meter square, while ceramic tiles can be around Euro 35.00 per meter square. This thing is very crucial to remember if you don’t want tiling your house to rob your bank.

• Durability And Density

Porcelain tiles are more denser than ceramic tiles, and they are more porous. This thing means that they are durable, harder, and absorbs more water. Thus porcelain tiles are fit for areas that receive high footfall and are heavily used. Ceramic tiles are also great. It’s less dense and less brittle, and easier to use. For DIYers, ceramic tiles are perfect.

Check out the PEI ratings:

The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating is an easy way to determine which one is best suited for your home.

The tiles are graded from 0 to 5 depending upon the hardness-

• PEI 0: This is no foot traffic, for example, wall tiles.
• PEI 1: It’s for very light traffic, for example, a bathroom.
• PEI 2: It’s for light traffic, bathrooms, and bedroom.
• PEI 3: It’s for light to moderate traffic, best for domestic floors.
• PEI 4: This is for moderate to heavy traffic. For domestic floors and commercial uses.
• PEI 5: Best for heavy traffic. Best for commercial and domestic areas with heavy footfall.

Many ceramic floors are graded between 3 to 4. Porcelain tiles have grade ratings between 3 and 4.

Which Tile Do You Require?

• The Shower Room

Porcelain tiles are mostly waterproof. It is the best material to install in a wet room due to its moisture levels. Ceramics are perfect in a standard bathroom where several designs are available, including anti-slip properties.

• A Limited Budget

If your budget is limited, ceramic tiles are an excellent choice. It won’t exhaust your bank account, and using cheap tiles doesn’t mean you are compromising on the styling part. You will find a wider variety of ceramic tiles that will suit any look. There is something for everyone.

• High Traffic Areas

Porcelain tiles are perfect for high-traffic areas due to their durability. They are also resistant to scratches and scuffs. In your house, the area that receives heavy footfall like hallway or kitchen or a commercial space, porcelain tiles are the most hardwearing ones. However, compared with other flooring options like laminate or carpet, ceramic tiles offer durability and are the most hardwearing choice.

• Do It Yourself

Ceramic tiles are best for DIYers who love to get crafty, especially when the tiles need several cuts to install them perfectly. It is hard to cut a porcelain tile, and sometimes you may have to seek professional tools to serve your purpose.

• The Outdoor Space

Porcelain is ready to handle everything that nature has to throw upon it. In cold weather conditions, ceramic tiles are likely to crack, and you’ll need a floor replacement sooner. For this case, porcelain tiles will give you a relaxed mind.

How to point the difference between the two tiles?

From the packaging, you’ll get to know whether the tile is ceramic or porcelain. You need to follow some rule of thumb for installed or loose tile, which will help you determine its porcelain or ceramic tile.

• You will find porcelain of the same color throughout the material. A broken piece of unglazed porcelain will follow a uniform color throughout its thickness. Ceramic tiles offer glazed surface coloring, for which the chips reveal a different color underneath.
• Porcelain is much more smoother than ceramic. When you turn over a piece of loose tile, the ceramic tile’s unglazed surface will feel coarse. The finer grain of porcelain will be more smoother.
• The ceramic tiles are not as dense as porcelain tiles since they are lighter by comparison.

To Conclude

I hope you know about the difference between ceramic tile and porcelain tile. Sometimes we fail to point out these small little differences and choose the wrong one for us. With this blog, you can now choose the correct tile that fits your need. Make sure you follow the above steps while purchasing the tile. Thus, the decision is based upon your budget.

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