Are you looking to add tile flooring to your home, and you're unsure of what the differences are between ceramic and porcelain tiles? If so, it will help to know the main differences between them.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is made from clay that is pressed into shape under high pressure. The clay is then glazed and cooked, which causes the moisture to come out of the clay and leaves the material impervious to water damage. The dense clay used to make the material also makes porcelain tiles less porous, which makes them very stain resistant as well. Porcelain tile that is thicker is also going to be more durable as a result, so it can be used for outdoor spaces.
One thing to be aware of with porcelain tile is that the color of the material is going to be throughout the entire tile. If you were to accidentally chip the tile, the same color is going to be underneath the glazed top layer. This makes damage less noticeable overall, which may be a very appealing feature of the material for you.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is going to be more affordable when compared to porcelain. However, that cheaper price does come with some downsides. While both materials are made from clay, the ceramic material is much less dense than porcelain. The red or brown base color doesn't typically match the surface pattern of the tile either. If a ceramic tile cracks or chips, it can reveal the original color underneath it.
Ceramic is actually cooked at a lower temperature than porcelain and is overall less porous as well. This means that the material is more likely to absorb liquid and take on stains. While ceramic offers water resistance, it is not naturally water resistant like porcelain tile. The glaze is what helps keep the water out of the ceramic material.
The less dense ceramic material also means that it is not great for use outdoors. You'll want to stick to indoor uses, such as a kitchen and bathroom, where the tile doesn't have to go through freezing and thawing temperature conditions.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to selecting between these two tiles, you must weigh the price and your needs. While porcelain is ultimately more durable, ceramic will be more affordable and practical for indoor uses. If you can afford it and want more durability then you should pick porcelain. If you are on a budget and want a great-looking material, then you should use ceramic tile.
Contact a floor sales company to learn more.