Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles – What is The Difference?

When you think of the word porcelain, you might think of the china items that you can buy in a store. Porcelain tiles are a very different commodity, and they are not that different from tiles that are regarded as ceramic. If you are thinking of having your bathroom or kitchen tiled, you have probably seen a wide variety of ceramic and porcelain tiles. But how do you decide which type of tile is best for your needs?

We have already mentioned that porcelain and ceramic tiles are similar. They are both made by firing, and are part of the same tile family. But there are some subtle differences that you need to be aware of, when you are deciding which type of tile to use for your project. We are going to take a look at these differences.

Water absorption rates 

The main difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles is that porcelain tiles have a lower water absorption rate. The tiles are tested by soaking them in water after they have been fired, to see how much water they retain.

Density

Although both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made by firing, porcelain tiles are manufactured using denser varieties of clay. This makes the tiles themselves denser, helping to make them more impervious to water.

Durability levels 

Porcelain tiles are generally more durable than ceramic tiles. If you are tiling an area which is going to sustain a high amount of wear and tear, it may be a good idea to use porcelain tiles. Part of this durability is due to the composition of the clay in the tiles and part is due to the use of higher levels of feldspar when manufacturing porcelain tiles.

Ease of use 

If you are going to complete a tiling job yourself, it’s usually easy to use ceramic tiles. This is because this type of tile is easier to cut. You should be able to use a tile cutter to cut your tiles, without too many problems. On the other hand, porcelain tiles tend to snap more easily as you are cutting them. It’s better to seek professional help when you are using porcelain tiles.

Cost of purchase 

Porcelain tiles generally cost more to buy than ceramic tiles. This should not necessarily put you off buying them. Do not forget that they tend to be more durable and hard wearing, so you might actually end up saving money in the long term.

These are the major differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles. Both types of tile are suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens, and they both come in a wide variety of colours and designs, so you have plenty of choice. You need to make the decision as to which type of tile is best, based on the nature of your tiling project, and the result you want to achieve.