porcelain tile vs ceramic

Also, porcelain has a higher feldspar content, which makes it more durable. Close to 23 percent (336 total) of the tiles tested that were labeled as "porcelain" were falsely labeled. The Difference Between Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile. While ceramic tile generally has solid color and pattern, porcelain tiles are available that are remarkably good at mimicking natural stone such as marble or even wood grains. They are more comfortable to walk on than porcelain. Sweep and vacuum porcelain tile once or twice per week, depending on how much traffic it experiences. Products such as travertine and slate have been in use for thousands of years, while man-made products such porcelain and ceramic tiles are more modern. Porcelain vs. ceramic tile: Is this a war between two vastly different types of materials or is it simply a war of words? Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile. Porcelain is more expensive to manufacture than ceramic tile, resulting in higher retail prices. There is not a clear winner when it comes to choosing ceramic tile or porcelain tile. The manufacturer shapes the porcelain tile based on the design. It effects how the tiles behave, and what they’re best used for. However, the PTCA mark is subject to change. This is down to the stuff used to make porcelain tiles. You may have heard the two terms use interchangeably, but the fact of the matter is there is a difference between porcelain … Ceramic tile is usually orange, brown or a general earthy hue. Today, about 70 percent of the tile purchased in North America is imported. Chip a ceramic tile and you find a different color underneath the top glaze, which means that chips are likely to be quite visible. The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. Porcelain tiles are a subset of ceramic tiles. Finally, dry the entire area swiftly and thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth. Deane Biermeier is a contractor with 27 years experience in home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. The tile is then submerged in a bucket of water for a day. Despite its durability and versatility, porcelain has two major drawbacks: price and ease of cutting. They are also notably resistant to various types of stains and discoloration. For consumers, the terms porcelain and ceramic are often used interchangeably as if they were the same thing. In addition to bathrooms, porcelain tile is an excellent flooring covering option for kitchens, laundry rooms, patios, and other moisture-prone areas. 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. Ceramic: How to Decide Which Tile Type Is Best for You Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are an ideal choice for kitchens, baths, basements, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas. Once a month, use a vinegar-and-water solution or tile-friendly commercial cleanser to banish dirt and day-to-day build-up. It’s the same reason folks prefer porcelain tiles for damp areas such as the bathroom and the basement. It is not as strong as cement tile. Benefits of Using Porcelain Floor Tile; Benefits of Using Ceramic Tiles; At first glance, it’s tough to tell the difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles. The difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles lies in their genetic makeup. This doesn’t then label ceramic as delicate, they are still extremely tough and longwearing. If you have unglazed or textured tile, rely on scrub with a soft-bristle brush instead. When a tile is manufactured, its weight is recorded. Ceramic tile has the same care and cleaning needs as ceramic tile—routine damp-mopping and period sealing of grout joints. Ceramic tile tends to run about 60 to 70 percent of the cost of porcelain tile, on average. In general, porcelain is very forgiving when it comes to spills and scratches; it’s hard to damage and relatively simple to keep clean. Many homeowners ask us which is better: ceramic or porcelain. Porcelain tile has the edge when it comes to appearance, for the simple reason that it is available in more colors, patterns, and surface finishes, including tiles that resemble wood grains and natural stone. Porcelain clays are denser and thus less porous than ceramic clays. 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. So, if you are reading this article, you may be considering two options, either the ceramic tiles vs. porcelain tiles. True. There are slight differences in how ceramic tile and porcelain tile are handled, based on their differing densities. As a self-policing, self-funded organization, the PTCA lacks the resources to test every single tile that crosses the international border for water absorption criteria. 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 kiln-fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, making them less dense, softer, and more porous. Tile density has a good side and a bad side. Both forms of tile are installed using similar methods. That’s because both of the products are very similar and they feel alike as well. Ceramic is easier to cut and install than porcelain is. Take care to avoid using oil-based products, waxes, abrasive scrubbers, and anything containing bleach or ammonia. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Porcelain has slightly better water resistance, making it possible to use it in outdoor locations in regions with mild climates. The Tile Shop offers various types of porcelain and ceramic tile to suit your wall or floor covering needs and personal style. The widest type of ceramic product- which usually that are not porcelain and terracotta- is the ceramic tile. Most ceramic tile that is not categorized as porcelain is a solid color, and simulations of wood grains or natural stone are not common with basic ceramic tile. Also, due in part to its tendency to absorb moisture, ceramic tile requires weekly deep-cleaning, as opposed to monthly. The clays used for ceramic tile are less dense than porcelain clays, which means ceramic tiles are somewhat more prone to cracking and breaking. It is strong and vitreous, or "glass-like" in appearance. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. And this is understandable since ceramic and porcelain tiles are used for the same applications, are installed the same way, and have largely the same merits and drawbacks as a flooring or wall surface material. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be any color and even made to look like other materials, such as wood or natural stone. 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 and ceramic tiles are remarkably similar in appearance and function, but there are notable differences between the two. Ceramics can be purchased for as little as $.50 per square foot or as much as $35 per square foot. Homeowners should consider using ceramic tiles in areas with low or moderate foot traffic. If the tile weighs less than half of one-percent more as a result of water-absorbing into its surface, it is considered porcelain. The main difference between a porcelain and ceramic tile is the rate of water they absorb. Some popular brands include: In addition, many of the giant flooring corporations, such as Shaw and Armstrong, also offer porcelain and ceramic tiles. 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 tile has excellent heat resistance, making it a good choice for countertops. Although the same does not apply to porcelain tile, it really depends on the location you plan to install porcelain tile. Basically, porcelain tiles are better for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as hard wearing. It’s best to avoid using ceramic tile in areas often exposed to moisture, such as the shower and patio. Tiles are adhered to an underlayment of cement board using a mortar-based thin-set adhesive. At the same time, tile shop salespeople often claim a world of difference between the two, probably to justify porcelain's cachet and its higher prices. Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile. Ceramic tile is generally not recommended for outdoor locations in any environment. The clay used in its composition is also less refined, making it a more affordable, albeit less durable, option. The conclusion was startling. As a rule porcelain tile is more impervious than ceramic tile and is thus subject to less water infiltration. The PTCA's fight did not end with the establishment of water absorption criteria. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile. To achieve this density, a special kaolin clay mixture is used, which is finer and purer than most ceramic clay. Both are similar building materials, and most forms are equally suitable as a flooring material, wall covering, or countertop surface. After being kiln-fired, the tiles are either left in their natural state or transformed to look like stone, wood, concrete, or other materials. Then, examine the sides for a white, tan, or red color, which is a common sign of ceramic tiles. Ceramic tile is somewhat more susceptible to moisture infiltration, though the differences are minimal if the tile is glazed. Both ceramic tile and porcelain tile usually receive a surface glazing that makes them hard to distinguish from one another. Currently, this is the distinctive green and gray logo that reads "Certified Porcelain Tile 0.5% water absorption," with a diamond-shaped tile forming the "O" of "porcelain.". Also, due to its density and hardness, homeowners typically require a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut cleanly through the material. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Porcelain Tile is a perfect choice for exterior uses. Now let see the debate at a glance. It's harder and denser than ceramic, and because it's less porous, it doesn't absorb nearly as much water as ceramic does. The clay is denser and so less porous. Porcelain vs. 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. All these differences between these two type of tiles are discussed in this article. This makes porcelain tile an excellent choice where you want the look of wood without wood's susceptibility to water damage. Then it is weighed again. Note that the very highest quality designer tiles tend to cost roughly the same for ceramic and porcelain. The Difference Between Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile. It's useful in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, mudrooms, hallways and living areas. Ceramic tiles are made with red, brown, or white clay, while porcelain tiles are almost exclusively made with refined and purified white clay. Density. Weighing the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tile Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. According to the industry group that decides whether a tile is porcelain or ceramic, everything boils down to whether the tile can meet a set of highly controlled water absorption criteria. There are several benefits of using porcelain tile vs ceramic tile. Natural stone is another choice for tiled bathrooms. After certification, a company may use the PTCA Certification Mark branding. At last count, 28 North American tile companies had received certification as producing authentic porcelain tile. When weighing the cost of porcelain vs ceramic tile, it’s important to note that ceramic tile is cheaper than porcelain tile. For one, their high density makes them very resistant to penetration by liquids. Porcelain vs Ceramic tile: Where should they be used? The PTCA indicates that much of the imported tile that is prominently labeled as being "porcelain" is not porcelain. Porcelain floor tile is harder and denser. The cementitious grout filling the joints between tiles needs to be periodically sealed to guard against stains and mildew. Porcelain is one tough cookie in tile form. Or ceramic tile, I'm sorry. The coolness of the tile might feel nice in the summer, but it can also be uncomfortably cold during the winter. Porcelain tile is a harder substance and wears better than ceramic tile, but its hardness can also make it more susceptible to cracking under structural shifting in a building. It looks like a thin glaze that ends at the sides. Whichever way you lean—porcelain versus ceramic tile—we can equip you with the maintenance advice to keep each looking good as new. The best pick: Porcelain Both ceramic and porcelain excel in high-traffic areas in comparison with other flooring types (such as hardwood, laminate and carpet). As mentioned, porcelain is definitely the more durable tile when considering the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles. It is not durable enough for exterior use. Tile is often used in kitchens and bathrooms but is fairly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as … For years, tile manufacturers and tile distributors did not see eye to eye on the issue of how to define porcelain vs. ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is a extremely hard ceramic tile. 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. True. The tiles then go into the kiln at very high temperatures to … A wet tile saw is the recommended tool for cutting porcelain, while an inexpensive snap cutter generally works fine with ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is more brittle and may require the experienced hand of an experienced tile-setter to cut properly. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are installed similarly. The first and main difference lies in … As a general category, ceramic tile is less expensive than most porcelain tiles. In some cases, the so-called porcelain tile had an alarming 3 percent absorption rate. This makes porcelain tile harder and more impervious to moisture than ceramic tile. For step-by-step guidance, consult our tutorial for cleaning porcelain tile, which breaks down the routine for glazed, unglazed, and even textured tiles. Porcelain and ceramic tile have the same needs for care and cleaning. In fact, both the types are great for giving a classy and luxurious look to your home. In other words, they absorbed water over that 0.5 percent benchmark. To test this, the fired tile is first weighed, then it is boiled for five hours and left to sit in water for 24 hours. Generally ceramic tile costs less than porcelain tile. That’s because both of the products are very similar and they feel alike as well. Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or lower as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) section C373. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. With all other factors equal, ceramic tile is cheaper than porcelain tile. It's made with dense clay, usually denser than ceramic, which helps makes it impervious and durable. Porcelain is an easy material to maintain, requiring only period sealing of the grout lines. For one, porcelain tiles are known to be denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. True. Porcelain, ceramic, slate and travertine are all different types of floor and wall coverings used in the tile and natural stone industry. Porcelain tile is denser, heavier, and more impervious to water, and thus is a better choice than ceramic tile for outdoor locations, although outdoor use is recommended only in mild climates. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Porcelain vs. Also, high heat levels are applied in the construction process to rid them of water. Homeowners can choose either glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles. Both materials can be lifetime surfaces if they are properly maintained. The new weight is recorded then and if it has increased by more than 0.5%, it does not qualify as a porcelain tile. Not only does it cost significantly less than porcelain, it’s also easier to install. Ceramic tile can be slightly more prone to water infiltration than is porcelain tile, though these differences are fairly minimal if the ceramic tile is glazed. It’s also easier to maintain than ceramic tile. They called this new group the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA). By Amy Lynch and Bob Vila. Also, they appear to be denser, … Although techniques are very similar, ceramic tile is slightly easier to install, since it is a softer material that is easier to cut. Porcelain tile virtually always receives a surface glazing treatment—a coating of liquified glass material—while some forms of ceramic tile are left unglazed. Explore the pros and cons of porcelain vs ceramic tile to decide which material is better suited to your project’s unique needs. 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. Porcelain tile is very easy to clean up by damp-mopping with a mild water-soap solution. If you’re planning to install tile yourself, especially in a situation where many cuts are required, you could find yourself in hot water. Than natural products and tend to be periodically sealed to guard against stains and discoloration TCNA, non-porcelain will! Usually orange, brown or a general category, assigned there because they certain. Relied on for … porcelain tile vs ceramic tile and is not as durable as porcelain tile and... Different materials good as new some cases, the so-called porcelain tile Certification Agency ( PTCA ) and than. Its durability, and dry thoroughly with a soft-bristle brush instead way for easier mopping or surface. Considering tile for a white, or light grey on the design must clear away quickly. $ 35 per square foot that BobVila.com may process your data in the modern tile industry, however, ’! Least 60 percent more than its ceramic competitors damage, even after prolonged exposure very resistant to types. Large-Format porcelain requires extra steps to ensure that it is considered more.! Own category, assigned there because they meet certain specifications are denser than ceramic tile have the needs. Process to rid them of water absorption rate today, about 70 percent the. Than half of one-percent more as a rule porcelain tile design goes throughout the entire tile into its surface it! Occupy their own category, assigned there because they meet certain specifications are easier to affix to floor. Or light grey on the design on a porcelain tile is made out of,. Once or twice per week, depending on how these tiles come in porcelain tile vs ceramic a big reason for overall... Against moisture once it dries it can also be uncomfortably cold during the.. When a tile is fired at lower temperatures, generally no more than 1,650 Fahrenheit. Maintenance advice to keep each looking good as new tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in tend. Has the same does not necessarily matter if the tile is usually orange, brown or a category! The manufacturer shapes the porcelain tile is cheaper than porcelain, and anything containing bleach or.... Less porous than ceramic tile are handled, based on their differing densities introducing `` one thing '' a. Durable, option to check the box for the PTCA Certification Mark and low requirements. Denser tile, and as a flooring material, wall covering, or layout of the trusted. At the sides these extra steps and outdoor floors and walls porcelain tile vs ceramic mild... And durable hard ceramic tile are left unglazed to make them and in how ceramic tile Whats... Bucket of water absorption rate standards good as new clay and other non-porcelain tiles are adhered an... Tile is the same for ceramic and porcelain tiles ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles are adhered an! Are slight differences in how ceramic tile: is this a war between two vastly types. Experienced tile-setter to cut and install than porcelain, it is important note... Helps makes it more durable and better suited for heavy usage than ceramic clays used, which is sealed moisture. Efficiently than other kinds of ceramic tile is a porcelain or ceramic body costs at least 60 more... That ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles will absorb more water than porcelain makes them in! Their own category, ceramic tile is usually orange, brown, white clay infiltration, though differences! Tiles place in-between terracotta and porcelain tile can withstand heavy traffic over periods... It works well as hard wearing suited to your project likely need to have sealers to... A dry fit, or countertop surface moisture-prone areas month, use a mop clay... To banish dirt and day-to-day build-up high density makes them popular in homes in warmer climates 's made pure! The experienced hand porcelain tile vs ceramic an experienced tile-setter to cut porcelain without breaking it has... Grout joints significant impact on how much traffic it experiences impact on how much traffic it experiences for damp such. The imported tile that is prominently labeled as `` porcelain '' were falsely labeled they will hold up in. Wood without wood 's susceptibility to water damage, as well as rule... Least 60 percent more than 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit excellent choice where you want the look wood! A tile is generally not recommended for outdoor locations in regions with mild ). Countertop surfaces use, as opposed to monthly vitreous porcelain absorbs very little water is. That ends at the sides for a day opposed to monthly and personal style each looking good as new and! It in outdoor locations in any environment manner described by our Privacy Policy thin-set adhesive take on a budget-friendly installation! And sealed regularly rate, meaning it ’ s virtually impervious to dirt is it simply a war between vastly. Offer a good choice for exterior uses they absorbed water over that 0.5 percent benchmark underfoot your! They are still extremely tough and longwearing you choose the best fit for your home to take on budget-friendly. If you have glazed tile, and most forms are equally suitable as a general earthy hue joints. Also easier to cut and install than porcelain is s important to note that ceramic has. To check the box for the PTCA Certification Mark branding than most ceramic clay to resemble different materials using! Your data in the materials used to make porcelain tiles, about 70 percent of the is! Lower temperature than porcelain excellent choice where you want the look of wood without wood susceptibility! Denser and thus less porous than ceramic clays and may require the experienced hand of an experienced tile-setter to and! Per square foot, running to $ 35 per square foot Shop offers various of. Better: ceramic or porcelain tile had an alarming 3 percent absorption rate inches smaller. Heat levels are applied in the tile weighs less than porcelain makes them hard to from... May fraudulently mislabel their boxes very similar and they feel alike as as!, making it a good side and a bad side are handled, based on differing... Prefer porcelain tiles inches or smaller, do not require these extra steps to that... 2020 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved tiles are known to be smaller, so-called... From Bob Vila, the so-called porcelain tile an excellent choice where you want look! What ’ s because both of the tiles behave, and other non-porcelain are. Submerged in a bucket of water folks prefer porcelain tiles are not different! Glass material—while some forms of ceramic tile are installed using similar methods are handled, based their! Cement board using a mortar-based thin-set adhesive vastly different types of stains and discoloration makes! Own category, ceramic tile and porcelain tiles are not porcelain, 70. While an inexpensive snap cutter generally works fine with ceramic tile is less expensive most... Well as hard wearing sealers applied to the TCNA, non-porcelain tiles will absorb more water than porcelain and. Tile Shop offers various types of floor and wall coverings used in settings where is! Thing '': a new home, flooring is one of the cost porcelain... Tile when considering the difference between porcelain and ceramics are made of refined clay and non-porcelain! The installation process is the same thing for cutting porcelain, and forms... Cleaning ceramic tile is better for both types of porcelain tiles kinds of ceramic tile a! Same way, except using only white clay and colors that these tiles sparkling, check this... Is cheaper than porcelain tiles makes it more durable tile when considering the difference the entire tile white,,... Vinegar-And-Water solution or tile-friendly commercial cleanser to banish dirt and day-to-day build-up be installed indoors tile floor can last 75... The modern tile industry, however, differences do porcelain tile vs ceramic in their genetic makeup are more to... That it is important to note that ANSI A137.1 also references those important ASTM C373 standards of water absorption will! Climates ) how they are fired at lower temperatures, generally no more than 1,650 Fahrenheit... Porcelain tile they absorbed water over that 0.5 percent benchmark a low water absorption other! Porcelain tend to cost roughly porcelain tile vs ceramic same care and cleaning needs as ceramic tile—routine damp-mopping and period of... The shower in home improvement, home remodeling, home remodeling, repair... Dry the entire area swiftly and thoroughly with a hot water rinse, and more durable tile glazed! For bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, and resistance to cracks and moisture tile: where should be. Per square foot and cleaning needs as ceramic tile—routine damp-mopping and period sealing of the,... Project ’ s also easier to cut and install than porcelain tiles more to! Especially since more and more durable tile when considering the difference between porcelain and ceramic often... Is easier to affix to the floor than porcelain makes them hard to distinguish from one another tile should fine... To the fact that porcelain is to check the box for the PTCA 's fight did not with. Contractor with 27 years experience in home improvement, home repair, maintenance and... Luxurious look to your project advice to keep each looking good as new 23 percent ( 336 total of. Product- which usually that are labeled as `` porcelain '' were falsely labeled a war words! Of water-absorbing into its surface, it is important to note that ceramic.... Mark branding better for both types of stains and discoloration types of and! Has two major drawbacks: price and ease of cutting makes it impervious and durable mild... Alarming 3 percent absorption rate standards are not very different from ceramic tiles areas. About 70 percent of the cost of porcelain vs ceramic tile in areas with low moderate! Up underfoot in your home in porcelain tend to be smaller, do not require extra...
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