Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are different from each other and it’s best to know where to use which kind of tile. Making the right choice on the kind of tile to use also leads to other things you should know about floor and wall tiles.
The main difference between a ceramic tile and a porcelain tile is how they are made. Both tiles are created from a clay mixture that is heated to high temperatures in a kiln or special oven. Porcelain tiles are, however, made from more advanced type of clay and the temperature used in the firing kiln is higher. These two differences result in a more solid and more durable tile. But this does not mean that ceramic tiles aren’t any good!
Ceramic floor tiles
Producers of ceramic tiles usually create a mixture of clay with added minerals and water. The kilns used to fire the tiles are generally set at around 980°C and 1,100°C. Those are obviously extremely high temperatures!
Compare the difference with:
- the hot water used in your shower or bath which ranges from 65°C to 80°C;
- your kitchen oven which you use at a maximum of 250°C.
Ceramic tiles do absorb some water, which can be anything from 0.5% to 3.0% or higher, so make sure that the areas where you lay these tiles are not going to see a lot of water exposure eg outside or in the kitchen or bathroom.
Porcelain floor tiles
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made from a mixture of clay, sand and feldspar. Feldspar is a mineral which is found naturally in granite, so that tells you it’s a tough ingredient. In the mixing process, the sand strengthens the combination of components, while the feldspar melts and combines the materials together to make a very solid tile. This means a porcelain tile is stronger than a ceramic one and is more stain-resistant because it absorbs less liquid. The temperature used in the kiln to make porcelain tiles will reach a maximum of 1,260°C. This higher temperature drives out more water from the mixture, while the melting feldspar creates a kind of low grade glass. This means a porcelain is more resistant to harsh treatment and absorbs a lower percentage of water than a ceramic tile.
So which tiles should you buy?
The answer isn’t straight-forward – it all depends on where you are going to use the tiles. When considering whether you should get a ceramic or porcelain tile, remember these points:
1. Both tiles can have a glaze – this makes the surface more shiny. Tile stores offer both glazed and unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles.
2. Your store advisor will guide you on how to make the best choice of tile for where in the home you plan to make a tiled area.
3. High traffic areas like the entrance to your home, the kitchen and seating areas provide a better opportunity for porcelain tiles which are stronger and are less likely to crack.
4. If you want to make a tiled section outside like a patio, it’s generally better to use a porcelain tile which is more resistant to changes in the weather and outdoor temperatures.
5. There is less expansion and contraction of the floor when you use porcelain tiles, which means they are easier to lay.
6. When tiling walls, ceramic tiles are the best choice as they are not as expensive and don’t endure nearly as much impact as floor tiles.
7. On a quick note, you can use floor tiles on the floor and on the wall, but you can only use wall tiles on the wall. If you put wall tiles on the floor, after a few years there will be chips and cracks which will give you a headache to replace.
8. For those DIY enthusiasts, remember that your tiling cement should match the type of tile you are choosing.
Ricodeco carefully chooses tiles for their quality and beauty, so you can be assured that your purchase will provide pride and joy in the home for years to come. Your sales consultant at Ricodeco stores will give you the right kind of advice for the project you are thinking about. Find your nearest store and have a look at the wide selection of well-priced ceramic and porcelain tiles. We think you’ll be delighted with what you find!