Porcelain Or Ceramic Tile
One question that is commonly asked regarding a remodel is whether or not is best to use ceramic or porcelain tile in a bathroom. Everyone can agree that bathrooms are one area of the house that tends to be the busiest, and they can be an expensive room to remodel.
Since the bathroom is the area of the house that gets the wettest, one of the first things a person should keep in mind is to make sure it is as durable and waterproof as possible. This is even more important than the color and design scheme. When choosing materials that are water resistant and durable, a person will need to think about not only the tile, but also what is placed behind the tile. There are two distinct characteristics that a person will need to look for in the tile. First, it should be load-bearing and capable of handling high-traffic. Second, the tile should be non-porous to avoid water seepage into the home. A person can then begin to look at secondary features such as aesthetics, cost and abrasion resistance after the two characteristics have been determined.
Picking the Tile
There are only two main choices that provide the need for water-resistance and durability, and those are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Today, modern manufacturing techniques have made both options affordable for homeowners. However, it is important to note that porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is balanced by the better performance porcelain tile can provide in the long run due to its greater durability and density.
Ceramic Tile Properties
Ceramic tiles are easier to cut, which may be important for those new to tile installation. They are more inexpensive than porcelain. Other advantages include stain resistance, scratch-resistance, availability, and the ease with which they can be cleaned. Disadvantages of ceramic tiles include the fact that they are less durable, and are generally not "through-color", which means that the color inside the tile may not be the same as the color on its surface. Additionally, ceramic tile is more permeable than porcelain, meaning that it is not as water resistant.
Porcelain Tiles
Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are tougher, denser and harder. They are even 30% stronger than granite. Non-glazed tiles are usually one color throughout their entire thickness, and all porcelain tiles are weather-resistant, even to frost. Porcelain tiles can be polished to a high sheen, and they allow for tighter grout lines. Since they are easier to cut into small sizes, porcelain tile is ideal for creating intricate patterns.
However, it should be taken into consideration that porcelain tiles require special tools for cutting that do require some specialized skills and knowledge. Latex acrylic mortar should be used as an adhesive, and a flat substrate is needed for large porcelain tiles if they will be used on a load-bearing surface in a high traffic area to avoid breakage.
Which Option Is the Best?
One of the easiest ways to decide between the two is to consider how long a person will be living in the residence. For a short-term plan, ceramic tile is best since it is easier to install and less expensive. Those who are planning for the long-term, however, should consider porcelain because it offers premium durability. Anyone who is still on the fence, should always go with porcelain because its cost is worth the longevity it can provide.
Since the bathroom is the area of the house that gets the wettest, one of the first things a person should keep in mind is to make sure it is as durable and waterproof as possible. This is even more important than the color and design scheme. When choosing materials that are water resistant and durable, a person will need to think about not only the tile, but also what is placed behind the tile. There are two distinct characteristics that a person will need to look for in the tile. First, it should be load-bearing and capable of handling high-traffic. Second, the tile should be non-porous to avoid water seepage into the home. A person can then begin to look at secondary features such as aesthetics, cost and abrasion resistance after the two characteristics have been determined.
Picking the Tile
There are only two main choices that provide the need for water-resistance and durability, and those are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Today, modern manufacturing techniques have made both options affordable for homeowners. However, it is important to note that porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is balanced by the better performance porcelain tile can provide in the long run due to its greater durability and density.
Ceramic Tile Properties
Ceramic tiles are easier to cut, which may be important for those new to tile installation. They are more inexpensive than porcelain. Other advantages include stain resistance, scratch-resistance, availability, and the ease with which they can be cleaned. Disadvantages of ceramic tiles include the fact that they are less durable, and are generally not "through-color", which means that the color inside the tile may not be the same as the color on its surface. Additionally, ceramic tile is more permeable than porcelain, meaning that it is not as water resistant.
Porcelain Tiles
Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are tougher, denser and harder. They are even 30% stronger than granite. Non-glazed tiles are usually one color throughout their entire thickness, and all porcelain tiles are weather-resistant, even to frost. Porcelain tiles can be polished to a high sheen, and they allow for tighter grout lines. Since they are easier to cut into small sizes, porcelain tile is ideal for creating intricate patterns.
However, it should be taken into consideration that porcelain tiles require special tools for cutting that do require some specialized skills and knowledge. Latex acrylic mortar should be used as an adhesive, and a flat substrate is needed for large porcelain tiles if they will be used on a load-bearing surface in a high traffic area to avoid breakage.
Which Option Is the Best?
One of the easiest ways to decide between the two is to consider how long a person will be living in the residence. For a short-term plan, ceramic tile is best since it is easier to install and less expensive. Those who are planning for the long-term, however, should consider porcelain because it offers premium durability. Anyone who is still on the fence, should always go with porcelain because its cost is worth the longevity it can provide.
About the Author:
Many certified technicians are qualified with their many years of experience at Grout Medic Denver. They also can dogrout staining to match your newly installed tiles.