Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are durable and naturally beautiful.
The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it’s made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that’s fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it’s fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile, with lower moisture content and lower absorption rate, they are more suitable to use on external places. There are reduced cavities and voids and therefore less porous. These porcelain slabs play an important role in resisting stains and offering ultra-hygiene, so they are perfect for use on both kitchen and bathroom floors and walls. Due to its through-body composition, it is also considered more durable and better suited for heavy usage in heavy traffic areas like hallways, foyers and commercial applications. Porcelain generally costs more than ceramic tile but at the same time, it is more durable and last longer, so it may be the cheaper of the two over the life of the installation. All tiles have a PEI rating which tells how resistant the glazed surface is to scratching and chipping. Porcelain tiles are the hardest, most crack-resistant option, followed by glazed ceramic, then stone. But any of them can crack if the subfloor isn’t stiff enough. All porcelain slabs are “waterproof” because water will not have a significant impact on the top of the tile or on the body of the tile. Even though ceramic tiles will not be damaged by water, they might have some water absorption. Porcelain tiles have a fine-grained finish that is smoother than the finish on ceramic tiles. So, if the finish is slightly bumpy or coarse when you touch it, you’re dealing with non-porcelain (ceramic) tile. If the tiles are already glazed, flip them over and look at the unglazed underside.
Porcelain tile is more expensive than ceramic tile and generally considered to be higher quality as well. If you’re looking for the best tile flooring options, porcelain tiles are likely the best option for you.
Porcelain tiles advantages and disadvantages
Porcelain tiles pros
1. Highly liquid resistance
Porcelain tiles are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. This makes them perfect for use in bathrooms, basements and other damp locations. When you need a flooring option that’s going to hold up well to moisture, there are few options better than porcelain tiles.
2. Highly stain resistance
When stains get onto a surface they seep down in and set which is what makes them so difficult to remove. This is the reason that it’s so easy to stain untreated wood. That’s why porcelain tile, highly impervious to most substances, is one of the best tile flooring for kitchen use because spilled juice or coffee don’t seep down in and set. It works really well for pet owners for this reason as well because it’s simple to clean up after accidents, mud and other debris that would otherwise be a problem. When you want a floor that stands up to stains well over time, porcelain is the best of the tile flooring options.
3. Durability
This highly dense material is much more difficult to break, and it will withstand heavy use over time well. Porcelain tile can even stand up to heavy furniture better than ceramic tile can. In terms of durability, porcelain slab is just easier to rely on over time. If you want to use tile in a commercial environment, or in a high traffic location, porcelain tile is likely the best option.
4. Lifespan
It has the most extended lifespan as it is tough to break and it’s exceptionally hard which mean it is difficult to scratch or chip as well. They are cheaper than ceramic tiles in the long run. When we consider the passage of time, investment in porcelain tiles vs ceramic tiles turns out to be more economical.
5. Low maintenance
Simply wash them off regularly and clean up the grout in between and they will remain in good shape for years. Even if they become cracked or damaged they will continue looking decent because they have a uniform color all the way through.
Porcelain tiles cons
1. Cost to install
More expensive and time-consuming to install compared to softer tiles because porcelain tile is so tough, it’s also more difficult to work with. Contractors aren’t as interested in installing porcelain tiles because they know the job is going to be more difficult. If you do decide to have these tiles put in, you should expect to pay significantly more for installation.
2. Weight
One of the biggest advantages of porcelain tiles, their high density, and strength, can also be a disadvantage if you are worried about weight, which is slightly heavier than ceramic tiles and much heavier than flooring solutions like wood. If your subfloor isn’t built with massive beams, it could be risky to floor with porcelain slabs. There are other tile flooring options that are lighter, and plenty of flooring options that would be significantly lighter such as vinyl flooring. Always consider whether your current floor can handle the weight of porcelain tile before installing it, and think about using a different solution if the space you’re flooring simply can’t handle all the weight of tile.
3. Grout
Even though porcelain tile is easy to maintain on its own, you need to consider the maintenance that grout adds to the equation. Grout is the filler material that must be used in between tiles for a good water-resistant installation and you have to take steps to maintain that grout over time. This means adding more grout as necessary, and scrubbing any dirt and grime away that accumulates on the grout over time.