Choosing Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

People who are making the choice between ceramic and porcelain tiles may be faced with a dilemma. Both tiles have a high resistance to moisture and are good flooring options for rooms with high humidity and moisture content like a bathroom. They are also good for high traffic areas and to give a little elegance to a foyer or entranceway. There are subtle differences between porcelain and other ceramic tiles that may drive the buyer’s decision.

Glazed ceramic tile is highly durable and can last longer than any other type of tile that is installed. Ceramic tile is very easy to clean and has a high resistance to moisture. Because of the way ceramic tiles are manufactured, they do not absorb odors nor do they harbor allergens or bacteria. When they are coated with a high quality glaze, ceramic tiles are also resistant to scratching. Ceramic tiles do not burn or scorch or emit toxic fumes. They are a good hypoallergenic flooring option and available in thousands of colors, designs, shapes and textures which makes selecting a ceramic flooring option easy if you are planning a particular design scheme.

Porcelain is a dense material that has a white and translucent look. Many people choose porcelain due to its classic look and also its hardness, which is legendary. Porcelain however is not limited to just white tiles, and many have a design layer on top which gives consumers who want more design options if they are creating a mosaic or designing a particular decorating scheme. Porcelain also has a high resistance to moisture and a low absorption rate. While it is noted for its strength and hardness, porcelain floors are notoriously hard to install. Do it yourselfers may need to hire the talents of a professional installer if they are going with a porcelain floor due to the special cutting techniques and tools that are required for cutting and shaping.

In the end, it will come down to the homeowner’s own sense of style and preference as well as budget. Both porcelain and other ceramic tiles offer a range of beauty and durability for floors, particular in areas that are exposed to a lot of moisture. They are both fine choices, and the ultimate choice will lie with the sensibilities of the purchaser and how much they want to invest in installation.