Bathroom Tile Porcelain Vs Ceramic

One recent innovation with porcelain tile is the ability to manufacture them to resemble different materials.

Bathroom tile porcelain vs ceramic.

Ceramic tile generally is the less expensive option with average prices ranging from 2 to 7 per square foot. The clays used to make porcelain have a higher density and are fired longer at a higher temperature than ceramic. When we say large we refer to 18x18 15x30 18x36 24x24 and 24x48. Best for kitchens and baths.

It s fired at a higher temperature than ceramic so while both are made from a clay mixture porcelain is considerably stronger. Right behind ceramic is porcelain a similar material that s often found in sinks tubs and other home goods. Both tiles are clay based and kiln fired but porcelain is technically a specialized type of ceramic. It may be slippery and might cause you to slip and fall if you don t watch your step.

Porcelain tile is slightly higher at an average of 3 to 10 per square foot. The difference in ingredients and production methods creates types of tile with unique characteristics. For ceramic wall tile formats large refers to 10x30 15x30 8x24 and 10x26. Ceramic tiles are kiln fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles making them less dense softer and more porous.

Keep in mind that traditionally wall tiles used to be 8x10 and 8x12. 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. That owes to the fact that porcelain is denser and hence more capable of keeping water at bay than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are considered to be the toughest flooring options available on the market.

This causes the clay to become less dense and porous. That price difference is offset somewhat by the fact that porcelain tends to outlast ceramic. All ceramic materials are heated in a kiln at a very high temperature. According to experts ceramic tiles absorb more water than porcelain tiles.

When dealing with any type of ceramic it s important to remember that one manufacturing run is rarely 100 identical to another. It s the same reason folks prefer porcelain tiles for damp areas such as the bathroom and the basement. Using applicable astm tests regular ceramic tile has a breaking strength of 250. Aside from being solid porcelain tiles are also hard dense and highly resistant to most heavy impact stresses that it s perfect for commercial use.

Porcelain is the hardest and strongest material when it comes to clay. Large format ceramic and porcelain tile look really good on floors and walls.