When remodeling a bathroom, it is important to consider whether porcelain or ceramic tile is the better option. Since the bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in a home and a remodel can be quite costly, getting this choice right is essential.
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
The two distinct types of tile that meet these requirements are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Due to modern manufacturing techniques, the costs of both types of tile fall well within the budget of most homeowners. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is largely because porcelain tiles are more dense and durable, which translates into better long-term performance.
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.
Options of Porcelain Tile
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.
On the other hand, special cutting tools which require knowledge and training to use correctly must be utilized when working with porcelain. Additionally, latex acrylic mortar must be used as an adhesive. For larger tile sizes, it is essential that the substrate be truly flat to avoid breakage of the tiles when used in load-bearing applications like a bathroom floor.
Which Is the Better Choice?
When deciding whether to use porcelain or ceramic tiles, the homeowner must take into account how long he or she intends to live in the home. For short-term use, ceramic tile may be the answer, as it is less expensive and easier to install. On the other hand, for long term use, porcelain is the better choice, because it is long-lasting and of higher quality overall. If cost is not a big factor, porcelain is the winning choice.
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
The two distinct types of tile that meet these requirements are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Due to modern manufacturing techniques, the costs of both types of tile fall well within the budget of most homeowners. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is largely because porcelain tiles are more dense and durable, which translates into better long-term performance.
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.
Options of Porcelain Tile
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.
On the other hand, special cutting tools which require knowledge and training to use correctly must be utilized when working with porcelain. Additionally, latex acrylic mortar must be used as an adhesive. For larger tile sizes, it is essential that the substrate be truly flat to avoid breakage of the tiles when used in load-bearing applications like a bathroom floor.
Which Is the Better Choice?
When deciding whether to use porcelain or ceramic tiles, the homeowner must take into account how long he or she intends to live in the home. For short-term use, ceramic tile may be the answer, as it is less expensive and easier to install. On the other hand, for long term use, porcelain is the better choice, because it is long-lasting and of higher quality overall. If cost is not a big factor, porcelain is the winning choice.
About the Author:
Grout Medic Denver is an expert in tile and grout cleaning in Denver. They are recognized by tile and grout manufacturers as experts in the after care of grout and tile.