Ceramic or Porcelain Floor Tiles – What to Choose?
When constructing a new space or renovating an existing one, an important decision is the type of flooring – whether for a basement, a moisture-prone bathroom, or a busy living room. In these cases, ceramic and porcelain tiles are the perfect solution.
Choosing between ceramic and porcelain tiles can be a challenging task. Considering the vast array of options in terms of colors, styles, sizes, shapes, and textures available on the market, it’s always important to focus on functionality.
Ceramic Floor Tiles
Made from a carefully curated blend of clay and other elements, ceramic tiles come in two varieties: glazed and unglazed. The glazed tiles undergo a transformative process at high temperatures, resulting in a durable, non-porous surface that offers superior protection against stains, scratches, and slips. Say goodbye to the hassle of maintenance with easy-to-clean ceramic tiles that effortlessly elevate the aesthetics of any space.
Be careful: if the glaze layer is thin, the color may gradually fade with time. While glazed tiles may be more vulnerable to damage on frequently walked surfaces, they are a provenly great choice for walls. The tile surface offers a range of options, including glossy, matte, or even abrasive finishes.
When choosing ceramic floor tiles, select those on which any potential damage won’t be readily noticeable. Light-toned tiles with glazed surfaces are not a good decision for flooring as they can be too slippery.
Porcelain Floor Tiles
Porcelain resembles ceramic but is made from a finer clay enriched with minerals, quartz, and feldspar. Compared to ceramic tiles, it is fired at considerably higher temperatures. Porcelain exhibits exceptional strength and durability. The distinguishing features of porcelain tiles encompass excellent resistance to moisture and low temperatures, remarkable resistance to wear, and a wider variety of colors and sizes.
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for heavily frequented areas and environments with high humidity degrees. Whether you prefer a polished, matte, or unglazed look, porcelain offers versatility in its finishes. And for those seeking the allure of natural stone, unglazed porcelain tiles boast an assortment of textured surfaces that convincingly imitate the real thing.