Articles

Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile

Tile of either ceramic or porcelain is a mixture of clays that have been shaped and fired at high temperatures. In unglazed tile, the color runs throughout the body. Porcelain tile, though it has a delicate beauty, is extremely dense and strong, providing a tight bond against moisture, frost, wear and breakage. For these reasons, it usually commands a higher price than ceramic tile. Natural stone tile, such as travertine, marble, slate, quartzite and granite, is a natural quarried product. Many ceramic tiles mimic the look of stone quite beautifully.  Compared to ceramic tile, porcelain tile:

• Is superior in value, durability, color and design
• Has clear, bright color that goes throughout the tile body, rather than being applied as a surface glaze
• Requires the finest natural ingredients and a rigidly controlled manufacturing process using the most advanced processes and technology
• Is considerably denser and more impervious to wear
• Has a much lower rate of water absorption, so it’s suitable for interiors and exteriors in all climates
• Is considered frost-proof
• Has greater breaking strength:  390-400 pounds vs. 250 for ceramic tile
• Is fired at extremely high temperatures, becoming 30% harder than natural stone (like granite and marble)
• Costs less than solid-surface products and natural stones
• Offers easy installation, wipe-clean maintenance and an incredible range of color options

• Verifies appropriate water absorption
• Assures buyer of desired quality and wear characteristics
• Increases seller credibility
• Reduces liability to US distributors
• Is renewed every three years for each tile, so consistent standards are maintained
• Helps ensure use of proper tile for the job, reducing expensive installation failure

Provided by shawfloors.com