What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

Many buyers do not know at all what is best to choose for the internal and external facing of the floor and walls in their home. The most frequently asked question is regarding the choice between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Since both materials have their own characteristics, differences, as well as advantages and disadvantages, it is very important to know about them before making a future purchase.

Ceramic tiles never go out of fashion, it appeared a long time ago, but at the same time every year it becomes more and more in demand, regardless of the brand. The tile can be safely called one of the most relevant facing materials for various kinds of premises. It is bought both for private property and for public institutions.

Mostly tiles are made from natural materials and components.To which include: clay, sand, kaolin and some other substances. To create a high-quality tile, a mixture of natural raw materials is baked at a certain temperature, taking into account certain conditions. Additionally, ceramic tiles can be decorated with various patterns and patterns. It can also be covered with enamel and special glaze.

Today, many domestic and foreign brands offer a lot of tile options for every taste, color and wallet of the buyer. Among the widest range you can find glossy and matte options, as well as models in a variety of colors and with a variety of patterns.

Ceramic tile in all its properties is designed for the sparing conditions of private houses and apartments, unlike, for example, ceramic granite.Nevertheless, many experts believe that high quality tiles can compete with more sustainable and durable ceramic granite. This is ideal for home decoration, as the material is moisture-proof and durable.

When comparing tiles with porcelain stoneware, it should be understood that the latter is made from the same materials as ordinary tile. However, in the composition of porcelain stoneware it is possible to meet a special granite crumb, which partly makes this facing material more durable and resistant to external influences. But still, porcelain is considered more dense due to the special technology of roasting. In order to obtain this building material, a large baking temperature is required compared to conventional tile.

In this case, the porcelain tile is not just fired, but it is baked under a very high temperature., as a result, the components of its composition are practically soldered together. In addition, when creating a material, a large pressure is applied, as a result of which it is more waterproof at the outlet.

The main differences of porcelain from the usual tiles, in addition to some of the nuances in their manufacture, include the following:

• Increased resistance to external factors, wear resistance and durability. Porcelain tiles can withstand the strongest load, it is suitable even for industrial applications. Various chips and damage with a very strong impact on this material will be minimal. Scratches on it and does not appear at all for many years. With proper care, the floor or walls of this material can last for decades.
• Particular attention should be paid to permeability. In this case, the usual tiles are not so strong resistance to water. Although in general, its characteristics are quite suitable for home use.

• As for the thermal properties, they are mostly related to porcelain stoneware. This material can easily be called frost-resistant and fire-resistant according to all criteria. In case of accidental fire, this material will be able to keep the flame from spreading. And the fact that he is not afraid of sudden temperature changes, is a big bonus.
• Over time, poor-quality tile or tile can change its appearance, while porcelain tiles will look like new. In addition, the material does not require specialized care, the main thing is that it should be regular.

• Porcelain tile is not afraid of exposure to chemicals and any aggressive cleaning products and substances. He has excellent resilience. Even if acid or alkali is in contact with the material, it will remain unharmed.
• Even if the porcelain stoneware is installed in the place where the sun is constantly shining, it will not burn out and will not lose its properties. Many buyers buy it for installation in their summer houses, because he is not at all afraid of various weather conditions.

In general, it can be said that both tile and porcelain stoneware possess similar properties and characteristics. However, there are significant differences between them, as a result of which the tile is considered to be a weaker material, but quite suitable for choosing a private house, apartment or cottage. Any materials always differ among themselves, the most important thing is to choose them correctly in a particular case.

According to many professionals in their field, the main difference of these materials is not only in their technical characteristics, but also in the field of application, since each of them has its own advantages, disadvantages and unique properties. For standard wall cladding in the bathroom at home or in the kitchen, ordinary tile is ideal for many years. The average strength class of this type of material is exactly what is needed, because the influence of climatic, temperature and other factors from the outside inside the house will be minimal.

Ceramic granite tiles are perfect for industrial and public places, and are often chosen for saunas and baths. In addition, porcelain tile is suitable even for cladding facades of buildings, because even the most severe frosts are not afraid of it. However, if you are going to purchase this type of material for installation outdoors, it is best to choose a reliable company that sells quality products.

Often, designers and decorators choose porcelain stoneware for facing modern fireplaces, since this material is considered to be refractory.Now at high temperatures, you can no longer be afraid of cracks and chips. Even a tile of maximum strength and high class can hardly be compared with porcelain stoneware.

Many are wondering which of the materials is best to choose for the floor, because everything is clear with the wall covering. Ordinary tile and tile are suitable for the house at one hundred percent, in addition, modern types of tile are not subject to slip and under many of them you can install a floor heating system. For the hallway, as well as for the corridor and those rooms where people most often wear shoes, it is best to choose porcelain stoneware or tiles of the highest quality as a floor covering. If you want to lay out the steps of a private house with porcelain stoneware, it is better to use special linings on top of them, which will protect you from excessive sliding.

To create a kitchen apron or countertop fit classic kitchen tiles.

A more profitable acquisition, of course, will be the usual tile, since porcelain stoneware can cost many times more. Nevertheless, it is irrational to purchase tiles, for example, for the street, otherwise it will simply deteriorate and you will have to make a purchase again.

If you want to buy porcelain tiles for your home, but the price is too high, then boldly look for tiles of the highest class of resistance and durability. It, of course, will not replace porcelain stoneware for certain properties, but it will do just right for home use.

It is impossible to name a specific term that this or that material will serve you.

Everything will depend on certain factors, which include:

• The room where the wall covering or floor covering will be located.
• The conditions in which the material will be exploited.

• Frequency, intensity and nature of external influences.
• Frequency and quality of care.

If we compare the technical characteristics, then on them the ceramic granite will be more durable. However, it is designed for additional loads and various harsh conditions, which, for example, cannot be said of a tile that has been tested by time, but is ideal only for the home. With regular processing and high-quality cleaning, even a regular tile can serve a given time, and even many times more.

For sure to make the right choice in favor of a particular material, It is necessary to take into account a number of important factors, which include:

• Functional purpose of the room.
• The future load on the surface (often we are talking about the floor, and not the walls).
• Temperature mode and its possible differences.

• The possibility of receiving damage from the outside.
• It is also important to take into account the style of the room. Porcelain tiles or tiles should be as close as possible to the design of a particular room.

Tile and tile for a particular room is best to acquire medium or high-class resistance, especially if you want the material to serve you for many years. Preference in choosing should be given to trusted stores that have been engaged in the sale of floor and wall coverings for years.

You should not replace porcelain tiles with tiles when you need more serious characteristics of the materialotherwise, you risk the fact that the coverage will not serve you due date. In order to use the material as efficiently as possible, it is important to take into account all the characteristics of the future room where the coating will be located and only then choose between several options.

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, experts say in the following video.