How to Tell the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile?

There are two main types of tile: porcelain and ceramic. Both are made from clay, however, there are some differences. If you’re thinking about replacing your flooring, you may want to learn the difference between the two materials. 

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Ceramic tiles are usually less porous than porcelain, which is a great thing if you are planning on using them indoors. They can also be glazed. This makes them easier to clean, and you won’t need to worry about your tiles absorbing moisture. However, they are not as durable as porcelain. You should always keep your ceramic tiles clean to avoid damage to the tiles. 

Porcelain tiles are made from a much denser clay than ceramic, so they are more resistant to moisture. The process of making porcelain tiles involves heating the clay at high temperatures, then compacting it under extreme pressure. Once the dust has been compacted, it is dyed to the desired color. It is then fired, which helps to make it extremely durable. 

Porcelain tile can be shaped to resemble a wide variety of materials. These tiles can mimic natural stone, wood, or even high-maintenance flooring types. As a result, these tiles are highly versatile. With the right design and maintenance, they can last for years. But before you buy them, you need to know what they are and what they’re for. 

Porcelain is usually about 40% more expensive than ceramic tiles. However, it has a number of advantages, including better durability and chip resistance. In addition, porcelain is extremely allergen-friendly. Not only will it last for a long time, it is also easy to maintain. Unlike ceramic, it will not hold on to any allergens. Moreover, it can be used outdoors without any problems. 

Although both products are made from clay, porcelain is manufactured with a higher temperature and longer processing times. Porcelain tile is also denser, so it will feel heavier when you walk on it. Additionally, it can withstand sub-zero temperatures, so it’s ideal for patios and other outdoor applications. 

The bottom line is that porcelain is a good choice for heavy traffic, while ceramic is best for light traffic. If you need to know how to tell the difference between these two kinds of tiles, you should first look at their PEI ratings. A rating of 3 and under is generally the minimum, and it’s important to note that the colouring of each individual tile can affect the rating. 

For this reason, you should ask your manufacturer or showroom about their PEI ratings. Be sure to check for variations between individual tiles to ensure you’re getting the highest quality. 

There are also several different colors and styles of porcelain tiles. Some have a glaze on top, while others are not. Glazed tiles are more stain-resistant and durable, but they don’t offer the same slip-resistance as unglazed tiles. Also, they tend to be harder to cut than ceramic. 

You can also choose from many different patterns. For instance, you can find contemporary porcelain tiles that are made to look like marble, glass, or other materials. Many of the contemporary versions have inkjet printing processes that create realistic-looking tiles.