ceramic and porcelain
Perhaps you are doing some research on what type of flooring to get for your home, and now you are down to either ceramic or porcelain. Both are fantastic options and do share similarities, but also have many differences as well. Below, we look at what's different between these two materials to hopefully give you a better idea of which one will work better for your home's needs. We will examine their make-up, pros, cons, best ways to use, cost, color, ease of use, and if the material is suitable for outdoor use.
Ceramic Tile
Make-up
Brown, red, or white clay. They are less dense and softer.
Pros
Cutting is easier, and they are priced lower than porcelain.
Cons
They absorb more water, which can lead to cracking when cold. More prone to staining, and less durable than porcelain tile.
Best ways to use
They work well for walls, spaces with little to no moisture is ideal, and areas where foot traffic isn't too heavy.
Cost
As previously mentioned above under pros, they are offered at lower price points compared to porcelain.
Colour
The color of these tiles is provided by their outer layer of glaze.
Ease of use
Because they are easier to cut, they are therefore easier to work with and deploy.
Suitable for outdoor use
Unfortunately, because they are bad when it comes to water, they shouldn't be used outdoors.
Brown, red, or white clay. They are less dense and softer.
Pros
Cutting is easier, and they are priced lower than porcelain.
Cons
They absorb more water, which can lead to cracking when cold. More prone to staining, and less durable than porcelain tile.
Best ways to use
They work well for walls, spaces with little to no moisture is ideal, and areas where foot traffic isn't too heavy.
Cost
As previously mentioned above under pros, they are offered at lower price points compared to porcelain.
Colour
The color of these tiles is provided by their outer layer of glaze.
Ease of use
Because they are easier to cut, they are therefore easier to work with and deploy.
Suitable for outdoor use
Unfortunately, because they are bad when it comes to water, they shouldn't be used outdoors.
Porcelain Tile
Make-up
Sand, white clay, and feldspar.
Pros
Less water absorbent, stain resistant, and more durable.
Cons
Cost more, harder to cut and shape, and the material is more brittle as well.
Best ways to use
High foot traffic can be nicely accommodated, and areas with higher moisture levels are just fine for this tile.
Cost
They have a higher purchase price versus ceramic.
Colour
The whole tile is a consistent color, and a glaze can be added to get the ideal color.
Ease of use
Cutting should be handled by a specialist, as it's tougher to work with than ceramic.
Suitable for outdoor use
Yes, this tile is just fine for outdoor use.
Sand, white clay, and feldspar.
Pros
Less water absorbent, stain resistant, and more durable.
Cons
Cost more, harder to cut and shape, and the material is more brittle as well.
Best ways to use
High foot traffic can be nicely accommodated, and areas with higher moisture levels are just fine for this tile.
Cost
They have a higher purchase price versus ceramic.
Colour
The whole tile is a consistent color, and a glaze can be added to get the ideal color.
Ease of use
Cutting should be handled by a specialist, as it's tougher to work with than ceramic.
Suitable for outdoor use
Yes, this tile is just fine for outdoor use.
National Interiors enjoys helping homeowners to improve their homes, and ceramic and porcelain are two materials that we firmly endorse for flooring needs. We want our clients to be very happy with anything that we do, so we listen closely to their needs, and then communicate options that would work quite well for them.
Our showroom is well situated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and we take care of clients in various Manitoba markets including Winnipeg, Brandon, Stonewall, Steinbach, and also Kenora, Ontario. Pick up your phone and give us a call now or even better, visit our showroom in the flesh to speak with our passionate and friendly team members, who will be pleased to help you out any way that you need.
Our showroom is well situated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and we take care of clients in various Manitoba markets including Winnipeg, Brandon, Stonewall, Steinbach, and also Kenora, Ontario. Pick up your phone and give us a call now or even better, visit our showroom in the flesh to speak with our passionate and friendly team members, who will be pleased to help you out any way that you need.
