A popular question during bathroom remodeling projects is whether to use ceramic or porcelain. The bathroom, is the most frequently used room in the home, and it can be the most expensive to remodel.
The bathroom is exposed to more moisture than any other part of the home, so the first thing to consider is making the bathroom as waterproof and as durable as possible. This is more important than picking the right colors or design. Care must be used to select the appropriate durable, water resistant material for the bathroom. This includes selecting the right tile as well as the material behind the tile. The right tile will be load-bearing, be able to handle high-traffic and be nonporous to prevent water from finding its way into the home. Additional characteristics would include cost, durability, abrasion resistance and aesthetics.
Picking the Tile
Really, the only two choices that meet the above mentioned requirements are ceramic or porcelain tiles. Thanks to advances in manufacturing technology, both styles of tile are readily affordable. Ceramic is a little bit less expensive than porcelain tiles. However, porcelain is more dense and durable and will perform better over the long run.
Characteristics of Ceramic Tile
For a person that's new to tile installation, the fact that ceramic tile is easier to cut is a plus. Ceramic is less expensive, holds up to scratches, is less likely to stain, is easy to clean and can be purchased anywhere. The negative side of ceramic is that it is not as durable as porcelain and is usually not through-color. This means that the color on the surface of the tile is not always the color on the inside of the tile. Ceramic is not as moisture resistant as porcelain.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are dense, hard, and tough. They are about 30 percent stronger than granite. Non-glazed porcelain tiles are usually the same color all the way through its thickness. They stand up to weather including frost and have a higher durability rating than ceramic. Polishing can give porcelain tiles a high sheen. Since porcelain tiles can be cut to smaller sizes, they can be used for complex patterns. They allow the installer to achieve tighter grout lines.
However, it should be taken into consideration that porcelain tiles require special tools for cutting that do require some specialized skills and knowledge. Latex acrylic mortar should be used as an adhesive, and a flat substrate is needed for large porcelain tiles if they will be used on a load-bearing surface in a high traffic area to avoid breakage.
Which Option Is the Best?
When deciding whether to use porcelain or ceramic tiles, the homeowner must take into account how long he or she intends to live in the home. For short-term use, ceramic tile may be the answer, as it is less expensive and easier to install. On the other hand, for long term use, porcelain is the better choice, because it is long-lasting and of higher quality overall. If cost is not a big factor, porcelain is the winning choice.
The bathroom is exposed to more moisture than any other part of the home, so the first thing to consider is making the bathroom as waterproof and as durable as possible. This is more important than picking the right colors or design. Care must be used to select the appropriate durable, water resistant material for the bathroom. This includes selecting the right tile as well as the material behind the tile. The right tile will be load-bearing, be able to handle high-traffic and be nonporous to prevent water from finding its way into the home. Additional characteristics would include cost, durability, abrasion resistance and aesthetics.
Picking the Tile
Really, the only two choices that meet the above mentioned requirements are ceramic or porcelain tiles. Thanks to advances in manufacturing technology, both styles of tile are readily affordable. Ceramic is a little bit less expensive than porcelain tiles. However, porcelain is more dense and durable and will perform better over the long run.
Characteristics of Ceramic Tile
For a person that's new to tile installation, the fact that ceramic tile is easier to cut is a plus. Ceramic is less expensive, holds up to scratches, is less likely to stain, is easy to clean and can be purchased anywhere. The negative side of ceramic is that it is not as durable as porcelain and is usually not through-color. This means that the color on the surface of the tile is not always the color on the inside of the tile. Ceramic is not as moisture resistant as porcelain.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are dense, hard, and tough. They are about 30 percent stronger than granite. Non-glazed porcelain tiles are usually the same color all the way through its thickness. They stand up to weather including frost and have a higher durability rating than ceramic. Polishing can give porcelain tiles a high sheen. Since porcelain tiles can be cut to smaller sizes, they can be used for complex patterns. They allow the installer to achieve tighter grout lines.
However, it should be taken into consideration that porcelain tiles require special tools for cutting that do require some specialized skills and knowledge. Latex acrylic mortar should be used as an adhesive, and a flat substrate is needed for large porcelain tiles if they will be used on a load-bearing surface in a high traffic area to avoid breakage.
Which Option Is the Best?
When deciding whether to use porcelain or ceramic tiles, the homeowner must take into account how long he or she intends to live in the home. For short-term use, ceramic tile may be the answer, as it is less expensive and easier to install. On the other hand, for long term use, porcelain is the better choice, because it is long-lasting and of higher quality overall. If cost is not a big factor, porcelain is the winning choice.
About the Author:
Many certified technicians are qualified with their many years of experience at Grout Medic Denver. They also can dogrout staining to match your newly installed tiles.
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