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Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering

2010-10-01 11:22:00

Ceramic or porcelain tiles?

Question: I am currently looking to put tile in my home, which is better Ceramic or Porcelain?

Answer: In the flooring industry, this question is asked on a daily basis. My reply is that they are both excellent products and if used properly can provide years of performance and enjoyment. The terms “porcelain” and “ceramic” are not terms that any national organizations use when referring to tile. They are terms used by retailers to define their products. Generally “porcelain” is defined as a non-vitreous white body, where as ceramic is a more vitreous body that can come in a white or red body. Both are usually glazed and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Like most things both have an application that they are best suited for. Ceramic tile is excellent for light to moderate traffic. They are not recommended for outdoor use because of their propensity to absorb moisture. In the winter, if they have moisture in the body and they freeze they will break or the glaze will “pop” off. It is generally a lower cost product that in most homes if installed properly and has the grout properly maintained, will last a lifetime. Porcelain tile is fired hotter and is more dense than ceramic, so porcelain does not need the surface to be glazed to keep the moisture out. They are a harder tile; therefore, they are more damage and wear resistant. Some porcelains are rated for commercial use. Porcelain can be made in larger sizes because of the process to make them. The bodies are stronger during the production process and makes for a sturdier finished product. As with the ceramic product it is important that porcelain tile be installed correctly and the grout properly maintained. When used and installed properly, both products are excellent for most homes and will provide years of trouble free service. More next month...