 | Doug Brennon has been in the carpet/flooring industry for 20 years. He has been the corporate store manager for Derailed Commodity for the last 6 years. For more information please call 620-395-2141 or visit www.derailedcommodity.com. |
Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2012-03-27 10:15:51
Difference between ceramic and porcelain tile
Q: We decided to take on some home improvement projects and have a few questions on tile. First, what is the difference between ceramic and porcelain? I notice that many people seem to use the term interchangeably. Next, what is the PEI? Should I be looking for a high or low PEI, or does it matter? The tile projects we are considering include the entryway, an outdoor living room area, and if we survive those, the bathroom.
A: You are not alone in your confusion! Most people use the term “ceramic tile” as a generic term for all tile, but there is a difference, which mainly has to do with composition.
Ceramic is composed of clay mixed with various minerals and water. To achieve the hardness, the composition is then processed with heat. Ceramic material is porous, so the surface is usually sealed with a glaze. The glazed surface is referred to as the design layer since it determines the tile’s finished color, design and texture.
True porcelain tile is mostly composed of finely-ground sand. Processing porcelain tiles involves pressure and intense heat. The result is a dense, glass-like material with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Because of its density and composition of natural ingredients, porcelain tile has all the same excellent qualities of glazed ceramic, which may be why so many people confuse the two products.
The PEI rating (The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating) classifies tile from 0 to 5 and is an indication of how much abuse the tile was designed to withstand. You will want to use this in determining if the tile is a good fit for your intended use. For example, a class 0 is not intended for foot traffic and should not be used on floors. Class 5 is suited for heavy traffic and best for entryways.
You may want to consider contacting individual manufacturers and asking which of their products are best suited for outside spaces and if they are able to withstand freezing.
