This is a common question when thinking about installing tile. We tend to think that they are one and the same, using the names interchangeably. What is the true difference between? Is there any real difference? For the do-it-yourselfer and the couple thinking of having a home built there are some key differences between ceramic and porcelain that you’ll need to know about before you make your choice and make your purchase.
What is Porcelain?
Is this just a fancy way of saying ceramic? Well in short, yes and no. Porcelain is a part of the ceramic family. However, there are differences that cause its price to be higher than that of ceramic. Some of the differences are:
Do these make it worth it to spend a little extra? It all depends on what you’re wanting out of your tile. If you’re using the tile in places of higher moisture then you’re going to want to use the tile that has a lower absorption rate. These places would include outside and the bathroom. In addition to this the durability for porcelain is PEI rated. Porcelain is consistent at a 5 meaning that it is good for heavy residential and commercial traffic. Ceramic has a rating between 0 and 5 and can be installed anywhere but tends to be lower on the scale. Making sure that you give thought to where you’re going to put it and how it will be used is important in helping you to decide if you should get ceramic or porcelain.
What Does Certified Even Mean?
Porcelain is costlier, tile companies can get enthusiastic or even be dishonest. The Porcelain Time Certification Agency makes sure that you’re getting with what you pay for by certifying tile as true porcelain or not. When looking at buying tile you want to make sure that it is “Certified Porcelain Tile”.
Is There Any Up Side to Ceramic?
Well the price is certainly an upside to ceramic. There is an upside to it being a softer material though. The softness comes from not being as dense as porcelain, this means that the less dense ceramic is easier to cut. This means that it’s easier for the do-it-yourselfer and the less experienced tile installer.
There are many things to consider when it comes to picking your tile. One of the biggest things to consider is the budget that you have. Make sure to think about how the tile will be used, the stress, and climate that it will be under. The Grout Medic understands how hard it can be to take care of tile. If you’re thinking about retiling your shower or kitchen floor, call the Grout Medic today. We can make your original tile look like new at only the fraction of the cost! We also give free home estimates.
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