When remodeling a bathroom, it is important to consider whether porcelain or ceramic tile is the better option. Since the bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in a home and a remodel can be quite costly, getting this choice right is essential.
Since the bathroom is the area of the house that gets the wettest, one of the first things a person should keep in mind is to make sure it is as durable and waterproof as possible. This is even more important than the color and design scheme. When choosing materials that are water resistant and durable, a person will need to think about not only the tile, but also what is placed behind the tile. There are two distinct characteristics that a person will need to look for in the tile. First, it should be load-bearing and capable of handling high-traffic. Second, the tile should be non-porous to avoid water seepage into the home. A person can then begin to look at secondary features such as aesthetics, cost and abrasion resistance after the two characteristics have been determined.
Picking the Tile
The two distinct types of tile that meet these requirements are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Due to modern manufacturing techniques, the costs of both types of tile fall well within the budget of most homeowners. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is largely because porcelain tiles are more dense and durable, which translates into better long-term performance.
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.
Options of Porcelain Tile
Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are tougher, denser and harder. They are even 30% stronger than granite. Non-glazed tiles are usually one color throughout their entire thickness, and all porcelain tiles are weather-resistant, even to frost. Porcelain tiles can be polished to a high sheen, and they allow for tighter grout lines. Since they are easier to cut into small sizes, porcelain tile is ideal for creating intricate patterns.
On the other hand, special cutting tools which require knowledge and training to use correctly must be utilized when working with porcelain. Additionally, latex acrylic mortar must be used as an adhesive. For larger tile sizes, it is essential that the substrate be truly flat to avoid breakage of the tiles when used in load-bearing applications like a bathroom floor.
Which Is the Better Choice?
One of the easiest ways to decide between the two is to consider how long a person will be living in the residence. For a short-term plan, ceramic tile is best since it is easier to install and less expensive. Those who are planning for the long-term, however, should consider porcelain because it offers premium durability. Anyone who is still on the fence, should always go with porcelain because its cost is worth the longevity it can provide.
Since the bathroom is the area of the house that gets the wettest, one of the first things a person should keep in mind is to make sure it is as durable and waterproof as possible. This is even more important than the color and design scheme. When choosing materials that are water resistant and durable, a person will need to think about not only the tile, but also what is placed behind the tile. There are two distinct characteristics that a person will need to look for in the tile. First, it should be load-bearing and capable of handling high-traffic. Second, the tile should be non-porous to avoid water seepage into the home. A person can then begin to look at secondary features such as aesthetics, cost and abrasion resistance after the two characteristics have been determined.
Picking the Tile
The two distinct types of tile that meet these requirements are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Due to modern manufacturing techniques, the costs of both types of tile fall well within the budget of most homeowners. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is largely because porcelain tiles are more dense and durable, which translates into better long-term performance.
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.
Options of Porcelain Tile
Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are tougher, denser and harder. They are even 30% stronger than granite. Non-glazed tiles are usually one color throughout their entire thickness, and all porcelain tiles are weather-resistant, even to frost. Porcelain tiles can be polished to a high sheen, and they allow for tighter grout lines. Since they are easier to cut into small sizes, porcelain tile is ideal for creating intricate patterns.
On the other hand, special cutting tools which require knowledge and training to use correctly must be utilized when working with porcelain. Additionally, latex acrylic mortar must be used as an adhesive. For larger tile sizes, it is essential that the substrate be truly flat to avoid breakage of the tiles when used in load-bearing applications like a bathroom floor.
Which Is the Better Choice?
One of the easiest ways to decide between the two is to consider how long a person will be living in the residence. For a short-term plan, ceramic tile is best since it is easier to install and less expensive. Those who are planning for the long-term, however, should consider porcelain because it offers premium durability. Anyone who is still on the fence, should always go with porcelain because its cost is worth the longevity it can provide.
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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