One question that is commonly asked regarding a remodel is whether or not is best to use ceramic or porcelain tile in a bathroom. Everyone can agree that bathrooms are one area of the house that tends to be the busiest, and they can be an expensive room 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.
Choosing Tile
There are only two main choices that provide the need for water-resistance and durability, and those are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Today, modern manufacturing techniques have made both options affordable for homeowners. However, it is important to note that porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is balanced by the better performance porcelain tile can provide in the long run due to its greater durability and density.
Characteristics of Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are easier to cut, which may be important for those new to tile installation. They are more inexpensive than porcelain. Other advantages include stain resistance, scratch-resistance, availability, and the ease with which they can be cleaned. Disadvantages of ceramic tiles include the fact that they are less durable, and are generally not "through-color", which means that the color inside the tile may not be the same as the color on its surface. Additionally, ceramic tile is more permeable than porcelain, meaning that it is not as water resistant.
Features of Porcelain Tile
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.
Determining the Best Option
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.
Choosing Tile
There are only two main choices that provide the need for water-resistance and durability, and those are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Today, modern manufacturing techniques have made both options affordable for homeowners. However, it is important to note that porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles. This is balanced by the better performance porcelain tile can provide in the long run due to its greater durability and density.
Characteristics of Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are easier to cut, which may be important for those new to tile installation. They are more inexpensive than porcelain. Other advantages include stain resistance, scratch-resistance, availability, and the ease with which they can be cleaned. Disadvantages of ceramic tiles include the fact that they are less durable, and are generally not "through-color", which means that the color inside the tile may not be the same as the color on its surface. Additionally, ceramic tile is more permeable than porcelain, meaning that it is not as water resistant.
Features of Porcelain Tile
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.
Determining the Best Option
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:
In Denver, Grout Medic is the foremost expert on grout and tile cleaning. Their many years of experience inrepairing cracked tiles ensures quality tile and grout restoration.
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