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.
While color and design are important things to decide when choosing tile, they are not the most important factors to consider. Because the bathroom is the area of the home most exposed to wet conditions, the first consideration when choosing tile must be its durability and its degree of water resistance. This includes not just the tile, but also the material that will be behind the tile. The tile must be load-bearing to handle the heavy traffic in the bathroom area and also non-porous to prevent water seepage into the underlying floor. While taking a back seat to these two considerations, abrasion-resistance, durability, cost, and aesthetics also factor into the decision.
Picking the Tile
Really, the only two choices that meet the above mentioned requirements are ceramic or porcelain tiles. Thanks to advances in manufacturing technology, both styles of tile are readily affordable. Ceramic is a little bit less expensive than porcelain tiles. However, porcelain is more dense and durable and will perform better over the long run.
Ceramic Tile Properties
Those who are new to tile installation will appreciate that ceramic tiles are easier to cut. They are also less expensive, stain resistant, difficult to scratch, easy to clean and readily available at most local distributors. Unfortunately, they are less durable than porcelain, and they are not typically "through-color". This means that the color within the tile may not be the same as it is on the surface. Ceramic is also more permeable than porcelain, which makes them less water-resistant.
Features of Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles. Thirty percent stronger than granite, they are resistant to the negative effects of weather, including frost. They are also generally of one color throughout if they are not glazed, and can be polished to a high sheen. They can be cut down to smaller sizes to create complex, beautiful patterns with tighter grout lines for added aesthetic appeal.
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 Option Is the Best?
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.
While color and design are important things to decide when choosing tile, they are not the most important factors to consider. Because the bathroom is the area of the home most exposed to wet conditions, the first consideration when choosing tile must be its durability and its degree of water resistance. This includes not just the tile, but also the material that will be behind the tile. The tile must be load-bearing to handle the heavy traffic in the bathroom area and also non-porous to prevent water seepage into the underlying floor. While taking a back seat to these two considerations, abrasion-resistance, durability, cost, and aesthetics also factor into the decision.
Picking the Tile
Really, the only two choices that meet the above mentioned requirements are ceramic or porcelain tiles. Thanks to advances in manufacturing technology, both styles of tile are readily affordable. Ceramic is a little bit less expensive than porcelain tiles. However, porcelain is more dense and durable and will perform better over the long run.
Ceramic Tile Properties
Those who are new to tile installation will appreciate that ceramic tiles are easier to cut. They are also less expensive, stain resistant, difficult to scratch, easy to clean and readily available at most local distributors. Unfortunately, they are less durable than porcelain, and they are not typically "through-color". This means that the color within the tile may not be the same as it is on the surface. Ceramic is also more permeable than porcelain, which makes them less water-resistant.
Features of Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles. Thirty percent stronger than granite, they are resistant to the negative effects of weather, including frost. They are also generally of one color throughout if they are not glazed, and can be polished to a high sheen. They can be cut down to smaller sizes to create complex, beautiful patterns with tighter grout lines for added aesthetic appeal.
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 Option Is the Best?
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:
Grout Medic Denver is an expert in tile and grout cleaning in Denver. They are recognized by tile and grout manufacturers as experts in the after care of grout and tile.
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