Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles
Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom goes beyond just selecting a style, colour and finish. When selecting your bathroom tiles, it’s important to take into account what the tile is made out of and how suitable it is for your space.
The two main types of tiles are porcelain and ceramic, and the difference between the two is slight. A tile is categorised as porcelain or ceramic based on the materials they’re made from and how well they absorb water. Many people don’t realise there are different types of tiles available to them, as regardless of whether you’ve chosen a ceramic or porcelain tile, your tiler will likely install it in the same way. Both types of tiles also have similar glazing, making the difference between the two even more difficult to spot.
The type of tile that is most suitable for your needs will depend on how you plan to use your space, including the level of waterproofing, plus your style and budget. Generally, porcelain tiles are more suitable for rooms with high levels of moisture and ceramic tiles are more suitable for DIY builders and people without enough experience to work with porcelain tiles.
When making the decision between porcelain or ceramic tiles for bathroom use, understanding the difference between the two will help you select the best tile for your needs.
The Pros and Cons of: Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles
Depending on the requirements of your build, including whether you’re completing the project yourself and your budget, there are a number of pros and cons to both porcelain and ceramic tiles. The tiles that are best for you will be determined by your individual needs.
Porcelain Tiles
PROS
CONS
Denser
Porcelain tiles are harder and more dense than ceramic tiles, due to being fired at a higher temperature and being made of white clay, feldspar and sand.
More Costly
The better quality of porcelain tiles results in them being more costly than ceramic tiles. While the initial investment is greater, it is repaid through the longevity of the tiles and the unlikelihood of porcelain tiles needing to be replaced in the future.
Waterproof and Hard-wearing
These tiles absorb significantly less water than their ceramic counterparts and therefore are more hard-wearing. This makes porcelain tiles more suitable for wet areas of the home, such as bathrooms.
Longer Lasting
Porcelain tiles often last longer than ceramic tiles when in places with high foot traffic and wet areas. As a result, porcelain is the best option for people looking to minimise the likelihood of their tiles becoming broken or damaged in an often-used, wet environment.
Ceramic Tiles
PROS
CONS
Less Dense
Ceramic tiles can be made with white, brown or red clay which makes them less dense than porcelain tiles. This makes them easier to install than porcelain tiles.
Low Traffic Areas Only
Ceramic tiles are significantly softer than porcelain tiles, and while this has its benefits, it means they shouldn’t be used in areas with high foot traffic. The gentle nature of the tiles means they are more prone the breaking under pressure.
Easy to Use
The softer of the two materials, ceramic tiles are often easier to use and are more suitable for DIY-ers and people without tiling experience.
Inside-use Only
Once again, due to the softness of ceramic tiles, they can only be used inside. This will limit the number of places your tiles can be used and minimises the applications that ceramic tiles are appropriate for.
Wall & Floor Decor
Ceramic tiles can be used to decorate both the walls and floors of your home, as long as they’re not used for the entirety of the floors. This type of tile is perfect as a decorative piece that adds vibrancy and intricate detail to your space.
Less Robust
In rare instances, ceramic tiles can crack when the weather gets cold. This lack of resilience can cause unnecessary stress on homeowners who will have to replace the tiles out of their own pocket.
Less Costly
Less costly than porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are more accessible for the everyday person to use and experiment with. However, the lesser cost and quality can often mean that ceramic tiles need to be replaced more often, so this is important to consider when selecting ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Chat about Tiles with the Experts
At Victorian Bathroom Company, we understand just how important it is to choose the right tile for your bathroom.
When it comes to bathrooms, opting for porcelain tiles will mean you get significantly more longevity from your renovation and be able to enjoy the luxuries of a quality renovation for the years to come.
Our professionally trained team use only the highest quality materials for all new bathroom builds and renovations, ensuring that all our customers receive bathrooms that are functional and stylish.
To discuss the most suitable tiles for your requirements or chat about your next bathroom renovation, give Victorian Bathroom Company a call today on (03) 9909 5350 or request a consultation and we will be in touch.
