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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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 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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