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
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.
Ceramic Tile Properties
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.
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.
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
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.
Ceramic Tile Properties
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.
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:
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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