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.
Selecting 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.
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.
Porcelain Tiles
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.
Which Option Is the Best?
To answer that question, the homeowner must first ask themselves how long they intend to live in the home. If it is for a short duration, then ceramic tiles are a good option. They cost less to install and are easier to install. However, if they plan on staying in the home long-term then porcelain tiles are the better option. They will last for a long time, and they are considered to be the premium option. If a homeowner is still confused, the best bet is to purchase porcelain as long as they can afford it.
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.
Selecting 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.
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.
Porcelain Tiles
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.
Which Option Is the Best?
To answer that question, the homeowner must first ask themselves how long they intend to live in the home. If it is for a short duration, then ceramic tiles are a good option. They cost less to install and are easier to install. However, if they plan on staying in the home long-term then porcelain tiles are the better option. They will last for a long time, and they are considered to be the premium option. If a homeowner is still confused, the best bet is to purchase porcelain as long as they can afford it.
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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