Are floor tiles ceramic or porcelain

Are floor tiles ceramic or porcelain. In short, floor tiles can be either. However, these two tile types are made from different materials and manufactured differently and this impacts their durability. It also affects their water resistance which in turn affects how they perform in different areas inside and outside the home. So let’s take a look at the key characteristics of both ceramic and porcelain tiles and find out more about these materials.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are made from a mix of fine clays and minerals and fired at very high temperatures and this makes them denser and heavier than ceramic tiles. It’s also this mix of raw materials and heat that makes porcelain exceptionally hardwearing.

Durability

Porcelain tiles are superbly durable. If you are looking for floor tiles that bear all the hallmarks of excellence then look no further than a high quality porcelain tile. This is a material that will easily cope with the demands of every-day life and won’t look any worse for the wear. Not only is this material brilliantly hardwearing, it is also highly scratch and stain resistant. Whilst it’s always wise to clear up spillages promptly, because porcelain has a porosity level of less than 0.5% it doesn’t stain easily.

Porosity

It’s this low level of porosity that makes porcelain tiles perfectly suited to outdoor spaces too. So that sweeping patio, cosy courtyard or stepping stone pathway you have always wanted are all easily achievable with porcelain. Porcelain tiles make a brilliant contemporary patio material. Unlike the more rustic appeal of slate or stone, porcelain tiles deliver a flush, architectural finish to spaces. All our external porcelain tiles have rectified or straight tile edges and this means grout lines are down to a few mm, all of which adds to the feeling of crisp, clean lines.

Cost

Porcelain tiles can prove to be more expensive than ceramic tiles, but not in all cases. That said, even if they are a little more costly their hardiness more than makes up for it. A well installed porcelain tile will just last. Porcelain tiles can also prove a little trickier to cut than a slightly softer ceramic tile so they can take slightly longer to install which can impact cost. If you are looking for wall tiles too it can be a good idea to opt for hardwearing porcelain tiles for the floor and ceramic tiles for the walls.

Application

Porcelain tiles are perfect for use across the whole home. Whether it is the kitchen, the bathroom, the bootroom, the lounge, the dining area, the patio, the hallway, snug or office, this material will elevate the floors and walls in your home and. In fact, many of our porcelain tiles are perfect for commercial spaces too which just goes to show that porcelain will easily take the thrills and spills of everyday home life in its stride. Porcelain tiles are also available in different slip ratings making them more versatile for spaces that may need more grip such as wetrooms.

Maintenance

This is where porcelain really does come into its own. Porcelain tiles are very easy to look after. They do need a thorough clean down after initial installation to remove all the organic dirt, debris and grout that may be sitting on the surface – and it is important to do this properly. Once this is thoroughly removed, it’s a mop and warm water and occasionally a cleaner formulated for porcelain tiles.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from clay and baked at lower temperatures than porcelain tiles, so they are usually lighter in weight and softer. This makes them more suited to areas with lower traffic and footfall so if you are using them for floors, it is worth noting they are not as hardwearing as porcelain tiles. Plus, some ceramic tiles are only suitable for walls.

Durability

Ceramic tiles are strong however they are not as durable as porcelain tiles so it’s worth thinking about where to use them in the home. If you are considering them for floors then they are better for areas that won’t have high wear and tear and footfall.

Porosity

Ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate, so this makes them better for indoor areas so ceramic tiles are not suitable for external patios.

Cost

Ceramic tiles can be less expensive than porcelain tiles and it isn’t just the fact they cost less up front, they are easier to cut because they are softer than porcelain tiles and this makes them easier and faster to install.

Application

Ceramic tiles are better suited to domestic settings. They can be used across the home in areas and spaces with more moderate footfall. They are not as hardy or robust as porcelain so for floors it is worth weighing up the options. However, for walls, ceramic tiles are a great option. Because they are easier to cut than porcelain, they are a very good choice for bathrooms which tend to be smaller spaces with more awkward angles and corners.

Maintenance

None of our ceramic tiles need sealing so they are super easy to look after and clean. Just like porcelain it is important they are cleaned down correctly after initial install. From there it is a mop and warm water with the occasional clean with a product formulated for ceramic tiles.

Ceramic vs Porcelain

Opt for a ceramic tile if you want a budget friendly floor with light to moderate use.

Or pick porcelain if you want a tile that is great for busy areas, is long lasting or want a tile for outdoor areas.

To sum up

So, are floor tiles ceramic or porcelain? The answer is either material can be used for floor tiles but they each have their own characteristics. If you have an area that won’t get heavy use, then a more budget friendly ceramic tile could be the answer. Or if you need durability and high water resistance for busy bathrooms, kitchens and outside areas then porcelain could be a better choice.

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The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.

Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Are floor tiles ceramic or porcelain