When you head to purchase tiles for your projects, one of the major concerns that you might have is which tile to choose. There are many kinds of tiles available in the market. Each of them has distinct characteristics and variations to choose from.
You may even have to research creating a comparison between different kinds of tiles. If you are also looking to choose between glazed porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles, this guide could greatly help.It comprises a comparison of these two kinds of tiles in every aspect, making it easier to decide which tile you should invest in according to your project.So, let’s read this guide below and learn about glazed porcelain and ceramic tiles.You can also click here to read Glazed or Unglazed: How to Figure it Out in Porcelain Tiles?
There are many differences between glazed porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles, and you will find some similarities too. In most of the applications, the use of ceramic and glazed porcelain tile is equal; hence, they both can be used.Whereas in some applications, their characteristics take priority in suiting that area, and hence they are used according to that characteristic.Some of the significant differences between the two kinds of tiles are discussed below:
Composition and Manufacturing
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles are manufactured with refined clay, and this clay is also combined with some other natural minerals creating a very sturdy and remarkable tile. The production process of these tiles consists of subjecting them to high temperatures, ensuring that the tile formed is less porous and more compact.These tiles are subjected to a layer of glazing that adds a glossy surface, and along with enhancing the visual appeal of the tile, it also acts as a protective layer for the tile.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are manufactured using clay and have some additives, but they are more porous and less dense when compared to porcelain tiles. These are manufactured through the stage of firing, but they are subjected to lesser temperatures as compared to porcelain ones.The layer of glazing can also be applied on the ceramic tiles, which are either glossy or matte finish, and the glaze resists wear and tear on these tiles.
The durability of the Tile
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
The glazed porcelain tiles consist of a dense composition. When fired at high temperatures, a lot of durability is attained, which helps resist cracking and chipping off in the tiles.Glazed porcelain tiles are widely used in areas where there is high foot traffic. Hence, it is suitable for outdoor and commercial installation and may handle a bustling place.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are even more durable but tend to get damaged and are suitable for areas with less bustling and less foot traffic.Hence, ceramic tiles are suitable for applications in indoor spaces comprising kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. These tiles are suitable for everyday use and, at the same time, even enhance the beauty of the flooring.If you don’t know how to choose bathroom tiles, you can click to know Tips for Choosing Bathroom Tiles.
Maintenance of Tiles
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles are highly ideal when looking for an easy-to-clean and easy-to-maintain solution. They have a low level of porosity, making them easy to clean. They resist moisture and stains, and proper cleaning and maintenance ensure their appearance is maintained in the long run.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are highly porous, and hence they need frequent maintenance. They tend to capture stains and even let moisture penetrate. They need proper regular cleaning to maintain their appearance in the long run.These tiles even need frequency replacement because they develop stains after installation.
Cost Consideration
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
The cost of glazed porcelain tiles is high at the initial stage because they are costly; however, compared to their durability, it justifies the cost. If properly maintained, these tiles can be used for years and years in good shape.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are quite affordable, and this is because of their simple manufacturing process and their capability to suit different applications. The cost of ceramic tiles is less initially, but they need a lot to be spent on their maintenance and repairs; hence you have to keep on spending in the longer run on these tiles.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles are available in many colors and patterns and even different textures so that users can create different spaces with improved aesthetics and visual appearance. They are even available in natural stone and wooden designs.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles also have many options in terms of designs, and you can even use them in multiple decorative interior settings and hence the spaces. However, compared to the design options available in the porcelain tiles, the ceramic tiles offer narrow choices.
Installation of Tiles
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Installing the glazed porcelain tiles is challenging, takes time, and requires precision. An expert professional should do this with enough expertise and knowledge to exercise the necessary control while installing the tiles.These tiles are hard to cut and need a lot of effort; therefore, installing the glazed porcelain tiles requires a professional process.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are straightforward to install and are not even too complex in terms of cutting. Due to their simple and quick installation, these can also be installed as a DIY project.It just so happens that we have an article about DIY Guide to Glaze Ceramic Tile at Home, if you are interested, you can click to read it.
Application of Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles are found to be very commonly installed in different areas, and some of these applications may include the following:
Floor Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles are ideal for flooring purposes and are used on commercial and residential surfaces. These tiles can handle high foot traffic and may withstand harsh conditions.
They have the capability to withstand a bustling crowd and are long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. Hence, they prove to be highly suitable for flooring applications.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Glazed porcelain tiles are ideal for bathrooms and kitchens and can resist wear and tear and stay intact in the long run. They are very easy to clean and maintain. Hence, the moisture and stains caused can be wiped off quickly in the bathrooms.On the other hand, when installed in the kitchen as counter tops or backslash, they can easily be cleaned and have a massive variety to blend with different kitchen layouts.
Staircases
The glazed porcelain tiles are widely used for stairs, offer a very stylish look, and last long, allowing the staircase to look aesthetically appealing and creative with different and trendy patterns.
Commercial Areas
The glazed porcelain tiles are highly durable and are suitable for offices, hotels, and restaurants. They can handle the high foot traffic usually present in such places and stay the way they are.
Outdoor Applications
If you need to look for tiles that suit outdoor applications like terraces and patios, you can opt for glazed porcelain tiles. These add beauty to the outdoor area and, simultaneously, can resist harsh weather conditions without losing their durability.
Feature Walls
Glazed porcelain tiles have many colors, textures, and patterns, which are ideal when used for feature walls to improve the interiors of any place. It helps to add a visual appeal and a point of focus to any room, enhancing its design.
Application of Ceramic Tiles
The ceramic tiles can also be used at various places, and some of these applications are as follows:
Swimming Pools
Ceramic tiles are water resistant and ideal for the swimming pool’s walls and flooring to ensure slip resistance. Since the surroundings of a swimming pool are equipped with a lot of moisture, the chance of slipping is high. By installing ceramic tiles, the chances of falling could be reduced.
Backsplashes
Ceramic tiles are usually chosen as the perfect option for the backsplashes because they are easy to maintain; hence, they could easily be cleaned up if something splashes on them.
Outdoor Application
Some ceramic tiles are designed specifically to be used for outdoor areas like patios and balconies, adding a stylish and durable touch to these places.
Fireplaces
Ceramic tiles are used on the fireplaces’ surroundings, enhancing the area with a touch of elegance and adding a stylish look and point of focus.
Wall Tiles
Ceramic tiles are even used as wall tiles, sometimes as a complete wall and sometimes as a particular section, only to add visual interest to the walls. These tiles are popular for the walls of living rooms, corridors, etc.
Commercial Applications
Ceramic tiles are widely popular in commercial settings like offices, restaurants, and retail stores on the floors and walls, adding a beautiful enhancement to the area.
Public Areas
Public areas like libraries, community centers, and even schools may also have ceramic tiles because they are easy to maintain and clean.
Conclusion
Going through this guide must have given you a lot of understanding of these tiles, and according to your requirement, now decision-making must have been easier.The guide above highlights apparent differences between glazed porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles and will help you select if you are deciding which one to opt for.
Related Reading:Everything You Need to Know About Glazed Porcelain Tiles