A popular question during bathroom remodeling projects is whether to use ceramic or porcelain. The bathroom, is the most frequently used room in the home, and it can be the most expensive to remodel.
Since the bathroom is the area of the house that gets the wettest, one of the first things a person should keep in mind is to make sure it is as durable and waterproof as possible. This is even more important than the color and design scheme. When choosing materials that are water resistant and durable, a person will need to think about not only the tile, but also what is placed behind the tile. There are two distinct characteristics that a person will need to look for in the tile. First, it should be load-bearing and capable of handling high-traffic. Second, the tile should be non-porous to avoid water seepage into the home. A person can then begin to look at secondary features such as aesthetics, cost and abrasion resistance after the two characteristics have been determined.
Choosing 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.
Ceramic Tile Properties
Those who are new to tile installation will appreciate that ceramic tiles are easier to cut. They are also less expensive, stain resistant, difficult to scratch, easy to clean and readily available at most local distributors. Unfortunately, they are less durable than porcelain, and they are not typically "through-color". This means that the color within the tile may not be the same as it is on the surface. Ceramic is also more permeable than porcelain, which makes them less water-resistant.
Options 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.
The downside of porcelain is that a person needs special knowledge and training as well as specialized tools to cut it. It is recommended that latex acrylic mortar be used as an adhesive. Larger sized tiles need to be placed on a substrate that is very flat. If not they will break when a heavy load is put on them.
Determining the Best Option
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.
Since the bathroom is the area of the house that gets the wettest, one of the first things a person should keep in mind is to make sure it is as durable and waterproof as possible. This is even more important than the color and design scheme. When choosing materials that are water resistant and durable, a person will need to think about not only the tile, but also what is placed behind the tile. There are two distinct characteristics that a person will need to look for in the tile. First, it should be load-bearing and capable of handling high-traffic. Second, the tile should be non-porous to avoid water seepage into the home. A person can then begin to look at secondary features such as aesthetics, cost and abrasion resistance after the two characteristics have been determined.
Choosing 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.
Ceramic Tile Properties
Those who are new to tile installation will appreciate that ceramic tiles are easier to cut. They are also less expensive, stain resistant, difficult to scratch, easy to clean and readily available at most local distributors. Unfortunately, they are less durable than porcelain, and they are not typically "through-color". This means that the color within the tile may not be the same as it is on the surface. Ceramic is also more permeable than porcelain, which makes them less water-resistant.
Options 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.
The downside of porcelain is that a person needs special knowledge and training as well as specialized tools to cut it. It is recommended that latex acrylic mortar be used as an adhesive. Larger sized tiles need to be placed on a substrate that is very flat. If not they will break when a heavy load is put on them.
Determining the Best Option
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:
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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