What Is the Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile?

Read more: What Is the Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8060544_difference-between-ceramic-porcelaintile.html#ixzz2KIlMaNvv The first decision you should make when installing tiles in your home is choosing between ceramic and porcelain tile. The biggest difference between ceramic and porcelain tile starts with their composition, which not only determines a tile's color and texture, but its density, durability and uses. Though choosing a type of tile seems daunting at first, understanding these differences will make finding the type of tile that best suits your needs much less overwhelming Ceramic Composition and Processing

Ceramic is made mostly of red or white clay mixed with various minerals and water and is fired in a kiln to solidify. Because ceramic is porous, or more likely to absorb water, the top surface of ceramic tile is usually sealed with a glaze, creating a design layer that determines the tile's finished color, design and texture. Porcelain is made mostly of finely ground sand and highly refined and purified clays and is processed at a temperature much higher than that of ceramic. The finished product is a glasslike tile that is denser and, with a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent, less porous than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is sometimes glazed for extra durability, though glazing is not always necessary.

Porcelain Composition and Processing

Durability

Glazed ceramic tile is not only durable and long-lasting but is one of the easiest surfaces to clean and does not absorb odors, allergens or bacteria. However, ceramic tile has a high water absorption rate, making it less stain- and frost-resistant, while porcelain tile has a low water absorption rate, so it is less likely to absorb moisture and is more stain- and frost-resistant. Porcelain tile is also more durable than ceramic tile, as porcelain tile's higher density makes it more resistant to wear, chipping and other damage than ceramic tile. Ceramic tile is best suited for indoor walls and floors with light to moderate traffic, as it is more susceptible to wear, chipping and cracking. Porcelain tile is suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas with light to heavy traffic due to its higher density and durability. However, because of its hardness and high density, porcelain tile is harder to cut and shape during installation.

Suitability

Vitrified Tiles Vs. Ceramic Tiles By Tyler Lacoma, eHow Contributor

Read more: Vitrified Tiles Vs. Ceramic Tiles | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6648480_vitrified-tiles-vs_-ceramictiles.html#ixzz2KIkun2CX There is more than one type of ceramic tile. Homeowners typically choose ceramic tile because it is more affordable than stone, while offering more color options and similar durability. However, both porcelain and vitrified tiles are also types of ceramic that can be used for a wider variety of applications. Vitrified tiles are the most unique, since alternative ingredients are used to make them. Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are simply clay tiles that have been molded into tile shapes and cooked in batch inside a kiln, where heat hardens the clay permanently. These tiles are rigid, durable, and longlasting. They resist heat very well and manufacturers coat them with glazes to give them protection against water and different colors or patterns. Vitrified tiles are also made from clay, but they have additional ingredients, like silica, quartz, and feldspar. When these ingredients cook inside a kiln, they melt and form a glass substrate throughout the tile. This glass addition makes vitrified tiles very strong and smooth, with far fewer pores in their surfaces than ceramic tiles. Vitrified tiles are much better at resisting water than ceramic tiles. Homeowners should choose vitrified tiles if they want tiles in a wet location, or outdoors, where water can seep into the tile and freeze in colder months, cracking the tile as the moisture expands. Vitrified tiles are nearly water proof and will last much longer around moisture than ceramic versions. Vitrified tiles are not usually glazed. Instead, a dye is mixed in with the clay to change the entire color of the mixture. After it has been fired, the tile is either polished to a sheen or left in a rougher unpolished state. This means that if a vitrified tile is scratch, it will retain the same color and properties as before, but ceramic tiles have a glaze that can be scratched off. Vitrified tiles are slightly more difficult to install than ceramic tiles. Their nonporous surfaces resist other substances, including adhesives that ceramic readily accept. Installers must use special cement-based glues when installing vitrified tiles, which are more expensive and raise the cost of buying and laying the tile.

Vitrified

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Difference Between Ceramic Tiles & Vitrified Tiles By Tyler Lacoma, eHow Contributor

Read more: Difference Between Ceramic Tiles & Vitrified Tiles | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6646531_difference-ceramic-tiles-vitrifiedtiles.html#ixzz2KIjzEEgj When considering tile, there is usually a choice between ceramic, plastic and stone. If you choose ceramic tile, you may narrow the choice down to either original ceramic or porcelain, depending on your preference. However, there is another type of ceramic tile available, commonly called vitrified or glass tile. These tiles are similar to traditional ceramic versions, but are much less porous and are suitable for a wider range of projects.Does this Spark an idea?

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay that is mixed with water and molded. Creators apply a glaze to the tile to help protect it from water and scratches, then fire the clay in a kiln to harden it. Ceramic tiles can come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, but they must always be glazed for protection. Vitrified tiles are very similar to ceramic tiles, but are made with slightly different elements. The clay is mixed with quartz and feldspar before it is heated in the kiln. These extra ingredients melt, creating a glass element inside the tile. This glass component makes the vitrified files very hard and resistant to any type of absorption.

Vitrified Tiles

Applications

Inside, homeowners can use ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles for the same applications, such as floors and countertops. Outside, however, water becomes a very important factor in cold climates, since only a small amount of moisture can freeze in winter months and crack the tile. Vitrified tile has an absorption rate of 0.50 percent, which is nearly-frost proof, while ceramic tile ranges from 7 to 3 percent, making it unsuitable for outdoor applications. Ceramic tile prices range considerably, depending on custom work and size. They tend to cost between $8 and $20 dollars per square foot. Vitrified tiles cost a couple of dollars more per square foot because of their extra qualities. Vitrified tiles also need a stronger adhesive than ceramic tiles, which can cost more in installation. Vitrified tiles, unlike ceramic tiles, are rarely glazed. Instead, a dye is mixed in with the clay before it is fired. This dye makes the clay a uniform color, so even if the vitrified tile is scratched, the color will stay the same. Instead of being glazed, vitrified tiles are either polished

Prices

Glazes

or unpolished. Polished tiles have a bright sheen, while unpolished versions are rougher and have a more natural look. Ceramic Tiles Price Search Largest China Supplier Base. Verified Global Exporters-Join Free www.Alibaba.com Tile Specifications Download free csi specs for ceramic, glazed, and metal tile. www.arcat.com

References Naveentiles: Frequently Asked Questions ICCTAS: Ceramic Tiles Industry