When remodeling a bathroom, it is important to consider whether porcelain or ceramic tile is the better option. Since the bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in a home and a remodel can be quite costly, getting this choice right is essential.
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.
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.
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.
Options of Porcelain Tile
Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are tougher, denser and harder. They are even 30% stronger than granite. Non-glazed tiles are usually one color throughout their entire thickness, and all porcelain tiles are weather-resistant, even to frost. Porcelain tiles can be polished to a high sheen, and they allow for tighter grout lines. Since they are easier to cut into small sizes, porcelain tile is ideal for creating intricate patterns.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Options of Porcelain Tile
Compared to ceramic, porcelain tiles are tougher, denser and harder. They are even 30% stronger than granite. Non-glazed tiles are usually one color throughout their entire thickness, and all porcelain tiles are weather-resistant, even to frost. Porcelain tiles can be polished to a high sheen, and they allow for tighter grout lines. Since they are easier to cut into small sizes, porcelain tile is ideal for creating intricate patterns.
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:
Many certified technicians are qualified with their many years of experience at Grout Medic Denver. They also can dogrout staining to match your newly installed tiles.
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