One question that is commonly asked regarding a remodel is whether or not is best to use ceramic or porcelain tile in a bathroom. Everyone can agree that bathrooms are one area of the house that tends to be the busiest, and they can be an expensive room to remodel.
The bathroom is exposed to more moisture than any other part of the home, so the first thing to consider is making the bathroom as waterproof and as durable as possible. This is more important than picking the right colors or design. Care must be used to select the appropriate durable, water resistant material for the bathroom. This includes selecting the right tile as well as the material behind the tile. The right tile will be load-bearing, be able to handle high-traffic and be nonporous to prevent water from finding its way into the home. Additional characteristics would include cost, durability, abrasion resistance and aesthetics.
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.
The bathroom is exposed to more moisture than any other part of the home, so the first thing to consider is making the bathroom as waterproof and as durable as possible. This is more important than picking the right colors or design. Care must be used to select the appropriate durable, water resistant material for the bathroom. This includes selecting the right tile as well as the material behind the tile. The right tile will be load-bearing, be able to handle high-traffic and be nonporous to prevent water from finding its way into the home. Additional characteristics would include cost, durability, abrasion resistance and aesthetics.
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:
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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