Various facing materials have much in common. But meanwhile, each of them has its own field of application.
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Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of products intended for facing buildings for various purposes. Porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are especially popular.
Ceramic tiles are often called tiles. In building stores today you can see this material in various shades and textures. Therefore, designers often use ceramic tiles to decorate structures.
Porcelain tile is also very popular. Some people believe that there is no difference between it and ceramic tiles, but this is not so. Although the technical characteristics and constituent components of these materials are almost identical. But how to make the right choice? What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? It is necessary to know all the nuances of the use and properties of the considered finishing materials in order to make the right choice.
What is the difference?
Ceramic tiles are most often used for facing surfaces in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom or kitchen. Tile is not afraid of water, it is easy enough to look after it. The main components for the manufacture of ceramic tiles: sand, clay, other minerals. Fossils are pressed and fired in a special furnace.
Ceramic granite is made from the same components.
Red or white clay is the main material for the manufacture of facing materials. Subsequently, it is burned in a furnace. Compared to tiles, porcelain stoneware contains more kaolin and less impurities.
Tiles are often used for wall cladding, because it is a rather fragile material. But for flooring, porcelain tiles are preferable, because it is characterized by lower porosity, and therefore, a high rate of strength.
To understand how ceramic tiles differ from porcelain stoneware, it is necessary to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each material.
Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles have proven themselves. It is a reliable material for wall and floor cladding in rooms with high traffic and high humidity. All contaminants can be quickly and easily removed. Therefore, many people use this material in the construction of the porch, kitchen apron and even public toilets. Frosted ceramic tiles can be used to finish the floor in the corridor. Ceramic tile is an ideal facing material that will help to create a unique and attractive interior in any room.
Main advantages:
- Light weight.
- Long service life.
- High moisture resistance.
- Easy to care.
- Reasonable cost.
- A variety of colors and textures of the material.
The disadvantage of tile is its fragility. This material can also change its color over time, the tile is prone to fading.
Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain tile is a facing tile made under high pressure and press. This material exactly mimics the surface of natural stone.
For the manufacture of clay, mineral pigments, spar, quartz sand. They are carefully mixed in a certain proportion, then sent under a press with further firing of the ingredients.
What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? The main difference is the low porosity of the surface. Thanks to this, the material becomes shockproof and high strength. Sometimes manufacturers cover the surface with glaze and polish it.
The main advantages of porcelain tile include:
- Long term of operation.
- High strength, impact resistance.
- Resistance to temperature changes.
- Wear resistance.
- Color uniformity.
- The resemblance to natural stone.
Where is it better to use ceramic tiles?
Glazed and glossy ceramic tiles do not have high strength. Over time, with mechanical damage, the tile loses its attractive appearance. In addition, abrasion makes the surface slippery. Therefore, it is better not to use the material as a floor covering for the kitchen and bathroom. For these purposes, it is better to give preference to matte products. Such a tile is not afraid of blows, does not lose its attractiveness over time.
What is the difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic floor tiles? First of all, by the fact that most often this material is used for wall cladding. It can be mounted both on ordinary walls and on drywall. Secondly, it is the tile that is characterized by a wide variety of textures and colors. Pigment for coloring is often added to the enamel. Thanks to this, you can create a unique interior for your home.
The disadvantages of this material should also be considered. There are several of them. First of all - a lot of weight. In processing this material is quite complicated, its cost is much higher than tile. Designers often cannot fulfill all their fantasies, because the decorative decisions of the material are limited.
Where is porcelain tile used?
What is the difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles? For the floor, apply the first. After all, it is he who is ideally suited for the decoration of both internal and external premises. It is actively used as a floor covering for terraces, arbors, balconies, loggias. The use of such material will help to radically change the appearance of any room.
Due to its properties, the ceramic granite floor is very comfortable in the summer. After all, he is always cool. Its heat-conducting characteristics are such that it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot in the heat.
Which tile is better - ceramic or porcelain stoneware as a floor covering? Of course, the second option. After all, porcelain tile is not afraid of mechanical damage, various strokes. Due to its wear resistance and impact resistance, it can be used in the kitchen, in the bathroom. Indeed, in such rooms unforeseen situations most often occur.
This material is resistant to high humidity, various contaminants are easily removed from its surface.
Many before the first repair in their life ask the question: "Porcelain tile and ceramic tile - what's the difference"? The main difference is high strength. That is why porcelain stoneware is most often used as a floor covering, but for wall cladding - tiles.
Comparison of facing materials by characteristics
What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? Of course, physical properties. Porcelain tile is characterized by a low water absorption rate due to minimal porosity. Therefore, it can often be seen on the market, respectively, and the lining of external surfaces with this material is possible. But tile is often sold only in construction stores, and it can only be used indoors.
Porcelain tile has a denser texture. Therefore, it can be used in areas of intense mechanical stress. Chipping a small piece of tile, you can see the color of the original product under a layer of glaze. But spalling a piece of porcelain tile, you will not be able to see the same picture. After all, the top layer is identical to the inner content. Thanks to this, porcelain stoneware can be installed in those places where people often go. The material will be like new for a long time without changing its shape, color and texture.
Issue price
Having come to a hardware store, each buyer will immediately notice a difference in cost. Tile is characterized by a lower price. And this is not surprising. After all, choosing a more durable, high-quality and wear-resistant material, the buyer will pay the appropriate amount.
For example, installing in public places a floor covering of their ceramic tiles is an unprofitable investment. Indeed, in a short time the surface will lose its original appearance. There will be a need to again make repairs, spend money.
Choosing a floor covering for a country house, it is better to give your preference to more durable material. How to distinguish porcelain from ceramic tiles externally? First of all, this is a minimal set of color solutions, its discreet colors. It perfectly imitates the surface of natural stone.
Output
As you can see, there is a difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. It would seem that identical building materials, which are made from almost the same components. But no. Remember that each type of finishing material has its own purpose, which predetermine its advantages and disadvantages. Be careful and have a good repair!