If you are a new home owner or a new contractor starting in the field, you
must wonder what are the differences in tiles when it comes to updating
and renovating your homes. So let’s take a look at the two man made types
of tiles that are in our market today and see what fits your needs.
What is Porcelain ?
- Porcelain tile is a dense natural clay ( Kaolin which is purer than
ceramic clays ) mixed with quartz and feldspar, then fired at 2200 –
2500 degrees fahrenheit.
Types of Porcelain Tile
- Homogeneous : Tiles that are unglazed in other words “Matt Finish
Tiles” - Full Coloured – Body : The inside of the tiles are solid coloured the
top layer uses predominated pigments. - Speckled – Body : Whatever color is on the top of the tile will follow
through the whole tile inside, in other words the color is infused within
the clay of the tile. - Double Loading : This type of tile is fabricated differently by firing one
layer of kaolin and the second layer will be speckled – body and then
fired again which makes it more durable for the long run.
What is Ceramic?
- Ceramic tile is clay, talc, and sand that are all compounded in even
ratios, then fired at 2200 degrees fahrenheit.
Now that we know the differences between the tiles, let’s talk about which
is the better buy and a better pick for the long run. - Any porcelain tile can be used for the floors and walls
- Ceramic tile can be used only for walls never the floors
- Porcelain tiles are great to use in heavy traffic areas in your
home, an example would be a powder room on the floors or
main bathroom upstairs inside the showers on the walls and on
the floors outside the shower, another option is in the kitchen on
the floor. - Ceramic tiles are best to be used in kitchens like backsplash,
bathroom vanity splash or even inside a shower niche.
To sum up this article, your best option for using porcelain tiles are for the floors and walls in high traffic flow and ceramic tiles are best to be used anywhere on the walls like a kitchen.
We often think that going with the thickest tiles is the best option in durability and to last a long time. However that isn’t the case, it depends on which grade of tile you choose, now that raises a question on what tile grade is?
What is Tile Grade?
- In the context of tile installation, tile grade refers to the quality and suitability of a particular type of tile for a specific application. Tile grade is typically determined by various factors, including the tile’s durability, resistance to wear and tear, water absorption, slip resistance, and overall aesthetic appeal.
- Tile grades are commonly classified using a numerical scale from 1 to 4, with grade 4 being the highest quality and grade 1 being the lowest. Grade 4 tiles are typically recommended for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, foyers, and entryways, while grade 3 tiles are suitable for areas with moderate foot traffic such as bathrooms and bedrooms. Grade 1 & 2 tiles are typically used for decorative purposes and not recommended for areas with heavy foot traffic.
- It’s important to consider the tile grade when selecting tiles for a specific application. Using a lower-grade tile than recommended can result in premature wear and damage, while using a higher-grade tile can be more expensive and unnecessary for areas with low foot traffic.
Does the Thickness of Tile matter?
- Yes, the thickness of tiles does matter in certain situations. The thickness of a tile can affect its durability, strength, and suitability for different applications.
- Thicker tiles are generally stronger and more durable than thinner tiles, which can make them a better choice for high-traffic areas or areas that are subject to heavy loads or impact. Thick tiles can also provide better insulation and soundproofing than thinner tiles.
- However, thicker tiles can also be more difficult to install and may require special tools or techniques to cut and lay properly. They may also be heavier, which can make them more difficult to handle and transport.
- In addition, the thickness of the tile is also important when considering the height of the finished floor. If a tile is too thick, it can create a tripping hazard or interfere with door thresholds or transitions between rooms.
- In general, the thickness of the tile should be chosen based on the specific application and the requirements of the installation. It’s important to consult with a professional tile installer or manufacturer to determine the appropriate thickness for your project.
