ceramic vs. porcelain tile

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most common types of tile. Tile flooring is known for its beauty, moisture resistance, durability, and low maintenance requirements. While these types of tiles are commonly used in the bathroom and kitchen, they can also be used in as decorative wall coverings, backsplashes and for countertops.

If you are planning to install tiles in your home, this blog post will help you understand the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles and help you choose the right one for your project.

Manufacturing process


Porcelain tile is just one of the many varieties of ceramic tiles. But the main thing that sets them apart is the way by which they are made. Both tiles are manufactured using baked clays, but porcelain tiles are pressed and fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic tiles.

Durability


Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are durable. However, porcelain tile is considered to be denser and more durable. Porcelain tiles are highly durable and non-porous. Because they are scratch-proof, they are best suited for high traffic areas such as the home entrances, living rooms, kitchens and even outdoors. Wear and tear won?t be visible over time.

Ceramic tiles are suitable for areas with light to moderate traffic. Because ceramic tiles tend to absorb too much water, they are not recommended to be installed outside the house.

Maintenance


WhenCeramic and porcelain tiles are both easy to maintain. These tiles do not absorb dirt, bacteria or odors. However, ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain tiles and are less stain resistant.

Cost


Generally, ceramic tiles cost $3 to $7 per square foot during installation. If you?re lucky, you might be able to find one for about $1 per square foot. But you shouldn?t expect it to be of high quality.

Porcelain tiles are slightly more expensive than ceramic tiles. The cost is between $4 and $8 per square foot. If you are looking for custom tiles, that would cost you about $25 per square feet.

Contact?Denver Carpet and Flooring?for more information on your tile options and installation.