If you're searching for tile near me and you live in the greater Akron/Canton area, you've probably heard about porcelain and tile. However, did you know that there are many differences between porcelain vs ceramic tile flooring? Discover the differences between porcelain vs ceramic tiles and fins which one is right for your needs at Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design in Akron, OH. Since 1978, we've been offering top-quality floor coverings all from our Akron, OH flooring store.
Table of Contents
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Porcelain vs ceramic floor tile: which is better?
- Differences in construction
- Water absorbtion
- Durability
- Design/appearance and versatility
- Visit our Akron, OH tile store to learn more about ceramic and porcelain tiles
Porcelain vs ceramic floor tile: which is better?
Differences in construction
One of the key distinctions between porcelain vs ceramic tiles is, of couse, material and creation. Ceramic is made of coarse clay while porcelain is made of fine clay. While both types of tiles are hardened by firing them in a kiln, porcelain is fired at a higher temperature.
Thus, porcelain is harder and denser, and it takes greater skill to cut the tiles during the installation process. Therefore, it's wise to invest in porcelain tile flooring, the most durable tile on the market.
Water absorbtion
Ceramic tile tends to only be waterproof when glazed. This is why ceramic tile is often used for living rooms, bedrooms, and applications that do not involve water. On the other hand, porcelain tiles are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles, making them more resistant to water absorption. This makes porcelain a better choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Durability
As previously stated, naturally waterproof porcelain tile often tolerates high foot traffic better and tends to have a longer lifespan. While ceramic tile is also highly durable and they resist stains, scratches, and heat. Since it is a good heat conductor, it pairs well with a radiant heating system. Compared to porcelain however, ceramic tiles are more prone to chipping and cracking especially in areas with heavy impacts.
Design/appearance and versatility
Porcelain tiles, with their denser composition and finer particles, often exhibit a more refined and polished appearance, effortlessly mimicking natural stone, wood, and even metal with remarkable realism thanks to advancements in digital printing. Their availability in a wider variety of sizes, from expansive slabs to intricate mosaics, also opens up more design possibilities.
In contrast, ceramic tiles, particularly those with a glazed finish, tend to offer a more rustic or handcrafted look. While ceramic tiles come in a diverse range of colors, patterns, and textures, their designs may not be as detailed or realistic as porcelain, and their typically smaller size can limit certain design choices.
Visit our Akron, OH tile store to learn more about ceramic and porcelain tiles
Stop by Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design to explore a wide variety of porcelain and ceramic tiles as well as learn about our services. In addition to residential and commercial tile installation services, we offer free virtual consultations, free-in-home measurements, and much more.
We serve all of Ohio, including Uniontown, Copley, Hartville, and North Canton, as well as bordering states. Visit us today, or contact us to schedule an appointment for our shop-at-home service.
