When commercial businesses have to answer the porcelain vs ceramic floor tile question, there are a number of follow-up questions that are sure to come up. While the temptation to handle this job on a DIY basis is always going to be there, there is something to be said for working closely with trained professionals in these instances. Residential customers will also ask themselves these questions, but their concerns tend to be a bit different.
These types of installations are not typically made on a single room basis, as whole-home installs are now the norm. Contractors will also work alongside those who provide flooring, as a means of making their jobs easier. In order to find out more about which type of flooring is right for the home or business in question, please be sure to check out the following guide.
The Benefits
Porcelain Tile
It can be difficult for a potential client to tell the difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile, causing them to make a decision that they may end up regretting later on. Each of the products is crafted in a similar way as well. Of course, this only adds to the confusion that takes place. In order to understand the benefits of each, a prospective client must have a deeper knowledge of how they are made.
Yes, each of them is made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, that much is true. Porcelain tile is made from clay that is more refined and is fired at a much higher temperature. This provides an added level of density as compared to ceramic tile flooring. For these reasons, porcelain tile is considered to be far more durable than ceramic tile. The costs have to be considered, though, as porcelain tile is much more expensive.
The level of quality is higher and the level of liquid resistance is far more magnified. These tiles are stain-resistant and are associated with a much longer lifespan. Best of all, porcelain tile is lower maintenance, which is a major plus for home and business owners who are not looking to schedule a daily cleaning.
Ceramic Tile
One of the primary benefits associated with ceramic tile is the non-glazed finish. This gives home and business owners who seek a more natural feel the chance to select tiles that do not need the glaze to function in the proper manner. Non-glazed ceramic tile is also much less expensive than porcelain tile and offers the necessary durability. Its water resistance also makes it a good choice for any basement or bathroom.
If excess water has a chance to collect in these rooms, it is more easily wiped away before it has a chance to seep into the flooring. The sheer number of design options that are available to home and business owners makes ceramic tile a great choice for anyone who is looking for something a bit more vibrant. Unique flooring options are not always readily available for those who select porcelain tile.
The colors and sizes can also be mixed and matched so that a wide range of complex flooring patterns are created. Those who seek a specific look are more likely to choose ceramic tile for these reasons. Ceramic tiles are great for anyone that is looking for a flooring style that allows them to avoid various allergens. These floors do not hold dust, hair, or other allergens like wood or carpet.
The Disadvantages
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile may be tough but this also makes it harder to install, leading to more expenses. Softer tiles tend to be less expensive in these instances. Contractors are not going to be as interested in these jobs and clients should expect a significant cost increase. While their high density and strength can be an advantage for many, porcelain is much heavier than most flooring solutions, which is something that home and business owners need to be bearing in mind.
The current floor may or may not be able to handle the weight of these tiles. Be sure to speak with the professionals before making any final decisions. The grout that is used to make the porcelain tile more water-resistant requires additional maintenance. The tile itself is easy enough to maintain but this filler material can be problematic. More grout will need to be added as time goes on, which can be troublesome.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is not as expensive as porcelain tile but the home or business owner will be making certain sacrifices when it comes to durability. While ceramic tiles may appeal to those who reside in warmer climates because of the natural coolness that they have to offer, those who reside in cooler climates may not find this tile to be as beneficial.
Home and business owners will also need to make sure that they are clearing away spills as quickly as possible if they are utilizing ceramic tile. Weekly deep cleans are necessary and these tiles are not to be used in high traffic areas. These tiles are glazed, as opposed to porcelain tiles, which means that any cracks or chips that take place are sure to be more noticeable.
The Final Verdict
The choice that is made by a home or business owner here will depend on their personal needs. Porcelain tiles are usually the best bet for any room that experiences a sizable amount of moisture. The porcelain tile is typically chosen by businesses that are looking to choose to floor for high-traffic areas. A business that is looking for the perfect flooring material for their hallways is always going to choose porcelain.
Porcelain is much easier to clean up but each of these flooring materials will require its own form of maintenance. Porcelain is hard and dense, whereas ceramic tile is much softer. There is no one size fits all solution in these instances. Each home or business must take the advantages and disadvantages into consideration so that they are making the choice that is best for them.
