When looking for the right tile for your home, there is a lot to consider. After all, you are purchasing something that you will be looking at every day for quite some time! There are lots of questions you will ask yourself; what size tile do I need? What style do I want? What colour should I go for? Many people know you can either buy a ceramic tile or a porcelain tile but often don’t know the difference.
How it is made
Porcelain tiles are made from various types of clay, sand and feldspar. Ceramic tiles are made from finely ground sand, clay and talc. Both types of tiles are then fired in a kiln. Ceramic has a first fire which is called the bisque fire, the temperature of this would be around 900°C to 1100°C. It will then be glazed and has a second fire at a higher temperature of around 1000°C to 1250°C. The ingredients in porcelain tiles are firstly powdered and the mixture is pressed under high pressure and then fired once at an extremely higher temperature than ceramic, typically ranging from 1200°C to 1400°C.
Porcelain tiles
As porcelain tiles are fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic tiles, this makes them much harder and more durable. They are a good option for heavier foot flow areas in homes such as entranceways and kitchens. Porcelain tiles are also non-porous making them a good choice for areas that may get wet such as kitchens and bathrooms, they can also withstand harsh weather making them great for your outdoor living space.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are diverse with many uses, they are favoured and affordable. Although less durable than porcelain they are still a great option for kitchens as they are resistant to stains, moisture and liquids. Many styles and colours are available to choose from whether it is walls, floors or splashbacks you are tiling.