Understanding the Differences Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile

The word ceramic can be traced back to the Greek term keramos, meaning “a potter” or “pottery.” Keramos in turn is related to an older Sanskrit root meaning “to burn.” Thus the early Greeks used the term to mean “burned stuff” or “burned earth” when referring to products

Ceramic tile and Porcelain tile is essentially the same product, the difference being the end result out of the kilns.  The popularity of ceramic and porcelain tile stems from the fact that the material is available in a wide range of shapes, colors and texture and generally requires lower maintenance and is infinitely easier to clean than natural stone, granite and marble.

Ceramic tiles cover a wide range of properties – generally children are glazed (although there are exceptions) and the enamel layer can be extremely durable. Often, the pictures can be used in freeze thaw environments in which they are manufactured with properties similar to porcelain tiles. Consult the dealer or manufacturer for more specific information about your chosen product.

The manufacture of ceramic tiles is a unique process because of the special qualities of materials inputs. The manufacturing process for the manufacture of ceramic tile begins with the extraction of feldspar and clay minerals of the earth. The raw clay pulverized and crushed in a multistep process that can involve up to three separate crushing mechanisms depending on the size of the particles. Small particles are then separated by size using screens. Tiles come in different qualities and different agencies may have colored two factors at least partly determined by the proportion of different clay materials combined with the mixture of tiles. The combination of nature and amount of specific clays is measured carefully and mixed together, a process in which the ground until later. The tiles are then formed using this mixture either by the method of pressing dry or wet. There are different machines and methods for pressing the mixture in the tiles and formatted correctly as there are different ways to apply glaze. The glaze can change the texture of the tile and the color, pattern and feel of it. Ceramic tiles are dry-milled biscuit cooked at relatively low temperatures before they are glazed, so they are glazed and re-fired for a maximum of 2-3 days at temperatures around 2300 ° C. The wet milled tiles take less time to fire, sometimes as little as 60 minutes, at temperatures around 2100 ° C. This Single-shot called monocottura and makes it harder, stronger tiles. Technology in the ceramic tiles business is constantly changing and there are now processes that form the tiles and glaze together.

Once in the home of the clients, the installation is not difficult and can often be performed by a handyman to fix with a moderate capacity and repair. The good thing is that pictures are easier to stick on the floor and usually easier to cut porcelain tile. Porcelain tiles are harder to bond and harder to cut due to the properties of dense matter. Although it may be useful for tile installation program is usually little difference to the end user, because the installer uses the right installation materials.

Porcelain Tile

Many homeowners and do it yourselfers have heard the term porcelain tile.  This refers to tiles which are made from special “porcelain” clays and have been fired at very high temperatures.  This process vitrifies the tile which makes it very hard, like glass.  This also makes the tile dense, forms a strong solid structure and a hard surface which doesn’t absorb water (classified as impervious), doesn’t stain, and isn’t affected by wear and tear over time

There are two main types of porcelain tile.  Glazed porcelain and through-bodied porcelain.

Glazed porcelain has a body made of the porcelain material and then a glaze is applied over the surface much like a regular ceramic tile.  It is fired in a kiln and the result is a very strong bodied tile.  Many tile manufacturers are switching their production to porcelain bodied tile because for a slightly higher cost, they can produce a superior grade tile.

Through-bodied porcelain does not have a glaze.  The clay is pressed and then fired.  It may have texture and color applied to the surface before firing but it is still the porcelain material from top to bottom.  The result is a strong tile that can withstand extreme surface traffic.  There is no glaze that can wear off.  If the tile chips, the same or similar color is underneath.  Because of the high cost of manufacturing this type of tile, only a very small percentage of the tiles you might see in a tile store are true through bodied porcelain tiles.  Most often this type of porcelain tile is installed by commercial users who have a need for the strength and durability of through bodied material.

Porcelain tiles typically have water absorption of 0.5% or less. Ceramic tiles have water absorption greater than 0.5%.  Because porcelain tiles have a low water absorption, they are usually frost resistant – although, not always. To know if a tile is frost resistant, you should check the manufacturer’s literature and product specs.  Porcelain tiles tend to cost more but are well worth the extra cost.

Understanding the terms shade and caliber?

Ceramic Tile is a natural material with a natural composition which becomes resistant when fired at very high temperatures. This process, however, can cause slight differences in the shades of color of a tile between one batch and the next. Therefore, tiles are grouped before packaging according to their “dye lots” or shade and their caliber. The “dye lot” (or shade of that batch of material) is then indicated on the label of every box.  This is why when placing your order for tile, it is very important to order enough tile to not only complete the job but also to have extra for any repairs that may need to occur sometime down the line.  Five to ten percent extra tile on most orders should be sufficient.

Grading of Tile

PEI ratings

PEI rates are more applicable for floor tiles and are ratings that measure the abrasive resistance of the tile’s glaze on a scale of 0-5. This test is only for glazed tiles and does not apply to unglazed porcelain tile or other unglazed types of tile.

Class 1 (PEI 1) Recommended for wall use

May be used both on interior walls or bath floors without direct access to outdoor elements. Recommended for tiles that are suitable for residential bathrooms with light barefoot foot traffic.  Some wall tiles may be used on the floor.

Class 2 (PEI 2) Light Residential Use

May be used where abrasive foot traffic is minimal – such as bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and sunrooms.   Tiles can be used in residential areas, but not areas with high foot traffic such as kitchens, hallways etc.

Class 3 (PEI 3) All Residential floors

For floors subject to normal foot traffic and usage (including kitchens, outdoor entryways and hallways).   These tiles can be recommended for all residential installations with normal foot traffic.

Class 4 (PEI 4) All Residential floors and light-medium Commercial floors with moderate traffic

Suitable for light to medium commercial applications. Will withstand light to moderate foot traffic in many commercial areas (commercial kitchens, hotel rooms, small offices, etc).

Class 5 (PEI 5) All Residential and busy Commercial

Ideally suited for all residential and heavy traffic commercial areas under normal foot traffic conditions (shopping centers, hotel lobbies, hospitals, and industrial applications). For very high traffic areas, consider an unglazed through-body color porcelain.

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