A popular question during bathroom remodeling projects is whether to use ceramic or porcelain. The bathroom, is the most frequently used room in the home, and it can be the most expensive to remodel.
The bathroom is exposed to more moisture than any other part of the home, so the first thing to consider is making the bathroom as waterproof and as durable as possible. This is more important than picking the right colors or design. Care must be used to select the appropriate durable, water resistant material for the bathroom. This includes selecting the right tile as well as the material behind the tile. The right tile will be load-bearing, be able to handle high-traffic and be nonporous to prevent water from finding its way into the home. Additional characteristics would include cost, durability, abrasion resistance and aesthetics.
Picking the Tile
Really, the only two choices that meet the above mentioned requirements are ceramic or porcelain tiles. Thanks to advances in manufacturing technology, both styles of tile are readily affordable. Ceramic is a little bit less expensive than porcelain tiles. However, porcelain is more dense and durable and will perform better over the long run.
Ceramic Tile
Those who are new to tile installation will appreciate that ceramic tiles are easier to cut. They are also less expensive, stain resistant, difficult to scratch, easy to clean and readily available at most local distributors. Unfortunately, they are less durable than porcelain, and they are not typically "through-color". This means that the color within the tile may not be the same as it is on the surface. Ceramic is also more permeable than porcelain, which makes them less water-resistant.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles. Thirty percent stronger than granite, they are resistant to the negative effects of weather, including frost. They are also generally of one color throughout if they are not glazed, and can be polished to a high sheen. They can be cut down to smaller sizes to create complex, beautiful patterns with tighter grout lines for added aesthetic appeal.
The downside of porcelain is that a person needs special knowledge and training as well as specialized tools to cut it. It is recommended that latex acrylic mortar be used as an adhesive. Larger sized tiles need to be placed on a substrate that is very flat. If not they will break when a heavy load is put on them.
Which Option Is the Best?
When deciding whether to use porcelain or ceramic tiles, the homeowner must take into account how long he or she intends to live in the home. For short-term use, ceramic tile may be the answer, as it is less expensive and easier to install. On the other hand, for long term use, porcelain is the better choice, because it is long-lasting and of higher quality overall. If cost is not a big factor, porcelain is the winning choice.
The bathroom is exposed to more moisture than any other part of the home, so the first thing to consider is making the bathroom as waterproof and as durable as possible. This is more important than picking the right colors or design. Care must be used to select the appropriate durable, water resistant material for the bathroom. This includes selecting the right tile as well as the material behind the tile. The right tile will be load-bearing, be able to handle high-traffic and be nonporous to prevent water from finding its way into the home. Additional characteristics would include cost, durability, abrasion resistance and aesthetics.
Picking the Tile
Really, the only two choices that meet the above mentioned requirements are ceramic or porcelain tiles. Thanks to advances in manufacturing technology, both styles of tile are readily affordable. Ceramic is a little bit less expensive than porcelain tiles. However, porcelain is more dense and durable and will perform better over the long run.
Ceramic Tile
Those who are new to tile installation will appreciate that ceramic tiles are easier to cut. They are also less expensive, stain resistant, difficult to scratch, easy to clean and readily available at most local distributors. Unfortunately, they are less durable than porcelain, and they are not typically "through-color". This means that the color within the tile may not be the same as it is on the surface. Ceramic is also more permeable than porcelain, which makes them less water-resistant.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles. Thirty percent stronger than granite, they are resistant to the negative effects of weather, including frost. They are also generally of one color throughout if they are not glazed, and can be polished to a high sheen. They can be cut down to smaller sizes to create complex, beautiful patterns with tighter grout lines for added aesthetic appeal.
The downside of porcelain is that a person needs special knowledge and training as well as specialized tools to cut it. It is recommended that latex acrylic mortar be used as an adhesive. Larger sized tiles need to be placed on a substrate that is very flat. If not they will break when a heavy load is put on them.
Which Option Is the Best?
When deciding whether to use porcelain or ceramic tiles, the homeowner must take into account how long he or she intends to live in the home. For short-term use, ceramic tile may be the answer, as it is less expensive and easier to install. On the other hand, for long term use, porcelain is the better choice, because it is long-lasting and of higher quality overall. If cost is not a big factor, porcelain is the winning choice.
About the Author:
Many certified technicians are qualified with their many years of experience at Grout Medic Denver. They also can dogrout staining to match your newly installed tiles.
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