CERAMIC TILE
When you think of ceramic tile, what images come to mind? A kitchen? Perhaps a bathroom? The reality is that ceramic tile can be used in almost any room if the style and variety of tile match your room’s esthetic.
Ceramic tiles are created from natural clays that are blended. These blended clays are then glazed on the bottom. The top is fired or cooked under intense heat, which creates a strong, durable material. These tiles are usually a half-inch to three-quarter inches in thickness and their length and width widely vary with style and brand.
PORCELAIN TILE
Porcelain tile varies slightly from ceramic in that it is composed of very fine, dense clay and is fired at even higher temperatures than ceramic tile. It’s a great-looking surface that performs well against scratches, scuffs, and stains. Porcelain tile looks good from day one and its appearance will remain virtually unchanged over time. It requires very little maintenance and will look superb for years, if not decades to come.
Porcelain tile tends to outperform most of the more common tiles. In both how long it lasts and its stylish appearance, porcelain is a clear leader. What’s better — certain porcelain tiles can be manufactured with an appearance similar to stone. For those going for a more natural appearance, these stone-like porcelain tiles generally cost less and are just as durable.
PROS AND CONS OF EACH
CERAMIC TILE PROS
Ceramic tile is quite tough. It’s resistant to scratches, dents, even stains. It comes in a massive number of styles, shapes, and sizes. Color options are nearly endless. You can customize the pattern and order of colors in which they are laid, making ceramic tiles highly unique to your home.
PORCELAIN TILE PROS
Because the dense clays in porcelain are cooked so thoroughly, the end product winds up being extremely hard. Porcelain tiles’ natural color runs through each tile, so you never need to worry about color off the top wearing down or fading. Because of its beauty, durability, and overall quality, porcelain can raise the resale value of a home or office building.
CERAMIC TILE CONS
Depending on your personality and lifestyle, ceramic tiles may come with some cons. It can be quite cold and hard when you’re standing on it. If you are spending extended periods of time on the floor, it can be a bit tough on your feet, legs, and lower back. It can be quite slippery when it’s wet, so we recommend taking extra caution when moving about. Its durability can also be considered a weakness if you are prone to dropping things. Glass will easily break when dropped. Grout can become discolored if not given proper routine maintenance and cleaning.
PORCELAIN TILE CONS
There are a ton of benefits to porcelain tile, but there come a few drawbacks as well. The primary drawback of porcelain tile is its price tag. Similar to ceramic tile, porcelain tile has grout between each tile. This grout is famous for being difficult to keep looking brand new. While not impossible by any means, grout must be cared for regularly in order to keep its pristine look.
THE VERDICT
While porcelain has many advantages over ceramic tile, that’s not to say it’s the absolute clear choice. Depending on which room you want to use it in and your budget, ceramic tiles can make much more sense. If budget is less of a concern and you are looking for a durable and high-quality tile, porcelain may be the way to go. Our staff members are experts in helping you choose a material, style, and color for your tile in Fort Collins. Contact Element today to get started!
