If you don’t have time to go digging around for days trying to figure out which is the right bathroom shower tile for you, you’ve come to the right place. As long as you install ceramic tiles properly, you can trust that they will keep the water from seeping through your floor. One important thing to keep in mind when installing ceramic tiles is that the grout needs to be high-quality and it needs to be installed correctly. Ceramics go for an average of 3 to 4 dollars, and they cost as much as 60 percent less than porcelain tiles to install. Porcelain typically costs more to purchase than ceramic tiles. Tile for Shower Walls. That being said, the difference is not all that considerable. While both porcelain and ceramic are fired at high temperatures, porcelain is fired at even higher temperatures and for a longer time than ceramic. Thus, they do not crack easily when placed under pressure from heavyweights. Of the best materials used for making tiles are ceramics and porcelain. They are well suited for indoor as well as outdoor use. Porcelain tiles are less-likey to suffer this problem. Because of the extra density and sturdiness, porcelain tiles are more suited for high-traffic areas than ceramic tiles. Ceramics also offers a wider range of colors and designs to choose from that porcelain. This is especially important if you’re installing the tiles on a storied building. Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tiles for Shower: Which One to Choose? Hence, they serve as a form of protection against moisture, Tiles are highly decorative, especially when they are combined with different colors by professionals, The organic materials used to produce tiles are soundproof, thus, they are suitable for use in places like cinemas, studio rooms, and theatres. Homeowners have numerous tile choices from which to choose when remodeling their bathroom or shower areas. And if you’re into exotic decors, then you can get the glazed ceramic tiles. Here is why: In the world of floor tiles, porcelain is a premium. As trends and styles change often, homeowners might feel the need to upgrade to the latest trend. The grout used also serves to determine the water-resistance of the floor. Matte porcelain tiles work well in all areas of the home and can provide a more subtle look. You might wonder why you should use tiles instead of conventional rugs and carpets. They are preferred for high traffic floors. Let’s dive in. In this case, porcelain wins. They’re more prone to breaking, cracking, and scratching. Since a shower is often water-logged, porcelain tiles easily sit out as the better option. Porcelain tiles have a luxurious look in homes since they are made from high-quality materials combined. It is obtain from raw materials of a high degree of purity, submitted to heat treatment (1,220°C) and compacting pressures higher than those used in the production of conventional ceramics tiles. Then the finished product is obtained. Use them in place of limestone or other soft, honed stone tiles for style. Porcelain is incredibly dense, much more dense than ceramic tile.The high density of porcelain makes it incredibly strong and very resistant to water. Porcelain tiles are harder and less absorptive than ceramic tiles, which means they are more durable and less likely to stain than ceramic tiles. Labor also costs more than for porcelain than ceramic tiles. That results in a very hard and dense tile that is super sturdy. Do you know what makes stains hard to remove from some surfaces than other surfaces? Below is a highlight; Before we move into the comparison between ceramic and porcelain tiles, let’s quickly take a look at the common types of tiles. Professional installation can add between $4 and $14 per square foot, depending on labor costs in your area and the complexity of the work your job requires. Your email address will not be published. IN THIS POST – Pros of Installing Glass Tiles – Cons of Installing Glass Tiles – Pros of Installing Ceramic Tiles – Cons of Installing Ceramic Tiles – Ceramic vs Glass Tiles If you’re in the middle of remodelling your bathroom, choosing the right type of tiles for your shower floor and walls can make or break the project. When we say 'large,' we refer to 18x18, 15x30, 18x36, 24x24 and 24x48. When it comes to strength, ceramics are not as good as porcelain. Repairing is almost impossible due to its toughness. Ceramic tile is made of a wet clay body that has a glaze. You probably slipped all over the place. Ceramic tile is manufactured from brown, white, or red clay. With ceramic tiles, you have more freedom of choice. Still, as I elucidated earlier, finer clay enhanced with kaolin is used in the manufacture of porcelain tiles. 13 Best Sandpaper for Wood: (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020), How to Sand Metal Smooth for Painting – Shiny Bathroom. And see which tile is better for the shower? Ceramic tile and Porcelain tile can add a sense of elegance to a room or outdoor space that is unmatched by few other home accent touches. Ceramic vs Porcelain Tile for the Shower . Products such as travertine and slate have been in use for thousands of years, while man-made products such porcelain and ceramic tiles are more modern. These tiles, therefore, are able to resist water and other liquids very efficiently, which makes them ideal for any damp locations such as basements and shower rooms. Porcelain tile is part of the general ceramic tile family with one notable difference: its water absorption rate. If the floor is not strong enough, go for ceramic tiles. CERAMIC TILE. Homeowners often experience problems when it comes to changes in climatic conditions. Experts often recommend replacement instead of repairing due to similar costs incurred. For porcelain, finer clay is used, which makes the final product denser. One of the reasons why people prefer ceramic tiles over other flooring options is because they are relatively cheaper. That being said, ceramic tiles are also pretty water-resistant. The cost of replacing porcelain tiles should be thoroughly deliberated if necessary. Porcelain tiles are expensive and not as affordable as other materials. Depending on how you plan to use your space, porcelain or ceramic tiles may suit you better. For ceramic wall tile formats, large refers to 10x30, 15x30, 8x24 and 10x26. Now, let’s take a closer look at the ceramic and porcelain tiles. Natural stone tiles such as travertine and man-made products such as ceramic tile both have pros and cons for use in various areas in the home, including the bathroom. Porcelain will keep looking great for years even with simple maintenance such as washing regularly. Both porcelain and ceramics are made of natural clay. When the question of functionality arises, tiles are one of those interior design materials that have multiple uses. If you’re looking for something that will not break or get scratched easily, you’d be better off getting porcelain tiles instead of ceramics. 300mmx600mm; porcelain slab tiles They’re still sturdier than other flooring options such as wood. I mentioned earlier that one of the benefits of ceramic tiles is that they’re easy to rid of hairs and other allergens. You’re looking for a very specific color or style – ceramics are available in a wider range with regards to colors and styles. Having weighed the pros and cons of both types of tiles, it is crucial to consider some factors when choosing tiles for your shower room. This benefit makes porcelain tiles a suitable choice for kitchens as they are susceptible to staining from coffee, juice, broth, and other spills. As mentioned before, porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic tiles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are frequently used in bathrooms and showers. While you can pay as low as $800 to have ceramic tiles installed on a 100 square feet surface, you will likely pay upwards of $1000 to have porcelain tiles installed in the same space. To help you understand the key differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles and choose the right one for your shower floor and walls, I will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both types of tiles. To help you understand the key differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles and choose the right one for your shower floor and walls, I will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both types of tiles. Ceramic tiles are very intolerable in colder regions. Also, porcelain has a higher feldspar content, which makes it more durable. Installation if ceramic tiles require the service of a professional because a slight imbalance or unevenness in the arrangement can cause breakage. A shower is a place that is exposed to water and dampness. The production process of porcelain tiles, on the other hand, involves using concrete clay, with finely-ground sand and feldspar added to the mixture. They can also be very slick, which is why you always need to pay close attention to the surface texture and size. Hopefully, this will be an all-in-one guide for those with a busy schedule. Pros. For a simple square white tile made in ceramic, the cost will be around £24.00 / m² whilst porcelain will set you back £35.00 / m². You’re on a budget – ceramics cost less to buy and install. Manufacturers source kaolin from feldspar and combine it with fine sand in the manufacturing process to make porcelain tiles stronger. What’s more, ceramic tiles come in a much wider array of colors and designs than other flooring options. If you’re looking for tiles that can hold up to moist conditions, porcelain would be a great choice. That translates to more difficulty of installation. The cost of sales, in addition to the cost of installation, might not be affordable to the average household. This is as a result of the density of clay used to manufacture porcelain tiles. The products have been simplified to ensure that they are available for an average household. Pros of Porcelain Tile Flooring Porcelain is actually a very durable type of ceramic making it durable. There has been modernization in the methods of producing porcelain tiles ever since. Porcelain is also made from various forms of natural clay, but the clay has to be very fine. While it is certainly an advantage for porcelain tiles to be dense, as that makes them strong, that also introduces problems. I would recommend going for ceramic tiles for the shower rather than porcelain tiles if you’re in any f these positions: Most people prefer ceramic tiles to porcelain tiles for the lower price and cost of installation associated. You might find carpets unsuitable as they attract and hold these allergens. During the manufacturing process, porcelain is fired at a higher heat than most ceramics. It costs more to buy and also costs more to have it installed. ceramic or porcelain tile for kitchen floor, ceramic or porcelain tiles for bathroom walls, Tiles are commonly used in wet areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Still, because of the high density and low porosity, porcelain tiles are able to resist stains very well. The only difference between Porcelain tile and regular ceramic tile is that the clay used in porcelain tile is more highly refined and purified. Like with ceramics, the clay gets fired at high heat levels to ensure almost all the water is removed. There are simple designs or sophisticated, tiles can be of bright and vibrant colors or soothing shades and tones. Their thickness can handle pressure and weight better than other materials. In areas occupied by a large number of people like clubs, theatre, and companies, porcelain tiles are desirable. If the areas between the porcelain tiles are sealed with melted glass, this makes your floor or wall completely impervious to water-based wear and tear. Now let see the debate at a glance. That means the former is heavier and more resistant to water than the latter. If you’re into natural-looking décor, you can go for the unglazed ceramic tile. They are also heavier than ceramic tiles meaning that they may need a substrate to support the weight. Here’s how they differ and where they’re best used. As mentioned earlier, porcelain tiles are designed to have more density but less porosity than ceramics. Marble is also a very heavy floor material and will need to be laid out before the actual installation to get a visually appealing vein pattern throughout the whole design, like in this floor . Most common ceramics are made of hard materials like clay, stone, or glass. Do you suffer from allergies caused by hair, dust, and other items like those? Water seeping through the floor can also keep the bathroom damp and encourage the growth of bacteria. That owes to the fact that porcelain is denser, and hence more capable of keeping water at bay than ceramic tiles. Ceramics can be relied upon to keep the water from soaking the floor, just as long as the installation of the tiles was done correctly by a competent person. By replacing your carpet with ceramic tiles, you might be able to tremendously mitigate against allergic attacks. Such as deciding between roofing material types, wall paints, and so many other things. Ceramic tile may be classified as having one of several different water absorption rates: Non-vitreous, meaning it can absorb more than 7% water; Semi-vitreous, meaning it can absorb between 3% and 7% water; Vitreous, meaning it can absorb only 0.5% water; Porcelain tile, however, is considered impervious, meaning that it absorbs less than 0.5%. They are, however, highly recommended for interior designs only. First, the clay is heated at a high temperature to lower the moisture content. Even though both porcelain and ceramics are resistant to water, porcelain is more efficient at keeping the water from seeping through. Having weighed the pros and cons of both types of tiles, it is crucial to consider some factors when choosing tiles for your shower room. The Tile Shop offers various types of porcelain and ceramic tile to suit your wall or floor covering needs and personal style. At times, they can become un-walkable with bare feet under extreme temperatures. Many ceramic tiles will have a high surface wear code, however the clay body of porcelain tiles withstand higher impact than ceramic. In this article, I am going to discuss in-depth the differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles. These people are aware that porcelain and ceramic tiles each have their own unique characteristics. As a result, only the most experienced tile professionals are hired to install them. Now imagine if that same tile was wet after you got out of the shower or you spilled a drink in the kitchen. Mosaic tiles are an excellent choice for shower, and they come in a wide array of colors and designs. The extra perks that porcelain presents don’t come free of charge. Porcelain tiles are known to last longer than ceramic tiles because they have fewer air pockets, denser clay, and thicker and more rigid modification. Ceramic tiles are produced by using natural red, brown, or white clay. And, it is unlike ceramic tile, which is known to break more easily. Best Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Construction, Condo Buying Checklist: What to Look Out for When Buying a Condo. By the time you’re done reading, you should be in a position to make the right selection based on your needs. You could have a disaster on your hands! Ceramic tiles are more flexible and can be easily trimmed and adjusted to suit your designs. Glass and stone also make good tile for shower walls. Do you want to have your article featured on our blog? Also, high heat levels are applied in the construction process to rid them of water. That means you need something that will efficiently keep the water from seeping through the floor as that can cause damage to the floor. Ceramic tile averages around $5 per square foot for materials alone, within a range of $1 for plain white tiles to more than $20 per square foot for designer porcelain tiles. You can get excellent designs that match the décor you have in mind without having to pay a fortune. It is also enhanced with materials like fine sand, and water r is expelled almost to its entirety. That doesn’t mean that ceramic tiles are useless. PORCELAIN TILE. What they cannot determine is what makes one better than the other, and that’s what we’re going to discuss in this article. Ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain tiles, which makes it easier for them to attract stains. This tile is manufactured in a similar manner to ceramic tile, albeit with a few differences. As a result of demand, most common types of tiles are made of hard materials like marble, clay, slate, metal, ceramic, stone, and glass—some other ones are made of soft materials like wool, cork, recycled paper, and perlite. Find out whether ceramic or porcelain is better in the following categories: cost, porousness, heat resistance, durability and more. After that, the manufacturer applies the glaze, which gives the tile its pattern. They work well in as polished floor tiles in entryways or on shower walls where marble would stain. If you’re looking for a tile that is able to withstand heavy furniture or high foot traffic, that would be porcelain. The color retention feature of ceramic materials ensures that the color or design does not fade. Glad I could help! Porcelain tiles are very similar to ceramics considering that they have a heavy resistance to water, about 0.5% more than ceramic. You’re concerned about the sturdiness of the floor – ceramic tiles are lighter than porcelain tiles. Kaolin is a kind of fine white and soft sand that is used in the making of various items, including chine and porcelain. This is because of the water-resistant feature of the materials they are made from. I dived into expert’s opinion, visited lots of webpages and so on. semi porcelain wall tiles. However, ceramic tiles are an excellent option for a standard bathroom, especially one with varying options of designs available. Moreover, this tile has low porosity, meaning moisture and stains are kept from getting in and weakening the bonds. Large format ceramic and porcelain tile look really good on floors and walls. Ceramics maintain their aesthetic for their entire life span. The Difference Between Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile The main reason is their higher level of porosity to moisture. Ceramics is emerging as the most used material at home, and it is essential to consider the advantages of using ceramics when choosing a home design. That is, whether ceramic or porcelain tiles are good for shower floor and surroundings? The variety of shapes, designs and colors that these tiles come in are a big reason for their overall popularity and appeal. Porcelain tile consists of a ceramic covering classified by Standard ISO 13006 (Bla), signifying a pressed material with absorption equal to or lower than 0.5%. The universal function of tiles is to cover floors, walls, rooftops, or other objects such as tabletops, making it a favorite when it comes to furnishing the floor, ceiling, and wall of the home. Have you ever tried to walk across smooth, glazed tile in your socks? In a  household with a larger population, more people are likely to use the shower. High temperatures are used when firing the clay to minimize the amount of water in the clay. Dust, dirt, liquid, and waste materials only rest on the surface, which allows you to wipe them off easily with the help of a mob or a vacuum cleaner. Also, the cost of labor for porcelain tile installation is usually 60% more than that of ceramics. However, I would recommend that you consider your exact needs before settling on the type to purchase. Ceramic tiles are a product of red or white clay that has been heated in a kiln (a type of oven that generates temperature sufficient enough to soften, harden, or cause chemical changes in objects). Historically, porcelain wasn't one of the ingredients to manufacture tiles. Porcelain tile comes in many surfaces, such as matte, rough non-slip, textured, gloss, semi-gloss, glazed and unglazed. Choose ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or quarry tile, which are all part of the ceramic tile family and are ideal for areas exposed to water. Before installing porcelain tiles, consider whether the floor can withstand the weight. For instance, if you have pets around the house or for whatever reason you’re concerned about dealing with stains, porcelain would be the better option. If not correctly assembled, the sharp edges of rectangular tiles can cause injury to home occupants when threaded upon. Due to their thickness, they take more time to heat or cool than other flooring materials. With porcelain, you won’t struggle to get off the stains. PRO: Porcelain tile is water-resistant. Subsequently, it’s the best practice of any project to get into the process with having the proper knowledge. Ceramic tiles have been used in shower stalls for decades, and they are a popular choice for flooring as well. How does that work? Ceramic tiles tend to be more cost effective than porcelain. Textured tile has more traction than smooth tile. There are many ideas of the shower design with the use of porcelain tile or ceramic tile, that you may even feel kinda lost. If you don’t have time to go digging around for days trying to figure out which is the right bathroom shower tile for you, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how they differ and where they’re best used. This can be especially beneficial in a shower, where water, hard minerals, and even soap scum can be absorbed and cause staining. The shower room may have the highest amount of water being used in a house, so you have to consider choosing a tile with more moisture resistance. It’s really easy to get something that will match your decor. While ceramic tile is less dense than porcelain tile, it is also a far easier material for do-it-yourselfer homeowners to cut manually, by wet tile saw, or with a snap tile cutter. In this article, I am going to discuss in-depth the differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles. Some even test the efficiency further by using them for outdoor decorations. You want to do the installation yourself – it is easier to work with ceramic tiles than porcelain tiles. This tile is resistant to both scratching and chipping. It’s no wonder unpainted furniture becomes dirty quicker than painted furniture. HomeAdvisor's Porcelain vs Ceramic Guide explores the primary differences between the two tiles for kitchen floors, bathroom walls, showers, sinks and more. Feel free to share your thoughts. Just be sure not to wait too long to wipe away the water. 7 of the Best Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Trends for Bathrooms 1. Tiles provide several benefits that you won't get from rugs and carpets. Porcelain, ceramic, slate and travertine are all different types of floor and wall coverings used in the tile and natural stone industry. That is why it is a bad idea to install ceramic tiles in a place where there’s high foot traffic or where heavy objects or furniture is to be placed. The shape is then applied, followed by the pattern. Good tile for shower walls includes pretty much any type suitable for very wet locations. The availability of varieties ensures that consumers have a wide range of options to choose from to suit their style, taste, and budget. Ceramic tiles are best suited for places like bathrooms, kitchens, and other locations where they’re not subjected to many factors of wear. Ceramic, on the other hand, seldom costs more than $4 per square foot, and there are plenty of affordable styles under $2 per square foot. Luckily, porcelain is a very stain resistant tile. The main issue with it is that porcelain is heavy. This type of tile delivers a tasteful finish to any improvement you want to make to your interior. For instance, feldspar and fine sand are added to the mix. While ceramics might be a safe investment for home decoration in terms of durability, they cannot be changed easily. First off, stains affect porous surfaces more, owing to the fact that they get absorbed and set in. There is no universally agreed preference of tiles for a shower room. It is made up of a dense type of clay, making them a very durable option. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. If you’re looking for something that will last, don’t hesitate to get porcelain. Copyright © 2018 Shiny Bathroom | Powered by Astra, That is, whether ceramic or porcelain tiles are good for shower. Large format ceramic and porcelain tile. Tiles are manufactured from materials like ceramic, stone, metal, baked clay, or glass. Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, making them less dense, softer, and more porous. But the case doesn’t apply when talking about stains. Browse ceramic wall and floor tiles If you install ceramic tiles, you got to be prepared to protect them from stains. The only part that will probably require attention is the grout (substance used to seal the spaces between tiles). And that drove me into doing lots of research. Because you know, no one would like to regret afterward. It is more water-resistant. They are recommended for wet floor areas. Your email address will not be published. Changing or replacing ceramics can be very messy and expensive. Ceramics Vs. Porcelain; Which Is Better for the Shower? Shinybathroom.info is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you hear something is able to keep stains and water and bay, and the same item is hard and difficult to wear, then you know you can rest assured you will have less stress when it comes to maintenance. Even with all the advantages of porcelain I have talked about, people still go for ceramic tiles more than porcelain tiles. The first porcelain tiles were manufactured and used for walls in China in the 15th century. If you’re on a tight budget, ceramic tiles are relatively cheaper than porcelain. Polished porcelain tiles have a bright shine and an elegant finish. According to experts, ceramic tiles absorb more water than porcelain tiles. Porcelain is manufactured with a high degree of care. Based on our analysis above, porcelain tiles are almost waterproof and are the best material that can be used for a wet room due to the level of moisture activities. This doesn't mean that the quality of ceramic tiles will be compromised as a result. This sounds obvious — of course, you want your shower and bathroom to … Considering these facts, it is better to go for porcelain. Ceramics are known for the ease of maintaining them. Required fields are marked *. It is often thinner and smaller in size than porcelain, but it comes in large format tiles up to 16 inches. The Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) and The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certifies types of tile as “porcelain” if these tiles have a … Ceramic tiles don’t attract or hold substances, and cleaning stuff off of them is super easy, thanks to the hard and smooth surface. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are most commonly used, from the ubiquitous 4 1/4-inch white squares to large-format tiles of almost any size -- provided your installer is up to it. Same phenomena… I was looking for a clear-cut answer. Porcelain tiles can handle more pressure and require less pampering, so it is recommended in this situation. If you want a material that lasts longer in comparison to other materials used to cover walls and floors, then ceramic tiles are your go-to option. Depending on how you plan to use your space, porcelain or ceramic tiles may suit you better. Tile density has a good side and a bad side. You will have more grip when you are walking, whether you have on shoes or you are walking in the slipperiest of socks.