January 30, 2010 on 3:44 pm | In Building Science, Home Buying Tips | No Comments
Tags: building a new home, cdd communities tampa bay, ceramic tile, ceramic vs porcelain tile, flooring', homebuilders tampa bay, new home builders, new home construction, new home sales, new homes, new homes builders tampa bay, new homes tampa, new homes tampa bay, new homes tampa gated communities, porcelain tile, tampa bay homebuilders, tampa bay homes
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. The question is often asked what is the difference between ceramic tile and porcelain tile? The answer is quite simple. They are basically the same and made from the same materials. The materials in porcelain tile are simply more refined.
All ceramic tiles are made of clay and quartz ferrous sand along with water. Once the tiles are formed they are fired to a high temperature and in some cases their surfaces are glazed. The only difference between porcelain tile and regular ceramic tile is that the clay used in porcelain tile is more highly refined and purified removing more impurities. Consequently, porcelain tile is denser than standard ceramic tile. As a result, porcelain tiles are more rugged making them ideal for harsher applications. This is why it is common to see porcelain tile specified for commercial flooring. In addition, because of their higher density, porcelain tile is less likely to absorb moisture which makes them more durable and more resistant to staining. Porcelain tiles are frequently found in floor application, outdoor areas and cold weather climates where freezing can occur. Because of its greater porosity standard ceramic tile can absorb moisture causing it to crack in freezing temperatures.
Porcelain tile costs a little more than traditional ceramic tile. However, since it has become more common in recent years the difference in price has come down. Ceramic tile comes in either glazed or unglazed surfaces. The glazed surfaces are like glass and are best used on walls as they are too slippery for floor applications. Glazed ceramic tiles are also a little more susceptible to cracking.
Porcelain tile is constructed using red, brown or white clay. Most porcelain tile, however, is constructed using white clay. When selecting any ceramic tile it is important to look at the PEI factor. This is the scratch resistance factor. A PEI of 1 is ideal for walls. A PEI of 2 is best for bathrooms and kitchens. A PEI of 3 is appropriate for all residential applications and a PEI of 4 or 5 are applicable for commercial applications. The MoH hardness factor is another factor to consider when selecting tile. The scale goes from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest hardness level. 10 would be equivalent to a diamond. Most sand and dirt brought into the home has a hardness factor between 3 and 7. Consequently it is best to select a ceramic tile that has an MoH of at least 7.
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