What is similar and different from ceramic tiles from porcelain stoneware

Different facing materials have much in common. But meanwhile, each of them has its own field of application.

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Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of goods intended for facing buildings of various purposes. Particularly popular are porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles are often called tiles. In building stores today you can see this material in different shades and textures. Therefore, designers often use ceramic tiles to decorate buildings.

Porcelain is also very popular. Some people believe that there is no difference between it and ceramic tiles, but it is not. Although the technical characteristics and components of these materials are almost identical. But how to make the right choice? What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? It is necessary to know all the nuances of use and the properties of the finishing materials in question in order to make the right choice.

What is the difference?

Ceramic tiles are most often used for facing surfaces in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom or kitchen. The tile is not terrible water, it is easy enough to take care of. The main components for the production of ceramic tiles: sand, clay, other minerals. Fossils are pressed and fired in a special furnace.

Ceramic granite is made from the same components.

Red or white clay is the main material for making facing materials. Later it is fired in an oven. Compared with the tiles in the porcelain gres included more kaolin and a smaller number of impurities.

Tiles are often used for facing walls, because it is a fairly fragile material. And here for a floor covering ceramic granite is more preferable, after all it is characterized by smaller porosity, so, a high indicator of durability.

To understand what distinguishes ceramic tiles from ceramic granite, you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles have proven themselves. It is a reliable material for facing walls and floors in rooms with high traffic and high humidity. All dirt can be quickly and easily removed. Therefore, many people use this material when constructing a porch, kitchen apron and even public toilets. Matte ceramic tiles can be used for floor finishing in the corridor. Ceramic tiles - this is an ideal facing material that will help create a unique and attractive interior in any room.

Main advantages:

• Light weight.
• Long service life.
• High moisture resistance.
• Easy to clean.
• Acceptable cost.
• Variety of colors and textures of the material.

The disadvantage of tile is its fragility. This material can also change its color with time, tile is prone to burnout.

Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain tiles

Ceramic granite is a facing tile made under high pressure and a press. This material exactly imitates the surface of natural stone.

For the production of clay, mineral pigments, spar, quartz sand are used. They are thoroughly mixed in a certain proportion, then sent under a press with further firing of the ingredients.

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? The main difference is the low porosity of the surface. Due to this, the material becomes impact-resistant and high-strength. Sometimes manufacturers cover the surface with glaze and polish it.

The main advantages of ceramic granite are:

• Long service life.
• High strength, impact resistance.
• Resistance to temperature changes.
• Wear resistance.
• Uniformity of color.
• Similarity with natural stone.

Where is it better to use ceramic tiles?

Glazed and glossy ceramic tiles are not very durable. Over time, with mechanical damage, the tile loses its attractive appearance. In addition, when abrasion, the surface becomes slippery. Therefore, it is better not to use the material as a floor covering for kitchen and bathroom. For these purposes it is better to give preference to matte products. Such a tile is not afraid of blows, does not lose its attractiveness over time.

What distinguishes ceramic granite from ceramic floor tiles? First of all, the fact that most often this material is used for wall covering. It can be attached to both ordinary walls and plasterboard. Secondly, it is the tile characterized by a great variety of textures and colors. Pigment for coloring is often added to the enamel. Thanks to this you can create a unique interior of your house.

Disadvantages of this material should also be taken into account. There are several of them. First of all - a lot of weight. In processing this material is quite complex, its cost is much higher than tile. Designers often can not realize all their fantasies, because decorative material solutions are limited.

Where is the porcelain tile used?

What is the difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles? For the floor apply the first. After all, it is ideal for finishing both internal and external premises. It is actively used as a floor covering of terraces, arbors, balconies, loggias. The use of such material will help radically change the appearance of any room.

Due to its properties, the floor made of ceramic granite is very comfortable in summer. He's always cool. Its heat-conducting characteristics are such that it is pleasant to walk around in the heat barefoot.

Which tile is better - ceramic or granite as a floor covering? Of course, the second option. After all, granite is not afraid of mechanical damage, various strokes. Thanks to its durability and impact resistance it can be used in the kitchen, in the bathroom. After all, in such rooms most often there are unforeseen situations.

This material is resistant to high humidity, various contaminants are easily removed from its surface.

Many before the first repair in the life ask themselves: "Porcelain and ceramic tiles - what's the difference?" The main difference is high strength. That's why as a flooring, ceramic granite is most often used, but for tiling walls - tile.

Comparison of facing materials by characteristics

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? Of course, physical properties. Ceramic granite is characterized by a low water absorption rate due to the minimum porosity. Therefore, it can often be seen on the market, respectively, and the cladding of external surfaces with this material is possible. But tiles are often sold only in construction stores, and it can only be used indoors.

Porcelain has a denser texture. Therefore, it can be used in areas of intense mechanical stress. A small piece of tile is cut off, you can see the color of the original product under the glaze layer. But breaking away a piece of ceramic granite, you can not see the same picture. After all, the top layer is identical to the inner content. Thanks to this porcelain can be installed in places where people often walk. The material will be as new for a long time, without changing the shape, color and texture.

Price of issue

Going to the building store, each buyer immediately notice the difference in value. The tile is characterized by a lower price. And this is not surprising. After choosing a more durable, high-quality and wear-resistant material, the buyer will pay the appropriate amount.

For example, installing public floors on their ceramic tiles is an unprofitable investment. After all, in a short time the surface will lose its original appearance. There will be a need to again make repairs, spend money.

Choosing a floor covering for a country house, it is better to give your preference to a more durable material. How to distinguish porcelain stoneware from ceramic tiles externally? First of all - this is the minimum set of color solutions, its restrained colors. It perfectly imitates the surface of natural stone.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. It would seem that identical building materials, which are made from almost identical parts. But no. Remember that each type of finishing material has its purpose, which determines its advantages and disadvantages. Be attentive and successful you repair!