Ceramic or Porcelain Floor Tile

[James 3528]

Fixing to get carpet out of my house. My house should be a disaster for a while because I am going to update the closets at the same time build a new bookcase in the office and tear all the HVAC system out after that.


So which is the best way to go on the tile. From what I am hearing, Porcelain is. Cost more but I don't care about that,

[2hot2coolme]

I just finished 2 bathrooms. The master bath has ceramic and the 2nd bath has porcelain. I can't tell the difference between the two other than some of the porcelain patterns are a bit nicer. Even cutting them there's no diff.

[James 3528]

I just finished 2 bathrooms. The master bath has ceramic and the 2nd bath has porcelain. I can't tell the difference between the two other than some of the porcelain patterns are a bit nicer. Even cutting them there's no diff.
Found this

APPEARANCE/USE

Q. What is the difference between standard “ceramic” tiles and porcelain tiles?

Tile terminology can be confusing. Most types of tiles that are made from clay or a mixture of clay and other materials, then kiln-fired, are considered to be a part of the larger classification called “Ceramic Tiles”. These tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are frequently referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, separate from porcelain tiles.

“Ceramic” or non-porcelain tiles are generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain, and usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 rating. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic and generally have a relatively high water absorption rating making them less frost resistant and they are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.

Porcelain tile is a tile that is generally made by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non-porcelain tiles making them frost resistant or frost-proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic. Full body porcelain tiles carry the color and pattern through the entire thickness of the tile making them virtually impervious to wear and are suitable for any application from residential to the highest traffic commercial or industrial applications. Porcelain tiles are available in matte, unglazed or a high polished finish.

Apart from our saltillo (clay) tile BuildDirect chooses to offer our customers only the highest quality glazed and full body porcelain tiles to ensure years of worry free use, at prices comparable to or less than non-porcelain ceramic tiles.

[ARPA]

Go marble.

[t527ed]

in the last 2 yrs i did porcelain in 2 bathrooms and kitchen. ceramic is just color glaze put on the tile, porcelain the color goes all the way thru. if it gets chipped it won't show as bad. ceramic seems like it would be slippery.

one thing i highly reccomend is spending the extra and using a 2 part epoxy grout. wish i had done it in bathroom. did use it in the kitchen and you can't stain it by spilling something on it and you never have to seal it.

[2hot2coolme]

Interesting. After reading that, kinda makes me wish I'd used porcelain on both because of the durability factor. I really like the pattern/color on the ceramic I chose though. I guess it all depends on the application, being it's in a bathroom should be fine. In your case you just might want to go the porcelain route.

Even though they said cutting ceramic is easier, I didn't notice any difference.

[James 3528]

in the last 2 yrs i did porcelain in 2 bathrooms and kitchen. ceramic is just color glaze put on the tile, porcelain the color goes all the way thru. if it gets chipped it won't show as bad. ceramic seems like it would be slippery.

one thing i highly reccomend is spending the extra and using a 2 part epoxy grout. wish i had done it in bathroom. did use it in the kitchen and you can't stain it by spilling something on it and you never have to seal it.

Good info, thanks. A guy told me to keep the grout joints as thin as possible.

[swellmel]

Good info, thanks. A guy told me to keep the grout joints as thin as possible.

Check your layout.
Sometimes I let the layout determine grout joint size;
don't want to end up with slivers of tile along the edges
when joints would have compensated for that.
Like always--this is just my opinion.

[Jettaknight]

Even cutting them there's no diff.

I beg to differ. I have my whole basement done in porcelain and it was a bi+ch!
I thought it would cut like ceramic, with a cutter. No way, I had to buy a wet saw to do it right. No big deal though. Another tool...:D
Porcelain is the way to go however. Doesn't chip or crack like ceramic does is you drop something on it. And it looks great!

[2hot2coolme]

I beg to differ. I have my whole basement done in porcelain and it was a bi+ch!
I thought it would cut like ceramic, with a cutter. No way, I had to buy a wet saw to do it right. No big deal though. Another tool...:D
Porcelain is the way to go however. Doesn't chip or crack like ceramic does is you drop something on it. And it looks great!



Well I used a wet saw for both.

[Jettaknight]

Well I used a wet saw for both.
LOL... another lesson learned!:o

[t527ed]

used the $90 wet saw from the depot for all of my floors, cut like butter.:D

[snipe70e]

I did our family room in ceramic, was going to do the whole house. tile is a high maintenance floor. Did the rest of the house in Pergo and it is easier to take care of.

[amickracing]

Not to get too far off topic here.... how about that Duroceramic?

I've seen a few jobs with it and it looks nice, and looks to be way more durable than the other 2 versions.

[The Penguin]

If choosing between ceramic and porcelain - go porcelian

I did a basement in ceramic and was happy till I dropped a coffee mug - mug shattered (not that I was in love with it) and chipped the tile dang it was a pizzofff
Your tile layer will advise to get unsanded grout - non staining kind - He will also advise to use a sealer on the grout _ I being of moderate income was on my hands and knees with a large syringe applying sealant to the grout - two coats to really protect it from stains - 1200 sqft took a while

[2hot2coolme]

If choosing between ceramic and porcelain - go porcelian

I did a basement in ceramic and was happy till I dropped a coffee mug - mug shattered (not that I was in love with it) and chipped the tile dang it was a pizzofff
Your tile layer will advise to get unsanded grout - non staining kind - He will also advise to use a sealer on the grout _ I being of moderate income was on my hands and knees with a large syringe applying sealant to the grout - two coats to really protect it from stains - 1200 sqft took a while

There's a really good sealant that comes in a spray can, a bit expensive but it's easy to apply and works great.

[the mojo]

How about a combination of tile of your choice and a hard wood border. Red oak baseboards. There is something to consider. A properly finished wood makes the tile work stand out.

[James 3528]

I am not putting down wood. House doesn't have that dependable of water pipes

[James 3528]

Well I can give some good advice on floors, never will I put down a wood parkay floor. They had to take it up with a small jackhammer and concrete dust is now everywhere and the glue took up chunks of concrete