You’ve finally made the decision to move ahead with that bathroom remodeling project. And, off to the store you go to pick out your tile. Once there, the sheer array of offerings can seem overwhelming. One of the things you have to decide is should you go with the porcelain or ceramic tile.
Here’s some info about each to help you make that decision.
What Is the Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile?
Many are confused by this. Actually, the difference lies in the area of quality, not type. Porcelain tiles are made using more pure, refined clay. They have a water absorption rate of less than a half percent, making them more water resistant than clay tiles. They are also denser, which means that they tend to be more frost-resistant and less susceptible to stains than ceramic tile.
In short, although porcelain and ceramic tiles are both made from clay, porcelain tiles are of superior quality.
How to Measure Which Tile is Best for Your Bathroom Remodeling Project
- Cost: If cost is no factor, then porcelain tiles are the best option, for all of the reasons listed above. However if your bathroom remodeling budget is tight, you can still use porcelain tiles — just not everywhere, which brings us to the next tip . . .
- Where Used: As in, on the floor, in the shower, as a backsplash to the sink. For example, if you are going to use tile on your floor, you need to keep in mind things like foot traffic. Fortunately, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has guidelines for measuring things like abrasion resistance of tiles. Tiles are given a PEI Rating on a scale of 1-5. This rating tells you whether it’s good for light (foot) traffic; heavy (foot) traffic; decorative purposes only; etc.
In summary, you are not limited to one option when it comes to selecting tile for your bathroom remodeling project. By knowing the difference between porcelain and ceramic, you can stay within budget – and get exactly what you want.
