Ceramic Tile Compared To Porcelain Tile

It may eventually reach square sizes of 36 or 48 inches.

Ceramic tile compared to porcelain tile.

The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it s made. Ceramic tiles are kiln fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles making them less dense softer and more porous. Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate. According to the astm standards porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0 5 percent or lower.

Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles come in far more colors and sizes than porcelain ranging from inch mosaic to 16 inch or larger tiles. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile. Porcelain comes in mosaics but usually starts at 2 inches in size skips up to 6 or 8 inches then 12 inches.

The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that s fired in a kiln but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it s fired at higher temperatures. If you chip a porcelain tile no change in color occurs.