Ceramic Tile Compared To Porcelain Tile

Ceramic tiles are kiln fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles making them less dense softer and more porous.

Ceramic tile compared to porcelain tile.

According to the astm standards porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0 5 percent or lower. 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. Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate. Ceramic tile is fired at lower temperatures generally no more than 1 650 degrees fahrenheit.

The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. Porcelain comes in mosaics but usually starts at 2 inches in size skips up to 6 or 8 inches then 12 inches. The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it s made. Ceramic tiles come in far more colors and sizes than porcelain ranging from inch mosaic to 16 inch or larger tiles.

Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles are made with red brown or white clay while porcelain tiles are almost exclusively made with refined and purified white clay. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile.