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We hope you will find information here that will help you better understand tile and stone, and some of the choices you will be making when adding tile or stone to your home. We hope this blog will provide quality information and we ask for your comments or any questions you would have about what is posted. Please feel free to ask for things that you would like to see us address. This is not a how-to site but rather a more indepth look at the qualities of various types of materials and processes that may be used in design and installation work with stone and tile. Thank you for viewing this blog. For more information, please visit my website at http://www.creativetile-designs.com/

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Ceramic Tile vs. Porcelian Tile: Part 1

Porcelain and non-porcelain tile might look the same, but their durability differs

All tiles made of clay and cured by heat are ceramic tiles.  However, ceramic tile is best understood by dividing it into two product classifications:  porcelain and non-porcelain.  Their availability and look are roughly the same, but their durability is not.

Porcelain tile is more durable and is the top choice when strength matters most. Although nonporcelain tiles can be quite durable, none are as resilient as porcelain. Porcelain tiles are created by mixing porcelain clay and very finely ground sand, and curing them with high heat and pressure. Porcelain tile is denser and harder than nonporcelain tile and has a lower water-absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Porcelain’s density makes it highly resistant to physical damage, while its low absorption rate makes the tile frost resistant, allowing it to be used outdoors. Unglazed porcelain tile is sought after for its full-body characteristics, which means its color remains consistent throughout the tile. Surface scratches are less noticeable as a result, a benefit that diminishes when the tiles are glazed.

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