Ceramic Tile Compared To Porcelain Tile

According to the astm standards porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0 5 percent or lower.

Ceramic tile compared to porcelain tile.

The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it s made. 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. Porcelain comes in mosaics but usually starts at 2 inches in size skips up to 6 or 8 inches then 12 inches. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile.

Ceramic tile can be slightly more prone to water infiltration than is porcelain tile though these differences are fairly minimal if the ceramic tile is glazed. 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. It may eventually reach square sizes of 36 or 48 inches.

Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles are kiln fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles making them less dense softer and more porous. If you chip a porcelain tile no change in color occurs.