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Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile but is made with a more refined material and technique. The process includes the dust-pressed method to form this type of flooring, whereas non-porcelain ceramic tiles are made using high temperatures of heat in a kiln. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both made from clay, however, the clay used to make porcelain tiles is purified and refined. This makes it denser than a ceramic tile and allows it to handle higher volumes of traffic and pressure. It is characterized by durability and resistance to stains.
- It is durable
- It can be applied in both residential and commercial settings
- It is water and stain-resistant
- It is available in a wide range of colors and styles
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- It may be slippery when wet
- It feels tough on feet
- It is more expensive than non-porcelain ceramic tiles.
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Porcelain Floor Care & Maintenance
Here are a few tips to keep your porcelain tiles in good shape:
• Always wipe spills as quickly as possible
• Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning
• Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or steel wool on porcelain floors
• Seal tiles to prevent dirt and dust from being trapped in the grout
• Use a doormat at each entrance to prevent dirt from being tracked inside the home
• Place protectors under furniture
Ceramic vs. Porcelain
Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile but is made from purified and refined clay. The method of processing differs as well and results in porcelain tiles having a higher density. Other factors that differentiate the two are price and the Moh factor, which refers to the mineral hardness and scratch-resistance of a tile.
Floor Comparison Chart
Cost |
An affordable alternative to hardwood, stone and tile. |
One of the most expensive floor types. |
Offers a cheaper alternative to stone, hardwood and tile flooring. |
An affordable option similar to linoleum. |
A practical cost-effective floor type. |
May be pricier than other flooring materials. |
Installation |
Easy options
- Glueless
- Underlayment
- Pre-Glued
Glued |
Requires professional installation. |
Adhesive |
Peel and stick tile / sheets installed with an adhesive. |
Fitted tiles requiring a grout filler. |
Underlayment─ set with narrow grout joints. |
| Life-Expectancy |
15-25 yrs |
Lifetime |
25 yrs |
50 yrs |
75 + yrs |
75 + yrs |
Sunlight |
Built in UV protection, therefore not affected by direct sunlight. |
Some species affected by prolonged sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Generally, ceramics are unaffected by sunlight exposure. |
It depends on the stone or rock type. |
How it affects resale price |
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Adds value to the resale price. |
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Increments the value of a home’s resale price. |
| Components & The Environment |
Large portion made from recycled materials. |
May contribute to deforestation; however forest management techniques enable wood to be a renewable resource. |
Made from very natural ingredients. Most varieties are bio-degradable. |
Made from synthetic materials. |
Made from clay. |
Made from organic rock and sourced from quarries. |
| Fire-Resistant |
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Yes |
Yes |
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Yes |
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