Porcelain Floor Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles vs Glazed Ceramic Tiles: Which is Better?
Over the years different types of floor tiles were introduced in the market for residential and commercial spaces. Options in any sector are a good thing but often lead to confusion regarding the ideal selection. What must one do in such a situation? The answer lies in the thorough scrutiny one does to identify the perfect tile that meets their requirement.
Comparing different options available in the ceramic market often leads to discoveries that help you select the perfect tile for your occasion or space. Let us compare the 3 popular options in the market; glazed ceramic tiles, porcelain floor tiles, and vitrified tiles, and figure out which is the best tile.
Thorough Comparison of the 3 Most Popular Tiles in the Market
1. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles became popular in the market due to their outstanding features and aesthetics. These tiles are opted for by many homeowners as these tiles offer exceptional customization. Porcelain tiles are dense as compared to the alternatives and have significantly low porosity (directly proportional to waterproofing).
Porcelain Tiles Features
Low water absorption rate:
These tiles have very low porosity hence these tiles cannot hold water. Porcelain floor tiles are recorded to have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5% thus making these tiles waterproof.
Sturdy nature:
Porcelain Tile manufacturers carry out vitrification to manufacture porcelain floor tiles thus giving them more strength than their alternatives. These tiles are tough and sturdy in nature. Pair this quality with complementing aesthetics and you don’t have to replace it for a long time.
Low-maintenance:
Porcelain tiles offer resistive features such as; scratch resistance, stain resistance, and chemical resistance. Due to these features, porcelain floor tiles do not require regular maintenance and can provide a clean and hygienic look for a long duration. Because of their increased strength, these tiles are known to withstand a great deal of wear and tear without ruining the design of the tile.
2. Vitrified Tiles
Vitrified tiles are essentially ceramic tiles that are subjected to high levels of heat, and vitrification. Due to this process these tiles have a waterproof quality but not as much as porcelain tiles.
Vitrified Tiles Features
Durability:
Vitrified tiles are recommended for commercial buildings and workspaces because of their high degree of withstanding wear and tear. These tiles do not lose their luster and designs with an increase in heavy traffic. Floor tile manufacturers are known to leverage this quality to deliver sturdy and versatile vitrified tiles.
Hassle-free maintenance:
Vitrified tiles are resistant to dirt, grim, and dust particles. Thus, these tiles do not require regular cleaning and stretch for a long time without losing their lustre.
Versatility:
Vitrified tiles offer a wide range of designs and patterns. These tiles are fit for commercial projects and living rooms where aesthetics and durability are required the most.
3. Glazed Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are known to everyone as they have become quite common over the years. Their tiles are made by using 2 core materials: sand and natural clay. These tiles are cost-effective and are available in several different designs and patterns.
Glazed Ceramic Tiles Features
Long-lasting:
Ceramic tiles have a liquid glass coating that makes them strong and durable. This additional coating also provides waterproof quality to ceramic tiles. Due to its smooth surface, it is easy to clean and requires moderate to low maintenance.
Cost-effective:
Floor tile manufacturers offer a wide range of glazed ceramic tiles at an attractive and reasonable price. The material used in manufacturing these tiles is abundant in nature and the process is relatively inexpensive. With the introduction of digital printing technologies, ceramic tiles are available in different designs and patterns at competitive prices.
Resistive properties:
Ceramic tiles are known to have good levels of stain resistance, scratch resistance, fire resistance, and slip resistance. Thus, these tiles are popular in the market for residential and commercial projects, however, they are often confused with porcelain floor tiles.
